Travel Tackle Ideas

[robbie]

Having recently travelled to Norway for a 10 day trip, I thought I would like to ask other travellers how they juggled the dilemma of luggage weight limits and need for tackle or clothing ?
Personally I discovered that not only are modern base layers and fleeces effective and light, but they also dry extremely quickly. Next trip will see me limiting myself to maybe 2 or 3 base shirts and socks maximum and a small bottle of clothing hand wash liquid (from a camping store) This assumes you have an interest in your personal hygiene levels and consideration for you room mates!.
Another top find for me was a pair of fleece lined Chino style, under-wader trousers from Orvis (look under fly- fishing clothing on website) These were very warm and stopped that embarrassing "Wayne Sleep/Max Wall on steroids" look that we tend to favour with those skin tight thermals!!. I found these trousers very useful when stopping to shop in a large shopping mall when on route to fish. To travel by air you need to put reels and lines in your hold luggage (this is to prevent you from tying up the crew while hijacking the plane) I carried my waders and wading boots in a small back pack as hand luggage. The outer pockets of the B/Pack were useful for passport /documents etc.. Carrying the wader/boots kept them off the weight total. Despite skimping, I still struggled to keep within the 20 Kilo weight limit. How do you guys manage?

[salmonking]

I haven't been fortunate to fish abroad yet,,,but have been thinking about doing so for a while now,,so ill view this thread
with interest.
By the way Robbie ,,,how did you get on?

[robbie]

Hi SK
Not terribly well However see earlier thread Norway Drought for details. Please don't' let that thread put you off going. I was only thinking last night that I would go back. Norway is a lovely place and the scenery is stunning. If you ever want more details PM me with your number and I will tell you all I can.
ATB Robbie

[juststartedagain]

Being a more than frequent air traveller for the pat 12 years, the new luggage restrictions are a complete nightmare. 20Kg is generous these days, many low cost and internal flights now only allow only 16Kg of luggage.

Robbies sugegtions re base layers etc are good. Its worth a visit to the local outdoor/camping store to purchase stuff like this/lightweight/easy pack items. Orvis, Millets and Rohan have a good range of travel/outdoor/base layer type clothing - also worth checking out the sale items at the likes of John Norris. (Millets currently have a good sale on - just stocked up on some baselayer bargains at the weekend).

These are handy- easy to pack and very light.

www.millets.co.uk/millets.storefront/product/092183.aspx?breadcrumbs=MIL%20SS06%20Travel;MIL%20SS06%20Travel%20Essentials

The biggest problem is that a lot of standard suitcases/roller cases weigh in betweem 5-8Kg before you even start. I now use Antler Glyda luggage which is lightweight but also protective enough for valuables. Check out here:-

www.travellersworld.co.uk/erol.html#home

The best place to look out for luggae like this if you are near one is TK Maxx - I got the set for under £100.

You can just about get away with 20Kg of stuff for 10 days but if I am away for longer, these days I tend to send heavier stuff i.e. hiking boots/bulky waterproofs ahead to the hotel or wherever I am staying by Fedex or similar a couple of days before I travel. So far have not had any problems with this. Its much cheaper than paying for excess baggage at airports and saves a load of hassle and stress. Likewise do the same on the return.

Other than essential toiletieries, I tend not to bother taking things I know I can easily buy at the other end - i.e. shaving stuff. It may not sound much but it all helps. Likewise I always go with whatever insect repellant the locals use rather than taking stuff with me.

A good small rucksack with extra pockets as Robbie suggests, is ideal as hand luggage - as long as it doesnt look heavy or overpacked it's fine.

[williegunn]

No problems just drive the Discovery on to the ferry.

[robbie]

.......................and 3 weeks later drive it off again!!!!

[robbie]

Jst/std/agn,
I originally was going to use a rolling, clam shell, duffel bag . The bottom section was "solid" however the top section was soft(looks similar in material to the Glide shown on your link). therefore I was fearful of putting fly reels etc. in the bottom section, only to have them crushed in the hold of a plane. In the end I used a solid old Samsonite regular suitcase. Maybe I was being over cautious? I would be keen to know what the "Russia" boys use and what they take?

[juststartedagain]

Robbie,

The Glyda has a solid base and soft top section and to date (+12 months - he says touching wood) I have had no problems and have carried camera flashguns and computer accessories in the bottom section as well.

I tend to put bits and pieces that I am worried about in shoes and then pack round about with socks, jumpers etc. Other clothes etc in the top section provide additional cushioning.

I did used to use more expensive ABS type luggage at one time and found it didnt actually last the abuse of baggage handlers - typically less then 9 months before I had to replace - locks bursting etc.

The nylon/polyester type seems able to take much more abuse - it gets grubby quickly but seems better able to absorb shock as long as you pack well round anything you are worried around.

If money is no object then there are plenty of choices I guess but I have not found that expensive luggage lasts any longer.

Interested also to hear what others use.

What rod tubes do you use?

[robbie]

I have been using a KIS case for my rods,removing the rods from their individual tubes to keep weight down. In addition, I pushed my fly boxes, accessory boxes etc within the KIS case alongside the rods, I also stuffed a load of rolled up balls of newspapers within the Case to stop things sliding around too much. A travelling companion placed his reels within a bubble wrap sandwich at the end of his KIS case without any problems. I took too many reels and spools to do this!!!. For a tackle bag while away, I used the back pack that I had carried my hand luggage in. My wading boots (carried within my hand luggage) are cavernous, and as you say, I was able to stuff them with all sorts of things, once again reducing my "official" luggage weight.

[woodcockandsewin]

I also use a KIS tube, and put the rods in water pipe insulation polyfoam to protect them from the terrorists at BAA. It also stops them rattling around.

Springbrook rod and reel cases are another great travel case, with the advantage of being ready to use in seconds. Make sure you dont wind the line too tight as it can kink your flyline. For carrying fly rods on a boat to "have a go with", they can't be more useful.

W&S