The green duffel bags I use are just the right size to pass for checked baggage. They are also big enough for me to get my toboggan into when it is rolled up. Once in the bag I can slacken the strap off so it fills one end and provides a tough shell that I can pack with more delicate stuff. It will still need padding but clothing and sleeping bags can be used for that.
Soft kit can be made less bulky with compression stuff bags but leave some smaller stuff loose to fill spaces between the bags and stop the harder stuff rattling around and damaging it’s self inside the packs.
Some items are obviously singular in nature but if you have duplicate kit such as two cooking pots, try to pack them in different bags. If one bag gets lost you may still have enough gear in the other one and your cabin baggage to continue your trip.
Foodstuffs are something that we need to consider. Generally we head straight to a local supermarket on arrival for provisions but it can be a big unknown. What will they have in stock? Will they be open? Will they still be open if the flight is delayed?
It might be worth having at least some provisions with you. I usually carry a days worth of food or two days if I’m arriving on a weekend.
If you are taking food that is not in it’s original packaging, label it carefully, preferably in the local language as well. You don’t want to have to be trying to explain what the brown powder in the ziplock bag is while they are pulling on their rubber gloves.
Availability of fuel for stoves could be an issue. Take a stove that runs on a variety of fuels if you can and have a backup plan such as being able to cook on an open fire if that is allowed. The wood gas stoves that I use now run on compressed wood pellets (think eco cat litter). If I have enough weight allowance left on my bag I will fill a ziplock bag with a days worth of pellets just in case. It’s not volatile so should not present a problem at the airport.
Fire lighters are usually a “no no” on flights though, but I have carried the type made from cardboard impregnated with wax and never had a problem because they do not look or smell like fire lighters. What I usually do though is take them out of the wrapper that says they are fire lighters.
I use them as extra packing between loose bits in my kit. As such they just look like packing and never attract any attention. Cotton make up removers dipped in wax work well too. I also make rubber bands out of old inner tubes. Not only are they great for keeping your kit together, in a pinch they make excellent waterproof fire lighters as well.
Last but not least, make sure all your paperwork, tickets and passports are easily accessible at the airport but keep them in a waterproof bag around the camp. I usually have a second set printed off that I keep in a different place just in case. Each of my bags will have a copy of my flight information, including my name and address, in the outer pocket as well, just in case they become separated from their baggage labels.
When you get to your destination airport, take some time to fill all your water containers with water before setting out. You might as well start a little bit ahead of the curve on your camp admin. You’ll have enough to do just with setting up on your first night.
These are just a few simple suggestions to make your trip run a little smoother. I’m sure there are many thing I’ve forgotten, or not even thought of, but I hope some of that is useful to you when packing for your trip.
Safe journey.
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