Cross Country Trip

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Jul 16, 2007
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I have to rescue a friend from AZ (fiance dumped him). I am going to fly out and drive back in a rental truck. My first thought is to bring my basic hiking/camping gear as my survival kit. My issues surround getting it all out there along with clothes and such cheaply. Also, should I pack my EDC firearm as well (in a locked case of course.) Any insight or wisdom would be helpful, first road trip across country, need the advice.
 
i would be inclined to bring as much as possible for carry-on. that means leave the blades and other things not allowed carry-on at home.

when you get to wherever you are going, replace the blades in the local Sears, Ace, or whatever is handy. for instance, you could get a fiskars hatchet and an SAK farmer in almost any Sears or possibly even a well equipped Walmart. this will be enough to get you through rough times if you need it.

when you get home, toss the new ones into whatever kit is lacking blades.

i would recommend only taking two changes of clothes (plus what you wear) and washing at night (if you will stay in a hotel, wash in the sinks. if you will sleep in the truck, wash in restaurant bathrooms and hang in the back). if you are only driving, you really just need to refresh your under-clothes.

good luck!
 
I'd pack a small duffel with three or four days worth of clothes, plus a shoulder bag for EDC items. In addition, pack enough underwear and socks to last you the entire duration of your trip. (Contrary to what the previous poster said, I would try to avoid doing laundry on the trip. You'll be tired enough just from driving without having to also deal with that.)

If you're going to check a bag, don't be shy about checking knives. I check knives when I fly and I've never had a problem.

Of course, if your bag gets lost by the airlines, then that could really mess with your travel plans. But if you're flying non-stop then the chances of that happening are greatly reduced.

Another option is to simply mail that stuff to your friend that cannot be carried on the flight. Assuming you have some lead time on this trip, the postage for a few small knives probably won't kill you.

I always try to carry a firearm when I travel cross country, even if I have to have it locked when I'm actually driving. As far as I know, in almost all states you're allowed to have a loaded firearm in your hotel room because it is an extension of your own home. That said, a Utah out of state CCW permit can make it possible for you to carry the gun loaded in your car for quite a few of the states that you will travel through. In some states you might not need even that in order to keep the firearm loaded in your car. You'll need to research the firearm laws for each state that you will travel through in order to know what is and is not permissible.

All of that said, there's no good way for you to get a firearm to Arizona unless you're going to check luggage.

Enjoy your trip.
 
For that trip Id travel light bro. Maybe mail a blade to your buddy to retrieve when you get there, and pack a carry on. Underwear, socks, change of clothes. I always travel light when I can. Then, a light, small PSK(appropriate airline items in it) and other general toiletries. Leave the gun behind, too many grey areas involved.
 
I too would leave the firearm home. Like J said too many gray areas. & like the other person said don't bother packing your knives & risk losing them, I would do a little research online before I go & see what some of the local stores are, U can usually get the basic stuff to get U home from Wally world.
Lowes here has a Vict. SAK Recruit for $11.99 & has a few different fixed blades & other SAKs. If there is a cabelas, bass pro, or Gander mountian nearby then you'll have more of a selection. Check out some of the local hardwear stores, you never know what hatchets or machetes you'll find ;)
 
IF you want to have the gun with you, it would have to be declared and checked with TSA/FAA. Check their rules on packing/transport. It isn't that big of a deal actually. No ammunition whatsoever though so you'd have to arrange for it at your destination. A local Wal Mart or similar should have at least a basic offering in hollow points in .45, .40, or 9mm.

IF you do want to have the gun with you, check http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/public/main.cfm to check the firearms laws in the states you will be in.

If you don't already have a CCL with reciprocity in multiple states, skip it - it could be way more hassle than you ever need.

Mailing blades/supplies is a great idea. Picking up inexpensive temporaries is another excellent idea.

Biggest thing is plan ahead and stay thinking. With two you are less susceptible than if you were alone but plan accordingly.
 
With my two permits I have quite a bit of reciprocity, but I wonder if it is worth the trouble or not. I am mailing my sharps ahead of me to avoid issues. I will have to check at least one bag, maybe two.
 
How long is a x country trip??
A week?

One change of clothes
5 change of underware and socks after that you can them wash out.

Are you camping, sleeping in the car, or staying in motels?

I used to sleep in the car, and the third or forth day of travelling go to a motel for a good clean up.

You will need a good sleeping bag and a small stove for hot drinks.
If you are camping, then you will need all the camping gear!

You can travel very light on the plane.

Five days travel is short.
 
I've driven from Seatle, WA to Portland ME in 52 hours (just to visit a good friend!), and I have driven a u haul truck from Tulsa OK to Ft. Lauderdale FL in about 48 hours. Never had a gun with me - but a multitool. Don't worry to much - xcountry trips are fun. Enjoy the ride - and be safe.
ilten
 
So I packed up my sharps and priority mailed them to myself with a psk in a small pelican case. The only sharps I will check with the bag will be my Fort Turner Hawk, and Kershaw Skyline. I think I settled on leaving my edc firearm at home, just too much of a hassle.
 
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