Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Kifaru Pack in Overhead Compartment?

I have a trip coming up late summer and need an excuse for a new pack. Month long and traveling light. Who stuffs which (largest that will fit) Kifaru Pack in overhead compartment when flying commercial? Thanks

Done it with both Spike Camp and Siwash if you suck it in with all the straps. Both work fine. Usually put my optics, camera, jacket, etc in it.

FWIW, Patrick Smith's answer to my very same question stated that the largest pack they offer that meets the carryon size limits is the Late Season. However, it sounds like the Siwash fits as well...

Excellent....Thank guys!

I have heard the Late Season fits. That will be my next pack. Should make a good addition to the Longhunter

+1 on the Late Season, it fits perfect.

RD: Go to the website of the airline your flying and check the carry on section of the airlines baggage information. Some airlines like Air New Zealand state a maximum length + width + height of 45". Delta specifies the maximum of each dimension. If you are using a regional jet to get to a major airlines hub, the dimensions of the carry on is much smaller. There is no standard among airlines which was a proposal to the Dept. of Transportation but has not been acted upon. Most airlines have a box that they will use in the gate area to check carry on size if the flight is full.
Concerning Kifaru packs specifically, the spike camp, late season and siwash can be reduced in size by tightening the cinch straps for width and depth but the internal stays are the problem for length if they are over 27".
I recommend you print a copy of your specific airlines carry on baggage policy to present to the gate agent or flight attendant while boarding because I have seen some inconsistent enforcement of carry on baggage policies.

My spike camp has been in the overhead fully loaded on trips to NWT, Alaska and Africa. Perfect IMO. Actually to Africa it was covered by a small filson duffle and still fit.

FYI, on smaller planes it will not fit overhead and I was challenged by attendents in leaving Joburg for Bulawayo but with the help of another passenger I managed to get in on board with me. They of course wanted to steal it!

The only negative about using your hunting pack as a carry on is that people tend to put stuff in them that the airlines don't like, such as knives, broadheads, ammunition, and handguns.

Give the pack a thorough search before every trip. A lot of folks get into trouble this way, or lose valuable gear, also bad.