Pack Protection

[Kanga]

So as not to derail, I have moved some posts here from the thread about Ikea blue bags used to protect packs in planes.

Are they waterproof? Because if yes, then they would be useful for protecting a backpack from bed bugs. Last time I used plastic garbage bags, but an Ikea bag would be easier and perhaps a bit sturdier.

Actually, just looking at the picture closely I don't think they would be - too loosely woven.

 

[AbbyDee]

Are they waterproof? Because if yes, then they would be useful for protecting a backpack from bed bugs. Last time I used plastic garbage bags, but an Ikea bag would be easier and perhaps a bit sturdier.

Actually, just looking at the picture closely I don't think they would be - too loosely woven.

I imagine that these bags, like burglar alarms and firewalls, are meant to discourage all but the most serious intruders. Having to get into two bags takes more time, meaning more chances of being caught. Granted this is no guarantee that your bag will arrive at the same place, and at the same time as you do. There are somethings you just have to entrust to the gods.

 

[Pamea]

Are they waterproof? Because if yes, then they would be useful for protecting a backpack from bed bugs. Last time I used plastic garbage bags, but an Ikea bag would be easier and perhaps a bit sturdier.

Actually, just looking at the picture closely I don't think they would be - too loosely woven.

This has been a concern of mine and trying not to give it any energy. So you're saying to put your back pack in a plastic garbage bag upon arrival for the night. Those little guys give me the willies. Are they really a problem?

 

[Deleted member 56069]

This has been a concern of mine and trying not to give it any energy. So you're saying to put your back pack in a plastic garbage bag upon arrival for the night. Those little guys give me the willies. Are they really a problem?

Pamea, the bed bug issue is a controversial subject here. I have taken zero precautions on four Camino's and have had zero issues with bed bugs. I have stayed in a wide variety of places, some that looked a little sketchy to be honest and neither my wife and I ever had an issue with them. Honestly, I think we only talked to one person in our Four Camino's that had had an issue with them.
Many will chime in with all kinds of chemicals to spray your gear, clothes and bedding with. Personally, I like to avoid contact with chemicals of any kind...my own preference.
Truly, do not spend much time worrying about bed bugs.

 

[Pamea]

Thank you. I will take this positive note ! I agree on the chemical component. Wow. 4 caminos. Obviously this is my first and trusting it won't be my last!

 

[Kanga]

I imagine that these bags, like burglar alarms and firewalls, are meant to discourage all but the most serious intruders.

I'm not concerned about humans.

@Pamea many people do not have "an issue" with bedbugs because they live with them, or have no reaction, or are plain lucky.

I do not want to hyjack this thread (which is about protecting packs on planes) but cannot let you be misled.

@zrexer if you do a brief search of this forum you will find many members who have been bitten by bed bugs. So unless we are all liars, then yes, bedbugs are out there.

Perhaps your time has not yet come. I managed to walk from SJPDP to SDC four times, and twice from Le Puy, and once from Irun, before I was bitten. But since then I have been bitten and had reactions four times. Personally I now just regard them as a fact of life and take reasonable precautions. They certainly don't stop my enjoyment of walking the Camino.

Bedbugs are a fact of life since DDT was banned. Humans have managed to survive for thousands of years with bedbugs as companions and so it will continue.

 

[Deleted member 29041]

Guess I've been lucky, because in all my time on the Camino, I've been bitten once by bedbugs . T'was in April in Betanzos. Single room in a private, clean albergue. Fresh, clean linen too. Friends in other rooms had no problems, and the host was horrified. Luckily I always keep my pack off the bed, but I can assure you, that I gave it a thorough inspection, when I got a new room, and my entire pack spent a week in the deepfreezer, when I got back home.

I had no reaction to the bites, and was unable to find at least one of the bites (I squashed two blood-filled bugs).

Anyway, the trash bag idea is a solid and proven method of keeping the bugs out of your pack. Just take care not to drag the pack across the floor when it is in the bag, as the bags aren't that solid . Wrap a bit of string around the "neck" of the bag, and tie it like you would tie your shoelaces. And don't unpack your pack until you have inspected the underside of your mattress.

I use a slightly different method. Previously, I've some times used a trash bag as a bag liner (against rain), thus having the protection internally in the pack, but I've recently switched to carrying both my clothes and my sleeping gear in dry bags. Not many bugs that can get into those . The weight penalty is marginal, and I find the few extra grams well worth the result - now I really have to screw up to get damp clothes and/or sleeping bag.

Annie has a great piece about bedbugs

 

[Kanga]

Yes, only one of my bed-bug attacks was in an albergue. The others were in lovely, clean, hotels with no visible signs of infestation.

 

[C clearly]

Good advice on dry bags, @Nekodemus . Just one point to add...

Luckily I always keep my pack off the bed,

We should keep our packs off the bed for reasons of cleanliness. However, bedbugs often hide elsewhere - cracks in the floor and walls. That's why you should protect your pack when it is on the floor at night.

 

[norelle]

My fourth camino was when I first encountered bedbugs personally!
And it wasn't on the camino but in my lovely pension in Madrid, my last night in Spain.
There was absolutely no sign of them on the bed. When I turned the light on in the middle of the night and saw them, they were coming from the fake wood paneling on the wall!
Not sure how to protect oneself from that but will take all precautions next time!

 

[HedaP]

My fourth camino was when I first encountered bedbugs personally!
And it wasn't on the camino but in my lovely pension in Madrid, my last night in Spain.
There was absolutely no sign of them on the bed. When I turned the light on in the middle of the night and saw them, they were coming from the fake wood paneling on the wall!
Not sure how to protect oneself from that but will take all precautions next time!

Wah, I thought those little bichos didn't climb? So why the recommendations to sleep in top bunks? Oh gosh what a dilema?!! Top bunks scare me almost as much as bedbugs.

 

[SYates]

So as not to derail, I have moved some posts here from the thread about Ikea blue bags used to protect packs in planes.

Are they waterproof? Because if yes, then they would be useful for protecting a backpack from bed bugs. Last time I used plastic garbage bags, but an Ikea bag would be easier and perhaps a bit sturdier.

Actually, just looking at the picture closely I don't think they would be - too loosely woven.

No, the weaving is fine - the problem is how to close them securely ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Nanc]

I used the Z packs airline case
Can close zipper with a TSA approved lock
Easy to haul in airport
sturdy
Company says use it as a pack liner I sent it ahead to Ivar

 

[KinkyOne]

Sorry, but I do not understand at all why would anyone spend another 3€ on IKEA bag to "protect" the backpack???

Protect from what??? If it would be stolen what difference does it make. I tell you - 3€
Protect from fire? - The IKEA bags are most possible more flammable than your backpacks.
Protect from theft? - Why on earth would IKEA bag change the thief's decision???
Protect from torirng the straps??? - Well, you better buy better quality backpack.

Can someone please enlighten me?

Thanks!!!

 

[Deleted member 29041]

Protect from what?

• Torn straps on backpacks are not that unusual, as luggage handlers will grab hold of just about anything.
• Straps and flaps and cords can get caught in conveyor belts and on anything that protudes.
• Things falling out of your pack - especially the side pockets.
• Bugs in albergues and pensions.
• Etc.

In some airports (e.g. Madrid), I've had to sign a release to get my unwrapped (but secured) backpack checked in.

 

[Anne DR]

Very grateful for health center in Arzua. In and out in less than two hours. Got treated for severe allergic reaction to something (all my bites???)--eyes almost swollen shut. Got meds around the corner. Then witnessed epic hailstorm. Tomorrow Santiago!!!!!!