Transport cover or flight bag: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What is a transport cover, flight bag or combined cover?

• A transport cover or flight bag protects your backpack from damage, for example, by the baggage belt at the airport or when you have to throw your bag on top of a minibus. In this case, the cover also protects against dust and sand, so that your backpack does not get dirty. The entire backpack can be placed in the transport cover, via the opening at the top.
• Transport covers are often made of somewhat sturdier material, and are less likely to break than, for example, rain covers for backpacks that are somewhat lighter in material.
• A transport cover opens on the 'short' side; you let your bag slide in from above or you squeeze the cover around your bag from above.

What is a backpack combination cover?

• The backpack combination cover is a transport and rain cover in one. In contrast to the transport cover, which has the opening on the short side, the combination cover has a much larger opening at the height of the entire back panel.
• You can zip it closed if you don't need to wear your backpack and you're going on the plane belt or in the bus. Or you can unzip it if you want to carry the backpack (and protect it from rain or theft) and pull it tight around your bag using a string.
• The entire cover can also be closed with a lock to prevent theft.

What are the options?

• Simple flight bag - light, zip + lock eye, sometimes with shoulder strap.
• Combination cover (3-in-1) - flight bag, rain cover, extra bag.
• Transport cover with lock or TSA lock option - for extra security.
• Waterproof version - handy for jungle, boats, rain showers.
• Improvisation option - large garbage bag with duct tape (you're laughing now, but it can be quite handy!).

What can you use a transport cover for when traveling and backpacking?

• It protects your backpack when checking in on the plane: no torn straps or missing hip belts. You can also put a lock on the cover.
• It keeps your bag clean when transporting it on the roofs of buses or in muddy luggage compartments.
• It sometimes serves as an extra bag or cover when storing your luggage.
• It makes your backpack less “grabable” for thieves (or curious hands).

When do you take a transport cover or flight bag with you when backpacking?

• Holiday: excellent choice, more practical than having it sealed at the airport.
• World trip or long journey: recommended, choose a sturdy, not too heavy version.
• When backpacking by plane - definitely do it if you don't want your bag to get damaged (and therefore also lose value if you want to resell it).

Where can you also buy transport covers locally in the world?

• Outdoor shops, travel shops and at airports. Backpacker hubs often have them somewhere (sometimes cheaper alternatives).
• Online.
• DIY: a large plastic bag, laundry bag with drawstring