I was wondering what rolling duffel bags other members of this forum like to use as I need to buy a replacement.

My rolling duffel bag was absolutely destroyed on my last international flight. My Tuffpak came through with just a few cosmetic scratches.

I was using a Rolling Thunder duffel by North Face on my last trip. It weighs 14 pounds and and has a volume of 8400 inches


http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?productId=3216

For mega-expeditions or extended globe-trotting, the Rolling Thunder handles it all.

Dimensions: 34" x 14" x 16" (86 cm x 36 cm x 43 cm)
Fabric: NEO KT 1800

Fabric: PVC tarpaulin
Sizes: Large

Volume: (Standard): 8400 in³ (137.7 liters)
Weight: 14 lbs 3oz (6440 g)



Compression straps Extra-large, multi-purpose duffel on wheels. Go-cart frame with aluminum chassis for structure and reinforcement Organizer pocket on top of duffel Reinforced in-line skate wheels Steel kickstand allows duffel to stand on end; folds down flat when not in use Wing handles.

Ron, I just got back from a trip to Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa. I purchased the Alaskan Guide Series Trunk Duffel from Cabelas for this trip. 38"L X 18"W X 16"H. After tax its about $240.00.
It has plenty of room to handle any thing you want to carry, but be warned, it is very easy to get an over-weight charge by airlines with this bag. The bottom of the bag has a plastic frame that gives it good support but fragile items should not be shipped in this bag because the top is unsupported, there-by allowing a crushing effect to be applied on all items inside. All in all, a good bag for big bulky stuff like hunting clothes and boots.

Good luck
Perf

Ron- Rethink your purpose for the bag. I think if you really spend some time thinking about where you are going and what you are transporting you will lean toward a hard sided peice of luggage. I started a thread some months ago about hard sided luggage and there was a ton of great info shared by the gang here. At a couple of folks suggestion, I ended up with the Pelican 1610. Hope this helps.

I bought a High Sierra drop-bottom rolling duffle with U.S. Ski Team logos because the drop bottom almost perfectly fit the Blaser takedown hard case. So far it's only been on a few trips, but one was to Africa and it came through just fine.

I bought a new one about a month ago for my hunt this year. Actually I ended up buying two as my son liked it and I ordered a second. The one we got is made really well and seems ideal for our needs. The compartments on the ends also seem like they were designed to hold our ammo boxes. It's also nice the way this one compacts as needed to adjust to the size of the load you're carrying. In addition to its quality, I found this bag at a great price online. With no shipping charges from a place called Irv's, I was very pleased.



Here are the specs:

Category
Wheeled Duffels


Manufacturer
High Sierra - Cove Island

Features


Versatile wheeled gear duffels in two sizes for every travel need
Large main compartment with u-shaped opening
Side pockets and gusseted front slash pocket
Protective, padded flap with zippered mesh pocket covers main compartment
Recessed, locking, telescoping handle and inline skate-style wheels with corner protectors
Dual, quick-release compression straps
Convenient hanging mesh zip bag pocket in the main compartment
Structured end panel with feet allow the bag to stand on its side
Front grab handle and top handles with wrap
Protective bottom rails
Airline carry-on? No
Wheels? Yes
Colors Black (0), Loden (608)
Dimensions 32 x 15.5 x 15
Fabric 1680D Ballistic Nylon
Hard or soft sided Soft Sided
Capacity 5891 c.i.
Warranty Lifetime
Item Number HS2942

I prefer Filson by a country mile. I've been using Filson duffles for the last ten years, and I don't think there's a tougher duffle bag with a tougher zipper on the planet. The zipper alone is worth the price of admission.

Filson's rolling #284 duffel is absolutely outstanding, and it's even tougher than the standard Filson duffle. It's heavily re-enforced on the bottom, and the simple pull-handle is flexible, rugged, and won't get in the way of any other function.

http://www.filson.com

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The last couple of years I had used (until British Air broke one of the wheels off) Cabales Outback utility trunk 36" size.
It is handy for sorting gear, but has many zipper entries it takes about 5 locks to secure the contents. I am now looking at Cabelas Drop-bottom Wheeled Duffel, and matched wheeled carry on duffel. It goes to Africa about half full but returns full with gifts for the kids, grandkids and office staff (they make the trips possible) so I like lots of room.

Like Allen I like the heavier canvas ones. I have an Orvis that is about 10 years old and has more frequent flier miles than most Stewardesses.

It has been used as a shipping container for at least 5 unescorted round trips to Aus. as it is very grown up for it's age.

Never a problem yet.

I saw this one at the BassPro table in Reno. It had to be backordered and took about 3 months to get, but is built to last.

That is almost the exact replica of Cabelas 42" rolling drop bottom duffle. Biggest difference is Bass price $70.00 more, it must be for the leather vs nylon draw straps.

I think Chas. Helm posted a photo of a German rucksak (backpack) anyway...I ordered three and I believe I can put 1/2 of the world in one if I had to. They are brand new, leather bottom well built and very nice. I think wife will have one on as well as me and with those two and our Tuffpak I think we are fine for the month of Sept in Africa. Granted it does not roll but it will go in the overhead ok and it was very inexpensive.
From Cabella's. Item number IF 51 6442 and total for 3 was $51.92

I have used a Stanley rolling tool box the past 4 trips and it appears to be made from basically the same material and is as tough as my Tuffpak. I know it can take a beating as well as a Tuffpak. I bought mine from Lowes for about $40.00. They have two sizes now and I have the smaller version. It has a retractible padded handle, two latches, provision for attaching two locks, has a great interior tray for storing bits and pieces needed on hunting trips and is fairly dust and water proof. I used a Filson bag my first trip and think the Stanley box is 10 times better. Nothing as ever been damaged or broken in 4 trips and if you use packing cubes all your clothes are easy to keep sorted. I have even trasnsported scopes, cameras and firearms in the case. The only time I would use a soft bag is if you are taking a charter into camp as the Stanley might be a bit large for a small plane.

Perry

PWN375,
The reason some of us need the duffel bags, as compared to hard-sided luggage like your Stanley tool box, is because some safari companies request them. This is particularly the case if you will packing a lot of stuff on a small charter plane. Here's what my safari company said about luggage:

Apart from guns and ammunition, each client is limited to 44 pounds (20 kilos) baggage on the aircraft. Your baggage should be packed in soft duffel bags to fit into the small luggage compartments of the aircraft used within Tanzania.

Like Allen, I really like the Filson bags. Another very high-quality rolling I use alot is the Patagonia Freightliner. It is a terrific bag.

Patagonia.com

Another vote for the Filson bag. It is tough and I particularly like the fact that it does not have a million exterior straps, pockets and zippers to catch on things and get ripped off the bag. Also as Spring stated charter pilots take a dim view of hardsided cases.

Regards,

Mark

This may not be the answer you are looking for however it is something that I have done before.
I just use a Tuffpak Takedown case (the one with the pull up handle and wheels of course) and it works like a charm. Guns and hunting gear in standard Tuffpak and nicer clothes etc. in the Takedown.
Just a thought. You already know how your standard Tuffpak did as you commented on it.

I finally broke down and bought a Tuffpac from Harry. Buying one from him is kind of like getting a tatoo, I guess??

I also bought the saddle bag thing he has on sale. Dang if it isn't the best deal I've purchased. With the combo, you can pull along your children, a mistress or two, all your gear and enought rifles to supply the whole DRSS. Just this week, I put together all my stuff for the next trip and weighed it.... just within limits and it pulls along (with the new handle), like a well trained wife. And it doesn't talk back. The best $300 I've ever spent... except of serving process on the last spouse, that is!

Here's a cheap duffel that I have. It is not super tough, but for the price... and mine has been to Africa and back three times with no pimples. CHEAP BAG

Like a couple of others here, I'm a Filson fan for safari travel. I have the large rolling duffle, the mid-size duffle, the lg carry-on, and my "truck bag" and couldn't be more pleased. Now, for my domestic and non-adventure travel(oxymoron?) I do have my Hartmann Wings collection that is just really great, nice luggage, especially for women!

I must own a half dozen pieces of Filson luggage by now and intend on using them, and any others for which I can scrape up the money, for the rest of my life. Truly durable stuff! Obviously, my vote in this survey is for the Filson extra large wheeled duffle. You will NEVER hurt it and, if you do, Filson will ALWAYS make it right. Further, if push comes to shove, it is pretty much big enough to double as a sleeping bag.

Best,

JohnTheGreek

Another vote for Filson. They will repair duffels for free if there is a problem.

Of the following 3 materials, which is the most durable: canvas, rip stop nylon, or ballistic cloth? On my return from Namibia, my Cabela's Rip Stop Rolling Duffle had 2 tears in it.