Checking a backpack as luggage - found a great solution

[russellg99]

My pack is too large to carry on the plane, so I'll most likely be forced to check it. I was struggling with various ways to protect it, while also not spending a lot since whatever I pack it with will be tossed as soon as we arrive in Paris. I thought about cheap duffel bags with cardboard and bubble wrap, but if for some reason the pack's frame got bent, it'd be pretty disastrous. Then I hit on a much better idea. What I needed was a cheap, hard-shell suitcase to put the whole pack in.

I called up a local luggage store, and they had lots of used suitcases that they'd acquired from customers for whatever reason. So I got a nice old, bashed up hard-shell suitcase with a broken handle, for the grand sum of $25. It'll get my pack there ok, and then I'll be much less concerned about how to get it back home later, since it won't be as disastrous if it's damaged on the return trip.

Problem solved!

Russell

 

[Kiwi-family]

I've been known to put mine in a black rubbish sack and add lots of tape!

 

[SYates]

Or simply wrap it up with a lot of cling film and tape, much cheaper ;-) SY

 

[natefaith]

Great idea, Russell! Thanks for sharing.

 

[colinPeter]

We take ours in "Blue" Ikea Bags, secure handles with cable ties, not a lot of protection, but keeps straps & poles out of harms way. Worked for us fine, twice.

 

[Kathy F.]

Cling plastic (the kind used for cargo) and tape, IKEA bags!! You guys are really clever. I also love the idea of re-using old suitcases! Just chuck it when you arrive?

 

[annelise]

I also love the idea of re-using old suitcases! Just chuck it when you arrive?

Just make sure to not chuck the old suitcase 'unattended' in the airport area. This might be taken as a potential bomb scare and close down the airport for a while :roll:

annelise

 

[Sojourner47]

Or simply wrap it up with a lot of cling film and tape, much cheaper ;-) SY

At Barajas (Madrid) airport, you can have your luggage wrapped in clingfilm for, I think, 2 euros.......

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes, they cling wrap at Santiago airport also. I wish they would do it in the USA.

In the us, you can find cheap luggage at Goodwill. I actually did this on my way home last year to save carrying my backpack on, but I'd be afraid to check my bag on the way TO the Camino. Too risky for me.

 

[grayland]

.
...Snip......but I'd be afraid to check my bag on the way TO the Camino. Too risky for me.

I talked with a Pilgrim from Seattle a month ago who checked his pack, including shoes.
The bag did not arrive. He waited an extra day or so and then went on without it with the promise that it would be delivered. He got it delivered a week later down the trail.

As you can imagine, he walked in the shoes and clothes he wore on the airplane.
He had to contact the airline everyday to keep them informed of where to send it when it was located. He is a native Spanish speaker from South America so was able to handle the communication. I could not!

I would never check my pack.

 

[russellg99]

I would never check my pack.

It's good advice, to wear something you can walk in for a few days. It definitely makes me think about which shoes I'll wear on the plane.

As for checking the bag, I'm afraid I'll have no choice. My wife's bag will meet the carry-on requirements, but mine isn't even close. Fingers crossed.

Russell

 

[Dave Courtenay]

Osprey do their own bag
http://www.backcountrygear.com/airporte ... OSP1A12095

Dave

 

[Anniesantiago]

Russell, if your bag is too large to carry on, you might consider leaving some it home or just checking inessentials in a separate bag and carrying on your pack.

What are you taking that is so large???

 

[Franpio]

Russell

What a great idea, I have been thinking through this same problem of protecting my backpack also. Unfortunately last garbage day I threw out 2 large old suitcases but I have lots of time before I go next May'14 to pick up one.

Thanks again, have a great Camino.

Frances

 

[russellg99]

What are you taking that is so large???

Hi Annie,

Well, the pack isn't all that big, it's just that the airlines (American and EasyJet) both have a maximum length of 22" (56 cm) for carry-on, and that's about 4" shorter than my pack (I'm 6' 1" so I have the "large" size frame). I could try to get away with it, but the problem would be if American lets me on with it in the USA, but EasyJet doesn't in Paris -- then I won't have anything to pack it in at the Paris airport. At least this way I know it's safe in a hard-shell suitcase, and is less likely to be damaged.

On the way back, I'll probably have it wrapped in plastic at the Madrid airport, as someone else suggested, or maybe even try to sneak it on since it's one non-stop flight back to the USA.

Of course, anything can happen, but it's been my experience that when bags are lost it's often because the wrong destination tag was put on them by the check-in agent. I always double-check the tags after they put them on now, even if it does tend to annoy them sometimes because they think I don't trust them. (I can live with that )

Russell