Backpack Protection in Luggage

[memusic2002]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

 

[J Willhaus]

Ikea Frakta zipper bag? We use them for other things like camping or fishing gear, but should work for a backpack if you are planning on checking it.

 

[memusic2002]

Thank you. I saw that online but wasn't sure how secure the straps are when it goes through the airline handlers. Was afraid my tag might rip off. Do you use any tape around if just throw the backpack in it and hand it the airline. Flying from USA to Biarritz. Seems like it meets the airline dimension requirements for checked bags and should be able to fold up in the pack for return home and the dimensions seem like it will fit the Osprey Kestrel 36 just right. Thanks

 

[J Willhaus]

Some people wrap them in plastic, but I am not a single use plastics fan. These Frakta bags are pretty bombproof and you can use them again or give them away. They make an awesome laundry bag or storage bag. I have just checked my backpack for a couple of short haul trips with a couple of duct tape wraps--no bag.

 

[trecile]

Why not carry your backpack on the plane? If you have items that won't be accepted in a carry-on like a knife or poles, then you can check them in in a small bag.

 

[memusic2002]

Why not carry your backpack on the plane? If you have items that won't be accepted in a carry-on like a knife or poles, then you can check them in in a small bag.

Nor sure if it will make the carry on dimensions. I'll have to see. Think I am just over

 

[C clearly]

Nor sure if it will make the carry on dimensions. I'll have to see. Think I am just over

The dimensions quoted by the manufacturer are usually for a fully-packed backpack, including the top part. I suspect that if you leave the top pocket empty, yours will fit within the requirements. Only the length of the long stiff part of the frame is important, and it is likely shorter than the limit.

As @trecile says, send as check luggage, a small bag (or cardboard box) separately with a few items that could easily be replaced. This makes far more sense to me that buying another bag to carry your bag, and then carrying both for 800 km.

When I have had to check a back pack, I have simply tied up the floppy straps and sent it onto the carrousel uncovered. Nowadays, there is usually a tray for such items, so they are not so likely to get caught up. So far, so good.

 

[memusic2002]

The dimensions quoted by the manufacturer are usually for a fully-packed backpack, including the top part. I suspect that if you leave the top pocket empty, yours will fit within the requirements. Only the length of the long stiff part of the frame is important, and it is likely shorter than the limit.

As @trecile says, send as check luggage, a small bag (or cardboard box) separately with a few items that could easily be replaced. This makes far more sense to me that buying another bag to carry your bag, and then carrying both for 800 km.

When I have had to check a back pack, I have simply tied up the floppy straps and sent it onto the carrousel uncovered. Nowadays, there is usually a tray for such items, so they are not so likely to get caught up. So far, so good.

Thanks

 

[J Willhaus]

I don't know which airline you are taking, but from the US we've always been able to take our packs as a carry on. I know that pilgrims from other parts of the world do have to check their packs as part of luggage.

 

[dick bird]

If you check your bag, especially if it is in some kind of cover, attach a baggage label with flight number, destination, date and contact details to both the cover and the backpack. The barcode labels they use at the check-in desk are designed for suitcases and can easily fall off or come unstuck from covers. Then if your bag does go astray it can be find and returned to you quickly and easily.

 

[Former member 92300]

If your bag fits dimension wise - you could always do carry on (unless bringing items prohibited in Carry On. Another solution is to get your bag wrapped at the airport. I usually carry on my bag on the way to my destination - but I often check on the return home (not worried if it gets lost or delayed on the way home). If I have a backpack in which the straps can't be secured - then I have paid a small fee to have it wrapped (like saran wrap) before I check it in. They do an excellent job of ensuring all straps are secure, and even did some extra wrapping to secure poles and an umbrella which were outside of my bag.

 

[Kanga]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

Might this not be small enough to carry on? I have a Gregory Jade 38 and if I pull all the straps tight it becomes carry-on legal.

 

[williamlittig]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

I bought a roller-duffle at a local thrift store. It's heavy cordera and the only problem is you can't just leave it anywhere without creating a bomb scare.

 

[GDC]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/paerkla-storage-case-50395382/ they do various sizes and thickness

I bought a roller-duffle at a local thrift store. It's heavy cordera and the only problem is you can't just leave it anywhere without creating a bomb scare.

 

[JZA]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for an Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

I use an ikea laundry mesh bag and some cord to tie it up. Works a treat. I use the same cord as a washing line and a “belt” for my poncho if it’s windy. The mesh bag is very lightweight and packs down to nothing.
The cord also acts as a handhold for the baggage handlers which is a good thing.

 

[Graham Skinner]

Thank you. I saw that online but wasn't sure how secure the straps are when it goes through the airline handlers. Was afraid my tag might rip off. Do you use any tape around if just throw the backpack in it and hand it the airline. Flying from USA to Biarritz. Seems like it meets the airline dimension requirements for checked bags and should be able to fold up in the pack for return home and the dimensions seem like it will fit the Osprey Kestrel 36 just right. Thanks

I have the Kestrel 36 and it fits easily enough into the Ikea holdall with room to spare. I have a couple of extra straps just in case heavy handed handlers damage the holdall straps.

 

[darealdeal77]

I personally never tried the Osprey small travel bag protector, but I have 4 sizes of Osprey backpacks from 32-65L, and have used the medium and large travel bags on several trips including Camino in 2014. I was able to wrap my trekking poles in bubble wrap and cardboard and placed them inside the Osprey travel bag together with my boots! I traveled with my TEVA sandals. Love how easy is to carry the bag with a shoulder strap, and easy to store away! Like I said I don’t know much about the small or if perhaps Osprey uses the medium for small bags. I also think the IKEA bag is a great alternative, I didn’t think of that in 2014. Hope this helps! BUEN CAMINO

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Why not carry your backpack on the plane? If you have items that won't be accepted in a carry-on like a knife or poles, then you can check them in in a small bag.

Hmmm.... a well-meaning friend gave me a nylon bag made for carrying trekking poles and I simply have not known what to do with it... It's kind of like those yoga mat bags one seems people with, but much more narrow.

Because I like to have my poles from home, I always check my bag (avoid layovers, etc). But this "pole bag" is not rigid... I think my poles could be bent if I were to send them checked in that way. -- and if I'm going to check things in, I might was well check my whole pack rather than haul it around an airport...?

BUT... what do you think? Is a rigid container for poles a must if they are not protected in the interior of a pack?

I only check bags when I have direct flights, but I could see how separating my pack from those things that TSA requires to be in the hold would free me up to take connecting flights (except for how much I'd hate to lose my poles anyway).

Thoughts on the soft bag?

Experience with layovers and pole check-in?

I do have AirTags... so eventually my poles would get back to me, but a trip could be messed up without them arriving with me.

I have a conference in France this late spring... and I was thinking I'd use the opportunity to walk some piece of a way of St. James from *somewhere*, preferably with a strong medieval hospital network history.

So maybe *maybe* the soft bag has a purpose for getting my poles over and keeping my pack with me.

 

[J Willhaus]

We have poles that fold up with shock cords and fit in a little nylon and mesh bag from Black Diamond. They have gone with us as checked luggage in a fold up nylon bag. If yours are the longer ridget kind or made of carbon fiber it is probably best to have a cardboard container for support that can be recycled at your destination.

 

[BobY333]

I carried my pack on for the trip to the Camino from the US (Gregory Zulu 40). I carried the IKEA bag in the bottom of my pack. It weighs next to nothing. Then, I used the bag to check my pack (with poles) for the return journey. Worked perfectly. Buen Camino!

 

[ScorpioGirl22]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

Are you planning on carrying all your camino stuff all the way everyday?
Or, are you planning on using a luggage transport service so you only have to carry those things essential for one day's walk at a time?

 

[Sharonih]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.

As I did carry on with my pack I had no need for protection. I just had to make sure was that was my pack was not bigger than the airlines carry on requirements.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

We have poles that fold up with shock cords and fit in a little nylon and mesh bag from Black Diamond. They have gone with us as checked luggage in a fold up nylon bag. If yours are the longer ridget kind or made of carbon fiber it is probably best to have a cardboard container for support that can be recycled at your destination.

Sounds like we have the same poles... and it sounds like you would not ship them without the surrounding protection of the rest of your packs.
As I use my poles almost daily, I think I will find a place to donate the nylon bag. It would only be "extra weight" for me in cargo and on the trail.
Thanks for letting me know how you use yours! (To keep my poles from poking or dirtying my stuff in the pack for transit, I wrap the tips with a small piece of cloth and an elastic band, so that literally covers that concern).
Cheers!

 

[Kazauld]

I used a big zippered laundry bag as I wanted to take my treking poles as not sure I would have time to buy in portugal when I arrived, gave bag to first person who wanted it.

 

[jill___a]

Thank you. I saw that online but wasn't sure how secure the straps are when it goes through the airline handlers. Was afraid my tag might rip off. Do you use any tape around if just throw the backpack in it and hand it the airline. Flying from USA to Biarritz. Seems like it meets the airline dimension requirements for checked bags and should be able to fold up in the pack for return home and the dimensions seem like it will fit the Osprey Kestrel 36 just right. Thanks

If you’re worried about the tag, write your info directly on the IKEA bag with a fat Sharpie.

 

[Kev&Kath]

Ikea Frakta zipper bag? We use them for other things like camping or fishing gear, but should work for a backpack if you are planning on checking it.

Hopefully, a good solution. I picked up a couple of these to check backpacks for an upcoming Camino. Direct flight ATL to MAD, so not overly concerned packs will end up in Timbuktu! Normally, I wouldn't think of checking the backpacks; however, on our last flight back from Spain we routed via JFK. Packs were fine on the overseas leg, but a smaller aircraft (with tiny overhead bins) on the leg from JFK to ATL caused some real 'space' issues. We were very lucky as the folk sitting behind us had no luggage to store overhead.

 

[Katherine Radeka]

We used these duffel bags from REI which are designed to solve this exact problem. We forwarded them on to Santiago, in a box with other useful things for the trip home, before we left.

REI Co-op Pack Duffel Bag | REI Co-op

The REI Co-op Pack duffel bag encloses your backpack or child carrier for protection from rough handling during air, train and auto travel.

www.rei.com

 

[bergmannfamily]

Does your airline provide plastic bags for backpacks? As a Canadian, both Air Canada and WestJet provide heavy mil plastic bags to put your pack in. In 45 years of wandering the earth I have never had backpack damage from the airline. They are durable enough to use for a number of flights.

 

[Lleslie]

When checking our packs we place the pack cover on 'backwards' ie encasing the straps and secure with a couple of ties around the whole bag.

 

[JZA]

Hmmm.... a well-meaning friend gave me a nylon bag made for carrying trekking poles and I simply have not known what to do with it... It's kind of like those yoga mat bags one seems people with, but much more narrow.

Because I like to have my poles from home, I always check my bag (avoid layovers, etc). But this "pole bag" is not rigid... I think my poles could be bent if I were to send them checked in that way. -- and if I'm going to check things in, I might was well check my whole pack rather than haul it around an airport...?

BUT... what do you think? Is a rigid container for poles a must if they are not protected in the interior of a pack?

I only check bags when I have direct flights, but I could see how separating my pack from those things that TSA requires to be in the hold would free me up to take connecting flights (except for how much I'd hate to lose my poles anyway).

Thoughts on the soft bag?

Experience with layovers and pole check-in?

I do have AirTags... so eventually my poles would get back to me, but a trip could be messed up without them arriving with me.

I have a conference in France this late spring... and I was thinking I'd use the opportunity to walk some piece of a way of St. James from *somewhere*, preferably with a strong medieval hospital network history.

So maybe *maybe* the soft bag has a purpose for getting my poles over and keeping my pack with me.

I disassemble my poles before packing in my rucksack. This makes them shorter so I can have some padding (clothing and a towel) over the ends. Bags get bounced around a lot when travelling by air so I do what I can to protect them. Not sure what help a “yoga bag” would be. I have the one my poles came in but have never used it, and it would be dead weight on the walk.

 

[Yoyo]

I used the IKEA Frakta bag on the trip to Portugal and gave it away at my Porto Hostel. The receptionist was quite happy to receive it.
For the way home, I bought a simple raffia bag for under 1€ in a hardware store in Santiago, put it over the backpack, made a cut for the handle and taped it closed at the bottom.

 

[Anhalter]

Theoretically, if you got more patience than i do, you can wrap your pack with saran wrap for some added protection. So you don't have to carry that cover for the camino.
Maybe not the most enviromentally concious option, but then, neither is flying.

 

[roddy]

Any recommendations for a good inexpensive reliable cover for a Osprey Kestrel 36 backpack for air travel. I read that the Small Osprey protector is very loose. Any other ideas would be helpful or I will likely just get the Osprey and have some extra room. Thank you.







Hi I used the Osprey airporter bag for my 36 litre pack,which folds down small enough to fit in rour backpack after use.

 

[katkins_in]

If your bag fits dimension wise - you could always do carry on (unless bringing items prohibited in Carry On. Another solution is to get your bag wrapped at the airport. I usually carry on my bag on the way to my destination - but I often check on the return home (not worried if it gets lost or delayed on the way home). If I have a backpack in which the straps can't be secured - then I have paid a small fee to have it wrapped (like saran wrap) before I check it in. They do an excellent job of ensuring all straps are secure, and even did some extra wrapping to secure poles and an umbrella which were outside of my bag.

Who provides this wrapping service? The airlines? Some sort of kiosk?

Thanks!

Kevin

 

[henrythedog]

Who provides this wrapping service? The airlines? Some sort of kiosk?

Thanks!

Kevin

Yes, some sort of kiosk. Walk in with a rucksack, they’ll find you.

 

[J Willhaus]

Ok, you won't find one in any of the smaller airports in the US. Maybe a bigger international airport.

 

[BobY333]

Thank you. I saw that online but wasn't sure how secure the straps are when it goes through the airline handlers. Was afraid my tag might rip off. Do you use any tape around if just throw the backpack in it and hand it the airline. Flying from USA to Biarritz. Seems like it meets the airline dimension requirements for checked bags and should be able to fold up in the pack for return home and the dimensions seem like it will fit the Osprey Kestrel 36 just right. Thanks

FYI - just used/checked-in the generic equivalent of the IKEA bag on a LAX-SFO-NYC flight. No issues at all with the bag handlers. I think this bag is the simplest and most straightforward approach.

 

[CWBuff]

I used Foldable Duffel Bag 30" / 75L Lightweight with Water Resistant for Travel
not only it took my Gregory Zulu 35L and the poles, but wound up being my "transfer-ahead" piece through all Frances and Finisterre (not what was planned initially - see below); then traveled to Madrid and nicely got checked-in with backpack & poles again.
I was more than impressed - very sturdy, waterproof (at least in my case nothing got wet inside and I did hit about 10 days of rain in Galicia....granted it did traveled in a closed van.... unlike me...)
In any case it is foldable to a small pouch, which was the initial thought to simply convert it back to that after getting it back from airline and drop to the bottom of backpack for the duration.

Good luck with your quest and Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 92300]

Who provides this wrapping service? The airlines? Some sort of kiosk?

Thanks!

Kevin

Yes - it is a kiosk. If you can wrap at home before departure - you can do it for cheaper probably. But usually when I need to wrap a bag to check it, it is for the return flight home. Can't remember how much it costs. But convenient so I don't have to lug around a duffle bag or something or buy one at the last minute to check my backpack.

 

[annmte]

Yes - it is a kiosk. If you can wrap at home before departure - you can do it for cheaper probably. But usually when I need to wrap a bag to check it, it is for the return flight home. Can't remember how much it costs. But convenient so I don't have to lug around a duffle bag or something or buy one at the last minute to check my backpack.

So there is one in Madrid airport? Anybody remember where and/or approximate cost? Does sound convenient!

 

[Former member 92300]

So there is one in Madrid airport? Anybody remember where and/or approximate cost? Does sound convenient!

Yes - I definitely had my bag wrapped in Madrid. Somewhere near the check in desks before you check in and check your luggage. I even had my poles and umbrella sticking out of a pocket on the outside of the bag. They wrapped it really well and created a handle for me to carry the bag to the check in counter and after picking it up at baggage claim.

 

[annmte]

Thanks, that’s great to know about!