Assuming that you don't exceed any size limits, airlines are still often cautious when it comes to any kind of straps, even loose straps on a plain rucksack, or any other dangling parts from checked luggage. The airline may require you to wrap your rucksack in plastic foil to contain any loose ends.

While you can physically attach items like sleeping bags, yoga mats, or pillows to the outside of a checked bag, it is strongly discouraged and often prohibited by airline policies in 2026. Automated baggage handling systems at modern airports use high-speed conveyor belts, vertical sorters, and scanners that are not designed for loose straps, dangling carabiners, or bulky external attachments. These items can easily get snagged in the machinery, leading to the destruction of your gear, the tearing of your suitcase, or a complete stoppage of the airport's sorting system. Furthermore, many airlines explicitly state that their liability for lost or damaged baggage does not extend to items strapped to the exterior of a bag. If you must transport an item that doesn't fit inside, the safest "travel hack" is to place both the suitcase and the attached item inside a large, durable duffel bag or to wrap the entire ensemble in industrial plastic wrap at a designated airport kiosk. This creates a single, smooth surface that can navigate the luggage tunnels without getting stuck.