Flying with backpacking gear

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel. –Yogi Berra

Updated for 2025.

Summary –

• When in doubt, check the TSA rules first.
• Airlines can be even stricter about stoves, so be sure to review their policies before you fly. A brand-new stove, shipping it ahead, or simply going stoveless are all workable options.
• Don’t pack fuel! Buy fuel at the destination.
• Over the years, I’ve found that packing everything into an oversized laundry bag is the easiest, most cost-efficient way to pack; it is easy to stash or leave behind when you’re done.

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A persistent question on backpacking forums is How do I pack my gear for flying?

It’s easy to see why—it can feel like a logistical headache with ever-changing security rules and extra scrutiny.

Here’s what has worked for me, along with a few caveats for traveling by plane, bus, or train.

Waka! Waka! The original source of meme unknown.

Note: As of Sept 2025, this info is accurate, but rules can change. When in doubt, contact the airline or agency for the most up-to-date information. Remember, the person you’re dealing with often has the final say, even if they don’t fully understand the regulations, unless you escalate the issue to a supervisor. Ask yourself if it’s worth the time, stress, or cost of a delayed trip. I’ve found it’s usually best to stay conservative and keep things “under the radar.” YMMV.
Packing gear for flying

Although the TSA website has an extensive list of dos and don’ts, navigating all those regulations can be daunting. Individual airlines can be even stricter—camp stoves, for example, often get extra scrutiny. (And you can’t fly with fuel either!)

The TSA also has this caveat on its website:

Translation: if a TSA agent isn’t familiar with every rule, or just wants to play it safe, they can still confiscate your item. And do you really want to risk a delayed flight, arguing with them?

So, yes, a bit daunting.

Some enterprising folks mail their gear ahead—either to a local post office or the hotel where they’ll be staying. It can be a solid option, but not always practical, depending on your timing and itinerary. For international trips, customs can add delays, and you’ll be without that gear while it’s in transit.

And keep in mind: sometimes shipping costs more than the gear itself.

So what to do?

Esp if you are on a thru-hike and not using a rental car, I find the easiest method for me is to buy a large stuff sack or laundry bag.

My ULA pack with shoulder season gear all packed.

An inexpensive duffle bag from the surplus store, TJ Maxx, Wally World, or Amazon, also works well.

A duffel helps protect your gear and makes it less tempting to would-be thieves than an obvious backpack stuffed with equipment. When I reach my destination, especially if I used a cheap laundry bag, I usually give it away.

Renting a car? That same bag works perfectly for the return leg of the trip.

I never gave away this kit bag. This increasingly beat-up kit bag is in the back of our dust-filled truck bed.

Carry-on items:

I use my ULA CDT as a carry-on and pack travel-size toiletries, shelter, quilt, permits, maps, clothing, a camera, and related electronics inside.’

If I’m taking a larger pack, such as for shoulder season or cold weather gear, it goes in my laundry duffle above. I may keep the items above in a stuff sack I’ll use on the trip anyway.

Important: Lithium-battery electronics can’t be checked per TSA rules—so your inReach, Anker power bank, camera batteries, and similar devices must go in your carry-on (which is where you’d want them anyway!).

Checked luggage:

I pack my hiking poles, stove, and cook kit (if I’m bringing it), pad, pocketknife, P-51 can opener, tent stakes, and trowel, in the duffel.

If I’m taking our two-person tent, I play it safe and stash the tent poles in the duffel as well. The TSA technically prohibits tent poles, and, as mentioned above, it often comes down to the individual agent’s discretion.

TSA and airline caveats:

• Lighters are allowed in carry-on luggage, but individual agents or even airlines may interpret the rule differently. It’s far easier to buy a lighter at your destination. A quick couple of bucks beats potential hassles.

• Stoves and fuel bottles are typically the biggest headaches when flying. Technically, stoves are allowed in checked or carry-on bags, according to the TSA. Here’s what they say:

However…What does the TSA consider detectable residue?!?! Depends on the TSA agent!

An alcohol stove doesn’t even look like a traditional camp stove, and any leftover fuel evaporates quickly. A white-gas or isobutane stove, on the other hand, is unmistakable—and a cautious TSA agent might “happen” to smell residue.

As mentioned earlier, many airlines have stricter rules and may prohibit used stoves altogether. Policies vary by carrier, so it’s always best to check in advance.

What to do for camp stoves when flying?

• Go stoveless.

• Pack an alcohol stove if conditions and local regulations permit.

• Ship your stove ahead.

  • If you have a pricey model (Jetboil, MSR WindPro, etc.) and don’t want to buy another, shipping is often the best option.

  • Remember, you’ll need to ship it back afterward, so you might as well ship any other gear you planned to check.

• Buy a brand-new stove, keep it in the box, and pack it.

  • When the trip’s over, ship it home and sell it on eBay (hat tip to Karin for that idea).

• Buy a stove at your destination.

  • Ship it back or donate it when you’re done.

• Pick up a cheap stove, keep it in the original box, and give it away at the end of the trip.

  • A minor weight penalty, but often worth the simpler logistics.

Please don’t pack a cast-iron wood stove.

Fuel

Do not pack white gas or fuel canisters, as TSA forbids them. Alcohol can be iffy, depending on the agent or airline. Plan to buy fuel upon landing. Canisters may be scarce in remote areas, so research ahead; however, most metro areas and outdoor hubs typically have them.

Ship it ahead by ground if traveling domestically, as another option, but be aware of potential delays and paperwork, as some postal clerks may not be familiar with the legal requirements.

Bear Spray

You cannot fly with bear spray. (Fun fact: Colorado Costcos sell it even though the state only has black bears!)

If you want to carry bear spray for your trip:

• Buy at your destination. Alaska, Montana, British Columbia, and similar areas all have local retailers.

• Order online for delivery to your destination. Let Amazon or another retailer handle the shipping regs, and confirm with the recipient that they’ll accept the package.

Traveling by bus or train?

• 

  Wait? What? Amtrak has buses?!?! I am so confused!!! From Amtrak

  Traveling by bus or train is far simpler than flying—no long security lines, fewer hoops to jump through, and generally more relaxed policies. The trade-off? It takes longer and isn’t always as convenient. And those long bus rides can be…let’s just say “interesting.”

  Greyhound and Amtrak have similar rules, with fewer headaches overall. (Amtrak does require knives to be sheathed in checked luggage.) The basics are much the same as air travel, such as carry-on vs. checked, and no fuel or bear spray, but without airline-specific quirks or an TSA agent interpretations.

  The biggest difference? It’s much easier to pack a stove or an empty fuel bottle in checked luggage than when flying.

• Foreign Travel

Hey, social medicine, affordable education, and charming leaders in recent years are exotic! 😀

Countries outside of the US will have different policies. So, research for your country of destination or departure. Canada, for example, has (from what I can tell) identical Greyhound rules. But defers to the airlines for camp stoves and otherwise has the same policies as the US.
Overall summary for traveling:

Quotation from the legendary sage and philosopher Yogi Berra

With some planning and a willingness to part with a duffel bag or ship ahead some items, packing gear for traveling when not using a car does not have to be difficult.

My go-to move is a cheap “one-and-done” oversized laundry bag, duffel or large gym bag. All inexpensive options that protect your gear, don’t scream “backpacker,” and are easy to haul, whether you’re on a bus, train, or plane.

If you’re renting a car at your destination, hang on to the bag and use it for the flight home.

Additionally:

• Check your stove, tent poles, stakes, hiking poles, knife, or anything sharp or pointy.
  • Remember the stove caveats for flying as detailed above
• Carry on your electronics, travel-sized toiletries, clothing, and any paperwork-type items.
  • A lighter is probably OK for flying; it’s better to buy one when you arrive.

• Fuel of any sort is prohibited. Buy on location or send via USPS ground shipping.

• Bear spray is not kosher, be it by plane, train, or bus. Buy on location (easiest) or ship ahead commercially

• Happy traveling to your happy trails!

This song has absolutely nothing to do with any travel I intend to do. But it is an excellent version of a classic sea shanty about traveling to Spain. Give it a listen!