What is the best way to get my external-frame backpack to Alaska by airplane so that it arrives undamaged?

Steve Lindeman

Expert Answer:

Some airlines nowadays put external frame packs in plastic tubs that help prevent damage, but you can't be certain they'll do this at both ends of the flight. The consequences of damage are too high to take even a small risk. Here are some ideas:

Roll the pack in a big piece of cardboard if you can get the cardboard to the airport. The cardboard piece should be wide enough to extend about 6 inches beyond each end of the pack. It should be long enough to wrap around and overlap to form double or even triple thickness on the frame side. Tie with thin rope in a standard parcel-tying cross-shaped pattern. This should pull the center of the ends closed, while leaving"ears" sticking up at the corners to act as protection for the vulnerable frame ends. Household appliance (fridge, etc,) stores are good places to get big pieces of cardboard, and you can fold it before use. A less cumbersome method is to fold a piece of cardboard into a piece that's about 4 inches bigger all around than the frame (fold one piece into three, do NOT cut three separate pieces). Attach it firmly to the frame side using the shoulder straps through holes in the cardboard. As long as you can solidly fix the frame centrally on the cardboard, it will be protected from the corner impacts (the most damaging). You may need to make pairs of holes and lash the frame to the cardboard at several points with pieces of cord. This method even lets you carry the pack a short distance using the shoulder straps.

Another method is to take the heavy bag off the frame, and send bag and frame as separate pieces if your baggage allowance permits. Without the weight of the bag, the frame has less momentum and is less prone to damage when it hits things. However, it's still worth wrapping the frame in cardboard to minimize damage when it is impacted by other objects. Airline check-ins usually have big plastic bags to put the pack in and keep the straps from jamming in the conveyor belts.