Luggage bags for a safari

10 June 2014, 02:25

larryshores

I have 2 different bags. I have Red Ox and (I think) either Bob's bags or Buck's out of Boise.

The bags form Idaho have several smaller bags that fit inside. I also use these smaller bags in the Red Ox bags as well.

They make for great organization and very easy use. I love them. Best I ever had.

10 June 2014, 02:27

Hunting For Adventure

I've got four Red Oxx bags and a filson bag. They go in rotation but for the quality, you can't beat either brand.

10 June 2014, 02:33

Opus1

Most any bag will work, but if you want to arrive in camp with everything you packed from the States, I would recommend the Pacsafe TourSafe EXP 29. Breaking into luggage is not a pastime in RSA, it's a proud profession. Can't begin to list all the things I've had removed from my bags though the years until I switched the Pacsafe. Since then, nothing has magically evaporated from my bags.

10 June 2014, 05:59

JGRaider

Here 'ya go.....

http://forums.accuratereloadin...141051991#2141051991

10 June 2014, 06:18

lavaca

I think Red Oxx are hard to beat, but I saw a hard case that looked interesting on my last trip. Problem is, the required TSA locks don't slow anyone down. If you could put the same lock on that hard case you could on your rifle case, it might be a different story.

I'll continue to put clothes and other things worthless to others in my checked bags (other than rifles) and put anything valuable in my carryon.

10 June 2014, 06:52

Opus1

If you travel to RSA a lot, look at what most other folks carry. The high end bags stick out like a sore thumb and scream 'Open Me'. Trust me, there are about 100 baggage handlers at JNB with nothing better to do.

The old hard sided or newer tamper proof zipper bags are the way to go if you don't want to stand out in the crowd. I recommend a low profile when traveling though or around JNB.

Thankfully gun theft is down at JNB this year. But the rule of thumb in Africa is, if it's shiny and looks expensive and is not bolted down, chances are it may spontaneously walk off.

10 June 2014, 07:07

Frostbit

We have used soft wheeled duffles that provided a reinforced grommet in the bag so you can use a TSA cable lock and lock the zipper tabs to the grommet. That way if someone in RSA uses the bic pen trick to split the zipper they can not re-run the zipper tag over it to recluse it after pilfering.

They are made by Eagle Creek and available at REI but I think they have changed designs since we bought them in 2008.

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10 June 2014, 07:12

Bama15

An old army duffle bag is hard to beat. It didn't cost me but 71/2 years of my life.

10 June 2014, 08:54

Steve Ahrenberg

quote:
Originally posted by LionHunter:
Click on the "Find" tab above and do a search. This topic has been reviewed many times.

Mike,
Why not just help the guy out? If all we ever did was "use the search function" there would be about 3 new posts a day.

10 June 2014, 18:53

safari

Good info here folks, all the posts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

10 June 2014, 20:05

Dave Fulson

RedOxx makes the toughest bags on planet earth. Have used them for years, and with our travel in Africa and around the world I would venture if they can stand up to the wear we inflict on them, they will work for you. American made as well. Hell of a product line.

10 June 2014, 21:06

JCS271

Traveling with a hard suitcase is problematic when your bags have to later be squished into the back of a truck or a small airplane. It is very hard to beat your basic military style large green duffel bag. They are hell for stout, readily available, will hold just about anything and DO NOT attract much attention. Not bad for about a $20 bill! I keep all of my valuables in my carry on backpack.

"The difference between adventure and disaster is preparation."
"The problem with quoting info from the internet is that you can never be sure it is accurate" Abraham Lincoln

10 June 2014, 22:30

Use Enough Gun

I have traveled with hard side suitcases (no zippers) for the last 5 safaris, throughout Zimbabwe and South Africa, including flying into the Zambezi valley, and have had absolutely no problems. I got tired of the thieves splitting the zippers and stealing.

10 June 2014, 23:18

MARK H. YOUNG

Vaughn,

I was just waiting for you to comment on this thread! I went to hard sided but did not spend the money on your brand. Mine suck and have already had two problems. I should go by my own advise as in you get what you pay for.

Mark

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11 June 2014, 01:03

Blacktailer

Tuff pak

11 June 2014, 01:06

Opus1

I've said it before, many/most Americans stick out like a neon sign when they travel abroad and especially in Africa. Walking Cabela's catalogs with expensive jewelry, watches, and luggage. The porters flock to them like bird seed in Central Park. And a lot of other folks with not such great intentions also pay a lot of attention to them as well.

I really don't mind it so much because with so many "opportunities" running around, no one pays any attention to little ole me. But I do wonder how many make it back to the States with all their belongings.

Food for thought...

11 June 2014, 01:10

cal pappas

I've had 18 trips overseas to Africa and Australia and I've learned to carry the cheapest crap I can find with no valuables or medications in it. I've had my luggage bag gone through but nothing was taken and they didn't want my clothes or shorts/socks. A quality gun case is paramount and I use SKB with four locks on it. I carry all meds and binocs in my carryon.
Cal

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11 June 2014, 02:01

Use Enough Gun

Mark: True that one! Mine have not only been to Africa 5 separate times (and soon to be 6 in two weeks), but they have been all over the world and have gotten beat up from luggage handlers (most of the beating was on a cruise to the Caribbean of all places), but they are still as strong as the day that I bought them-Samsonite Hard side luggage. Actually, the beat up look makes them even less susceptible to the perverse thoughts of baggage theives.

11 June 2014, 02:09

MARK H. YOUNG

I have to agree with OPUS. Having brand new luggage that screams "SAFARI" or for that matter traveling in full safari garb makes you stand out like a sour thumb. Try to be inconspicuous and you'll run less of a chance of having a problem.

Mark

11 June 2014, 14:57

Roman BGH

Sitka Nomad http://www.sitkagear.com/produ...ame/packs-bags/nomad

Excellent water- and dustproof bag.

11 June 2014, 17:01

DK1

I've taken a canvas army type zip up bag overseas a few times and found it great. Does not stand out, is sturdy, big enough for everything to fit for a safari and soft so easy to get in small planes, 4WD's etc.

I think I paid about $50 for it in an army disposal store here in Aus, so would probably only cost $10 in the US!

13 June 2014, 01:50

drwes

The last time I went to Africa I got "The Luggage Police" check in person. My linear measurements wer like an inch too long and she wasn't going to let me check it in,,, I ended up with a supervisor and paid an oversize fee. {Delta} The max linear length is 62 inches. I bow hunt so I put extra arrows in my checked luggage. The arrow case is like 32 inches, so I can have a 32 inch duffle but the width and depth have to be about 15 inches apiece That is not a very large piece of luggage. If you look at luggage on line and look at what their total linear length is,,,, almost all are just of few inches over that. I would think if I was a manufacturer,, I would look at the travel requirements but that would make too much sense....I guess I will look and see what Delta is going to charge me in August for my oversize luggage.

13 June 2014, 11:29

N E 450 No2

For the last several years I have used the Tuffpak for my guns and Filson bags for my checked luggage.

My carryon is always the Patagonia MLC [Maximum Legal Carryon] It has backpack straps so it is easy to carry it on your back while you handke you rifle case and your checked bag.

I recommend your rifle case and your checked bag both have wheels.

I would love to use a Pelican case, or my Boyt "plastic" case for my checked luggage clothing, but with the now 50 lb weight limit, they are just too heavy for their size.

13 June 2014, 16:05

hairbol

Been to ZA 4 x now. Used a Storm iM2750 all 4 times with my keylocks. Ammo Storm case inside on the way over and separate outside on the way back. Storm rifle case the first 2 times and a Pelican the third. the Pelican was their biggest long case and just was too big and heavy. Most recent trip the rifle case was a SKB short case for a Mauser M03 set up and it was the easiest trip yet. I have never had any pilferage issues. If you're over weight outbound from the US expect to pay the price. I've had it waived every time leaving South Africa.

13 June 2014, 22:47

RCG

Safari, I did the rolling duffel route on my first trip in 2001 but decided I wanted a more secure bag for future trips. I purchased a Pelican 1610, without foam, and have been very pleased after multiple trips to RSA and Zim. I also use a small Pelican case, 1200 I think, for ammo.

The downside is weight. You have to pack carefully and cut out any nonessentials to meet the 50# rule. I also use a Boyt model 40 backpack as my carryon. I can get all I need for 3 weeks and two rifles in the Pelican 1610, the Boyt pack and a Pelican double case.

It works for me and keeps the gear secure from getting crushed and all but the most determined lock cutters.

14 June 2014, 00:35

shootaway

I use Samsonite from Sears.I like Cordura nylon-nothing can tear it and it wont damage anything.It has a very strong and reliable zipper and a extendable top.It is very attractive also.It is IMO the best looking luggage on the conveyor belt.I hit the bulls eye with this luggage.

14 June 2014, 21:11

mmassey338

quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
I use Samsonite from Sears.I like Cordura nylon-nothing can tear it and it wont damage anything.It has a very strong and reliable zipper and a extendable top.It is very attractive also.It is IMO the best looking luggage on the conveyor belt.I hit the ~~bulls~~ cows eye with this luggage.

15 June 2014, 08:12

Nakihunter

I will be taking my Samsonite hard shell suitcase on my first trip to Africa.

I have traveled to India, US & other places for years and always found the luggage choices an issue. Finally I decided to buy used Samsonite hard cases - I bought two large and one small cases. No they were not $8 each! More like $50 to $75 each. But still a lot less than the $400 to $800 for new ones!

I have used these suitcases to travel around India for 6 weeks with the whole family and it was fantastic. Best travel luggage I ever owned.

15 June 2014, 14:21

tendrams

Filson.

15 June 2014, 15:06

johnfox

quote:
Originally posted by cal pappas:
I've had 18 trips overseas to Africa and Australia and I've learned to carry the cheapest crap I can find with no valuables or medications in it. I've had my luggage bag gone through but nothing was taken and they didn't want my clothes or shorts/socks. A quality gun case is paramount and I use SKB with four locks on it. I carry all meds and binocs in my carryon.
Cal

Good advice...all of it.

15 June 2014, 15:39

shootaway

quote:
Originally posted by mmassey338:
quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
I use Samsonite from Sears.I like Cordura nylon-nothing can tear it and it wont damage anything.It has a very strong and reliable zipper and a extendable top.It is very attractive also.It is IMO the best looking luggage on the conveyor belt.I hit the ~~bulls~~ cows eye with this luggage.

mmassey338,does your luggage look like your mounted hyena?I hope not!

15 June 2014, 23:07

mmassey338

quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
quote:
Originally posted by mmassey338:
quote:
Originally posted by shootaway:
I use Samsonite from Sears.I like Cordura nylon-nothing can tear it and it wont damage anything.It has a very strong and reliable zipper and a extendable top.It is very attractive also.It is IMO the best looking luggage on the conveyor belt.I hit the ~~bulls~~ cows eye with this luggage.

mmassey338,does your luggage look like your mounted hyena?I hope not!

Is that the best you can do? Take some time to gather your thoughts, and try again.