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SLCDs in your carry on

Original Post
LawHous · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 481

I know it's been asked before but are there any rules on this? I figure it shouldn't be a problem but would be outraged if some strict TSA guy took them off me.

Big Red · · Seattle · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 937

I flew recently with a rack and heard all kinds of conflicting opinions. The impression I got is that it's mostly up to the attitude of the security agent working that day. Some don't give a shit and some make you jump through hoops. I decided to go with checking my rack and had no problem doing so. It also depends on the airport/country you're flying in and out of.

rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265

never had a problem domestic....I leave the nut tool and anything bigger than a #4 in checked luggage

also flown with ropes no problem

Dave Alie · · Golden, CO · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 75

I've carried on ~30 cams close to ten times in the past without serious incident. The big takeaway from those experiences is to make sure to allow extra time for TSA to pull your bag and dig through it for a few minutes. Airports like Denver and Seattle don't really bat an eye (in my limited experience), but it'll likely raise eyebrows elsewhere. In their defense, I've seen my bag on the screen as it goes through and even knowing what cams are, it's impossible to tell what the hell is going on in that bag.

Ditto what was said above about omitting the nut tool. Only thing I've ever had removed or questioned seriously.

LawHous · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 481

Yeah I'm flying to Vegas from Denver so I figure both airports must see a lot of clkmbing gear

JonW · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0

As others have said, it shouldn't be a problem domestically. Flying home from Seattle one time, the TSA agent completely emptied by buddy's pack because the cams were at the bottom. The agent recommended preemptively removing the rack of cams prior to going through the X-ray, similar to a laptop. This would likely save some time going through security.

Greg Urbanski · · Connellsville, PA · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 6

I've had no problems, just remember the nut tool and rescue knife if you've got one.

fossana · · leeds, ut · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 13,318

I have flown a few times between DEN and LAS with C4s (up to #4) in my carry-on, most recently in Jan, and encountered no issues.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425

You can search for more info on this, but I always throw a copy of Climbing or Rock and Ice in my bag. One it basically makes it self explanatory, second if it doesn't..I explain it to them. Just remember to get rid of the knife you might carry on your harness. Especially helps to be going to and from rock climbing destinations as opposed to lets say Love airport in TX.

Long time ago I called up asking about taking a rope on, and the girl was like "a rope? you mean like a cowboy"? Yah just like a cowboy.

Insert name · · Harts Location · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 46

No issues with the follow

-Nuts
-Tricams
-Biners
-Ropes
-Any slackline supplies (other than webbing)
-ropes

They have questioned
-Gibbon Slackline (ratchet)
- long strands of webbing (they unrolled 250ft of webbing for inspection)

They will take (maybe)
- Pitons (taken)
- Peckers
- Nut tool (taken)
- anything that looks sharp/scary
- Cooking stove, they gave me loads of issues with my Pocket Rocket stove (no canister) but in the end let me on

rogerbenton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 210

i recently carried on my pack with full rack. no problems.
on the return flight they had me open it up to look, but no issues.

that said, the tsa can be mercurial bitches when they want to.

i'd say plan to carry it on but arrive with enough time to go back and check it if they hassle you.

also- on those small puddle jumper commuter flights with only three seats across, a typical 30-40L pack with gear won't fit overhead. you'll try futilely to jam it in there and the steward(ess) will tell you to check it. best to split the rack with a friend or in two carry on's.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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