any suggestions on how I can take my 40l backpack as a plane carry-on?
obviously fill it up as much as a regular carry on size luggage?
tie-belts to compact the bag?
stuff-sack recommendation to put it in just in case I have to check it in?
Thanks!
40l travel backpacks are usually designed to fit in the carry on sizers (at least for US airlines = 22” x 14” x 9”). They also often have a way to stow the shoulder and hip straps if you have to check - say on a smaller commuter plane.
Hiking backpacks may exceed the dimensions, then it’s up to TSA and the gate agent if they let you carry on or not. Neatly packed and you might get through with a too-tall pack, but overstuffed is daring them to have you check the pack, and then a pack duffel or sack would be best.
So it depends on the pack, how full you packed it, and maybe how the airport staff are feeling that day…
I work in the airline industry. I’d get a stuff sack for it. Even strapping down all the dangly bits can still cause damage. If it’s in a stuff sack you don’t need to worry. I’m not sure where to get one that would fit a 40L though, lemme know if you find one cause I want one too
@Tatum
thank you for the info, if I have to check it in I’ll have a stuff sack. I’ll try to find one at REI. Thanks again!
Will it fit in the sizer basket thing with the frame? The common problem Ive seen isnt how stuffed or bulky the bag is but the frame itself is usually too tall/long
Lior said:
Will it fit in the sizer basket thing with the frame? The common problem Ive seen isnt how stuffed or bulky the bag is but the frame itself is usually too tall/long
I have a Hyperlite 40L Southwest, it does have 2 metal internal frames but not those large frames.
@Quinlan
I flew from the US to Chile and back on Delta with my Southwest as my carry on. Full camping gear for Torres Del Paine W hike. Tried to keep things out of the external stretch pockets for flights and not overpack in general. No issues whatsoever.
I use my REI 40L as a carry on quite often. I don’t stuff it full though. Just to carry the necessities. When not packed full I can fit it under the seat in front of me if needed. (We hike in different countries so I need my bag!).
If you’re going to check it, I’d say just get a sack for it. The airlines try their best I feel and sometimes my 55L comes out in a plastic bag or a crap ton of Saran Wrap!
I specifically bought my 40L Osprey tempest for travelling alone with my toddler. Now I have two kids and use it for day trips. Perfect size
As long as you pack it in a way that it fits the carry on dimensions you should be good.
Remington said:
As long as you pack it in a way that it fits the carry on dimensions you should be good.
yes, or make it small as my wife’s carry on.
Thanks!
I use a 40L pack as carryon quite often, but it was advertised as the right size. Never had any issues. I was never asked to prove it was the right size but I’d make sure it fits into the measuring thing.
I carried a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L bag for years on planes with zero issues.
I brought a 40L bag and it fit in the overhead compartment with no problems. My backpack had straps to compress it. And looking back I remember even though my backpack was 40L, it was more like 35L main compartment and 5L spread out in other pockets. No one gave me flack at all for it.
I do it from time to time.
You exercise some restraint. That 22" dimension is a real restriction for the airline. A lot of outdoors packs are longer packed out but not necessarily when you don’t fill them all the way. Haven’t had a problem so far…
I carry on my osprey stratos 44L all the time, must’ve flown at least 20 times with it. Never been stopped, has a solid frame that’s 74cm long(I think). No way it fits in the baskets but no one cares as long as it fits in the overheads