How to Take a Hiking Backpack Through an Airport

Taking a hiking backpack through an airport isn't much different from carrying any other sort of luggage. The biggest difference is that backpacks have a number of straps, buckles, bungee cords and other bits and pieces hanging off of them that may become caught in a conveyor belt--whether for checked baggage or at the carry-on security check. Protecting your hiking backpack from unintentional damage should be your biggest concern when you take it through an airport.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quart-sized plastic zip-close bag
• Large clear plastic bag or duffel bag

1. Squeeze anything protruding from the backpack, stuffed in exterior pockets or clipped to the outside of the pack all the way into the pack or into a separate piece of luggage. This includes sleeping bags, water bottles, extra pairs of shoes and sleeping pads. If you don't take this precaution, items might become lost, damaged or incur oversize luggage fees.

2. Pack only items that are not on the TSA's list of prohibited items (see Resources section). If you're using your backpack as a carry-on, remove any liquids greater than 3.4 ounces from it and place these in your checked bags or throw them out; they won't be allowed through the carry-on security checkpoint. Items like aerosol bug repellent and stove fuel won't be permitted through security checkpoints in checked or carry-on bags, so properly dispose of these before entering the airport. You'll have to purchase new items when you arrive at your destination.

3. Pack all your liquids, gels and creams--including bug repellent--that you're planning on taking through the security checkpoint and that are less than 3.4 ounces in size into one clear, quart-sized, zip-close plastic bag. This requirement is the same for backpackers as it is for all other travelers. Pack the quart-sized baggie of liquids near the zipper of your backpack so it's easily accessed, and send it through the X-ray machine separately from your backpack.

4. Fasten all buckles and straps before placing the backpack on a conveyor belt, whether for the checked luggage line or carry-on luggage.

5. Place your backpack in a large plastic bag, a rain cover put on backwards or even a large duffel bag if you're planning on checking it. This will help prevent the straps and buckles from getting caught in the conveyor belt and badly damaged. Some airlines will provide large plastic bags for your backpack or a plastic bin in which it can ride the conveyor belt, but never count on these amenities, as they're not guaranteed.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your backpack with you at all times--never leave it unattended. As with other luggage, an unattended backpack may be confiscated or even assumed to be a bomb.
• Be aware that wearing a backpack may subject you to additional scrutiny from airport security officers, both in uniform and undercover; they're trained to be on the lookout for possible "backpack bombs."

References

• Prohibited Items

Resources

• Prohibited Items
• 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-Ons