TrishaU
05-07-2016, 10:38
Goal: carry-on backpack for domestic flights on the big three (American, Delta, United), traveling coach to Atlanta or Bangor. Anything sharp or flammable is shipped ahead (tent stakes, stove). A quick trip to the post office and the grocery store, then a shuttle to the Appalachian Trail. No worries about shipping the bulk of the gear separately.
The questions: My research shows that the Kelty Redwing 50 is too big for carry-on (26 x 16 x 3), but owners write that they usually are waived through, since it is a soft-sided backpack that probably will fit into the overhead bin. Should I risk the $25 check-in fee, or go with one of the smaller options (Kelty 44 or 40)? I am figuring on a total weight of 35 to 40 lbs.
Any tips from your experience taking your pack onto a plane? For instance, carrying earplugs and an inflatable neck pillow and hoping I don't get bumped from a window seat. Or wearing my heavier hiking boots in the security line, then switching footwear before boarding.
Any tips for a gate-checked backpack? Such as, having a feather-weight duffle bag for electronics and "must keep with me" gear as my personal item, and hopefully having a chance to plastic wrap the backpack, since no TSA locks will keep it secure in transit.
Thanks for letting me tap the hive mind on this.
The questions: My research shows that the Kelty Redwing 50 is too big for carry-on (26 x 16 x 3), but owners write that they usually are waived through, since it is a soft-sided backpack that probably will fit into the overhead bin. Should I risk the $25 check-in fee, or go with one of the smaller options (Kelty 44 or 40)? I am figuring on a total weight of 35 to 40 lbs.
Any tips from your experience taking your pack onto a plane? For instance, carrying earplugs and an inflatable neck pillow and hoping I don't get bumped from a window seat. Or wearing my heavier hiking boots in the security line, then switching footwear before boarding.
Any tips for a gate-checked backpack? Such as, having a feather-weight duffle bag for electronics and "must keep with me" gear as my personal item, and hopefully having a chance to plastic wrap the backpack, since no TSA locks will keep it secure in transit.
Thanks for letting me tap the hive mind on this.