silly question?

[mudsmeller]

i am planning my thru hike this summer and here is my silly question. are we allowed to carry our packs into walmart, walgreens and other retail stores when we shop? in many places where i live ya have to leave backpacks at the door. sure don't feel comfortable doing that so how is this handled in town?
thanks!

[illabelle]

If possible, plan your town visits with a trail friend. Watch each other's stuff.

[Tennessee Viking]

Some businesses welcome hikers in full. Others will tell you to keep packs outside or with the clerk. Just ask store clerk for permission.

[Lone Wolf]

the Dollar store and Mojo's in Damascus asks that you leave packs outside. always ask

[lwhikerchris]

As a courtesy, I always leave it outside. No one will touch it because of how dirty and bad it smells anyway.

[Slo-go'en]

At a large box store, I put my pack in the bottom of a shopping cart, no one questions it. Small stores with tight aisles leave outside or just inside the door.

[mudsmeller]

all good. thanks for the info.
in other words play the situation at the time. good to know some retailers will allow me to carry in. hope to be with hikers to cover otherwise.

[MuddyWaters]

A lot easier to just leave it locked up at lodging.

Or, theres this, it will earn you a new name probably.

http://www.campsaver.com/pacsafe-backpack-and-bag-protector

[Cheyou]

Your question can't b any more silly then what underwear to use boxer or briefs !

thom

[mudsmeller]

lol!! yep sounds about right!

[Slow Trek]

I agree with Muddy Waters,any town big enough to have a walgreens or walmart also has a motel or hostel where you are getting clean. We always left the packs in the room.

[TTT]

As a word of caution, when hiking don't toss your backpack into the trunk of a car or the back of a truck if the driver looks dodgy. If they drive off without you, you gonna look lonely standing on the side of the road.

[tree_ninja]

As said, it depends on the place. Some may ask you to leave it outside and it will be obvious, often posted outfront. But if you're doing a resupply, most big name grocery stores I just bring it in and grab a big cart and throw it in the cart.