Gear that makes TSA grumpy? (Aka "what gear to check?")

[RWheeler]

I'm trying to figure out the logistics of how to pack my things when I fly. Since I have to go to a wedding before I can begin my thru-hike, I'll be packing a gym bag with clothes for a few days. In that gym bag, I'll also be packing things that I won't be able to check in on the flight - which I assume would be the following:

Pocket knife, trekking poles (TSA states that ski poles need to be checked, so I'm assuming the same holds true for the trekking poles)... and... I can't think of anything else. Maybe tent stakes? Titanium spork?

I plan to get fuel for my stove after I get to Georgia, and the same goes for stuff like DEET, BodyGlide, etc.

Is there anything else I'm overlooking that should be tossed in the checked luggage as well? Everything else will be going in my pack and be taken as a carry-on, because... I sure as heck don't want to risk it getting lost or whatever.

I need to fly out West for the wedding, then fly from there down South to begin the thru-hike. So whatever I pack, it essentially needs to be checked twice. Bummer, I know....

Or would it be simpler to just pack a small box with those items, mail them down to my friend that's going to be driving me to Amicalola, and then just stick with loading everything in my backpack and skip a checked bag altogether? Since checked bags are actually an additional fee now, this might be cheaper/easier, but because of the trekking poles, might require an odd-shaped box to actually mail out.

Suggestions from WB?

[royalusa]

We checked our pocket knife, sewing needle, trekking poles and tent stakes. We also had our first segment of food with us so that we did not have to shop after a long travel day and learned that peanut butter is a controlled substance...it's considered a gel and therefore limited to the 3 ounces (or whatever that limit is). So we ended up having to grocery shop after all to replace our confiscated peanut butter. We also learned after the fact that our water treatment chemical Clorox is banned for both carry on as well as checked luggage.

If you could mail these items, it'd probably be easier for you given your flight schedules.

[RWheeler]

Ah, the Aquamira! Forgot about that. That'd probably be something I'd want to mail as well, just in case.

I'll just look into mailing everything. It does seem like it'll be easier.


Thanks for the input!

[EJC]

Hey, I just flew my gear out to hike the grand canyon so I've recently looked in to this stuff.

Check: All liquids, it's just easier, and if you're checking stuff anyways it shouldn't be a hassle, matches, tent poles, stakes, anything sharp and pointy (needles, knives, multitools, etc), trekking poles, opened food.

Tent poles and stakes are not on the "official" list, so this leaves it up to individual TSA agents. Some may allow it, some may not. Better
safe than sorry!

Carry on: All lighters (you aren't allowed to check those), and your pack with everything you need already in it, if possible.

Can't take at all: Fuel, also, be careful of your pots/stove. If the dogs can smell odor of flammable liquid still on these they may open your bag just to search.

Tips I got about checking your pack (if you do): Put it in another suitcase/ duffel- apparently some baggage handlers will be rough with it and snap stays on occasion. Also, if TSA roots through it they often cannot repack it correctly so some stuff may go missing. If you have it in another bag at least you'll get your stuff back. Even a cheap-o duffle is better than sending the pack on its way alone.

Not sure if Southwest goes to the airports you need, but 2 checked bags fly free with them

[TOMP]

I was able to fly to canada with collaspable trekking poles as my (just the poles in no bag) carry-on. So it is possible but maybe frowned upon (I got a few odd looks). Personaly I'd worry about them breaking in a checked bag. Also if your stove has been used before you arent allowed to bring it or at least that is the official stance, I have heard a bunch of stories of people losing their stove that way and also a few who claim to have gotten away with it. Might be a good excuse to by a new stove though.

[RWheeler]

I'm using a pennystove, so if I lose one, I'll just have to make another. How long would the ethanol fumes remain for? I test-fired it and cooked myself a meal with it in the house, but that's it...

[Sarcasm the elf]

Personally I would mail stuff ahead if I had someone who would hold it for me. I used my first mail drop on a section hike last spring and it was surprisingly convenient. As an added bonus, if you is a big enough box you can mail back anything you brought for the wedding but don't need on the trail.

[EJC]

I'm using a pennystove, so if I lose one, I'll just have to make another. How long would the ethanol fumes remain for? I test-fired it and cooked myself a meal with it in the house, but that's it...

I use the kitty can stove, so was in the same position. I used it a lot previously and just scrubbed it down with soap and water and it made it through both ways just fine.

[Spokes]

Go to the source, check out the TSA prohibited items page:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

[RWheeler]

I use the kitty can stove, so was in the same position. I used it a lot previously and just scrubbed it down with soap and water and it made it through both ways just fine.

If I had an open stove, I'd do the same... I'm just nervous washing it because it's all closed and... I dunno about having water stay inside of it or whatever. Maybe I can rinse it out and let it sit, let it all evaporate and such before I leave. Better than nothing, I guess?

Go to the source, check out the TSA prohibited items page:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

I did, which is why I knew about ski poles being prohibited and extrapolating to trekking poles. I just wanted first hand accounts.

[handlebar]

I'm using a pennystove, so if I lose one, I'll just have to make another. How long would the ethanol fumes remain for? I test-fired it and cooked myself a meal with it in the house, but that's it...

I've checked an alcohol stove, the Featherfire, and the empty bottle I use for fuel on 4 occasions. I rinse out both with water for a relatively long time. Can't see any reason not to check it. I do know that one of the issues with "used" stoves of the white gas variety is that fuel vapors remain in the fuel line of the stove. Of course, those could be explosive.

[Don H]

I took everything I needed except fuel in my luggage, all checked baggage, no carry on. My shuttler, Survivor Dave, provided alcohol fuel when he picked me up.

[TOMP]

Yeah I dont think a homemade alcohol stove would be a problem. They might not even reconize it as a stove. Id just make sure to remove anything that would prompt a search since you dont want TSA going through all your stuff and possibly losing or breaking anything.

[Slo-go'en]

Do yourself a big favor and just ship the pack to the Hiker Hostel or the Lodge at the state park by UPS. You don't have to worry about your pack being lost or find anything missing from it. It will make your trip much easier and worry free.

[Spokes]

I did, which is why I knew about ski poles being prohibited and extrapolating to trekking poles. I just wanted first hand accounts.

The problem with the TSA is the actual screeners interpret the "rules" differently across the country (its a being human thing). That's why you'll get stories from others saying for example they got their ski poles through in Atlanta then got them confiscated in San Diego. It's a crap shoot.

Cheers.

[chiefiepoo]

Do yourself a big favor and just ship the pack to the Hiker Hostel or the Lodge at the state park by UPS. You don't have to worry about your pack being lost or find anything missing from it. It will make your trip much easier and worry free.

Best solution, even if it costs more $$. I always found a TSA calling card in my Airporter bag when checking it. Often found loose gear where TSA fumble fingered a snap or zipper. I ship via FedEx whenevr I can. The marginal cost of FedEx over the airline bag fee buys off on a lot of the lost or delayed bag worries.

[quilteresq]

Needles are allowed on planes. I've frequently hand stitched quilt blocks on long trips. Scissors, if they have rounded ends, are also allowed. I also have a cool thread cutter that is basically a circular razor blade covered with a metal cover that's gotten through TSA before hung around my neck. It looks like a necklace.

[RWheeler]

I dunno if I can pass my trekking poles off as a necklace... but maybe I can!

[tuswm]

I have had lots of trouble with my black bear can. I have a clear one that doesn't give me any problems. I think it is because they don't know how to open it and they can not see inside it. The only time that the black one didn't mysteriously get delayed I labeled it with blue painters tape and velcrowed a washer with instructions on how to open right by the locking mechanism. Then decided to mail it. I have never tried to carry it on. My black bear can has never been checked and made my flight.


​I have never had a problem carrying on my tent poles.

[STICK]

So, are their any rules about mailing these items? Every time I go to the PO to mail a box they ask me if there are any flammables, liquids, perishables or chemicals or what not's in the package. Are the rules the same for USPS vs UPS or FedEx?

I am planning on flying to Washington later this year to hike the WT and am planning on mailing anything that may not make it past or be questioned by TSA. Basically, liquids, sharps and food...and of course my new GG LT4 poles! The rest I plan on simply carrying on right inside my pack. Basically, clothes, sleeping bag, tent, etc...

But it seems like mailing these items is the way to go. I can mail them about 2 weeks early so that they have plenty of time to make it to their destination as well, I can also confirm that the package made it their undisturbed. This way I would know for sure that everything is there and safe, and waiting on me!

I know that Delta airlines will allow 1 carry one and 1 personal item per person, as well, the first checked bag is free.