My old Samsonite that has been to South America and Africa several times is starting to show some age. Does anyone know of a like styled bag with hasps to accept the new TSA friendly locks.I'm not interested in any type of soft bag.

Crane,

Have a look at the Pelican cases.
http://www.pelican.com
I have Samsonite hard sided suit case that is needing replaced as well. I came across these while I was looking. They seem to be very durable cases. Not speciafically a suitcase, but I'm sure would work quite well if rugged is what you are looking for.

Logic Bean

I agree that Pelican is the way to go.

I wish I would have held out buying my Pelican 1610.I bought one for a friend last year and his has metal reinforced lock holes.

This is what I have been using for international travel. No complaints at all...

Samsonite

Thanks all. I had not considered Pelican. Baboon- I am a little concerned about the weight of the cases vrs. payload. I think that 1610 specs out at around 25 lbs. Zero- I would buy another Samsonite in a second if they would switch over to hasps for padlocks. In the last 4 or 5 trips the TSA has had a different procedure in place each time.I have been asked repeatedly not to lock OR strap. My goal would be to get that Samsonite capacity and use the new locks TSA seems to be OK with(for the moment!!).Thanks again.

Crane,

Look at this Luggage. It appears to have zipper locks, so you could use a TSA approved padlock.

I have no experience with this luggage, just passing on the info.

Regards,

Terry

Delsey Helium Luggage has TSA approved locks.

The Samsonite Portside has zippered closure that can be locked with a TSA approved lock.

Regards,

Terry

quote:

My goal would be to get that Samsonite capacity and use the new locks TSA seems to be OK with(for the moment!!).Thanks again.

Please please please, What locks are you refering to? I've been the subject of bags left completely OPEN (not just unlocked) on several of my last trips

Like these, see that red "diamond" on the lock, that means TSA has the key that unlocks it.

I think Travel Sentry makes the locks, but numerous vendors sell them.

Regards,

Terry

Terry- I was not aware of the new TSA approved combination locks. Live and learn! Collins- TSA has approved manufacture of keyed padlocks that they are "keyed up" with. Most high end luggage stores and locksmths have them.I'm with you on the unlocked bag thing- it's a no win deal, particularly in Africa. I will check on Zero's suggestion and see if the new Samsonite is TSA friendly.

In my opinion , this is a better locking system for zippers


than this


The first one holds the lock closer to the bag so it is less likely to snag on something.

Regards,

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by Zero Drift:
This is what I have been using for international travel. No complaints at all...

Samsonite

ZD,

What kind of latches are on that case? The reason I ask is that I have very similar one and the latches went south on my first trip. Mine has hook type that engages a plate. The plate moves out of the way when the latches are opened. I was sorely dissapointed in the one I got.

I noticed that a later one (at Costco, yesterday) now has a 'loop' that engages a hook in more postive fashion. Problem is that it's not a suiter. Need to use it for business as well as adventures.

I too need a new hard side suit case. The zippered one that Terry pointed to seems interesting. But zippers go south too...

-Steve

Could you use a TSA Luggage Strap on your old hardsided luggage (and leave the case itself unlocked)?

Regards,

Terry

Terry- Thank you again.I've got options! Bob Butler.

Bob,

If the hardsided is your goal the Pelican type cases are the way to go. I have 3 and we have found them indestuctable on many trips in Alaska and Africa. If you do continue your African hunting carrier there will come a time you will need to charter into your camp. The pilot will be much happier with you if you have duffel bag type luggage. It packs way easier.

Later,

Mark

I too have been using a pelican for several years. It is heavy but bullet proof and easlily lockable. It is just over 20 pounds so for domestic travel you must pack carefully to stay under the 50lb limit but international allows 70 pounds so its easy to put 50 pounds of gear inside. It has 7 very tight and extremely strong latches on it all around the lid. It ain't comming open on accident no matter how much crap you stuff in there. I think I pad lock mine about 50% of my travel. I just came home tonight from a Pig hunt in SFO California and used it with the locks. TSA hand inspected it and then put on both padlocks for me. The same with my gun case. That Pelican case has likely had over 1000 flights now. I fly several times a week and use it quite frequently for the last couple years. I don't use it every week but It's been through the ringer at the airports across the country and countless international trips. It's really nice to know that the case is secure with locks when going into a 3rd world country in Africa. That big strong expensive looking case is clearly a "target full of of goodies"!

We just use a take down (the one for double rifles and take down shotguns) Tuffpak.
Has worked for us the last two safaris and will again in Sept. Easy for my wife to handle.
Each of us have a day pack and wife also has a soft side computer briefcase that becomes her purse on trips like this.

quote:

Originally posted by crane:
Thanks all. I had not considered Pelican. Baboon- I am a little concerned about the weight of the cases vrs. payload. I think that 1610 specs out at around 25 lbs. Zero- I would buy another Samsonite in a second if they would switch over to hasps for padlocks. In the last 4 or 5 trips the TSA has had a different procedure in place each time.I have been asked repeatedly not to lock OR strap. My goal would be to get that Samsonite capacity and use the new locks TSA seems to be OK with(for the moment!!).Thanks again.

Weight was not a problem for me. My ammo was also in the Pelican.I even brought somethings for a friend who got there a week earlier.If I needed more room I figure my Pelican rifle case has plenty.

Thanks all- After checking a few thing out I am going w/the Pelican 1610. Looked at a few of the zippered hard bags and thought they might not last. I have a Pelican for camera and video gear and like the wear and tear aspect. Thanks again for all your help.