Air Travel for Backpackers
In the aftermath of 9/11, many things have changed at your local airport, and many of these changes directly affect the traveling backpacker. As in the backcountry, it is essential to know what you are up against when traveling in order to save time, money and hassle.Some of a typical backpacker's gear looks mighty suspicious when being scanned by an x-ray machine. Your average security guard, who has never seen a simmerlite, might mistake your stove for some Russian made land mine. In other words, half of your gear looks suspect, so expect to have your bags searched! I take two bags. The first bag consists of my fully packed backpack minus anything metal, stuffed in a duffel. The second bag is filled with my stove, cookset, headlamp, gps, camera, knife, trekking poles, etc. Anything that remotely could look threatening through an x-ray machine goes in this bag. If they need to search, all your suspect gear is in one place, and you will get through the process much quicker and with much less hassle.
Another thing to consider when traveling is your camera film. X-rays will damage high speed film, and supposedly leave any film under 800 untouched. I have noticed a slight difference in my film and won't subject it to the airport x-ray machines again. Buy your film at your destination and bring a self addressed stamped envelope with you. Before you leave, mail yourself the undeveloped pictures and now there will be no doubt as to the photos' integrity.
In addition, always remember that butane or cannister stoves have no place on an airplane. Be sure to buy your fuel at your destination. For those of you using isobutane, try this. I noticed on a recent trip to Colorado that the local town had a "free stuff" bin. The bin consisted of old clothes, maps, and other backcountry related things. I simply put my unused fuel in the bin so someone else could use it without having to shell out $5 for a new one.
Lastly, try to bring enough bare essential gear with you in your carry on. If the airline loses your gear, at least you'll have the bare essentails to go back packing with. I try to have an set of clothes, fleece, iodine, nalgene bottle, map, hip-pack, poncho, knife and lighter in my travel pack. Hopefully, if you are prepared, your trip won't be ruined by a luggage mishap.
Finally, have fun, and stay safe, and know that all this hassle is a necessary precaution in order to keep you safe.