Gear checked as baggage?

[Petey]

I was wondering if anybody could give me a little advice on bringing my large (bad lands 4500) pack to AK? I looked on the Alaska Airlines website and found that it would cost me at least $50 each way to bring as checked baggage ie if it is not over weight or exceeds measurment standards. Would it be cheaper to just buy a pack frame in Kodiak (if available)and leave with family in AK or maybe even send it and gear UPS or USPS? I am hunting brown bear on the east side of Afognak and I only plan on hauling the hide and skull. I have never flew out of state with all my hunting equipment. Do I need to worry about damage to items in back packs checked as baggage. Any of you Kodiak residents know of a place that sells a good, reasonably priced pack frame if I was to go that route? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

 

[Dinkshooter]

USPS or UPS to Alaska is about the same as the luggage cost. Every time I fly the luggage sytems always breaks or tears something of mine. The contents are always fine but the bow case or luggage gets destroyed. I have a 6500 bag I fill and then put inside one of these. Not a cheap alternative but the damage is then done only to the outside bag, and gives me a easy peaceful feeling.

http://www.bigfootbag.com/bigfoot-gear.php

 

[the nikster]

I use my pack as carry on. I place another, smaller bag inside with my 'actual' carry-on stuff. Then they make me gate check the larger bag. I simply pull out my smaller bag and the larger bag flies free. It has worked on four trips using Alaska Airlines.

 

[Oak]

I'm not sure why it will cost so much to take your pack? You must be taking a lot of other stuff?

I've been up there three times and have always gotten by with my gun case, one large duffle bag (with my 6500 pack and other gear inside), and one very heavy carry-on. I've always kept my two checked bags under 50#. If I'm overweight, I look to find something to jettison. I think most people tend to overpack for an out-of-state hunt.

I've never had any gear/bags lost or damaged.

 

[Petey]

Thanks for the replies!!

I like the idea of putting your pack inside another duffle for extra protection. I am pretty sure I need to skrimp down a bit on the extra that I am bringing. I will be staying with family on the island so I thought it might be a good idea to bring extra boots and clothes as more of a luxury than anything. I think that I might just have to thin things down a bit just in case I run into problems.

Nick I think the way you are doing it is a genious way to work the system to your advantage. Tell me if I am understanding this right. You just check your backpack like one would check a stroller or wheelchair at the gate? If that will work for me also, I think that would be the way to go (especially if I am successful and return with a big box full of fur!). If you guys have any other traveling info that you might think would be of help for a "greeny", please keep on typing. Thanks guys....14 days and counting!

 

[the nikster]

exactly!

I discovered it by accident, I was in your shoes with just too much gear. I loaded my pack with clothes and other non-violent offenders and went through security. They said the plane was small so I would have to gate check my pack-cool! I just pulled out a snack and my book and picked up the pack when I deplaned.

The important thing is deciding between wants and needs.
I do not take books, playing cards, or other distractions into the field. I am there to hunt and distractions just make it easier for me to stay in the tent.
I absolutely minimize clothing- as little as is comfortably safe. I recently hunted Alaska with a partner who had nearly double the gear I had(especially clothes). 4 days into the hunt, as the rain continued, his clothes were all wet because he would come out of the tent long enough to cook a meal, then return to the tent and change clothes. I hunted and wore my clothes til they were dry.
I take a notebook and pencil, no weight and you will never run out of stuff to write.
Dry drink mixes because water gets boreing. Aluminum foil to wrap fish with and a spice bag to dress up mundane meals
A week into every hunt I begin wishing I had brought more candy/less food. I always bring back food.
I take a pillow case to stuff full of clothes for a pillow.
A beanie to keep my head warm while sleeping.

 

[Bambistew]

I get by the same way as Oak. I've done probably 15 out of state hunts in the last 7-8 years and a couple to Africa. One rifle case with 'hunting' things stuffed in it as well as rifles, i.e. knives, calls, shooting sticks/trecking poles, and what ever else fits. A carry on usually my NICE and Crewcab, which loaded its about the same size as regulation carryon and fits perfectly in the overhead. I know one trip I did a few years ago (backpack sheep/elk/deer), my carry on was over 60 pounds.

After loosing a bag a time or two I always fly with enough cloths to make it through a day or two in my carryon. All optics, cameras and gadgets go in my carry on. Pay the extra to have your hide shipped with you on the plane. Shipping cloths and what not really isn't much cheaper via UPS or USPS anymore. Bringing meat and hides on the plane with you is by far cheaper than having it shipped.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Do you pack your meat with dry ice when flying or just freeze it before? I flew with United last year and had dry ice and they wanted to charge me 120.00 extra on top of the 25.00 for the extra check in. The year before I did the same thing and no charge was added for the dry ice. Is dry ice really needed if frozen before for a 6hr flight?

 

[Oak]

I agree with Bambi about bringing meat and capes back on the plane. However, I paid over $200 last year to overnight FedEx my lifesize goat skin to my taxidermist. I trust FedEx more than Alaska Air when it comes to something that's irreplaceable.

Ridge Runner, I just try to freeze the meat before flying home, instead of using dry ice. Everything has still been frozen solid when I got home, except for my Sitka blacktail, which didn't have time to freeze completely before we left. It was still partially frozen.

For those who might be overnighting in Anchorage before flying home, the airport there has freezer storage that costs about $12/bag per day. You just have to show that you have a valid.

Baggage and Freezer Storage Services:

South Terminal - Open 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM, 7 days a week
Baggage and freezer storage is available at the Airport in the South (Domestic) Terminal on the Lower Level next to Visitor Information. Services are provided in the North (International) Terminal seasonally. Use the free airport shuttle that operates every 15 minutes between terminals.

Charges are $5 to $7 per bag, per day depending on size. Fish boxes, etc. are charged $12 to $15 per box, per day depending on size. There is no time limit as to length items may be stored. Passenger must have airline ticket in order to use this service.

Huntleigh USA
3801 W. 43rd Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99517
(907) 248-0373

 

[Ridge Runner]

That's great info to know about the freezer storage. Thanks oak. Will keep it in mind for next year.

 

[JoseCuervo]

Do you pack your meat with dry ice when flying or just freeze it before? I flew with United last year and had dry ice and they wanted to charge me 120.00 extra on top of the 25.00 for the extra check in. The year before I did the same thing and no charge was added for the dry ice. Is dry ice really needed if frozen before for a 6hr flight?

Have hauled lots of frozen salmon and halibut home in July. Even considering warm ramp temps at Sea/Tac, never had a problem with anything. The fish is still icy in both the styrofoam boxes or in the grease boxes.

Caribou and Moose have always been fine bringing them home in September.

 

[Calif. Hunter]

We use an ice chest as our luggage when flying in. Flying back from La Paz, MX, the fish stays frozen just fine for 8 or 9 hours.- without any dry ice.