I am flying from US through Istanbul to Kathmandu. I have a large backpack that I will use for trekking. It is my only piece of luggage. Size is ~ 70cm x 35 cm x 25 cm loaded out. It is bigger by a lot than what they allow in the cabin, so I am guessing they will not let me carry on, which means I will likely have to check it. I hate that as it is literally my life for the 3 weeks I will be there.

How do you recommend handling this? Wrapping in shrink wrap, buying my own duffel bag and putting it in that? Or do they have their own bags they would put something like this in? Perhaps a gate check?

Any thoughts/experiences are appreciated.

Thanks!