Duffel bag for air travel

[PIER-GIORGIO BASSI]

Hello everyone. I am planning to bring a duffel bag to contain my large knapsack (too big to carry on plane)
and then discard it when I land. However, I am sure that security at the Barcelona would not be pleased if I leave it in the airport. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how or where to dispose of it. I will be also taking a train to Pamplona same day.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Hello everyone. I am planning to bring a duffel bag to contain my large knapsack (too big to carry on plane)
and then discard it when I land. However, I am sure that security at the Barcelona would not be pleased if I leave it in the airport. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how or where to dispose of it. I will be also taking a train to Pamplona same day.

Even if you put it in the trash, someone will probably salvage it later.

 

[Rajy62]

Wow do you really need to waste a duffel bag to transport your backpack? I don't know where you live, most airports in North America has shrink wrapping service for few dollars?

 

[trecile]

Ikea has a large zippered bag for only $2.99 US
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90149148/

If you can't get to an Ikea store there are quite a few available on eBay

 

[Mark Lee]

Thick, heavy duty trash bag. Tape it up real good all over with packing tape. Make a label with all you info and with the clear packing tape affix it to the outside.

 

[Sole To Soul]

Hi,
If you needed the duffle bag going over don't you need it to come back? I used a duffle bag on my first venture last fall and I'll be doing the same again when I resume in 3 short weeks! I simply packed it up and mailed it to my destination. Having the duffle bag enabled me to pick up a few extra things after I finished walking and not have to worry about limited space in my pack.

Buen Camino! !

 

[t2andreo]

You can avoid schlepping your gear home by donating it at The Pilgrim House, 19 Rua Nova, in Santiago. There's always someone, on Camino, in need of used gear in good condition.

I hope this helps.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

I always leave the outer bag, or even an old suitcase I don't need any more, at the first hotel I stay at. The chambermaid can dispose of it to a good home! I have done this in Pamplona and Burgos. This year I'll be doing it in Conques. I then go to a market to buy a cheap bag on my last day in Spain. Those luggage wrapping services cost about 10 Euros and are very difficult to break open at the other end.

 

[aname4me]

For an airplane carry-on bag, we use cloth grocery bags.

Take the dimensions and go to several large Supermarkets.
Quality cloth bags usually run around $3-$4
You are looking for good stitching and long handle.
The long handles allow you to carry the bag on your shoulder (freeing your hands) and also allows you to tie the top closed, before you try to stuff it in the overhead storage.

When packing the carry-on, make three separate piles, and pack each in a separate regular plastic grocery bag.
1) Thing you will not touch until after you leave the Barcelona Airport.
2) Thing you will need in the Airports, but not on the Airplane.
3) Thing you need for sure on the Airplane. book, some food, water bottle, warm clothes...

OK...
Pack items #1, very tightly, in a regular plastic grocery bag. Roll it up tight. Add 4 thick elastic bands to the outside. Put it in the bottom of your carry-on.
Pack items #2 in a regular (different colored) plastic grocery bag. Roll it up tight. Add 3 thick elastic bands to the outside. Put it in your carry-on.
Pack items #3, regular (different colored) plastic grocery bag. Roll it up. Add a single elastic band to the outside. Put it in your carry-on.

The elastics are important. The hold the tight form, but allow you to open the bag at security.

While you are at the airport, you can leisurely access Bag #2

When you board the plane, and reach your seat, remove Bag #3, and put it on your seat. Then tie the carry-on handles, store above, and sit down.

A third bag can also be brought on the plane.... a Fanny Pack. Very hands free.
I use this for tickets, passports, travel papers, cash, phone, tablet, camera, pen, Camino book, cough candies, a few med's.
Very accessible.
I wear this for Camino as well.

When we reached Santiago, we bought new grocery bags.

If you send your Back Pack as checked luggage (full or empty), always wrap it with a 30m roll of Saran Wrap (plastic, stretchy-cling wrap). Print an full 8.5”X11” page with your address and phone number in Spain (your Pamplona Hotel). Include it in the final wrapping so it is clear, and obvious where the Airline can get a hold of you.

 

[williamlittig]

I repurposed a large rolling duffel bag from the local thrift store. It carried two packs(unstuffed), and poles. I left it outside the train station. My intention was for someone to find and use it. Walking the Camino Ingles and this year the Camino Sanabre. We will check our bag at IVAR"S, take a bus to the start, walk, return and restuff the bag. Straps and internal frames take a beating in cargo holds and I hope to enjoy my pack on more Caminos. P.S. The bag is still less than the fifty pound limit and I love the wheels. .....Ultreya...Willy/Utah/USA

 

[trecile]

I repurposed a large rolling duffel bag from the local thrift store. It carried two packs(unstuffed), and poles. I left it outside the train station. My intention was for someone to find and use it. Walking the Camino Ingles and this year the Camino Sanabre. We will check our bag at IVAR"S, take a bus to the start, walk, return and restuff the bag. Straps and internal frames take a beating in cargo holds and I hope to enjoy my pack on more Caminos. P.S. The bag is still less than the fifty pound limit and I love the wheels. .....Ultreya...Willy/Utah/USA

I hate to bring this up, but abandoning bags at airports, train stations, etc. is not a good idea. People could become suspicious of them, and you don't want the bomb squad investigating them!

 

[DurhamParish]

I have a duffel bag I've used now for three caminos. Bought it at REI and it folds up into itself and fits in by backpack.

 

[Mark Lee]

I hate to bring this up, but abandoning bags at airports, train stations, etc. is not a good idea. People could become suspicious of them, and you don't want the bomb squad investigating them!

In that regard I would recommend unzipping the bag or duffle completely, or if it is the top load only variety, basically leave it open and turn it almost inside out so that it is obvious it is empty and discarded. Basically making the bag or duffle look like a deflated balloon.
but yes, you are right, nobody wants to see an unattended bag or duffle at an airport or train station these days

 

[pudgypilgrim]

Like Durham Parish I use an ultrasil duffel for my backpack on planes (although I've never had to check it). It takes up almost no room in my pack and when I'm not on the camino it makes a great weekend suitcase. They are expensive, though.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Wow do you really need to waste a duffel bag to transport your backpack? I don't know where you live, most airports in North America has shrink wrapping service for few dollars?

I left mine at the first Alburgue donation pile the hostess was happy as she needed one Then I picked up another in Madrid. I had checked the first one going to SJPDP it was full of holes but my backpack was just fine along with my walking poles

 

[williamlittig]

I hate to bring this up, but abandoning bags at airports, train stations, etc. is not a good idea. People could become suspicious of them, and you don't want the bomb squad investigating them!

Thank you for the cautious note. My stupidity could be someones headache. Turning it inside-out and open could help. I grew up in more trusting times and need reminding. "The Forum" is a great mentor.......... Ultreya...... Willy/Utah/USA

 

[jeffnd]

I packed my backpack in a large, cheap duffel bag for the flight over. I had wanted to carry it with me and use it again once I flew back, but it was too bulky, even folded up, so I just left it in my hotel room.

I suppose you could unpack your backpack at the airport and then take the bag to one of those information desks and say, "Here, this is for your lost and found."