How to protect my backpack when checked on a plane

I travel lighter, smaller and carry on only so I only know what friends have done.

I know people who have bought nylon duffel bags specifically to put their packs in for checking. While they are in Europe, they use the duffel for dirty clothes.

Others put them in garbage bags although I can't see getting any protection, except from moisture from a garbage bag (it works well in a rainstorm when you're carrying your pack).

Most Airports have the shrink wrap service available at Departures. Or I've known some people to buy a lightweight SCUBA Diving Gear bag and put it inside that. Or some people wrap the straps up in Hockey tape but that sounds crazy to me! I've seen it once or twice!
Maybe they will have something at the Air Canada counter in Europe? It's worth asking but do have a back-up plan. Is there anything on the website? www.aircanada.com.

What about carrying a roll of electrical tape and just wrapping all the loose bits close to bag for flights, easy to cut off after. Other wise a garbage bag is not a bad idea, as many times bags are left out on tarmacs in pouring rain, and then as a back packer you have to pick it up and put it on your back wet, yuck.

How old is your backpack?

I only ask because i bought mine about 2 years ago now, and mine came with a "sleeve" which is attached, and packs away when i am not using it. This "sleeve" actually zips around my straps so that they are all packed away... maybe yours has one too, but may be already packed away. Mine is located at the bottom of bag at the back and is hidden away by a small little pocket thats sealed by velcro...

Shauna,

Some Backpacks (including Rick's Convertible Pack and many in the Eagle Creek line) are designed with a zippered pocket to stow the straps and harness during flights. Other packs (such as Osprey and Gregory) aren't provided with this feature.

There are several solutions to protect Packs from damage. Some airlines use the "Saran Wrap" method, which works well but is a bit difficult to remove on the other side (especially as knives, etc. are INSIDE your checked luggage). I've seen garbage bags used, but not very robust (tear easily). Duct tape is another solution, but a bit messy.

You might check the Osprey web site, as they have a solution - have a look at www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/SideOrders/AirporterLZ/ as this "Duffel Bag method" might work for you. On arrival, either fold this or use it for "overflow" or purchases.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!

I wouldn't tape your bag up. Taping a bag shut is a red-flag for security. Chances are good the tape will be cut and the bag searched. When they put it back in baggage, they don't retape it.

Good point, Brad. My son put his backpack into a clear plastic garbage bag once to avoid any problems with the straps. The "guys" at LA airport searched his backpack and sent it on its way without the Bag. Shauna isn't travelling through the US so this might not be a problem. ;) Both my sons have travelled a lot with packs through Europe, Morocco, and the South Pacific and have had no problems with straps catching--so far!