Air travel with F-Stop Tilopa - any experience?

Well, the title really says it all. I have this pack already and I love it for hiking etc. (not that I've really gotten out with it yet, but it's working well for me so far). In the summer, I travel quite often on airlines inside the US, and this pack is much bigger than what I was carrying before (L.P. Fastpack 350), so I'm wondering about peoples experiences with carrying it on. Clearly it won't fit well under the seat, and I bet it fits fine in full size overhead bins, but what about those mini-bins on CRJs and such? Anyone try yet?

I just got one and travel quite a bit. I have not flown with it yet but did talk to Ian at F-Stop before purchasing and he assured me it fits fine in overhead bins. Also, the frame comes out, so that might be an option for shoving it into little overhead bins.

Hi

With the most recent changes in US airline restrictions I can't give a 100% firm answer on your problem. But both Satori and Tilopa's do fit in the over heads with ease. I have only heard one instance where the an airline caused a fuss before boarding the plane.

The solution was simple and the photographer just removed the aluminum frame rods which allowed the bag a few extra inches of vertical compression and this pleased the airline attendant.

Another simple solution if you do have issues at check in is to remove the ICU from the pack and carry it as a separate bag.

Hope that helps.

As always I can be reached ian@fstopgear.com

@jklewer - Thanks for the info - sounds good...

@Fstop-Ian - From the horses mouth - thanks Ian... Good to know you aren't hearing of any problems in this regard.

BTW, I did get out on a short hike with the pack the other day, and it performed excellently - love it so far.

Update:

So far, I've had no problems flying with the Tilopa on Alaska (737), Southwest (737), and Allegiant (MD-80). I haven't had a chance to try in on a CRJ or a Brazillia or anything small like that.

i don't own a tilopa, but i did recently travel on some CRJs with a lowepro vertex 200 and i was gate checked on 3/4 flights...on the one flight it didn't get gate checked, it barely fit in the overhead with some work...

sure, different bag, but you can judge whether the tilopa is significantly bigger than the vertex and adjust your expectations accordingly...