Checked Backpack - Departing YVR

The biggest worry with a backpack is straps getting caught in the luggage machinery and damaging your pack. If I were checking a backpack, I would buy a waterproof bag to put the whole thing in for the flight, then use the bag for heavy rain and/or dirty laundry during your trip.

I'm not positive I understand your question, but if you're concerned with theft or your zippers coming open, I use small cable ties (any hardware store). Make sure you leave a little slack in them so you can get them off! Use nail clippers, or something else tried-and-true to remove the cable ties. If security personnel need to open your bag, you haven't had your $10 lock potentially cut off. Bring some extras for the return trip.........OR, are you strictly referring to securing the shoulder and sternum straps on your pack?

Mostly I'm concerned about security needing to get into my bag (not a euphemism). I don't intend to carry anything suspicious, but who knows with random checks, etc. I've heard of the twist-tie method before, but I'm not sure what to do in the case of the snaps on the bag. I'm not overly concerned, mostly just curious.

I'm not sure what you mean by "snaps" and them being a problem for security to get into...(wouldn't the Helpline be great with webcams?!?)

I have the type of backpack that has a drawstring at the top and then a flap that folds overtop and fastens to the bag with an interlocking clip, you know, the kind with 2 interlocking pieces, one attached to the flap, one attached to the bag part? Maybe could set up a skype network? Or an international video conference for those of us who cannot accurately describe what they are talking about because their brains are too full of checklists :(

"Mostly I'm concerned about security needing to get into my bag..." Wouldn't they just unhook the (side-release) buckles?...... OR, are you trying to keep people FROM opening the buckles, EXCEPT security people?......I'm not understanding the question, I guess............and I do understand about "Full Brain Syndrome" ;-)

You can buy covers for backpacks at most outdoor stores. They will protect you bag from getting caught in the conveyor belts. It is well worth the investment. Those belts are unforgiving and will rip the straps right off. Then you've got to replace or try and find somewhere to repair it. It's just not worth the $30.00 not to have it.

MD, perhaps you could provide the brand and model of your Backpack, as that would allow us to have a look at it on the manufacturer's website. It sounds like you're using a "top loader" and those have a few inherent problems when used for "travel" purposes. For one thing, it's difficult to lock drawstrings with a luggage lock. The other big problem with that type of pack (which someone else mentioned) is that the straps are exposed, making them vulnerable to being torn-off by airport baggage handling equipment. There are a variety of solutions to deal with that - some people buy a light duffel and place their Pack inside during air travel, some use a garbage bag, etc. Some airports in Europe will apply "Saran Wrap" to packs with takes care of the strap problem and prevents theft, but it's difficult to remove it (since cutting instruments are INSIDE the pack). Many Panel-Load Packs have "stowable" harness systems, where the straps are stored behind a zippered panel during air travel. These also use zippers, which can easily be locked. At YVR you'll probably find that they place your Pack in a large plastic Bin when you check it. Be sure to hang onto the luggage tag, which will probably be stuck onto the back of your Boarding Pass. As I can't visualize the Pack, I can't offer more suggestions. Happy travels!

One point to add to my earlier reply - one of the reasons I use Locks, is that on occasion I've found that one or more of the zippers has "worked itself" open, possibly just from the motion or whatever. Of course when that happens, there's a good chance I'll lose some of my belongings. That's why I prefer to use either a small TSA Padlock or disposable Luggage clip. Cheers!

To add to my earlier response. I don't use locks, even in those rare instances when I check something. I'm not packing anything valuable so if someone wants to dig through my clothes, have fun. I'd rather have them open my bag normally and look through it than cut a hole in it to find out nothing is there. If something is worth more than $20 or is hard to replace, I probably have it on my person.......We did check a bag of our kids souvenirs back from Europe one time. The souvenirs included reproduction swords among other things. We purchased a rolling duffle bag to pack all that stuff in (because we traveled with one carry on each) and used all of our left over duct tape to reinforce the bag. I would have been surprised if someone didn't look in it......Sure enough it had a tag inside saying it had been inspected but nothing was missing.

I have checked my 50L top loading backpack a number of times with no problems. I wrap the waist belt around the pack and buckle it, cinch up all of the straps as tight as they will go and tuck in the ends.

Good advice, folks. Appreciate it. I realize I didn't make this question very clean. As I stated earlier I'm going to blame this on my very full brain.

I use the wire ties someone mentioned and use nailclippers to open them. I did have a problem once. I got to our hotel in Ft Lauderdale, started to use the nailclippers and they broke! My Swiss Army knife was inside the unopened suitcase, of course! Fortunately the hotel was able to lend me a sliplock wrench which I used to twist the tie off.