Saw some of these at a local sportsman's auction this weekend. I have been looking at a way to bring 3 firearms with me to Africa in October, but my current Pelican only holds 2 scoped rifles. This looked like a good option to use to bring 3 along.

I guess you stow your firearms in soft cases, and them pack the case full to keep things from moving around.

They do not look as strong as the pelicans, but I was wondering if anyone has used them and if so, has it been a good experience or a poor one?

http://www.nalpak.com/Tuffpak-...K-w-Cushioned-Handle

Do a search......No less than 100 threads on them, most guys that use them love them.

Lighter weight and stronger than the Pelican.

All I use anymore.

Whether for one, two or three scoped guns.

I've been thinking about getting the break down case for my suitcase.

Larry Shores has used one to carry five shotguns IIRC.

I used 2 to carry my things other than guns on my last trips. It makes it a hell of a lot harder for those thieves in OR Tambo to steal from you.

I use them on my anuual trip(s) to Argentina where we are using solely shotguns. They are great until the guys at RENAR want to inspect the shotguns. They are a massive pain in my behind then.

I have been a bit concerned about putting scoped rifles in them. I tend to baby my rifles and I do not like letting them get beat around too much. I simply do not have enough clothes in the summer to hold the rifles steady.

[QUOTE]

I guess you stow your firearms in soft cases, and them pack the case full to keep things from moving around.

This is exactly what I do (pack 3 rifles in soft cases and pack clothes around the soft cases), and I have never had a problem in my last 3 trips to Zimbabwe. I think it is a very good way to go.
mangwana

I have used them on 9 safaris and would not travel to Africa without a TuffPak to secure my rifles.

I agree with all of the above.

LOVE MY TUFFPAK!
Bubble wrap helps fill in the empty spaces & doesn't weigh anything.
Plus you can use the buble wrap on souvenirs on the way home.

I use and like mine. Get the TuffSack too, it'll make packing (and unpacking at the airport) much easier and faster.

Excellent endorsements!

I did a little poking around per the above recomendation and seems like positive reviews there too. I'll poke some more later today.

Thanks!

quit poking around and buy one. you will not regret it.

USA to Africa and back 12 trips.
USA to Canada and back 5 trips
USA to various USA destinations = 12trips
Okla. to Alabama and back 20 +times.

no casualties yet knock on wood. I have three. I wish i had gone on every other trip my cases went on with friends.

Plus 10 on what others here have said about the Tuff Pak. I would/will not even consider any other option for traveling with guns on the airlines of the World. They are also a very good "make secure" place while in camp to keep those things you don't want to leave lying around safe, dry, out of sight, waterproof but still easy to get to.

Contact "Harry" an AR member on here in Texas as he is "one of us" and a Dealer for the Tuff Pak and the accessories for it.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Ditto to the above positives --- just get the Tuff Sak -- you'll love it

I have done so multiple times, to canada and various western USA states.
Never had a problem.
In teresting, that in Wichita Ks, at the luggage claim, firearms must be collected at the ticket counter versus off the belt. My tuff pack often comes out on the belt anyway. I suppose they think they are golf clubs.

Is there a specific model to buy?

My wife and I both have a Tuffpak for good reason. They work nicely.

I haven't used the one I bought from surestrike yet but you can bet I will. I bought the stuffsack for it and it already had the "saddlebags" inside. It is gonna be handy.

I've used them for years and wouldn't go without.

You'll probably want the 'regular' size one, and get it with the vending machine lock, not the hasp. You're the only one to have a key to your rifle case; look at the 'Locks' thread on here, in the African Travel section.

Just be prepared for all the questions about your 'golf bag' .

I started out with an Americase case. It was good but way to heavy and bulky. My third trip I went with a tuffpak and wouldn't consider going back.

Why do they make them so long though?? You need an American XOS SUV or pickup to fit the things in. You sure wouldnt want to take a cab ride with one...

Take Larry's advice and contact Harry to get one ordered. I've purchased two from him.

So if I am reading between the lines here... I am getting the feeling that folks are happy with thier tuffpacks. Would that be a safe assesment?

(thanks for the great feedback!)

quote:

Originally posted by Rob H:
So if I am reading between the lines here... I am getting the feeling that folks are happy with thier tuffpacks. Would that be a safe assesment?

(thanks for the great feedback!)

count one more in !

No reading between the lines is necessary.

Bought my Tuffpak back in 1996, before it was fashionable to have one, for my first trip to RSA.

One advantage is that you can put your guns in soft cases and then use the cases to protect your rifles on the hunting car.

I have never had a scope out of zero when carried in a Tuffpak.

Plus, even though they are seen much more often nowdays, they still don't scream "GUNCASE!" like aluminum cases do.

And you can always stick a few golf labels on the Tuffpak to divert attention.

I stuff a fairly light down jacket in with the rifles as well as a pair of pants and a shirt or so to make sure they are well padded. Never had a problem with zero on the scope. Love mine.

quote:

Originally posted by Nitro Express:


Plus, even though they are seen much more often nowdays, they still don't scream "GUNCASE!" like aluminum cases do.

And you can always stick a few golf labels on the Tuffpak to divert attention.

One of my clients had a big label made for his that says "fragile: Survey Equipment"

One more endorsement. I have used mine on more than 20 flights, no problem with it at all. Rifle on zero every time. Also great way to take an extra coat or sweater packed down along the sides.

+1, best case I've ever owned. "Only" one trip to Africa, but my guns made it to Zimbabwe and back in perfect condition.

+1

Another satisfied TuffPak customer.

I travel a lot for work all over Europe and Africa. I bought a TuffPak and have been "practising" with it on business trips. It's GREAT. I roll my suits/spare clothes, papers, odds and ends, etc. up in the stuff sack, stick the sack in, weigh it and go. I can keep it down to 22 kilos just fine. I usually have to drop it off at the oversize baggage counter but it always comes off with everything else. It sure is easy to spot! Travels well, suits come out great, folks thinks it is golf clubs. I like the "Fragile: Survey Equipment" idea. Might have to get one made!!

Tuffpak: not just for guns anymore! :-)

To resurrect an old thread with a question, will a standard rifle sized Tuffpak (Model 1050) fit in a full size American car for transport to and from the airport?

I hauled one in a Honda Accord.

I have had to put mine in back seat of some cars and others in the trunk

I usually travel w/takedown riles (BLR, Verney-Caron) and the takedown Tuffpak cannot be be beat. With the takedown case people think you're toting anything but a long gun. Seems a bit pricey at first but worth every cent.

Bwana cecil and Brent, thank you for the information. I don't mind if it has to ride in the back seat as long as it fits. I thought it would have to, but it is nice to know for sure.

I have used the take down Tuffpak with shotguns for years and agree with joester that it is worth every cent.

Love my tuff pack, have taken it ti Africa 4 times and it has worked beautiful.