Carry-on with a removable aluminium stay.

[Fairway]

I have a Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack, can I carry it onto an airplane? My concern is the stay could be seen as a weapon, since it looks like this,
is 20" x 7" in size, and is visible right when you open the pack. The only thing securing it is a Velcro strip ~3" wide.


Has anyone had any experience flying with this style of UL framed pack? I understand I could throw it in a canvas sack and check it but, I'd rather not. Also, can I fly with trekking poles broken down into 3 pieces, the TSA site says no "ski poles" but, "sports poles" are OK. FWIW, the tips on the poles are gone, all that's left is the worn down aluminium shaft.

Thanks, in advance!

[flemdawg1]

I seriously doubt even the most irate TSA petty-tyrant would view a backpack stay as a weapon.

[Don H]

To me it doesn't look any more dangerous than the extendable handle on a piece of luggage.
It will probably be confiscated along with your nail clippers.

[peakbagger]

When I bought my ULA, I got a custom three piece stay so I could roll up the pack and put it in a suitcase. Real slick

[yellowsirocco]

Just don't take it out and they probably won't know that it even comes out. As far as the trekking poles go, no baskets (they look like ski poles with baskets) and put a rubber tip on it (which you want when walking anywhere besides the woods). It is all about appearances so analyze what they might see something as and how you can make it look like something on the list of allowed items.

[Lambarrassment]

I have the exact same backpack and I have carried it on an airplane before, aluminum stay included. It's not a problem.

I don't know about trekking poles. I planned on putting those in a checked bag/box with my knife and stove.