Flying with camping gear?
- on 06.26.09
- Camping Gear
- Digg
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So in two weeks I'll be flying to a month long camping trip. But I have no idea how to fly with the hiking pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and my clothes and like 4 water bottles. And I still need rain gear, batteries, 2 pairs of gloves, and a wool/fleece jacket. I'm flying American Airlines (sucks) and I was wondering if you could help me estimate everything. Thanks so much!
Best is to get a sturdy but lightweight duffel bag and pack all of the gear in it. If available, get the kind with backpack-type straps. Then travel with the bag as checked luggage. Pack small items - especially things like a flashlight - at the bottom of the bag and put things like the sleeping bag at the top. Remember that you are not allowed to use padlocks, so use a wire-tie or tape to keep the bag closed.
Tag the bag inside and out with your name, e-mail address, a phone number someone will answer, and your frequent flier number. The free tags from the check-in counter are fine.
Do something to the bag so it is more distinctive, such as tying a colored ribbon to the handle or marking it with colored tape.
Consider getting Travel Insurance, especially if the equipment includes high-value gear. Airlines will reimburse you for lost luggage, but the maximum amount they will pay may be much less than the cost of replacing the gear. Travel Insurance is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents.
Another option is to ship the bag to yourself at your destination. Two weeks should allow you to ship it relatively inexpensively, and all of the shipping services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and the Post Office will ship a duffel bag
Hope you have a good trip!
Best is to get a sturdy but lightweight duffel bag and pack all of the gear in it. If available, get the kind with backpack-type straps. Then travel with the bag as checked luggage. Pack small items - especially things like a flashlight - at the bottom of the bag and put things like the sleeping bag at the top. Remember that you are not allowed to use padlocks, so use a wire-tie or tape to keep the bag closed.
Tag the bag inside and out with your name, e-mail address, a phone number someone will answer, and your frequent flier number. The free tags from the check-in counter are fine.
Do something to the bag so it is more distinctive, such as tying a colored ribbon to the handle or marking it with colored tape.
Consider getting Travel Insurance, especially if the equipment includes high-value gear. Airlines will reimburse you for lost luggage, but the maximum amount they will pay may be much less than the cost of replacing the gear. Travel Insurance is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents.
Another option is to ship the bag to yourself at your destination. Two weeks should allow you to ship it relatively inexpensively, and all of the shipping services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and the Post Office will ship a duffel bag
Hope you have a good trip!
References :
Traveled many times with gear, and have shipped duffel bags via the post office on many occasions.
Pack the absolute gear and buy the rest at your destination. Unless you might have a hard time finding them. You should be able to buy rain gear, batteries, etc..
References :
Meg Dilts, Editor
http://www.campinggearhub.com/