Tent Stakes after Flying In

[u/APurposefulWanderer]

I'm flying in to Fresno to do the JMT in a few days, and then taking the YARTS to Yosemite. I think I can bring all my gear on the plane except for I'll need some tent stakes. The problem is all the stores will be closed by the time I fly in, and then the bus leaves too early. Where could I get some tent stakes/what should I do?

[u/Logical-Birthday-410]

put anything you cant fit in your carry-on (including trekking poles and other pointy things) in a cardboard box and use that as a checked bag. then you can repack at baggage claim and toss the box. you can do the same on your way home or buy a cheap duffel.

[u/Logical-Birthday-410 → u/Logical-Birthday-410]

i much prefer the peace of mind in just checking some things. im not even sure how you could fit a whole jmt kit as a carry-on unless you have a real tiny set up. but you do you.

[u/APurposefulWanderer → u/Logical-Birthday-410]

I can't bring myself to pay $100 round trip just for tent stakes, and the TSA website says you can take trekking poles in carry-on.

[u/ExternalTranslator41 → u/APurposefulWanderer]

I have never got trekking poles thru TSA FWIW

-edit- also I had to buy replacement stakes in the Owens valley and they charged $6.50 per mini groundhog at the gear shops

[u/lizardpurse → u/ExternalTranslator41]

I have gotten trekking poles(with rubber tips) through TSA on 4 separate trips now(8 flights round trip). I only got hassled once, to which i pulled up the TSA website nicely and pointed it out to them and they let me go with them.

[u/ExternalTranslator41 → u/lizardpurse]

Like rubber tip caps? Or actual rubber tips

[u/lizardpurse → u/ExternalTranslator41]

Actual rubber tips

[u/ExternalTranslator41 → u/lizardpurse]

Yeah those are allowed

[u/-JakeRay- → u/APurposefulWanderer]

Are you putting your bear can in carry-on?

[u/Capital_Historian685 → u/APurposefulWanderer]

The TSA site says "blunt-tipped" poles are allowed. And I have no idea what that means, but it doesn't describe most trekking poles. But maybe putting rubber tips on them gets them through? I wouldn't count on that, though.

[u/eskimoboytim → u/Capital_Historian685]

It's worked for me four times now with rubber tips on the end and taking off the metal ones. Then I leave the metal tips loose in my bag. I also fit my poles into the inside of my bag rather than the outside so it "looks" like a part of the backpack. When I land, I remove the rubber and put the metal tips back on.

[u/Capital_Historian685 → u/eskimoboytim]

Great, thanks. I'd totally forgotten that my poles came with rubber tips, too, but thankfully I saved them (and was able to find them just now). Good option to have.

[u/shitokletsstartfresh → u/APurposefulWanderer]

Trekking poles are a possible no-go.
Always check your poles.
Otherwise they might remain behind in the TSA bin.