checking backpacks

Some people put their backpacks in cheap duffle bags. REI has some as well as most department stores. The conveyors in the baggage system have been known to eat straps, ruining the bag.

The duffel isn't a bad idea, but since I don't want to use up extra weight and space, what do you think about putting each one in a large garbage type bag? Much smaller, lighter, etc. then a duffel...

This is a trade-off: plastic bag versus tough duffel. Yes, the duffel will take up space. But plastic garbage bags are, er, plastic, and not plastic designed to take the tearing and grabbing they'll bet from baggage handlers and from the industrial-type machinery under the terminal (that you've never seen, these can tear into your new backpack).

I suppose a plastic garbage bag would be better than using no bag at all--but google the net to find travel forums full of people's tales of woe who just "tightened the straps" and hoped for the best.

Agree with Kent...plastic bag better than nothing.

We sometimes need to check our rolling bags. I have sewn protective bags for them out of ripstop nylon. It doesn't add much weight and really does protect the bags. (It also makes our bags VERY recognizable on the baggage claim belt!)

The bags close with a simple drawstring (that tucks inside) and, for added security, I have sewn on one of those 'cinch' straps (the 1-2" wide belt with the plastic snap-to-close fasteners) to wrap around the bag The strap also serves as a handy handle for grabbing the bags off the baggage belt. And when not in use on the plane, the bag can double as a laundry bag.

Chantielle,

I'm assuming the Backpacks you purchased don't have "stowable harnesses"? Which model Backpacks are you using?

The others have suggested "the usual" methods for protecting the straps. If you're thinking of using a plastic trash bag, make sure you buy the heavy-duty versions, rather than the cheaper store brands. It might be an idea to pack along another trash bag somewhere in your luggage for the trip home.

I've also seen the "Saran Wrap" protectors at some airports (last time at MXP). It was a lime green coloured wrap and very distinctive. In the past, I've also seen some airline check-in staff apply plastic wrap.

You may find that the airline places your Backpacks inside large plastic tubs, similar to the ones you place items in when going through security. That allows them to move along the conveyors easily, without having "bits & pieces" getting stuck in the machinery. Be sure to ask if they have any recommendations at the time you check your Packs.

Cheers!

Keri: Where did you get the fabric, and did you follow a pattern or just make it up as you go? I can sew a very little bit, it is not one of my talents, but I do like the idea.

Ken: They are Kelty backpacks: My husband got the RedCloud 90 L I think I got the Coyote for women 78L I think, so yes they are pretty big and I don't think they have "stowable straps", at least not that we see.

We have backpacks for our trip too. I found a cheap drawstring laundry bag that my backpack will fit in. Plan to label clearly and hope it doesn't open up as it get tossed around with the other baggage.

Chantielle,

I had a brief look at your Packs, and these appear to be more of a "trekking" design rather than a "travel" design. Therefore, they won't have stowable harnesses.

You might have a look at This product for one example of a suitable product. I'm not sure if this particular item would be large enough for your Packs? This type of Duffel packs into a very small space when not in use, which would make it easy to carry.

Another solution would be This product but it's a bit on the pricey side just for protecting a Pack during travel.

Good luck!

We've checked our backpacks before, all of our straps either detach or tuck in to the pack. The desk agents actually make us do that before we check them. Knock wood, we've never had any problems. The counter also has large plastic bags that you can use in a pinch.

Chantielle,

No pattern - just a few straight seams. Make a cylinder just a bit wider than the circumference of the pack. Sew another seam across the bottom and a channel seam at the top/open end for a drawstring. The fabric (and strap parts) should be available at any largish fabric store - e.g., Joann's.

Plastic bags are a terrible idea. They will be destroyed as soon as they hit the belt in Denver. How will the baggage handler grab that bag? By the plastic...what will happen is..the plastic will rip and be off the bag before you hit Europe.

Someone said a duffel for packing, and that is what you should do....you can leave space for the duffel in the lid of your internal frame pack.

Airlines use to give you a heavy duty plastic bag, but I don't see that at the airports in the US any more. Denver does have one machine I think that will wrap your bag in plastic...you might need a knife to cut that off when you arrive. (what a pain at the airport in Europe if you need to carry your bag and the plastic is still wrapped around it!)

you should have looked into a convertible travel bag like Eagle Creek's ORV line. The straps go into their own compartment...and it's carry on size. REI flagship has brown and black..they are about $155 each.

Good luck.

I too have seen those machines in airports that will wrap your bag in semi-heavy duty plastic. Given the current state of affairs in the world, what do you think a TSA inspector will do to that after your bag is checked in and goes into the "hole"?
I like Keri's suggestion of making a cover and the suggestion to get a big laundry sack or duffel bag.

Chantielle,

One more suggestion for you to consider. I stopped by the local outdoor / Backpack shop today and mentioned the problem with checking Backpacks that have exposed straps.

The very knowledgeable young lady working there (who has also travelled extensively) said that her solution was to use one of the larger laundry bags, that are available at many stores for only a few dollars. She said she also used the laundry bag when her Backpack was placed on top of the Bus in a location in South America, as it kept the Pack somewhat "clean".

Cheers!

REI sells the Osprey Airporter LZ Pack Duffel for $29 which weighs 13 oz and is designed to hold very large packs (like your husbands 90L). I like the laundry bag idea, too. An extra 13oz in your pack is worth not trying to get a broken strap fixed during your vacation.