Hi Christina,

First, Congrats! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I have spent at least one anniversary and I think a birthday "on the road" with my wife. They usually turn out to be decent trips.

If you are worried about theft, don't put it all in the same bag... that makes it far too convenient for a would-be thief. If you aren't as concerned, there are rules regarding luggage theft and after writing a letter to United once, I got a $300 check back from a wallet of CD's that was swiped. It had the usual "our baggage throwers/checkers don't steal and they make good money and they are screened before leaving, blah blah..." It had that along with the money I demanded to replace what I lost. So, if you DO get ripped off, make sure you let your airline know and send them a bill for REPLACEMENT costs of your equipment. If you can, get a rep from the airline at baggage claim. Make sure you have them compare the weight before and after delivery and sign a statement of some sort.

One thing I'd be concerned about is packing any solid fuels. I'm no canine expert, but I wouldn't carry that for fear of tripping a dog's nose. I would pack sans any fuel sources and maybe even matches. A lighter would be fine most likely, but I don't remember current restrictions on checking lighters or other ignition sources. Your best bet is to buy matches, lighter and any stove fuel where you are going or have UPS ship some to your destination. You can get away with knives and other tools in checked luggage, no problem.

As for your hiking gear, anything that's pricey, like GPS or an altimeter watch - I would carry that stuff on. In fact, if it were me, I would put any questionable gear like LM Wave and a folding knife in checked (hidden in some sox, etc.) and just turn the daypack into my carryon bag.