I need a new carry-on bag. Of course, adding a new pack to my BWCA collection would be a bonus. Does anyone use a CCS pack as a carry-on for air travel? If so, which one? I have my eye on the Bushcrafter or a Rucksack.

I have a Bushcrafter and I also travel a lot by air. I would never consider using it for a carry on. The straps and belt are too bulky and there really isn't a good way to gather and hold them close to the pack so they aren't flopping around or catching on everything. I have a backpack that I travel with on business and the straps are always getting caught on something when they go through the x-ray machine on the conveyor belt. Also when the overhead bins are full the flight attendants always grab the backpacks and ask "whose is this, can you please put it under your seat?". I pack my backpack light and small enough that I just automatically put it under the seat as soon as I board.

When I head to the BWCA I normally fly and have an Explorer, a Pioneer, and the Bushcrafter. Because the packs are very durable and comfortable with heavy duty shoulder straps and a padded waist belt, none of them make good luggage. I use two large duffel bags and put the empty packs in them along with all my gear. I repack everything when I get to the outfitter.

I use a Rucksack for my Carry on all the time. used it for work when I traveled to China and Vietnam to install and or modify machines I had designed. Karen and I used them on multiple trips around the country and Europe, (Karen worked for the airline and our kids scattered from coast to coast) The Bushcrafter is too big for airline carry on. the side pockets are too big. I could use the overhead bins or go under the seat in front of me.
Never had any issues with getting caught in x ray inspection conveyors- I always had the shoulder straps up on the belt.
We flew standby so we always had to have all our stuff as carry on.

I think that makes sense as far as not taking a Bushcrafter. Although both that and the Rucksack are 43" (LxWxH) and within the 45" limit, the extra pockets on the Bushcrafter might be a bit clumsy when you're rushing to stuff it in or pull it out of the overhead compartment as people behind you are anxiously waiting to get by. Might not work as far as sticking it under the seat either, for either pack, unless not filled up.
Keep in mind also, with a lot of the airlines "cheapass fares" these days, there are some fares that limit you in terms of carry-ons. Depending on what fare you purchase, you might not be entitled to use the overhead compartment at all. :(
CCS Rucksack should work great for an overhead compartment carryon.

I travel often for work, at least once every three weeks going on for six or seven years. I've used my Bushcrafter as a carry on for a couple of months and had no troubles with the side pockets- but I don't usually fill them or fill the pack to the limit.

Not wanting to discourage you from buying a great product from CCS but I find the Osprey Farpoint 40 the ideal pack for travel. Comfortable to carry and solidly built. It has an easy to access sleeve for a laptop (critical for TSA) and the entire harness can be contained within a quick and simple to use zippered flap. Its been my go to pack for travel for six years; I used the Bushcrafter for two months when I shipped the Osprey back to the manufacturer to repair a tear in the zipper (which they did promptly and without charge).

Wife and I fly frequently. She uses one of the Duluth Packs, and I use a Frost River Isle Royale Bushcraft pack exclusively for carry-ons. Neither of us have had trouble with straps catching anywhere. Both fit under seats if overhead space is running short.

I have also used my rucksack as a carry-on as well as checked luggage. No problems. (Had to remove my hatchet though) :(

I have used a Ruck as CO for about 7 years. I actually like it because it’s like a secret membership card to a club. 99.99% chance someone with CCS gear is going to be good people and familiar with canoeing and camping and most other things I’m into, can be a nice conversation starter in a busy airport.

I travelled to Europe a few times fall 2017 with the Rucksack as my carry on. Worked great, no issues.

It also went on the Bloodvein last summer and on winter trips.

Ive been using the rucksack as my carry on for all of my flying for 5+ years.

Always fits and I’ve never had to check a bag!!!

The Rucksack works fine as a carry on in terms of size. I don't consider it an ideal carry-on due to the lack of organization but it would be fine as a the carry on for your clothes etc. on a light trip with a separate bag of some sort as the personal item.

I love the Rucksack as a carry on, its the right size so that I don't over pack. I use a couple of Dans food organizers for keeping my cloths more organized.

I have used both the Rucksack and Pioneer for carry-on. I think they work great. When we flew last year on Delta, the Pioneer was just within the carry-on size limit. I would check a few airlines and see what the dimension limits are.

Franzenrp: "I love the Rucksack as a carry on, its the right size so that I don't over pack. I use a couple of Dans food organizers for keeping my cloths more organized."

That's a great idea!

I also use either my rucksack or bushcrafter for carry on. I use the food organizers in my carry on and regular luggage.

Have you had any issues carrying on the bushcrafter with the side pockets? They make it wider than a carry on but maybe if empty it works.

I had no issues with the Bushcrafter as a carry on - even on the smaller local jets- It's still much smaller than most of what folks consider suitable carry on luggage.

As a reluctant frequent flyer I'd like to observe that "if you have to wheel it down the jet bridge and the aisle of the plane; it's not a frikken carry on".

Thanks. I’m still pondering a bushcrafter versus a rucksack with the wanderer mesh side pockets. Your experience helps.