Have my first trip planned for late September-CM Safaris-Buff, Kudu, and Zebra for sure. I know from this forum I need to pack light. I have access to both a TuffPak and a 3-gun Safari Model Americase for the rifles. Since I am traveling alone, I thought I would check a medium wheeled duffel with clothes, ammo box, etc. and get a good backpack for my carryon, thereby having one hand for each wheeled bag on arrival. Does this sound like a good plan, and are there any other backpacks other than the Boyt Tactical 40 I should be considering? Thanks for any advice

if your americase is like the one's i have seen it weights 30lbs empty put a couple guns in it and you a paying over weight charges. tuff pack is the way to go

Take the TuffPak.

+1

Many airlines will not accept a case holding more that two guns, regardless of how much or how little it weighs. I have no idea the rationale of this policy, just be aware it exists and make sure of the carriers you are on before packing three guns in a case.

Tuffpak.

My husband and I both use the combo you describe: Backpack for carry-on, Tuffpak, and wheeled duffle. It's worked for many trips.

Regards, D. Nelson

quote:

Originally posted by ddrhook:
if your americase is like the one's i have seen it weights 30lbs empty put a couple guns in it and you a paying over weight charges. tuff pack is the way to go

I know a lot has changed, but "sporting equipment" used to be allowed to weigh up to 70 pounds before incurring overweight charges.

Dear DRJ

Not sure why you need so may rifles.
That is more than I have used in my hunting life in Africa.

Use 1 and use it well.
Remember your cloths get washed each day. So heaps of gear is not required.

I always try to make my gear not look like a hunters. Easy target for a good set of bino's.

Take some what I call consumable clothing. So you can through it out or give to the trackers at the end of the hunt. Then you can fit in any items you purchased on the trip.

Look at your total weight.

If I had that sort of weight (70kg) when leaving RSA last October it would have cost $5,000 in excess jut to get it home. Yes they tried to charge $100 per KG

Hope this help's

Mark

I know a lot has changed, but "sporting equipment" used to be allowed to weigh up to 70 pounds before incurring overweight charges.[/QUOTE]


Ancient history!!!
G

Watch out with your Backpack. They are weighing carryon luggage now in Africa and if over weight it will have to be checked. Also read some of the previous post on packing ammo. A lot of conflicting regulations over there. Also be sure to have several extra copies of all your paperwork and have the copies noterized as well, 4457's for sure. Also I would take soft cases along as well. I have had the Tuff-pak be too large to fit in the bush plane also they are good to have in the hunting truck. Who are you booking your flight with and where are you flying thru? Differant regs for differant countrys.

Last month flying Delta-SAA from MSP through Dulles and Joberg to Harare, no one weighed our carry-ons, and I was not charged extra for the Tuffpak. It was about 57 lbs with two rifles and a few other items.
The catch 22 is that you are advised not to check high value items like cameras and binos, but they make your carry-on too heavy. I take these items out and put them in jacket pockets, as they don't weigh your jacket. Once I am checked in, they go back into the carry-on.

Rather than towing around two wheeled articles (tuffpak plus duffel) I find it more convenient to securely bungee my duffel to the top of my gun case, allowing me to wheel the entire assembly with one hand. This works well with a Pelican case...I don't know if other cases have sufficient exterior anchor points to which one can attach bungees.

Personally, I feel much more secure and comfortable having one hand free at all times.

Make sure your backpack is not camo. My buddy carried one several years ago that was camo and he was searched both ways in Atlanta and Joberg. Mine was just black and since I am diabetic I carry syringes and stuff and was not even questioned.

Thanks, everyone, for all the great information. I booked with Gracy Travel. Flying Delta from San Antonio to Atlanta then on to Joberg. Overnight in Joburg, then SAA to Harare. Flying back the same airlines. Any more tips would be appreciated.

Another question regarding clothing. I know I don't need much, but taking zip off pants (to make shorts) really appeals to me. Are the fishing type (e.g., Columbia) shirts and shorts too light weight? Any particular brand recommendations?

I have always taken a couple of the Columbia Bone Head shirts. Alot depends on the time of the year and where you are heading to. I have also taken longsleeve shirts and I would just roll up the sleeves.

Zip pants work just fine. If you are buying new cloths get them now and start wearing them so they get broken in very well. Wearing shorts can be more comfortable, but remember everthing over there seems to have a thorn of some type attached to it. I came in one night after following an elephant all day in really thick cover and my arms were criss crossed with scratches.

At any rate pack light.

Hartley

Do the fishing type zip off pants work, or is the fabric too light/thin?

I always take some zip off pants,, if it turns hot they easily make shorts,,,But,, a huge but,, some are alot more comfortable, that is,, where the zipper is in some brands aren't real great for walking long distance. Make sure you try them on some good hikes before they go into the bag. The cotton ones from Columbia have done good sericce for me, the heavier looking canvas type are to stiff and chaf worse! Where the zipper is on the leg can rub you raw in some brands and materials. Give a good test before hand.

quote:

Originally posted by drj:
Do the fishing type zip off pants work, or is the fabric too light/thin?

Your clothes will be ironed with a HOT iron each time they are washed. I've always thought the technical fabrics to be a little light for the wash and iron routine. Cotton or a cotton blend is hard to beat. Two pair of zip offs, two hunting shirts is all you need.

What Will said.

And avoid nylon shirts and pants as the iron tends to melt them. I suggest you stick with 100% cotton for pants and shirts. Under Armour or similar for undershorts will protect from chafing, but again, beware the hot iron. A scarf or bandana has many uses in the field and I carry a synthetic towel like the swimmers and divers use to wipe the sweat, as they can be wrung out and will dry while you walk.