Travel: Packing Camping Gear As Carry-on Luggage

A little too big to carry-on. . .

If air travel wasn’t stressful enough, the thought of losing your checked bag full of gear can cause overwhelming anxiety that won’t subside until you reach your final destination and see your pack coming around the corner of the baggage carousel. The best way to make sure all your gear arrives with you is to carry-on as much as possible. Try to use a backpack that fits the dimensions of carry-on luggage (generally 22" x 14" x 9", but varies according to airline) and pack a duffle that will be checked. If your pack is bigger than carry-on regulations, bring a day-pack or tote you can put your most important gear in. 

Click "Read more" to read the complete list of camping items to help you figure out how much you can squeeze into your carry-on luggage:

Items allowed in your carry-on

Camping Stove

o   You can bring your camping stove, but make sure it is clean of fuel residue (defined by TSA as “no vapors or residues left”). As for the fuel container, TSA suggests you ship the container ahead of time. They often have to be left behind at checkpoints due to fuel vapors.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

o   Needs to be empty. Make sure the regulator valve is no longer sealed. TSA must be able to visually search the cylinder.

Tents

o   Poles are allowed in your carry on, but pointed stakes need to be checked.

Spare batteries

o   Need to be in your carry-on, not in your checked baggage. TSA says if the batteries are not in their original package, you need to ensure they are individually isolated and kept away from other batteries and metal, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.

Matches and lighters

o   You are permitted to bring one book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons.

Items to place in checked baggage

Knives and Tools

Mace/Pepperspray

o   One 4 ounce (118ml) is permitted if there is a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge and the contents are no more than 2% of Tear Gas (CS or CN)

Prohibited Items

Camping fuel

Items with fuel vapors

Aerosols containing hazardous material

o   Including but not limited to spray disinfectant and pesticides.

Strike Any-where Matches

o   May not be brought on the plane at all.

Bear Spray larger than 4oz and/or with more than 2% of either Tear gas (CS) and chloroacetophenone (CN)

o   Most bear repellants exceed these limitations. The best plan is to arrange to pick some up at your final destination

Questionable Items:

Fire starter kit

o   Common sense is going to dictate that you obviously cannot bring a fire starter kit in your carry-on luggage. While TSA has no written policy about fire starter kits, as long as the items are secured in your checked luggage I believe they will be okay to pack. An inquiry has been submitted to TSA to see their stance on the item, but they sent a reply stating their stance on bringing fishing equipment as carry-on baggage.

This list was complied using TSA regulations. From personal experience, TSA regulations seem to lack consistency in some places. If you run into any trouble, ask to speak to a supervisor for items you know are definitely permitted. A good way to double check is by using the TSA “Can I Bring My. . .?” App. Remember, different countries have different regulations, so you may want to double check before any international trips.

Reference: TSA website: Special Items: Camping