Travel Smart : Pack Three Bags
ITINERARY
Through years of trial and error I ’ ve found that it is damned near impossible to fit everything in one bag when it comes to packing for a fishing trip . Not that you should anyway . In fact , I would recommend against it . Here ’ s why .
On a recent trip to British Columbia I didn ’ t follow my own advice and it cost me . When my flight landed in Terrace my bag was nowhere to be found . I had three fly rods , reels , waders , boots , jacket , hat , glasses , camera equipment and everything I ’ d need to fish for a week in that bag , not to mention clothes and toiletries . There I was with a backpack that contained my laptop , a book , a lightweight jacket and a stupid look on my face . The airline staff managed to locate the bag , which was still in Vancouver airport , but they wouldn ’ t be able to get it to me until the next morning . I made arrangements to get the bag to where I was staying , but it also meant that I had to beg and borrow everything I needed to fish the next morning . The boots I borrowed were two sizes too big and the waders had a hole in them . Lesson learned .
So my advice is to pack three bags : a small backpack and two mid-size bags . Check one at the ticket counter and carry on the second piece of luggage plus a small backpack . Trust me , you ’ ll save yourself a lot of hassle and headaches . Not to mention cold feet .
The strategy is simple . Separate your belongings into three categories : miscellaneous travel items for the backpack ; those things you ’ ll need to fish with for a day ; and everything that you want , but could live without . Should your luggage get lost or rerouted , you will at least have what you need to start your trip .
What to Pack in Your Small Backpack I carry a small backpack that fits under my airline seat . It usually contains a lightweight jacket , reading material for the flight , snacks , cell phone ( with charger ), flight information , camera and a hat .
What to pack in your carry-on Pack your essentials . In other words you ’ ll want to pack everything you ’ d need for at least one day . Airlines are good about getting your bags to you , but it usually takes them 24 hours . So pack waders , boots , fishing jacket , fleece , and at least one fly rod and reel with a small tackle box that contains flies , leader material , pliers , nippers , and sunglasses . Be sure to include a change of clothes for one day and your Dopp kit . Remember , it needs to fit in the overhead bin .
What to pack in your checked bag Everything else you can ’ t fit into your backpack and carry-on bag . This includes extra clothes and extra shoes / boots . Where you travel will dictate what you ’ ll need . Pay attention to weight restrictions and checked bag fees for specific airlines . Pat Hoglund
What to look for in a carry-on bag > 45 Inches . The maximum size for all carry-on bags is 45 inches ( total of the height , width and depth of the bag ). 9 inches deep , 14 inches wide and 22 inches high . > Wheeled Luggage . Much easier to haul luggage with wheels through airports than a bag with a handle . > Extendable Handle . Makes airport travel easy . > Compression Straps . Bags that have compression straps allow you to pack more and cinch down the straps . > Inside Pockets . Find a bag with zippered inside pockets that allow you store important documents . > Outside Pockets . Important for storing flight information , magazines , books , and anything else you ’ ll need to get at quickly . > Good Zippers . Heavy-duty zippers that won ’ t separate when you ’ re cramming gear in your bag . > Soft Sides . Avoid hard shell luggage . > Backpack . If you don ’ t have wheeled luggage with a handle this is the next best thing . traveling angler 2012 17