Hi fellow hunters, I've been trying to get gear together for my trip to Africa next year. I've been trying to purchase a little here and there as the money is saved up. Here's my question- I bought a Tuffpak for my guncase but I'll need something for my second piece of luggage and was wondering what has worked and what has not worked for others. Is a regular piece of luggage (soft or hard shell) feasible? Or should I look into say a duffel bag and if so what size? Thanks in advance for any help. Joe
Posts: 185 | Location: ohio | Registered: 13 June 2003
I went to Africa May 28th. I used a Tuffpak for my rifles. I thought about getting a second Tuffpak, the shorter takedown version or a pelican case as my second checked bag. I thought that they would be more secure. However in the end I used a Filson Large Duffle Bag Style 223. It worked fine, however next time my second checked bag may also have wheels. The problem is that wheeled bags weigh more which cuts down on how much stuff you can carry.
I used the TSA locks on the Filson Duffle but I do not think it was opened.
Posts: 16134 | Location: Texas | Registered: 06 April 2002
Cabelas outback series. Outback Utility trunk. I have the 36 X 15 X 14. It has wheels and has good compartmentalizaton. They also have a wheeled gear bag which is very similar.
Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002
Besides my gun case, my favorite piece of luggage is Filson's large twill fabric duffle bag with wheels. This is the toughest duffle that money can buy, and it's very stiff on the bottom. The wheels are durable, and the pull handle is extremely tough. Best of all, this duffle features the toughest zipper that's available for any comparable product. That's my biggest gripe about luggage -- the zippers are too flimsey. Not with this Filson bag. It's built to last and stay together from top to bottom. This duffle is available in an extra-large size as well.
I used the takedown model of Tuffpak for our "good clothes" on the last safari. Worked like a champ. Now for some of the best ever nylon denier duffel I would ask you to take a look at Wildgoose @ www.wildgoosemanufacturing.com (1 800 749 1805) in Ingram, Texas. I think you will find Ron and Susi Bell to make some of the best luggage going. They also show at SCI each year so you can "touch, feel and smell" the products if you are at the show. No shortcuts in this luggage. Preium zippers, all material cut with hot knife so no loose threads, leather tabs on the zippers etc. Lots of little well thought out features in each pc. If you like Murray for leather then you will like Wildgoose for soft luggage. Made for hunters by hunters!
Posts: 1529 | Location: Texas | Registered: 15 December 2003
30ott: thanks, just ordered some. For my second piece of luggage, I carry a good ol' fashioned USN issue duffel. It holds A LOT of stuff plus my ammo and it is lockable. Incidentally, my rifle case, which has built it locks, was "picked" by the TSA folks last year when i went bear hunting. They locked it back too and left me a note inside. Now I'm wondering whetehr I should buy a new case, one that you can affix these new TSA locks to. jorge
Posts: 7149 | Location: Orange Park, Florida. USA | Registered: 22 March 2001
I would recommend a large or extra large duffle bag. Don't care how expensive or inexpensive you get but I would recommend getting one without a lot of (or any) outside compartmentalization, the less zippers the better by far, the best is one big compartment and one zipper.
Posts: 932 | Location: Delaware, USA | Registered: 13 September 2003
Get a medium-to-large cooler with wheels and put a hasp on it. Cool boxes (as they are generally known over there) are in great demand and the PH will likely swap you a duffle bag in exchange for your cooler when it is (alas) time for your return.
Posts: 262 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 09 July 2004
I finally settled on the Cabellas Alaskan Guide model JE51-4523 (515) Large 32"L x 15"W x 14"H....It suits me perfectly for a short stay or a long stay. Has wheels..I have a tuff case...
I carry on that plane a small back pack with two changes of clothes, toilet kit, small camera and a book to read....
I am ready for all catastrophies... One must also gear into African mode, deal with African time, and most of all put your "give a sh-ter in nuetral"....Those that go there often know of which I speak, First and some second timers fight their heads to no avail...
Posts: 42230 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
Yeah, I spent 2 weeks in Omo one time with just what I had in my backpack. Turns out I was a pretty good planner. Borrowed a hat, though . My second piece of luggage has for years been a 30" leather bottomed Boyt duffle bag I bought from Cabelas in 1984. It's been rebuilt twice at no charge.
Rich Elliott
Posts: 2013 | Location: Crossville, IL 62827 USA | Registered: 07 February 2001
Thank you everyone! I really appreciate all the help I get on this forum, I still pinch myself now and then just to remind myself that I'm really going to hunt in Africa! I still wouldn't even be thinking about it if it wasn't for all the help I've received here. Good luck in all your hunting adventures!!! Joe
Posts: 185 | Location: ohio | Registered: 13 June 2003
Goose- I'm gonna go against the grain. I prefer my 2nd bag to be hard sided. I prefer to do a split of gear between the 2 bags, a third split in my backpack with clothes and toilet kit, meds, etc. I have seen too much monkey business in the way bags are handled these days. I have, after arrival, left the hardside(s) at a pickup point for later in the trip and put that gear into a lightweight duffel. That makes it easy for charters.You might check out SKB. You might view their lines at www.beaconww.com. Good luck.
