I am scheduled to go on my first trip to Zim in late September. I have access to both Americase and TufPak, but have decided to buy my own TufPak. Is the 1050 the best model, and should I buy the regular lock or the TSA locking model? I am not thrilled about the TSA accessing the case if I am not present. I also want to get a backpack to use for a carryon so at least one hand is free going through the airports. Any brand(s)/model(s) recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I have the 1050 with the normal locking system. I don't see any reason why you would want one with TSA locks. You stand there at TSA while they open the case and look at the guns if that's what they want to do, then they lock it and give you the key and that's it. No one needs in that case again after that. The only reason you would need TSA locks would be if you were using it for something other than firearms (in which case the locks need to be TSA accessible or you have to leave it unlocked).

I've been through more different brands of backpack than I care to admit. As far as I'm concerned, every single one was a trade off of one benefit for another. I'm currently using one made by an outfit called "Spec Ops" that I believe I got from the "Cheaper than Dirt" catalog, but I'm not really sure. It seems to be the best combination of size and configuration of pockets for my normal travel load. For actual field use I prefer my Badlands packs (in different sizes depending on what I need to carry) but those don't work as well for me as "travel" packs.

You would actually be in violation of TSA regs if you were to use the TuffPak with the TSA locks. The TSA locking TuffPaks are intended for items other than firearms. You are to be the only one in possession of a key that will open a firearms container.

+1.