Flying with Hiking Gear

After reading this blog, you should feel confident in travelling with your hiking gear on your upcoming trip. There are several factors to consider to ensure your luggage arrives safely and in one piece.

Requirements of specific items in a plane

Generally, items such as sleeping bags, clothes etc. may be packed in either checked or carry-on. Specific items listed below must be stored appropriately for a flight. For futher details, check your chosen airline’s policy on objects allowed.

• Required in carry-on

  • Lighter (typically one per person allowed)

  • Powerbank

  • Batteries

• Required in checked luggage

  • Tent (tent poles)

  • Sharp objects (knife)

  • Stove

  • Trekking poles

  • Liquids (greater than 100ml)

• Forbidden when flying

  • Gas canisters (recommended to buy after landing)

  • Drones (for some countries only!)

Safely transporting your large backpack

Seeing your damaged backpack trundle on the cconveyor belt is a sight no one wants to see. There are a few ways to make sure this doesn’t happen.

1. Protect your backpack with its raincover

   At a minimum, put the rain cover over your backpack before to check-in. The cover will act as a thin layer of protection against scratches, rips and other wear and tear.

2. Backpack transit cover

   Using a specialised transit cover will provide added protection to the backpack during transport. Note however, this will act as additional weight during your hiking trip.

   Transit covers exist in many shapes and sizes, make sure to buy a cover that fits your bag’s dimensions:

   Pro-tector

   Amazon

   Gap Year Travel Store

3. Tuck in all loose ends. Make sure no loose chords are sticking out, fasten all straps, and make sure no loose items are in the outer pockets of the bag.

4. Travel insurance

   Most standard travel insurance policies cover damage to luggage, including backpacks, under the "baggage and personal effects" section.

   Always check the single item limit, as cover for individual items is often capped at £200–£300 unless additional cover is purchased. Specialist or adventure equipment, such as hiking gear, may require specific additional cover — it is not always fully protected under a basic policy. Airlines must be your first point of claim: if your backpack is damaged, report it at the airport immediately and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

   Retain receipts and take clear photographs of any damage to support both airline and insurance claims. Review the policy excess: if your policy carries a high excess (for example, £100), smaller claims may not be financially worthwhile.

   Examples of insurance providers

   World Nomads (good for hiking, trekking; can add gear protection)

   True Traveller (popular with UK hikers; optional adventure gear cover)

   Campbell Irvine Direct (tailored for expeditions and trekking gear)

Pack size

If using only carry-on luggage, make sure your backpack adheres to airline policy. Below are some examples of European and North American carrier’s carry on policies (2025).

European carriers

North American carriers