From: Dr. Bob Klein (drbob@troop111.org)
Date: Tue Feb 18 2003 - 02:22:14 CST
Correct on the small gym bag of carry-on item.
Enclosing backpacks is highly recommended to protect them from damage on
airport baggage handling systems. [DIA was particularly notorious for
eating backpacks during its first year of operation.] People have used
duffels, yes, but also boxes, seed bags, 50 gallon "contractor weight"
trash bags, or (more commonly) two trash-bags (top and bottom), secured
with a few wraps of duct tape.
It may be worth pointing out that the TSA may now require easy access to
inspect backpacks - certainly they are much more meticulous than the old
baggage screeners were. This would suggest that the
trash-bag-&-duct-tape routine may not be acceptable anymore. We use
large seed bags with a heavy-duty plastic tie that can be easily undone.
For an example, see:
http://www.troop111.org/philmont-2002/pix/Phil2002-002.jpg
Seed bags are also a lot easier and less bulky to store - just lay them
all flat on each other, then roll them tight, secure with a small piece
of rope or duct tape. Duffels are considerably more bulky.
For any "soft" enclosure, suggest also that you reverse and clip the
hipbelts shut, plus pull down tight shoulder straps and any other
similar straps. Also place all crushable items deep inside the pack -
not in any outside pocket.
Finally, although you can't see it in the picture, we mark each bag with
pieces of duct tape listing the owner's name and "To Colorado Springs"
as an extra measure of routing security.
- Dr. Bob
Trekrdon@aol.com wrote:
> I assume, based on previous experiences with flying with a backpack,
> that your backpack is put inside a dubble bag of some kind before being
> checked on the plane. I would then expect each trecker to bring a very
> small gym bag or carryon with atoiletries, camers, change of socks, etc.
>
> Is this about right? Or do you check your bags without putting them
> in a duffel?? At one airline about six years ago we were told they
> would not guarantee the safety of a backpack shipped with just its
> straps and waist belt wrapped around it so we wrapped the whole thing in
> duct tape before we checked it. I have checked snowshoes just held
> together with nylon wire ties before.
>
> At Philmont base camp then we would need to stuff our difffels (empty)
> in the storage boxe with our class As and travel bags. I would
> appreciate info if this is way off or if I am heading in the wrong
> direction..
> Don Hall
-------------------------------------------------------
Scouting E-mail Discussion Lists @ usscouts.org
Subscribe/Unsubscribe at http://usscouts.org/lists/
Listserv Commands at http://usscouts.org/lists/lc.asp
-------------------------------------------------------
Send listserv commands to: listserv@troop47.com
Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
List FAQ found at: http://usscouts.org/lists/faq.asp
List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.7 : Thu Mar 13 2003 - 10:37:48 CST
