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Question for Experienced Backpackers

E

Edge17

Senior member
I'm flying around a lot in the next few months, and not necessarily staying in the same location for more than a few days. As such, I want to avoid unnecessary risks, such as the airlines losing my bag if I check it in.

Because of this, carrying on my one bag seems like a better idea. I had intended on getting a good backpacking type of bag with an internal frame. Turns out some of the bags are relatively tall, and I'm a bit worried that the airlines may not let me carry on and tell me to check it in. Anyone have any experience with traveling with these large backpacking bags? Did you have to check it in, or were you able to carry on?

-Edge
 
I don't have a lot of backpacking experience, but I fly so often that I have a good idea of what they'll let on a carry-on. Most of your smaller internal frame bags should be fun, I have a duffel with wheels and a pull-out handle that probably sits around 23-24" (just about the size of the smaller backpacking bags I've seen) and I've never been denied it as a carry-on. Worst case scenario, it's a small plane and your bag goes into a separate hold for everyone's carry-on bags.

That said...I could be wrong. 😉
 
Get a smaller backpack. There are some travel bags that are absolutely huge, and you don't need them. Buy a bag 20% smaller than you think you need and you'll find a way to make it work. A friend of mine took a bag that was small even for school standards and lived in Vietnam out of it for 2 weeks, and to be honest I think we had a similar living standard even though my bag was a mid-sized travel pack.

With that said, if most of what you are carrying is clothing or other inexpensive items, just pack that crap in one bag and check it in all you want and keep valuables in a normal backpack. Also airlines are generally fine with baggage and I wouldn't be overly concerned about it to begin with, a good travel pack can cost over $200.
 
I backpack. There is no way in hell that you will be able to carry on a normal sized 3+ day backpacking backpack. No way. I have one (Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone) and I always have to check it in. If you go any smaller, you're looking at only a daypack or at most two days. Unless you're one of those ultra ultralighters who uses a pop can stove, sleeps under a single tarp, has a sleeping bag the size of a Nalgene bottle, DOESN'T carry a bear canister, etc.
 
You'd be better off with travel luggage specifically made to carry-on dimensions.
 
Best bet is a "backpacking" backpack and a daypack. Some companies make 2-in-1 backpacks with a detachable daypack ... I had a couple friends use those the last time we went to Europe, and they seemed to work well, so that might be an option for you.
 
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