Equipment checking guideWorldwide

Can ticks travel home on backpacks?

Yes. A crawling tick can transfer to a backpack, tent, blanket or other gear and be transported away from the exposure site.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Outdoor users

Short answer

Yes. A crawling tick can transfer to a backpack, tent, blanket or other gear and be transported away from the exposure site.

Gear inspection complements body checks because the tick may attach later after reaching a person or pet indoors.

• Inspect seams, straps and pockets.

• Keep exposed gear out of sleeping areas until checked.

• Follow local guidance for drying or laundering washable items.

Bags set on vegetation or brushed against trail edges can collect ticks. Dark seams and webbing make small stages difficult to notice.

Check gear in a well-lit controlled area, examine the vehicle and avoid shaking possible ticks into the house.