Tent
A tent's fabric body and poles are allowed in carry-on and checked bags, but any tent stakes packed with it must go in checked baggage.
Carry-on
Allowed with conditions
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed with conditions. The tent body, rainfly, and poles are fine in carry-on if the rolled-up tent fits your airline's size limits. However, if your tent kit includes metal or pointed tent stakes, those must be packed in checked baggage — they aren't allowed in the cabin.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. A full tent kit, including stakes, can be packed in checked baggage without restriction.
Special instructions
If you're carrying the tent on, separate the stakes out and pack them in a checked bag instead. A compression sack helps a tent fit within carry-on size limits.
FAQ
- Can I bring tent stakes in my carry-on?
- No — tent stakes are treated like other sharp, pointed camping tools and must be packed in checked baggage, even though the rest of the tent can go in carry-on.
- Will my whole tent fit in a carry-on bag?
- It depends on the tent size and how well it compresses. Backpacking tents often fit; larger family tents usually need to be checked.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.