Touring - Amtrack Question

Though it posted on their site, anyone ever have problems getting their iso-butane cartridges on an Amtrack train? I wan to transport my stove & fuel without having to worry if I can get the right cartridges at my final stop.

Though it posted on their site, anyone ever have problems getting their iso-butane cartridges on an Amtrak train? I wan to transport my stove & fuel without having to worry if I can get the right cartridges at my final stop.

I've done it a few times and had no problems, so long as you keep it hidden in your luggage. Though if they have any reason to search your bags you might be in trouble if they catch it. This is one reason why I've started to use an alcohol stove since I don't have to worry about finding it when I get to my destination via Amtrak.

I have ridden Amtrak over 100 times on the East Coast and have never had my bags searched. A bit disconcerting after being all but strip searched by TSA...but I guess taking out a train is not as sexy as an airliner. :rolleyes:

I switched over to alcohol stoves a few years back, I also have a Kelly Kettle which burns small sticks.

Aaron :)

I have ridden Amtrak over 100 times on the East Coast and have never had my bags searched.

Neither have I. I think the possibility of it happening is pretty slim overall. The few times I took an isobutane canister with me on Amtrak I didn't even realize it was a prohibited item!

Nah. Just stash it away. What folks don't know.....Hard to believe TSA hasn't expanded their territory onto trains and buses. I think drinking alcohol is a 'prohibited' item too, but I've noticed some folks following the BYOB rule.

BTW, those cartridges can be mailed ahead to general delivery, with the right postal code markings on the box. Convencing your local post master of that may be a trial.

Nah. Just stash it away. What folks don't know.....Hard to believe TSA hasn't expanded their territory onto trains and buses. I think drinking alcohol is a 'prohibited' item too, but I've noticed some folks following the BYOB rule.

BTW, those cartridges can be mailed ahead to general delivery, with the right postal code markings on the box. Convencing your local post master of that may be a trial.

TSA does do trains, but under Amtrak's rules (http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/06/opinion/don-phillips-tsa-vipr-teams/index.html). They screwed up and Amtrak Police tossed them out of the station. I have seen TSA with dogs at a couple of Amtrak stops, but that has been the extent of it. As far as the BYOB it depends, from my observations and participation, as long as you keep it reasonably well concealed and don't cause problems they won't say anything. I have seen more than one person removed from the train at the next stop for being too rowdy.

I am not convinced that TSA has earned it's keep. I fly a fair bit too and most of what I see would fall under the heading of Security Theater.

Aaron :)

TSA does do trains, but under Amtrak's rules (http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/06/opinion/don-phillips-tsa-vipr-teams/index.html). They screwed up and Amtrak Police tossed them out of the station. I have seen TSA with dogs at a couple of Amtrak stops, but that has been the extent of it. As far as the BYOB it depends, from my observations and participation, as long as you keep it reasonably well concealed and don't cause problems they won't say anything. I have seen more than one person removed from the train at the next stop for being too rowdy.

I am not convinced that TSA has earned it's keep. I fly a fair bit too and most of what I see would fall under the heading of Security Theater.

Aaron :)

Several off topic comments.

On Amtrak trains, it's ok to drink, so long as you behave yourself, and you buy your alcohol from them. The commuter train around here has a full bar. You're not supposed to bring in outside alcohol, but I've rarely seen this enforced. I did take the train back from Portland with several gallons of new and exciting beer, and despite opening up a few, was not given any problems. I wasn't even terribly cagey, as I didn't know it was a problem at the time.

While I won't argue that the TSA is a great way to spend taxpayer money, security theater is actually effective. Creating the illusion of security dissuades people from breaking the rules by making them think that they are more likely to get caught. Take a look at the 'TV detector vans' that the BBC uses to enforce their licensing policy; they don't have any way of actually detecting unlicensed TVs, but their existence puts some force to the threat.

Of course good security theater should be cheap, but look expensive.

As far as Amtrak and Isobutane canisters, don't worry about it. So long as you don't put your luggage on a seat, I have yet to meet an employee who cares about it.

Thanks for the assists. As the fuel canister fits inside the cookset, I'm just gonna bury the whole thing ina pannier and not worry. Its only a 3 hr. train ride.

Thanks for the assists. As the fuel canister fits inside the cookset, I'm just gonna bury the whole thing ina pannier and not worry. Its only a 3 hr. train ride.

It's not the length of the trip that matters since if you get searched it will be before you board. I know random screenings happen from time-to-time in Philadelphia, but the occurrence seems relatively infrequent. I suspect it happens more in big cities and/or in connection with crowded trains.