Any tips and tricks for packing for a float plane?

[SaintSix]

I’ve done a few fly on trips now and I’m Starting to refine how I pack for the float plane. I know there’s tons of experience on this forum and possibly some pilots. Just any tips or rules for packing for the float plane that new to fly in hunters might need to know?

A few things I’ve learned, packing using Dry bags vs containers for extra gear is easier for your pilot to spread the weight evenly. If you carry bear spray leave it out, he will most likely put it into his float storage so there’s no chance it goes off inside the cabin while flying. Bring some garbage bags to put your meat hmgame bags in so it doesn’t bleed all over the plane.

I’ve always flew with my gun strapped to my bag, but some with a soft cover. What seems to be the preference?

This will be my first time flying my canoe in, any tips on that or what to expect?

[444marlin]

We leave our gun cases at the base.
I wear Muck Boots going in so I can get in the water and help unload the plane.
Beats standing on the floats trying to keep your balance with heavy items.

[264mag]

If you need propane, buy the small 11 lb tanks. They fit nicely in the floats. I also pack some gear in small dry bags that also fit in the floats. Usually in a beaver you run out of room before you run into weight issues.

[eatram]

Bring the pilot a small gift from home. It helps smooth out the rough edges. Remember, Ooter loves chocolate.

[Arctic Lake]

Never been on a fly in but would love to do it . Just a gentle reminder do not use garbage bags for meat they contain chemicals that can leech onto the meat . Only use food grade bags if you need to put in plastic .
Arctic Lake
I’ve done a few fly on trips now and I’m Starting to refine how I pack for the float plane. I know there’s tons of experience on this forum and possibly some pilots. Just any tips or rules for packing for the float plane that new to fly in hunters might need to know?

A few things I’ve learned, packing using Dry bags vs containers for extra gear is easier for your pilot to spread the weight evenly. If you carry bear spray leave it out, he will most likely put it into his float storage so there’s no chance it goes off inside the cabin while flying. Bring some garbage bags to put your meat hmgame bags in so it doesn’t bleed all over the plane.

I’ve always flew with my gun strapped to my bag, but some with a soft cover. What seems to be the preference?

This will be my first time flying my canoe in, any tips on that or what to expect?

[northernguy]

I fly float planes for a living. Here are my suggestions:

1) Packing several smaller bags instead of a few big ones is much better. No F*%&#$% hockey bags. Even bags half that size may not fit.
2) The medium Rubbermaid Roughneck totes fit perfectly in Beavers and through the cargo door of 185's. The big ones are too big and too heavy when loaded.
3) Use soft sided coolers and freeze all the fresh food you can (even eggs) so you don't need ice. Hard sided coolers are heavy just by themselves and they are a space vampire!
4) Don't tie anything to the outside of your pack. It will get torn off when loading/unloading. Pack water bottles inside for travel
5) Don't pack water. It weighs 10 lbs a gallon. The bottled water companies have everyone brainwashed that lake and creek water is toxic and can't be made safe to drink.
6)Wrap the waist belt of your packs around the front of the pack, snap the buckle together, and tighten down the waist belt. Buckles get snagged when unloading and break off. I have seen a few sheep hunts ruined from not doing this.
7) Hard sided gun/bow cases don't fit in small planes. Period.
8) Pack a harmonica instead of a guitar.
9) Show up ready to load the plane...not your packs and boxes. Your 9AM departure time is just that. The time the plane is leaving. Use a separate bag for road travel with a shaving kit, city clothes, etc. It keeps you from having to break into your camp pack for everyday items you need on the road. Leave the city bag in your rig when you fly out.
10) Secure your cell phone in an upper pocket with a button or zipper when boarding and unloading. You need both hands to load safely and bending over is required. Leave the travel mug in your pack for the flight. You don't need it. It's just the adult version of a baby soother.
11) Be prepared to get your feet wet when unloading. Most locations don't have docks and many beaches are too shallow for the plane to get close to dry ground. Be prepared to get into knee deep water at the arrival point.
12) Pack a day or two of extra (freeze dried) food in case the plane can't get in on pick up day.
13) Be ready to load the plane at the pre-arranged pick up time. Pilots are on a tight schedule and have no time to wait for you to pull down camp and pack up. Some outfits are charging a hefty "wait fee" if you're not ready on time (like $1000!).
14) Have tarps and game bags for the pilot to use. Help him load.
15) You won't use a 25 lb propane bottle on a 10 day hunt. Use smaller ones. Otherwise you're just giving a bunch of propane a free tour of the countryside.
16) Everything weighs a whole lot more than you think. Everything. Weigh everything...you'll be surprised!
17) Float planes are a whole lot smaller than you think. If you can't fit it into 2 door car with a small trunk, it likely won't fit into a Beaver...So plan accordingly.
18) Have all the gear piled up and ready to load. All of it. It's an art to pack a small plane so when you show up with your day pack over your shoulder once the plane is loaded, there's a very good chance it will have to be left behind.

I'll quit there or this could turn into a rant :razz:

Best of luck and have fun!!!

[fozzy]

I fly float planes for a living. Here are my suggestions:

1) Packing several smaller bags instead of a few big ones is much better. No F*%&#$% hockey bags. Even bags half that size may not fit.
2) The medium Rubbermaid Roughneck totes fit perfectly in Beavers and through the cargo door of 185's. The big ones are too big and too heavy when loaded.
3) Use soft sided coolers and freeze all the fresh food you can (even eggs) so you don't need ice. Hard sided coolers are heavy just by themselves and they are a space vampire!
4) Don't tie anything to the outside of your pack. It will get torn off when loading/unloading. Pack water bottles inside for travel
5) Don't pack water. It weighs 10 lbs a gallon. The bottled water companies have everyone brainwashed that lake and creek water is toxic and can't be made safe to drink.
6)Wrap the waist belt of your packs around the front of the pack, snap the buckle together, and tighten down the waist belt. Buckles get snagged when unloading and break off. I have seen a few sheep hunts ruined from not doing this.
7) Hard sided gun/bow cases don't fit in small planes. Period.
8) Pack a harmonica instead of a guitar.
9) Show up ready to load the plane...not your packs and boxes. Your 9AM departure time is just that. The time the plane is leaving. Use a separate bag for road travel with a shaving kit, city clothes, etc. It keeps you from having to break into your camp pack for everyday items you need on the road. Leave the city bag in your rig when you fly out.
10) Secure your cell phone in an upper pocket with a button or zipper when boarding and unloading. You need both hands to load safely and bending over is required. Leave the travel mug in your pack for the flight. You don't need it. It's just the adult version of a baby soother.
11) Be prepared to get your feet wet when unloading. Most locations don't have docks and many beaches are too shallow for the plane to get close to dry ground. Be prepared to get into knee deep water at the arrival point.
12) Pack a day or two of extra (freeze dried) food in case the plane can't get in on pick up day.
13) Be ready to load the plane at the pre-arranged pick up time. Pilots are on a tight schedule and have no time to wait for you to pull down camp and pack up. Some outfits are charging a hefty "wait fee" if you're not ready on time (like $1000!).
14) Have tarps and game bags for the pilot to use. Help him load.
15) You won't use a 25 lb propane bottle on a 10 day hunt. Use smaller ones. Otherwise you're just giving a bunch of propane a free tour of the countryside.
16) Everything weighs a whole lot more than you think. Everything. Weigh everything...you'll be surprised!
17) Float planes are a whole lot smaller than you think. If you can't fit it into 2 door car with a small trunk, it likely won't fit into a Beaver...So plan accordingly.
18) Have all the gear piled up and ready to load. All of it. It's an art to pack a small plane so when you show up with your day pack over your shoulder once the plane is loaded, there's a very good chance it will have to be left behind.

I'll quit there or this could turn into a rant :razz:

Best of luck and have fun!!!

Thanks Northernguy, it's good for folks to hear it from someone that does it everyday.

Never been on a fly in trip, likely never will, but love the idea.

Fozzy

[MOOSE MILK]

Pack what you think you need, then unpack again and leave half out when you repack.
MM

[SaintSix]

Thanks for the input, I was hoping a pilot would respond.

[Darksith]

Bring ear plugs, the pilots usually have but sometimes they don't. They don't take up any space.
Help the pilots at the airbase load and unload, even if its not your flight. It will get you to your spot faster, sometimes it will mean you go before guys that just stand around and watch
Remember weather is the enemy. Its not the pilots fault if they can't get to you, they might even circle around your lake hoping the winds would be less, don't panic or freak out if they fly away, they will email you when they get back to base. Stay calm
Be patient
You don't need more than a 2 or 4hp if your bringing an inflatable boat
Green scrub/alpine balsam burns just fine in case you didn't know

[JAGRMEISTER]

Well spoken, hopefully some get this message!

[browningboy]

Have some contingency food-supplies as fog may hamper you getting picked up for a few days as that time of year the dew point vs temperature almost always produces fog.

[IsleBlacktail]

Great thread! Thanks for the info!

[Everett]

Have extra coffee and beer in case you get stuck for a couple days, you can always live on fish but no coffee and beer makes for grumpy hunters.
If your stuck at the float base waiting for the weather always take the pilot out for lunch.
If it is a owner operated float plane pay in cash.
So pilots will not accept a cash tip but they all accept a bottle.

[180grainer]

I’ve done a few fly on trips now and I’m Starting to refine how I pack for the float plane. I know there’s tons of experience on this forum and possibly some pilots. Just any tips or rules for packing for the float plane that new to fly in hunters might need to know?

A few things I’ve learned, packing using Dry bags vs containers for extra gear is easier for your pilot to spread the weight evenly. If you carry bear spray leave it out, he will most likely put it into his float storage so there’s no chance it goes off inside the cabin while flying. Bring some garbage bags to put your meat hmgame bags in so it doesn’t bleed all over the plane.

I’ve always flew with my gun strapped to my bag, but some with a soft cover. What seems to be the preference?

This will be my first time flying my canoe in, any tips on that or what to expect?
I've only done two fly ins. My opinion. Pack everything you need in the pack your using to hike up that mountain. Add enough provisions at the airplane base while you wait to get picked up or if there's some unforseen event delaying the plane. Couple cases of beer always helps for the wait if your early. My jet boat experience is sort of the same. Pack as if your carrying it yourself for the days you'll be gone and leave the rest for fuel and meat.

[180grainer]

I fly float planes for a living. Here are my suggestions:

1) Packing several smaller bags instead of a few big ones is much better. No F*%&#$% hockey bags. Even bags half that size may not fit.
2) The medium Rubbermaid Roughneck totes fit perfectly in Beavers and through the cargo door of 185's. The big ones are too big and too heavy when loaded.
3) Use soft sided coolers and freeze all the fresh food you can (even eggs) so you don't need ice. Hard sided coolers are heavy just by themselves and they are a space vampire!
4) Don't tie anything to the outside of your pack. It will get torn off when loading/unloading. Pack water bottles inside for travel
5) Don't pack water. It weighs 10 lbs a gallon. The bottled water companies have everyone brainwashed that lake and creek water is toxic and can't be made safe to drink.
6)Wrap the waist belt of your packs around the front of the pack, snap the buckle together, and tighten down the waist belt. Buckles get snagged when unloading and break off. I have seen a few sheep hunts ruined from not doing this.
7) Hard sided gun/bow cases don't fit in small planes. Period.
8) Pack a harmonica instead of a guitar.
9) Show up ready to load the plane...not your packs and boxes. Your 9AM departure time is just that. The time the plane is leaving. Use a separate bag for road travel with a shaving kit, city clothes, etc. It keeps you from having to break into your camp pack for everyday items you need on the road. Leave the city bag in your rig when you fly out.
10) Secure your cell phone in an upper pocket with a button or zipper when boarding and unloading. You need both hands to load safely and bending over is required. Leave the travel mug in your pack for the flight. You don't need it. It's just the adult version of a baby soother.
11) Be prepared to get your feet wet when unloading. Most locations don't have docks and many beaches are too shallow for the plane to get close to dry ground. Be prepared to get into knee deep water at the arrival point.
12) Pack a day or two of extra (freeze dried) food in case the plane can't get in on pick up day.
13) Be ready to load the plane at the pre-arranged pick up time. Pilots are on a tight schedule and have no time to wait for you to pull down camp and pack up. Some outfits are charging a hefty "wait fee" if you're not ready on time (like $1000!).
14) Have tarps and game bags for the pilot to use. Help him load.
15) You won't use a 25 lb propane bottle on a 10 day hunt. Use smaller ones. Otherwise you're just giving a bunch of propane a free tour of the countryside.
16) Everything weighs a whole lot more than you think. Everything. Weigh everything...you'll be surprised!
17) Float planes are a whole lot smaller than you think. If you can't fit it into 2 door car with a small trunk, it likely won't fit into a Beaver...So plan accordingly.
18) Have all the gear piled up and ready to load. All of it. It's an art to pack a small plane so when you show up with your day pack over your shoulder once the plane is loaded, there's a very good chance it will have to be left behind.

I'll quit there or this could turn into a rant :razz:

Best of luck and have fun!!!
Thanks for posting that. Not like I'll ever do a fly in again but that's good info for the younger guys with money.

[elknut]

Best tip I got from guys flying to caribou hunt ....The plane was an otter so lots of room ..they were 3 guys and gear ..They were way under for weight so loaded lots of firewood to take up the remaining weight..They had a real light stove and pipes ..Was real nice to have wood heat up in the high country ..We didnt need any where we were going but liked the idea ..Dennis

[Muledeercrazy2]

Anyone heard of guys loading de-boned meat into 5 gallon buckets and transporting it in the floats? What about fuel tanks for your outboard motor? 10 litre tanks should fit in the floats as well, obviously 20l tanks wouldn’t.

It makes sense to bring a 10 pound propane bottle, if that fits in the floats.

Does anyone bring a small chainsaw, if they have a small wood burning stove?

We are taking my father on a trip and bringing a few luxuries I would never have entertained before…..


Thx

[snowhater]

Listen to the pilot. If he says he can't go to that end of the lake cause it is too shallow, he is right. Otherwise be prepared to strip to your gaunch to unstuck the plane from the mud!! I know ..

[Muledeercrazy2]

Lots of good advice on flying here but what about maximizing storage space? Anything besides the obvious of not bringing large totes?

[Everett]

Anyone heard of guys loading de-boned meat into 5 gallon buckets and transporting it in the floats? What about fuel tanks for your outboard motor? 10 litre tanks should fit in the floats as well, obviously 20l tanks wouldn’t.

It makes sense to bring a 10 pound propane bottle, if that fits in the floats.

Does anyone bring a small chainsaw, if they have a small wood burning stove?

We are taking my father on a trip and bringing a few luxuries I would never have entertained before…..


Thx

I have a small 36cc saw just for fly ins only ways 7lb I bring it full of fuel and that is enough for the woodstove in the Teepee and the campfire for 10 days.
Putting in a bucket seems like a silly idea to me but what ever floats your boat or in this case plane.

[Muledeercrazy2]

I have a small 36cc saw just for fly ins only ways 7lb I bring it full of fuel and that is enough for the woodstove in the Teepee and the campfire for 10 days.
Putting in a bucket seems like a silly idea to me but what ever floats your boat or in this case plane.

thanks, seemed like a silly idea but it was suggested to a friend coming on the trip and I was curious if anyone actually did it

[Evanguy]

I brought a Stihl 170 on my fly in trip 3 weeks ago. It's a small 30cc saw with 16" bar.

My fly in 2 years ago I cut all our wood with a handsaw..so this time I said what's another 10 pounds and brought it.

All in for me and my daughter on a 12 day flyin we brought 175 pounds of gear and we combined weigh 250 pounds.

We made a base camp at the lake.

Another tip is don't pack your bear spray in a hard to reach location. They want them in the floats when flying

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53951785307_3ebc1db8e1_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53951785437_45af7b4abe_b.jpg

[Muledeercrazy2]

Cool, thx for the pics. Looks like you had lots of room/ weight capacity left.

[Astepanuk]

When flying in I like to camp all my camping gear in an Action packer once packed have it weighted and labeled. We also pack one action packer with dry wood since the North back country wood is typically very wet and hard on wood stoves, this container is also used to bring meat out so the weight of the wood is irrelevant. Having all your gear weighted accurately and tracked is important to not have any delays when it's fly time!

[Muledeercrazy2]

Good points, thx

Evanguy what plane is that? Cessna or a Beaver? Thx

[Evanguy]

that's a beaver

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53939582485_5dc9de7e9b_b.jpg

[Astepanuk]

I'll be in that plane in 16 days! Cant wait!!

[Muledeercrazy2]

awesome! We are leaving a few days ahead of you.

[Evanguy]

I'll be in that plane in 16 days! Cant wait!!
That's awesome. I'm excited for you.

and I'll reply to your PM tonight with maps / Inreach maps. It's a solid back up option with the minimum flight charge, it's really close, 2.5 hour bush wack to above the trees, and there are goats there 2 years ago and 2 weeks ago

[MRP]

I brought a Stihl 170 on my fly in trip 3 weeks ago. It's a small 30cc saw with 16" bar.



If you want better performance open up the muffler take the spark screen out. It can gets plugged up it eventually will not even idle or runs but no power. With a 12 inch bar and the muffler opened up will increase the economy.

[Evanguy]

If you want better performance open up the muffler take the spark screen out. It can gets plugged up it eventually will not even idle or runs but no power. With a 12 inch bar and the muffler opened up will increase the economy.


thanks for the tip and ive already done it, i removed the screen and the little angled slotted vent from the exhaust. its just one in my collection of many Stihls the 170 is my smallest and my 084 is my biggest and i have 35cc 40cc, 56cc, 70cc and 77cc between them

i will try the 12" bar though i mostly just use it for clearing little stuff or making paths.



Astepanuk, your inbox is full

[Astepanuk]

haha Fixed up Thanks Pal!

[Cordillera]

Great question and great answers!

My two cents:

If you can get your boat inside the pilots will be happier. Folding canoes like a pakcanoe are lighter and avoid the external load penalty. If you pack a hardshell canoe it has t be 17 feet or less to fit on a beaver. I found out the hard way.

If you bring in firewood, put it in grain bags. Use them for meat on the trip out.

Plan to debone any significant quarters on the way out. Lifting large moose or caribou quarters into a plane is not fun. Fifty pound bags of deboned meat are really compact and easy to load.

We always have waders along in case a moose goes down in water. Have one person wearing them on the flight in so you can jump in the water to assist beaching if needed.

And…repeat points made about no really big items and keeping weight down.

Have fun!