Hi,
My one experience with checking a backpack on a plane was bad, straps and zippers destroyed. We, family of 5, have a 2 month trip around Europe with 3 Ryan air/whizz flights. Any tricks for checking backpacks? We did 2 months last year with trains, so are comfortable with back packs and would like to continue to use them, but this summers destinations will require flights.
Thanks.
I use a RS back-door or convertible backpack, where the straps and waist belt stow away, so baggage handlers have to use the intended grip handles. I have an assortment of new and older ones but tbh prefer the latter (tough cordura vs polyester, YKK vs generic Asian zips). They've been indestructible for me and I don't baby them. There's usually several for sale on ebay at any given time. They aren't ideal for long wilderness hikes though.
Look for a "luggage cover" or "flight cover" that fits your pack, basically a nylon cover that zips up and contains everything.
They are lightweight, can double as a laundry bag. The one thing to watch out for, is that many covers are rain covers, elastic covers that go over your pack like a fitted sheet, leaving the straps exposed so you can wear the pack, that is not what you really want.
You can also "wrap" your bag at the airport. We did this several years ago when we headed over to hike the TMB. They basically saran-wrap your bag for you. There is a fee and I can't remember how much. If you can purchase a lightweight bag to stow it in, I'd recommend going that route intstead though...
If you buy a backpack cover, which will be cheaper than buying new bags, just make sure it can be put on and off easily in case you have to remove it at airport security.
I take it that these are rather large backpacks and exceed the Wizz / Ryan carryon size? You could pack lighter? I used a RS Back Door bag for the first 15 years of travel. Great bag.
