Flying from Calgary back to Chicago with climbing gear I packed my helmet and cook set at one end of a haul sack, backpack in the middle, boots at the other end. I placed my hiking poles along both sides. When this sack was x-rayed it was flagged for inspection as it looked, on X-Ray to be a body
Dixie is the most fact and real based backpacking channel. Planning the way she does equals success. think of all angles of your plan. I'm doing isle royale, can't travel it fuel. that's in my plan.
Great topic and we’ll covered Dixie! I ABSOLUTELY NEVER EVER TRUST AN AIRLINE WITH NOT LOOSING MY GEAR. I use Lighterpack, and put a “@“ tag in front of the item description for carry on prohibited items, and ship those via UPS ground to a UPS Store near my destination airport. Depending on which pack I’m using, I sometimes need to ship the pack as well if it is too big for carry-on. If I need to ship a loaded bear canister, I use a tight fitting separate box for that, so it won’t shift and rupture the larger box with the rest of my gear (from experience). Permitted items I do carry on. Shipping from Virginia to Cali for example, I send seven days in advance and have never had an issue. UPS tracking is far superior to what the airlines do. Just another way to get the job done. See y’all on the trail!
Quick tip: When arriving at the airport in Jackson Hole, you might want to take a detour, after collecting your bags, to the departures area. You may easily find departing backpackers willing to unload fuel canisters to fellow hikers. You can't take it with you. I generally check my pack, for many of the reasons Dixie points out regarding poles, etc. You can put the entire pack, and a few things besides, in a large airplane bag, which is really just a big sack with a shoulder strap. Then you don't have to worry about the straps, pockets and fittings getting caught/snagged or ripped out.
Bear spray tip….car rental counter in Kalispell had good size box of bear spray that folks gave up when returning their vehicles….just asking about free spray saved me about 30.00 bucks at Costco/ REI buying some. Worth asking at any out west , mountain, bear infested destination airport locations….we just borrowed three cans then gave it back when we returned our car….
you know i read the first part of the title and saw the thumbnail and i got so excited, i thought i was gonna learn how to like glide with a rain fly or something.
As a former hotel employee (Marriott and Sheraton) we held packages for guests all the time. You had to already have a reservation, of course. A lot of people running conventions and big meetings sent their stuff ahead through the mail. Just address it to yourself thusly: Dixie Wanderlust, guest c/o Hotel Name address Reservation date: put the dates here Obviously, if you're planning on hiking in the summer, don't send your stuff in January. Time it so it will arrive within a week of your arrival. They probably wouldn't toss it, but that's asking a lot of them to keep it any longer. Also, a cheap motel (as opposed to a full-service hotel) might have different policies, so I would check with them first.
Dang I was hoping for a new type of adventure with my backpacking gear. The thumbnail is inspiring lol. Good to know these tips though! Thanks for the video!
Great advice! I recently backpacked in Ireland and used a Haultail woven contractor bag to cover the pack. We wrapped paracord around it to give the crew something to grab onto as they tossed it around. The cord was also helpful for securing the baggage tag because it didn’t stick on the bag. We duct taped the top shut. The bag and cord seemed to work well, the pack arrived safe and intact.
Items in checked bags will be subjected to freezing temperatures (water filter killer) even in summer and lower air pressure. Before airlines were so vigilant I had a peanut butter mess in my checked backpack upon arrival because the jar lid popped off. Plan on your stuff being upside down with many other corners of hard bags on top of it because it just might be. Arrows are nice decorations, not mandatory instructions.
Finally a fact packed video on one of the most challenging logistical issues for those of us where air travel is mandatory to get anywhere, and long overdue. Especially appreciate the amount of time you spent researching this! Thanks Dixie!!!
Gosh Dixie! That was so extensive and you did a FANTASTIC JOB!!! Thank you for your promptness in answering this question and your heavy research to cover all the bases. Wow! You didn’t miss a thing! This was a great video!!! I feel so much more positive and confident about flying now 🙌🏼
Thanks Dixie for covering this topic! - Invaluable! Some experiences I think are worth sharing: Being able to travel carry-on can make a huge difference and is liberating! - Especially during a time of an airline melt-down as it happened at the end of 2022 (and still going on). I would likely not be home yet, had I checked my backpacking gear (enabled me to dynamically select different flights, go on stand-by etc.). I'd certainly not have my gear now. Regarding hiking poles: I used carbon-file poles and took them apart into their individual pieces (3 segments for each pole). That I thought made them look less intimidating. Went through security twice, no problem. Worst case scenario might be to have to give up the last segment with the metal tip (if so, it may be enough to just break off the tip, which them may still be OK to use for the tent). Tent stakes: Used the Z-Packs carbon stakes. - No problem going through security. (only metal tip and top, rest is carbon). Mini Swiss-army knife: No problem. Stove: Experimented with hand-sanitizer, but that will not provide enough heat in real-world outdoor conditions. So went with gas cartridges. Fortunately there was a store near the trailhead that carried it. It's still a problem to be solved...
Thanks again for being entertaining and informative. I didn't see any comments on alcohol. For what it's worth, you can check the mini liquor bottles to minimize waste of bringing a whole bottle. They are plastic and tough and come in a variety of good brands. You often can't travel with partially used bottles, so you waste larger sizes, and they tend to be glass. If you fill our flask to take and they can't identify what is in it, TSA might make you pour it out. One other hint, Fiji water bottles beat Smart water in that they are tough and less likely to roll down hill in camp since they are square! Finally, we always leave any leftover fuel at our last campsite if there is some kind of shelter. I am not sure rangers would like that but it is a form of paying it forward.
Hiking pole protection - buy a pool noodle and cut to length and slit lengthwise. Then slip over poles. Very inexpensive protection. I pack mine in a baseball/softball bat bag that I purchased at a second hand sporting goods store. Also good for tent poles.
I was off to the Himalayas with my complete hiking kit last month when the Security Personnel at the New Delhi Airport stopped me for carrying two tungsten-tipped trekking poles in my cabin luggage. I had to take out my Lanshan 2 from my backpack and show them how it was useless without the poles! It took a visual demonstration to finally convince them that they could not be used as weapons in any way.
Great breakdown of what is take on and what is check in. I’ve made 3 flights putting my backpack in a laundry bag with no problems. Easy and cheap to get at the end of a hike at Walmart. You can get free shipping tubes from USPS which are great to put trekking poles and/or tent poles in to give a little extra protection inside the laundry bag.
Hi Dixie, I’m taking a fishing trip to Arkansas to fish the White River. I need to pack my waders, rods, my flies and vest, but didn’t think about my life vest as it has a CO2 cartridge. I think I’ll ship some of my things ahead; thanks for the advice! Forgot to add that I’m flying from Seattle to Dallas where my daughter lives and she’s driving us to Arkansas. So I can ship to her house. Great advice, thanks again!
Food: many countries have import restrictions for food, e. g. you must not import any kind of meat into the US on an international flight. Similar for EU.
Great details and reminders! At least several years ago pepper spray is illegal in New Zealand. I bought a beat up suitcase for food poles, etc. to NZ.
Having flown for years with expensive dive and photo gear, don’t have a good looking “Steal Me” bag. A common thing to do is get a very used surplus army duffel as an over bag and put laundry type items at the mouth, no one wants to steal dirty laundry. As for small liquid items like soaps etc., they can be had just about anywhere. Don’t be trying to save a few dollars on them when they could endanger the total cost of the trip. FYI, I have seen 10’s of thousands of dollars of dive and photo gear put into large coolers and duct taped closed and marked “Fresh Fish.”
I go to goodwill and get a large well used roller suitcase for $15. I put brightly colored duct tape all over it. When I get to my destination I try to return it to a local goodwill donation place, or pawn it off on the shuttle driver (I’ve had good luck with that as they can pawn it off on someone else), or last resort, just leave it at your last resort.
Great info like always. Love the idea to take pics of gear so homeowners insurance could cover missing gear. Also liked making sure the duffle bag is marked somehow to help with identification.
When we were flying home from Isle Royale last summer, the agents at the small airport in Houghton, Michigan had us carry the mini bic lighter rather than check it thru. Everything else was checked in the backpack in the duffle like bag from ZPacks that becomes a pack liner for the backpacking trip.
Train, Amtrak, does not allow fuel canisters, technology. PS they never check. I'm a rule follower so I usually give mine away when I start my commute home from the trail. I contain my smelly gear ie. Water prof breathable jacket in a loc sac... because well it is really hard to get the trail stench out on the road. Thank you for another great video. Safe travels.
New Zealand is really picky about clean gear. They made me lift up my feet and shined a flashlight on all of the treads on my hiking shoes, to make sure they were clean. When I told him I had used my tent once previously, we had to open my pack and half set up my tent right there, so he could look inside and at the bottom to make sure no dirt or plant material was in it. My 2 friends that arrived several days before me had the same things happen to them. This was about 6 years ago though, so I don't know if anything has changed since then. It is a beautiful country. I really want to go back at some point(if they ever open back up).
yep, they are still picky. We went there in 2020. I made sure things were really clean. I had brand new (never worn outside) altra trail runners and I washed the tent and tent stakes before we went. Tent and hiking boots automatically triggered extra inspections. The inspector said they normally send tents to a special inspection (which was closed because we arrived on a late midnight flight) but since everything looked super clean he let it through. New Zealand was amazing. We had to cut our trip short because of Covid. I really want to go back.
My go to in my flying with backpack gear, was to buy a surplus army duffle bag. I’d rough it up a bit so it looked worn and crappy, put a hefty bag inside as a liner, then slid my kit in to it. Don’t know how many times I’d see people “insert cool brand name” duffles disappear because the bags screamed, “steal me”. As I got older and could afford to do this, I usually gave most of my gear to guides or people that could use an upgrade in their kit. Then I’d just use the duffle to take what I had left to go home with.
First that thumbnail in GOLD! hahah And secondly another option that wasn't mentioned in the video is to take a flight a day or so earlier and then go to REI or another store and purchase some of the more dangerous items there instead of going through the hassle of getting it through
Seems like REI or some other national chain could offer a Ship-To service at a little kiosk "land side" in each airport. You ship your gear directly to them & it meets you at the airport.
Many countries do NOT allow pepper-spray or bear-spray through customs. Canada is an example of this. Also, aresol bugsprays are not allowed, but pump and wipes are.
Definitely check out the TSA website in your plans. Do not be a faux freedom fighter. Follow the rules. Thank Goddess for the era of internal or frameless packs. External frame packs 1971-1982 were the bane of my backpacking life when I travelled by air alot. I lost two completely. In the era of mass cancellations and unexpected stay-overs, having a normal carry-on for urban and airport survival, like normal non-hiking life, is best. Pay for that extra bag. Second big tip is put ID tags in and outside of every bag. having one inside has saved me.
Alaska Airline with membership in Club 49 (Alaska Resident) allows for 2 free checked bags. Max weight 50 lbs. per bag. So I pack everything into two large cargo bags and pick them up at the destination. After 24 years, I've only had one occurrence of late arrival and the cargo bags were delivered to me the next day. I purchase fuel, inexpensive pads, vehicle tire repair and folding camp chairs at Walmart. After my trip, I just donate the chairs and excess to homeless or leave by Salvation Army.
Pay attention if you go abroad with food. For example, bringing meat from the USA to Europe is forbidden. It doesn't matter in which form the meat comes or how much it is. Almost every country / continent / economy protection zone has rules about that. Some accept processed food, some don't accept vegetables and meat at all and some offer a complex mix of rules and regulations regarding to food. Violating these rules can end up in a pretty high fine and the food will stay at the airport.
Thanks for the video. This is very timely since my husband and I are flying to camp in Yellowstone in June. I'll have to review this and take notes. :). We were just wondering how to pack everything. Now we know
Thanks for covering this subject Dixie, often wondered about flying with some of the items you covered on this episode! Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas and experiences with the world 🐻🌱🌲🌳 Ps: loving the hair colours 👍🏽
Regardless of whether you are flying with backpacking gear or not, take all meds, toiletries, electronics, water filter, and at least one extra change of clothes in your carry-on. Next, get a large sized suitcase on wheels and pack your backpack, poles, tent - everything you are taking backpacking except fuel and carry-on items mentioned above - in the large suitcase. If you have somewhere to stash it when you get to your hiking destination, great. If you don't have anywhere to stash it, go to a Goodwill or Salvation Army store and buy a used one. You can probably get one for less than $20. I still use one I bought for $15 seven years ago. The outside of it was kind of scuffed up, but the inside was barely used and the wheels, rollers, handles, and zippers worked perfectly and they still do. Once you get to your destination, you have everything you need except fuel and maybe matches or a lighter. I've done this domestically and internationally and it works great.
If you don’t want to spend money on temporary bags for the check-in items, you can actually pack them in a paper box too. Easy to just throw away upon arrival. Carry-on weight and dimensions can be a problem if the flight is full. Usually I will wear everything heavy ie pants, boots, jacket, sometimes wearing few layers inside (T shirt and a shirt over it even the beanie with glove in pocket just to have less weight in the bag and then cinch down the bag to minimum. The layers can be removed once safely boarded. 😊
As always in response to your presentations, I'm so impressed by your preparation and composure. You have so evidently realised the difference between advocacy and recommendation, and your trustworthiness remains therefore untarnished. Go gurl! I hope,you make it to New Zealand, in spite of Adern's megalomania.
I really appreciate all of your useful information about the whole hike scene period. I've never even overnight backpacker and I'm planning on doing the AT as a NOBO in 2023. I've been buying gear for the last 1.5 yrs. Since I've been watching your videos. Just one question. I'm turning 41 in May, are there alot of hikers around my age as well or are they mostly youngsters? Lol
You'll meet hikers from late teens to seniors in their 70 or even 80's. Any kind of people you would meet off trail, you'll meet on it. Just get outthere, do your own thing (hike your own hike), follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and embrace the good and the bad that will happen during your trail. 👍
Age of others on the AT would be or should be one of the least problems/worries you can encounter on the AT, unless you´re worried about that a 6 year old or 60 year old or a complete family of 8 peoples finishes it, before you do :-)
40 year old female here also hiking nobo in 2023. You are in good company sir. I will turn 41 on trail and can't think of a better way to kick my 30s to the curb and kick off my 40s.
Having worked near airport baggage handlers for years and observed what I have--and maybe it was just some of them and not at all airports but nevertheless--I would trust the USPS with my pack *far* more than an airline. I'll end up trusting them for a bounce box full of gear and for resupply anyway.
Very helpful video! My husband who works for an airline suggested making note of weight and size limitations for checked luggage as well to avoid extra fees.
Carry your water filter on board. Luggage compartments will be well below freezing except the one where the pet carriers are. No guarantees which one your bag will be in.
I normally mail my stakes, poles, knife, etc to me at USPS General delivery or a hostel. Anything I would have to check. Then I just carry on everything else.
In my experience, I flew out of a non mountainous state with no problems with my trekking poles. But flying out of a state like Colorado, they are looking for it. TSA took mines and it joined the waist level pile of poles lol
Be aware the zpacks airline case went from $65 to $99 over the last month. I think it may have to do with dyneema price at the moment, either that or I was unknowingly looking at a massive sale price when it was $65 (and I never pulled the trigger)!
There's been all kinds of supply and inflation issues the last 2 years. It's very possible that the price just exploded. Being a buyer of anything in this market can be a challenge. You never know if it's going to be much more expensive later or if a price spike is just due to a temporary supply issue and will go back down soon. It's ruff sometimes.
Hi Dixie! Long time fan. Always enjoy your vids, got a lot of good trail advice. Something I've been wanting to ask an "outdoors" person for awhile now. Why is it so common for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing gear to still be sold unfinished? If that tarp's seams need sealing, or that firearm's feed ramp needs polishing, or that "waterproof material" backpack isn't really waterproof and needs a liner, or those shoes or gloves need silicone, oil, or wax, why isn't that handled before it left the factory? I understand a lot of this stuff derives from divisions of professions in the old days, but I would think pressure for customer service would push companies into the modern age. Are outdoors people more, or less, patsies on consumer matters than folks in other pursuits? I've heard hikers rhapsodize over the gear of some cottage companies with some pretty dang horrible customer service, or ignore the above-and-beyond of others that have been known to send out replacements or parts from a cell call from the trail and just trusted the hiker that the original would be returned. So what do you think, are hikers a tough consumer group? How much do the companies respond to protests? I know hyperlite enlarged their waistbelt pockets and zpacks added colors.
I use the pack covers from REI as long as I have a hotel/hostel or rental care to store it in at the destination! Only downside is it advertises that there is hiking gear inside, but have never had any issues. Those pack covers are so darn tough! Just like my socks ;)
I’ve used cardboard shipping boxes from Home Depot and U-Haul for my gear on three of my trips. To date I’ve had no problems… those boxes are pretty tough.
I've had my camping stove (which was very small and free of fuel) get caught at TSA security check and I had to toss it. I suggest packing this in your carry on. I was able to bring it to my trip, but it was the Portland Main TSA that stopped me from carrying it on, on my flight home.
Keep in mind that in the US when your on a non international flight your checked luggage may not fly with you. I had this happen to me coming home from Chicago. I contacted the desk and my bag was delivered to my house cost free the next day. If you're tight on time for starting your hike or don't have an address to send your gear to, this could be a problem. If you travel internationally this is not a concern because your luggage is required to fly with you.
I always carry-on my pack and check tent poles, stakes, knife, and hiking poles. I want my expensive gear in my custody. I usually fly Delta with free carry-on and free checked bag.
Regarding checking your backpack wrapped in trash bags: I tried that once and the airline had issues with it. The packed pack didn't have a handle and they were not able to attach the baggage tag. So I had to check it as bulky luggage.
Also if you’re from the USA be careful with pepperspray if you’re going to hike in Europe. Cause it’s illegal in some European countries. Belgium for example doesn’t allow pepperspray.
Got my poles through TSA on a trip, but on the way back ended up having to purchase a last minute emergency check in to get them home. won't do that again. Now I just buy a check in.
Walmart tends to stock very large fuel canisters that are impractical for backpacking, but it varies. I’ve given up on them for fuel resupply for this.
hey dixie. my wife and i are canadian and have no social media, so it’s hard to know where to start when planning a thru hike of the AT. could you do a video on where to acquire the info to get started and how you plan?
Dixie hello. I leave for the Camino in April. Did you check your backpack when you did this? What airline did you fly. I am fly ing Madrid and AA. Thanks
Flying from Calgary back to Chicago with climbing gear I packed my helmet and cook set at one end of a haul sack, backpack in the middle, boots at the other end. I placed my hiking poles along both sides. When this sack was x-rayed it was flagged for inspection as it looked, on X-Ray to be a body
while I’m sure answering those questions was not much fun in the moment, this just the kind of absurd that sounds equally made up and true.
Whoa!
It's the honest to God truth
@@tombaron2321 yeah...I can picture it! Holy jeez, imagine the security person on the x-ray machine looking at that! :o
🤣😂🤣😂
Dixie is the most fact and real based backpacking channel. Planning the way she does equals success. think of all angles of your plan. I'm doing isle royale, can't travel it fuel. that's in my plan.
Great topic and we’ll covered Dixie! I ABSOLUTELY NEVER EVER TRUST AN AIRLINE WITH NOT LOOSING MY GEAR. I use Lighterpack, and put a “@“ tag in front of the item description for carry on prohibited items, and ship those via UPS ground to a UPS Store near my destination airport. Depending on which pack I’m using, I sometimes need to ship the pack as well if it is too big for carry-on. If I need to ship a loaded bear canister, I use a tight fitting separate box for that, so it won’t shift and rupture the larger box with the rest of my gear (from experience). Permitted items I do carry on. Shipping from Virginia to Cali for example, I send seven days in advance and have never had an issue. UPS tracking is far superior to what the airlines do. Just another way to get the job done. See y’all on the trail!
Great idea 💡 👍. Thanks ❤️
Quick tip: When arriving at the airport in Jackson Hole, you might want to take a detour, after collecting your bags, to the departures area. You may easily find departing backpackers willing to unload fuel canisters to fellow hikers. You can't take it with you. I generally check my pack, for many of the reasons Dixie points out regarding poles, etc. You can put the entire pack, and a few things besides, in a large airplane bag, which is really just a big sack with a shoulder strap. Then you don't have to worry about the straps, pockets and fittings getting caught/snagged or ripped out.
Bear spray tip….car rental counter in Kalispell had good size box of bear spray that folks gave up when returning their vehicles….just asking about free spray saved me about 30.00 bucks at Costco/ REI buying some. Worth asking at any out west , mountain, bear infested destination airport locations….we just borrowed three cans then gave it back when we returned our car….
you know i read the first part of the title and saw the thumbnail and i got so excited, i thought i was gonna learn how to like glide with a rain fly or something.
As a former hotel employee (Marriott and Sheraton) we held packages for guests all the time. You had to already have a reservation, of course. A lot of people running conventions and big meetings sent their stuff ahead through the mail. Just address it to yourself thusly:
Dixie Wanderlust, guest
c/o Hotel Name
address
Reservation date: put the dates here
Obviously, if you're planning on hiking in the summer, don't send your stuff in January. Time it so it will arrive within a week of your arrival. They probably wouldn't toss it, but that's asking a lot of them to keep it any longer. Also, a cheap motel (as opposed to a full-service hotel) might have different policies, so I would check with them first.
Dang I was hoping for a new type of adventure with my backpacking gear. The thumbnail is inspiring lol. Good to know these tips though! Thanks for the video!
Right?!
The thumbnail is hilarious. So whimsical.
Great advice! I recently backpacked in Ireland and used a Haultail woven contractor bag to cover the pack. We wrapped paracord around it to give the crew something to grab onto as they tossed it around. The cord was also helpful for securing the baggage tag because it didn’t stick on the bag. We duct taped the top shut. The bag and cord seemed to work well, the pack arrived safe and intact.
Items in checked bags will be subjected to freezing temperatures (water filter killer) even in summer and lower air pressure. Before airlines were so vigilant I had a peanut butter mess in my checked backpack upon arrival because the jar lid popped off. Plan on your stuff being upside down with many other corners of hard bags on top of it because it just might be. Arrows are nice decorations, not mandatory instructions.
Luggage area is pressurized exactly the same as the cabin.
@@williambrennan7794 yep. Heated too.
Finally a fact packed video on one of the most challenging logistical issues for those of us where air travel is mandatory to get anywhere, and long overdue. Especially appreciate the amount of time you spent researching this! Thanks Dixie!!!
Gosh Dixie! That was so extensive and you did a FANTASTIC JOB!!! Thank you for your promptness in answering this question and your heavy research to cover all the bases. Wow! You didn’t miss a thing! This was a great video!!! I feel so much more positive and confident about flying now 🙌🏼
Thanks Dixie for covering this topic! - Invaluable!
Some experiences I think are worth sharing:
Being able to travel carry-on can make a huge difference and is liberating! - Especially during a time of an airline melt-down as it happened at the end of 2022 (and still going on). I would likely not be home yet, had I checked my backpacking gear (enabled me to dynamically select different flights, go on stand-by etc.). I'd certainly not have my gear now.
Regarding hiking poles: I used carbon-file poles and took them apart into their individual pieces (3 segments for each pole). That I thought made them look less intimidating. Went through security twice, no problem. Worst case scenario might be to have to give up the last segment with the metal tip (if so, it may be enough to just break off the tip, which them may still be OK to use for the tent).
Tent stakes: Used the Z-Packs carbon stakes. - No problem going through security. (only metal tip and top, rest is carbon).
Mini Swiss-army knife: No problem.
Stove: Experimented with hand-sanitizer, but that will not provide enough heat in real-world outdoor conditions. So went with gas cartridges. Fortunately there was a store near the trailhead that carried it. It's still a problem to be solved...
Thanks again for being entertaining and informative. I didn't see any comments on alcohol. For what it's worth, you can check the mini liquor bottles to minimize waste of bringing a whole bottle. They are plastic and tough and come in a variety of good brands. You often can't travel with partially used bottles, so you waste larger sizes, and they tend to be glass. If you fill our flask to take and they can't identify what is in it, TSA might make you pour it out. One other hint, Fiji water bottles beat Smart water in that they are tough and less likely to roll down hill in camp since they are square! Finally, we always leave any leftover fuel at our last campsite if there is some kind of shelter. I am not sure rangers would like that but it is a form of paying it forward.
Hiking pole protection - buy a pool noodle and cut to length and slit lengthwise. Then slip over poles. Very inexpensive protection. I pack mine in a baseball/softball bat bag that I purchased at a second hand sporting goods store. Also good for tent poles.
I was off to the Himalayas with my complete hiking kit last month when the Security Personnel at the New Delhi Airport stopped me for carrying two tungsten-tipped trekking poles in my cabin luggage. I had to take out my Lanshan 2 from my backpack and show them how it was useless without the poles! It took a visual demonstration to finally convince them that they could not be used as weapons in any way.
I recently used a piece of a garden hose to cover the sharp tips of my trekking poles - fits well, at least for the Black Diamond carbons.
Great breakdown of what is take on and what is check in.
I’ve made 3 flights putting my backpack in a laundry bag with no problems. Easy and cheap to get at the end of a hike at Walmart. You can get free shipping tubes from USPS which are great to put trekking poles and/or tent poles in to give a little extra protection inside the laundry bag.
This is the most informative video I've seen on flying with backpacking gear. Great info!
Hi Dixie, I’m taking a fishing trip to Arkansas to fish the White River. I need to pack my waders, rods, my flies and vest, but didn’t think about my life vest as it has a CO2 cartridge. I think I’ll ship some of my things ahead; thanks for the advice! Forgot to add that I’m flying from Seattle to Dallas where my daughter lives and she’s driving us to Arkansas. So I can ship to her house. Great advice, thanks again!
Food: many countries have import restrictions for food, e. g. you must not import any kind of meat into the US on an international flight. Similar for EU.
this is so helpful! I'm planning on going to Peru this summer and you answered so many of my questions! Thank you, Dixie!
Great details and reminders! At least several years ago pepper spray is illegal in New Zealand. I bought a beat up suitcase for food poles, etc. to NZ.
Having flown for years with expensive dive and photo gear, don’t have a good looking “Steal Me” bag. A common thing to do is get a very used surplus army duffel as an over bag and put laundry type items at the mouth, no one wants to steal dirty laundry. As for small liquid items like soaps etc., they can be had just about anywhere. Don’t be trying to save a few dollars on them when they could endanger the total cost of the trip. FYI, I have seen 10’s of thousands of dollars of dive and photo gear put into large coolers and duct taped closed and marked “Fresh Fish.”
Thank you for sharing these very helpful tips Dixie! It’s a need!
I go to goodwill and get a large well used roller suitcase for $15. I put brightly colored duct tape all over it. When I get to my destination I try to return it to a local goodwill donation place, or pawn it off on the shuttle driver (I’ve had good luck with that as they can pawn it off on someone else), or last resort, just leave it at your last resort.
Great info like always. Love the idea to take pics of gear so homeowners insurance could cover missing gear. Also liked making sure the duffle bag is marked somehow to help with identification.
When we were flying home from Isle Royale last summer, the agents at the small airport in Houghton, Michigan had us carry the mini bic lighter rather than check it thru. Everything else was checked in the backpack in the duffle like bag from ZPacks that becomes a pack liner for the backpacking trip.
Train, Amtrak, does not allow fuel canisters, technology. PS they never check. I'm a rule follower so I usually give mine away when I start my commute home from the trail. I contain my smelly gear ie. Water prof breathable jacket in a loc sac... because well it is really hard to get the trail stench out on the road. Thank you for another great video. Safe travels.
New Zealand is really picky about clean gear. They made me lift up my feet and shined a flashlight on all of the treads on my hiking shoes, to make sure they were clean. When I told him I had used my tent once previously, we had to open my pack and half set up my tent right there, so he could look inside and at the bottom to make sure no dirt or plant material was in it.
My 2 friends that arrived several days before me had the same things happen to them. This was about 6 years ago though, so I don't know if anything has changed since then.
It is a beautiful country. I really want to go back at some point(if they ever open back up).
yep, they are still picky. We went there in 2020. I made sure things were really clean. I had brand new (never worn outside) altra trail runners and I washed the tent and tent stakes before we went. Tent and hiking boots automatically triggered extra inspections. The inspector said they normally send tents to a special inspection (which was closed because we arrived on a late midnight flight) but since everything looked super clean he let it through. New Zealand was amazing. We had to cut our trip short because of Covid. I really want to go back.
My go to in my flying with backpack gear, was to buy a surplus army duffle bag. I’d rough it up a bit so it looked worn and crappy, put a hefty bag inside as a liner, then slid my kit in to it. Don’t know how many times I’d see people “insert cool brand name” duffles disappear because the bags screamed, “steal me”. As I got older and could afford to do this, I usually gave most of my gear to guides or people that could use an upgrade in their kit. Then I’d just use the duffle to take what I had left to go home with.
The (on a plane) had me rollin
First that thumbnail in GOLD! hahah
And secondly another option that wasn't mentioned in the video is to take a flight a day or so earlier and then go to REI or another store and purchase some of the more dangerous items there instead of going through the hassle of getting it through
Honestly best thumbnail I’ve seen on this topic
I didn't know about the option for mailing fuel canisters via ground shipping.... game changer for me!!!!
Seems like REI or some other national chain could offer a Ship-To service at a little kiosk "land side" in each airport. You ship your gear directly to them & it meets you at the airport.
Wow, this was thorough!
Many countries do NOT allow pepper-spray or bear-spray through customs. Canada is an example of this. Also, aresol bugsprays are not allowed, but pump and wipes are.
Definitely check out the TSA website in your plans. Do not be a faux freedom fighter. Follow the rules. Thank Goddess for the era of internal or frameless packs. External frame packs 1971-1982 were the bane of my backpacking life when I travelled by air alot. I lost two completely. In the era of mass cancellations and unexpected stay-overs, having a normal carry-on for urban and airport survival, like normal non-hiking life, is best. Pay for that extra bag. Second big tip is put ID tags in and outside of every bag. having one inside has saved me.
Alaska Airline with membership in Club 49 (Alaska Resident) allows for 2 free checked bags. Max weight 50 lbs. per bag. So I pack everything into two large cargo bags and pick them up at the destination. After 24 years, I've only had one occurrence of late arrival and the cargo bags were delivered to me the next day. I purchase fuel, inexpensive pads, vehicle tire repair and folding camp chairs at Walmart. After my trip, I just donate the chairs and excess to homeless or leave by Salvation Army.
Pay attention if you go abroad with food. For example, bringing meat from the USA to Europe is forbidden. It doesn't matter in which form the meat comes or how much it is. Almost every country / continent / economy protection zone has rules about that. Some accept processed food, some don't accept vegetables and meat at all and some offer a complex mix of rules and regulations regarding to food. Violating these rules can end up in a pretty high fine and the food will stay at the airport.
That thumbnail, tho. Had me cracking up
Thanks for the video. This is very timely since my husband and I are flying to camp in Yellowstone in June. I'll have to review this and take notes. :). We were just wondering how to pack everything. Now we know
I had an airline loose my gear a few years ago. I UPS my gear now. More expensive but I know it gets there.
Thank you, excellent video 👍
I literally laughed so hard when I saw the thumbnail x) thank you :D you're amazing and an inspiration
Thanks for covering this subject Dixie, often wondered about flying with some of the items you covered on this episode! Thanks for taking the time to share your ideas and experiences with the world 🐻🌱🌲🌳 Ps: loving the hair colours 👍🏽
Regardless of whether you are flying with backpacking gear or not, take all meds, toiletries, electronics, water filter, and at least one extra change of clothes in your carry-on. Next, get a large sized suitcase on wheels and pack your backpack, poles, tent - everything you are taking backpacking except fuel and carry-on items mentioned above - in the large suitcase. If you have somewhere to stash it when you get to your hiking destination, great. If you don't have anywhere to stash it, go to a Goodwill or Salvation Army store and buy a used one. You can probably get one for less than $20. I still use one I bought for $15 seven years ago. The outside of it was kind of scuffed up, but the inside was barely used and the wheels, rollers, handles, and zippers worked perfectly and they still do. Once you get to your destination, you have everything you need except fuel and maybe matches or a lighter. I've done this domestically and internationally and it works great.
Thank you Dixie!
If you don’t want to spend money on temporary bags for the check-in items, you can actually pack them in a paper box too. Easy to just throw away upon arrival. Carry-on weight and dimensions can be a problem if the flight is full. Usually I will wear everything heavy ie pants, boots, jacket, sometimes wearing few layers inside (T shirt and a shirt over it even the beanie with glove in pocket just to have less weight in the bag and then cinch down the bag to minimum. The layers can be removed once safely boarded. 😊
Thank you very helpful 👍😊
As always in response to your presentations, I'm so impressed by your preparation and composure. You have so evidently realised the difference between advocacy and recommendation, and your trustworthiness remains therefore untarnished.
Go gurl! I hope,you make it to New Zealand, in spite of Adern's megalomania.
I really appreciate all of your useful information about the whole hike scene period.
I've never even overnight backpacker and I'm planning on doing the AT as a NOBO in 2023. I've been buying gear for the last 1.5 yrs. Since I've been watching your videos.
Just one question. I'm turning 41 in May, are there alot of hikers around my age as well or are they mostly youngsters? Lol
You'll meet hikers from late teens to seniors in their 70 or even 80's. Any kind of people you would meet off trail, you'll meet on it. Just get outthere, do your own thing (hike your own hike), follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and embrace the good and the bad that will happen during your trail. 👍
Age of others on the AT would be or should be one of the least problems/worries you can encounter on the AT, unless you´re worried about that a 6 year old or 60 year old or a complete family of 8 peoples finishes it, before you do :-)
40 year old female here also hiking nobo in 2023. You are in good company sir. I will turn 41 on trail and can't think of a better way to kick my 30s to the curb and kick off my 40s.
Haha! Thanks for the funny graphic on the thumbnail. Good laugh to start my day😆
love your thumbnail. it's a bird it's a plain it's super Dixie
Having worked near airport baggage handlers for years and observed what I have--and maybe it was just some of them and not at all airports but nevertheless--I would trust the USPS with my pack *far* more than an airline. I'll end up trusting them for a bounce box full of gear and for resupply anyway.
Could you elaborate? For those of us considering USPS delivery a serious option
Very helpful video! My husband who works for an airline suggested making note of weight and size limitations for checked luggage as well to avoid extra fees.
Note to self. Road trip it to the trailheads. Thanks Dixie ❤
Yep, Dixie still rules!
I caught that too.
Removing the tips from trekking poles and bringing them seperatly usually works well.
Last summer, I drove from Alabama to Colorado with my son and his best friend. It was a graduation backpacking trip. No regrets. We had a great time.
Carry your water filter on board. Luggage compartments will be well below freezing except the one where the pet carriers are. No guarantees which one your bag will be in.
That I never did, but you might be right!
Thats not true. Although it is colder it is the same air, same pressure, not below freezing.
Good to know as I've had luggage come of the plane with frost on it.
I normally mail my stakes, poles, knife, etc to me at USPS General delivery or a hostel. Anything I would have to check. Then I just carry on everything else.
Before I read the (on a plane) I actually thought dixie was talking about literally flying😭😭😭. I aspire to be like you dixie, when I'm older
Lol. I didn’t even see it was Dixie because of the hilarious thumbnail 😂
Sooooo glad you specified “on a plane.” WHEW, that was close!
I've literally been thinking about this for the last two days and been too lazy to Google it thank you
very interesting thank you for sharing the video
Great advise thanks 🙏
Lmao at the thumbnail
I've done the car seat bag on multiple airlines without problem.
Dixie that thumbnail had me rolling 🤣
In my experience, I flew out of a non mountainous state with no problems with my trekking poles. But flying out of a state like Colorado, they are looking for it. TSA took mines and it joined the waist level pile of poles lol
Great thumbnail, Dixie!
Be aware the zpacks airline case went from $65 to $99 over the last month. I think it may have to do with dyneema price at the moment, either that or I was unknowingly looking at a massive sale price when it was $65 (and I never pulled the trigger)!
There's been all kinds of supply and inflation issues the last 2 years. It's very possible that the price just exploded. Being a buyer of anything in this market can be a challenge. You never know if it's going to be much more expensive later or if a price spike is just due to a temporary supply issue and will go back down soon.
It's ruff sometimes.
An ikea bag works exactly the same. Looks the same too lol
That thumbnail got me 🤣🤣
Hi Dixie! Long time fan. Always enjoy your vids, got a lot of good trail advice. Something I've been wanting to ask an "outdoors" person for awhile now. Why is it so common for hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing gear to still be sold unfinished? If that tarp's seams need sealing, or that firearm's feed ramp needs polishing, or that "waterproof material" backpack isn't really waterproof and needs a liner, or those shoes or gloves need silicone, oil, or wax, why isn't that handled before it left the factory? I understand a lot of this stuff derives from divisions of professions in the old days, but I would think pressure for customer service would push companies into the modern age. Are outdoors people more, or less, patsies on consumer matters than folks in other pursuits? I've heard hikers rhapsodize over the gear of some cottage companies with some pretty dang horrible customer service, or ignore the above-and-beyond of others that have been known to send out replacements or parts from a cell call from the trail and just trusted the hiker that the original would be returned. So what do you think, are hikers a tough consumer group? How much do the companies respond to protests? I know hyperlite enlarged their waistbelt pockets and zpacks added colors.
Amazing thumbnail !
I use the pack covers from REI as long as I have a hotel/hostel or rental care to store it in at the destination! Only downside is it advertises that there is hiking gear inside, but have never had any issues. Those pack covers are so darn tough! Just like my socks ;)
Thank you, planning my first out of state trip in the spring and was trying to figure out the rules and how TSA views hikers/backpacks.
yay!!! this is very helpful
I’ve used cardboard shipping boxes from Home Depot and U-Haul for my gear on three of my trips. To date I’ve had no problems… those boxes are pretty tough.
I've had my camping stove (which was very small and free of fuel) get caught at TSA security check and I had to toss it. I suggest packing this in your carry on. I was able to bring it to my trip, but it was the Portland Main TSA that stopped me from carrying it on, on my flight home.
Can't wait for Dixies First thu-Hike of the Galaxy with her NASA ultra light Rocket Backpack and Jet powered trecking poles
Osprey also now has the "Aircover" that works as a duffle or a raincover for your pack.
If you're afraid to lose your checked bag, an Airtag is wonderful!
Keep in mind that in the US when your on a non international flight your checked luggage may not fly with you. I had this happen to me coming home from Chicago. I contacted the desk and my bag was delivered to my house cost free the next day. If you're tight on time for starting your hike or don't have an address to send your gear to, this could be a problem. If you travel internationally this is not a concern because your luggage is required to fly with you.
I always carry-on my pack and check tent poles, stakes, knife, and hiking poles. I want my expensive gear in my custody. I usually fly Delta with free carry-on and free checked bag.
Lmao @ that thumb nail.
Regarding checking your backpack wrapped in trash bags: I tried that once and the airline had issues with it. The packed pack didn't have a handle and they were not able to attach the baggage tag. So I had to check it as bulky luggage.
Lol at the thumbnail
Also if you’re from the USA be careful with pepperspray if you’re going to hike in Europe. Cause it’s illegal in some European countries. Belgium for example doesn’t allow pepperspray.
Got my poles through TSA on a trip, but on the way back ended up having to purchase a last minute emergency check in to get them home. won't do that again. Now I just buy a check in.
There are collapsable duffel bag you can get at REI that you can mail back to yourself
Walmart tends to stock very large fuel canisters that are impractical for backpacking, but it varies. I’ve given up on them for fuel resupply for this.
hey dixie. my wife and i are canadian and have no social media, so it’s hard to know where to start when planning a thru hike of the AT. could you do a video on where to acquire the info to get started and how you plan?
That has to be the finest video thumbnail I've ever seen...
Dixie hello. I leave for the Camino in April. Did you check your backpack when you did this? What airline did you fly. I am fly ing Madrid and AA. Thanks
for sure your best thumbnail pic ever lol
Saw the title, first thought was oh god don't jump out of the plane it's not a parachute
The thumbnail cracks me uppppp😅