
- Have you ever exploded your duffel bags at the airport after realizing your carefully-packed bag is over the 50 lb limit? Pack using a small hand-held luggage scale, so you can rest assured you won’t be over-charged for heavy bags.
- Still nervous of being overweight? Keep one small, dense, “carry-on legal” item on top of your checked bag that you can quickly pull out and carry on to save weight if needed. (Examples: a hiking boot packed full of socks and underwear, or a bunch of carabiners).
- For any sharp items (i.e. trekking poles, crampons) use some old cardboard and duct tape to make protective coverings for the points. It takes only a few minutes, and reduces the chance of punctures in your luggage (or your favorite puffy jacket).
- Get an Airporter bag and check your backpack. This lightweight bag allows you to use your backpacking pack as a checked bag, but protects the straps and buckles. Simply zip this bag around your backpack before checking it, and you’re good to go!
- If flying with skis, pack your ski jacket and pants around skis in a ski bag. It adds some much-needed padding to your expensive equipment, and saves weight/space in your duffel!
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