Backpackers and air travel

Air travel was simpler for backpackers prior to 9/11. We have seen numerous changes at all the US airports since 9/11 and many of these changes have affected the backpacking traveler.

The fact that many components of a backpacker’s gear appear highly suspicious when x-rayed contributes greatly to the backpacker’s plight. The stove may be mistaken to be a land mine ready to blow away the airplane. In short, since most of a backpacker’s gear looks suspicious, their bags are always going to be searched.

It is advisable that a backpacker takes two bags during air travel. He can stuff the first bag with his completely packed backpack. He should not pack any metallic object in that one. He can then stuff the second bag with things like his headlamp, camera, knife, stove, GPS, cook-set and trekking poles. Any object that can appear even remotely dangerous under an x-ray should be packed in that bag. If the security personnel at the airport decide to search, you can be done with it quickly and with minimum hassle, all your suspicious gear being in one place.

A traveling backpacker should also remember that canister stoves are prohibited on an airplane. Fuel also needs to be bought after reaching the destination only.