Going to Zim in August, any opinions on luggage/Duffel bag that can take a beating?

I have used the top of the line Cabela's duffels for years and they are still as good as new. I forget what they're called but they're a heavy green nylon mesh with heavy metal zippers and tan leather trim. Tough stuff.

I have traveled to a number of countries over the last few years and so far my Kifaru duffel bag looks like new.

Ditto on the Cabelas luggage. Mine, after 4 trips still look new and are more than functional.

I have used several Filson bags for trips to Canada, Alaska, and Africa, as well as many, many trips in the lower 48, with excellent results.

First choice, Filson. Second choice, Filson. Third choice, Filson.

Let me add that my carry on on most of my airplane flights has been the MLC [Maximum Legal Carryon] by Patagonia.
Filson makes similar sized bags, but I have had this Patagonia bag for ever...

This bag has backpack straps, and no wheels.
So the bag itself is light weight.

Most of the time my carryon weights 45 to 49lbs...

I put as much primary stuff, that is legal to carry on the plane...

That way if I and my carryon arrive, and all of my other baggage is lost or detained, I have as much of my necessary gear as possible...

Gee
I guess Iam out of this league
I have 250,000 miles on my $20 Walmart Action Packer.
13 trips to Africa, 5 to Alaska and countless others.
Never had anything stolen or any major breakage.
OH well
JUst my 2 cents
Forgot to mention travel with my Break down Blaser R-93 and R-8 in it also
Larry

quote:

Originally posted by elk88101:
Gee
I guess Iam out of this league
I have 250,000 miles on my $20 Walmart Action Packer.
13 trips to Africa, 5 to Alaska and countless others.
Never had anything stolen or any major breakage.
OH well
JUst my 2 cents
Forgot to mention travel with my Break down Blaser R-93 and R-8 in it also
Larry

Walmart, Walmart.... Somebody get a rope... I have a shovel...

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Let me add that my carry on on mopst of my airplane flights has been the MLC [Maximum Legal Carryon] by Patagonia.
Filson makes similar sized bags, but i have had this Patagonia bag for ever...

This bag has backpack straps, and no wheels.
So the bag itself is light weight.

Most of the time my carryon weights 45 to 49lbs...

I put as much primary stuff, that is legal to carry on the plane...

That way if I and my carryon arrive, and all of my other baggage is lost or detained, I have as much of my necessary gear as possible...

i can't even imagine a 50lb carry on bag. my carry on plus my checked bag( only 1) weigh less than 60lbs. the thought of schlepping a 50 lb bag from 1 flight/terminal to another is mind boogling. i use a cheap small back pack as a carry on and a Filson duffel as a checked bag. of course i don't travel with a rifle anymore- whatever they have in camp works fine as long as it goes BANG when i pull the trigger.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:

quote:

Originally posted by elk88101:
Gee
I guess Iam out of this league
I have 250,000 miles on my $20 Walmart Action Packer.
13 trips to Africa, 5 to Alaska and countless others.
Never had anything stolen or any major breakage.
OH well
JUst my 2 cents
Forgot to mention travel with my Break down Blaser R-93 and R-8 in it also
Larry

Walmart, Walmart.... Somebody get a rope... I have a shovel...

no, with a 49lb carry on, you have a tired back.

+1 on the Cabela’s green ballistic cloth ones with heavy brass zippers and tan leather trim. I’ve been using them for 15 years, Africa, Alaska, Canada, South Pacific, all over the USA, plus I’ve loaned them to friends. When I get home I wash them off with a garden hose and put them away. They never needed any repairs and they still look new.

450
I thought you were my friend now its the hangman
Larry

Larry, are you sure it's called an Action Packer? On our last trip together, I thought Karl looked at you unloading your stuff, but he mentioned the term Fudge Packer. I just assumed he was talking about you luggage. :-)

My carry-on is a small back pack, similar to what the school kids use. Meds, change of underwear, bino, camera, toilet kit, reading, documents, etc. Everything else goes in my golf club case. It's a common brand, but can't remember it at the moment. (Wait five minutes.) It's been all over the world, 10x to Africa. Easily holds a rifle and everything else I need. That way, I always have one hand free.

Based on a suggestion from a member here, I am seriously considering a TuffPak takedown case as my checked bag for clothing and such.

Should mention that I fitted the case for padlocks for TSA compliance.

quote:

Originally posted by jjbull:
Based on a suggestion from a member here, I am seriously considering a TuffPak takedown case as my checked bag for clothing and such.

+1

Additionally, why would a locked TuffPak takedown case not qualify as your "locking ammunition box".

Well remember guys last time i went over you culd still put scopes in your carry on, so I had 4 scopes, camera, flashlights, one complete set of clothes, the electrical converter, fleece jacket etc...

Like I said everything I could get in the bag, that was valuable. As long as it was with me it was safe from theft.

Mike,

Buy the best quality wheeled duffel you can afford. Ridged sided luggage can be a problem if at some point you have to charter in a small plane and luggage space is at a minimum.

Mark

Has anyone heard of them stealing the scopes of rifles?

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Well remember guys last time i went over you culd still put scopes in your carry on, so I had 4 scopes, camera, flashlights, one complete set of clothes, the electrical converter, fleece jacket etc...

Like I said everything I could get in the bag, that was valuable. As long as it was with me it was safe from theft.

Cabela's Outback Series...



...or...Cabela's Alaskan Guide Series(both tough as nails)

SAA was checking carryon bags this past October/November for both size and weight [18lbs. is the max weight/ 45 total inches size] Though you MIGHT get by with more if it does not LOOK like it's heavy! [might not though]

[wear or carry a jacket or vest to stow whatever you can fit if weight is close]

I have been using a huge Pelican 1610 as a checked bag but it is 20+ lbs empty so it does not take much to get to the 50lbs Max weighton checked bags. It does protect against baggage gorillas, but without good locks its just another suitcase.

I have also used a Tumi drop bottom duffle several trips previously and it has held up very well.

But as long as you are using the wimpy TSA locks, NOTHING is very secure. NEVER check anything of value in your bags.

Les

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Aliulis:
Has anyone heard of them stealing the scopes of rifles?

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Well remember guys last time i went over you culd still put scopes in your carry on, so I had 4 scopes, camera, flashlights, one complete set of clothes, the electrical converter, fleece jacket etc...

Like I said everything I could get in the bag, that was valuable. As long as it was with me it was safe from theft.

Think about it, if my rifle case gets stolen, at least I do not have to replace the scopes...

Also it keeps them out of the hands of the baggage handlers.

This is the section directly from the TSA web site on firearms.
Read carefully.
No metion of having to use TSA locks if you are not there at the inspection area, it states they will cut the lock off anyways.
Also Ammo can be carried with the gun in a container as specified. Airlines may say different. It does not exclude other items to be packed with the gun such as clothers or other items.
It also must be locked so no portion of the case can be pryed open usually taking 2 locks but that depends on the type of container.
Travelers may only transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container in or as checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited from carry-on baggage.

Failure to adhere to the following regulations will preclude passengers from traveling with firearms, ammunitions or firearm parts:

Travelers must declare all firearms to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
The firearm must be unloaded.
The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft.
If firearms are not properly declared or packaged, TSA will provide the bag to law enforcement for resolution with the airline. If the issue is resolved, law enforcement will release the bag to TSA so screening may be completed.
TSA must resolve all alarms of checked luggage. If a locked container containing a firearm alarms, TSA will contact the airline, who will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner and advise the passenger to go to the screening location. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
If a locked container alarms during screening and is not marked as containing a declared firearm, TSA will cut the lock in order to resolve the alarm.
Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation.
Travelers must securely pack any ammunition in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it follows the packing guidelines described above.
TSA prohibits black powder or percussion caps used with black-powder.
These regulations are strictly enforced. Violations can result in state and local criminal prosecution, as well as civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation.

Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies.

Also, please note that other countries have different laws that address transportation and possession of firearms. If international travel is planned traveling internationally, check the regulations of the destination country to ensure compliance with their requirements.

Thanks for all the input!!!!!

Filson and TuffPak.

Sometime ago, bags with nylon self-repairing zippers were being forced open by using a ball point pen and then re-zipped - minus some goods - by sliding the zipper back and forth. Filson bags use heavy duty brass zippers exclusively.

Here is another option.
Take 2 long guns, take 2 tuff paks.
Put one gun in each tuffpak, put the rest of your stuff, clothes, etc in the 2 tuff paks.

Since both tuffpaks contain a gun, both will be locked and will not be opened with out you being present.

It is the most secure way to travel with out getting something stolen out of your checked baggage that I know of.

Michael
I see on the signature you have a Dakota traveler. I have one also in 416 Rigby what a great gun and a great gun to travel with.
Have fun on your adventure to Africa.
After your first trip you will be a seasoned pro.
Larry

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I have used the top of the line Cabela's duffels for years and they are still as good as new. I forget what they're called but they're a heavy green nylon mesh with heavy metal zippers and tan leather trim. Tough stuff.

We have a few of these and they are great. Hopefully will be on my flight to Tanz in a few hours.

I can't see spending a bunch of bucks for a duffel when Cabelas stuff works great.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Well remember guys last time i went over you culd still put scopes in your carry on, so I had 4 scopes, camera, flashlights, one complete set of clothes, the electrical converter, fleece jacket etc...

Like I said everything I could get in the bag, that was valuable. As long as it was with me it was safe from theft.

You are taking a chance trying to carry on a scope. It is part of the rifle and TSA has been known to make travelers check it. I know it makes no sense...

I always wonder if a simple ballpoint pen is all that is needed to enter any luggage with a zipper. I avoid that possibility.

I take a Red Oxx carry-on that can carry enough clothes and toiletries for a couple of days, my camera(s) and other valuables like a notebook computer and my Kindle. It has a padded shoulder strap if I load it up, too. I doubt it weighs 15 pounds, maybe a bit more if I put my C-Pap machine in it, too.

I use a TuffPac for my rifle(s) with jackets, etc. for padding. Because I pack light, I really don't need a second bag, but due to the restrictions sometimes imposed re: ammo and rifles being in the same bag, I use a hard case, small piece of luggage that looks like a take-down TuffPac that has no zipper and is amenable to a TSA lock (and/or a conventional one). Inside it, I pack a cheap folded duffel, a locked box with my ammo in a metal box I got from WalMart and stuff like tee shirts, flip-flops, skull caps and other stuff to give away to staff. If I'm flying a charter, all my stuff can fit in the duffel that I packed in the smaller bag and the TuffPac (except the rifle, which is in a soft case, of course) and I can leave the TuffPac and second hard case if necessary at the charter office.

More than once, while going through SAPS on my return, I've given away the cheap duffel to a hunter that screwed up and had his ammo in is gun case, btw.

I use the rolling adventure bags from LL Bean. They have a lifetime warranty, so that is one less worry. I have returned 2 so far: the ridgid bottom broke one 1 and the wheels came apart on the other. They are relatively light and can be had in many colors.

Larry relax, we are still best buds.

I filled in the hole I was a digging...

JudgeG: A simple ballpoint pen is all that is needed. After having been robbed of some very expensive cameras and other stuff while in the Vic Falls airport that were in a locked zippered duffle bag, that is why I only now travel with the new Samsonsite hardsided luggage and a Tuffpak. (No zippers). I also carry a PacSafe backpack on the plane with my valuables in it, and it does not leave my sight and is locked unless I need something out of it.

like this


/Users/robertrose/Desktop/OpeningBaggage.wmv

quote:

Users/robertrose/Desktop/OpeningBaggage.wmv

Sorry that didn't work it was a video of some one opening a bag with a pen

Always used the big Cabela's duffle in the past. Worked great -- a very tough bag. Kind of big. Was considering buying the medium size for this year.

But, bought a new Red Oxx at DSC. Main objective was to get something smaller.

Both look like good bags. Red Oxx is more expensive, but has a couple more options.

You couldn't go wrong with the Cabela's green bags though.

Used the Cabelas for my last 4 trips to Zimbabwe. Only thing I ever lost in 8 safaris was stolen from my Browning GunVault in camp on my first safari. From that time forward I always left any extra dollars or travellers checks with the outfitter in his home safe.

Any well made bag will work. I carry on everything possible and check only ammo or guns or heavier items. Go as light as possible.

I also started taking bare essentials and then leaving them behind - shorts, shirts, hats, sneakers, etc. These items make up about $200 of your trip expense and you will not likely use them again.

I leave books and anything possible behind.