Favorite checked bag?

[WyoBull]

I have a Cabelas Outfitter rolling duffel bag that I have use for many years. It has a separate zippered bottom section where I will put my boots etc and then the open top section for clothes and everything else. Had a couple of side pockets but they are not that large to where I put much in them.
It has been a great bag and is heavy cordura forest green with tan accents and the zippers are very heavy duty.
I have not looked to see if they even carry them anymore but it is my go to travel bag when hunting.

 

[BeeMaa]

I’m trying something new this year. I’m going to use a pelican air 1615 as my checked bag. For a carry on I’m going with the Red Oxx Beano 5.0.

I’m only taking one rifle, a breakdown double, so I’m looking to take a a compact gun case.

The Pelican Air 1615 is exactly at the 62" linear dimension and perfect for airline travel. The Pelican Air series is built lighter than the Protector to save weight, but by nearly all accounts is a great bag. The complaints I hear are about the corners and wheels being bashed in by baggage handlers. Some of the 1-star reviews on Amazon show pictures of this. FYI - Pelican will not warranty the bag calling it abuse of the case, not normal use.

For that reason we decided to go with the Pelican Protector 1560 for checked luggage. A little heavier (17# vs 14# for the Air) but gives me peace of mind.

 

[fourfive8]

I have two of the older Cabelas roller duffles, one medium and one large. The large is within max size limits and both currently qualify for air travel because they have a hard side. Each has taken a beating over the years but both are still functional. Really nothing carried in them that is super valuable or fragile- only clothes and boots, etc. When traveling for fishing, either duffle can handle two pack rods in their hard tubes in the bottom of the duffles. These duffles are ideal for strapping on my Pelican 1700 for piggy back transport. Most any luggage is going to get unmercifully beat up during air travel and any choice is going to be a compromise. For hunting travel, I pack the ammo in a locked hard case and in main checked bag. Any allowable, valuable, breakable items are in carry on. There seems to be an ongoing and arbitrary exception to that method for ammo when flying on certain RSA internal flights. I had SA (Airlink?) make me check the ammo case as a separate bag on a flight Durban to JNB a few years ago. I have heard of recent such incidents. Pays to check ahead of time for those potentials and be prepared to go with the flow. But hey, it's Africa

 

[Philip Glass]

Phillip,

Soft sided duffel bags are no linger allowed in Joburg? Is this a recent restriction? I went through there last Oct with one and no issues. Also the tuff pack wheeled gun cases are not allowed? I did not travel with a rifle last year but plan on bringing one this year and have always used a tuff pack case. I would hate to have to get a new gun case. Any insight you could provide would be great. Thanks

These are directly from my TA, Patrick Wright]. As you likely know some travel rules are not enforced at all times.
The duffel bag rule came into play several years ago. The luggage handling system has trouble with them rolling and clogging up. The Tuffpack is fine but no clothing in the gun case now. So what is the point of a Tuffpack and how would it work?
Again, remember just because one person goes through this does not mean you wont be the one who gets their bag lost because of a rule like this. For international travel with guns I want to follow my TA's advice.
I use a Pelican Air suitcase and Pelican Protector 2 rifle case.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Since when is Tuffpak not an option? I just bought a new one last week! No Tuffpak and no duffles will affect almost everyone and I haven't gotten any notice from Gun permits.com or Travel Express on this.

The new rule is no clothing in the rifle case. That creates a problem for the Tuffpack.

 

[Philip Glass]

The Pelican Air 1615 is exactly at the 62" linear dimension and perfect for airline travel. The Pelican Air series is built lighter than the Protector to save weight, but by nearly all accounts is a great bag. The complaints I hear are about the corners and wheels being bashed in by baggage handlers. Some of the 1-star reviews on Amazon show pictures of this. FYI - Pelican will not warranty the bag calling it abuse of the case, not normal use.

For that reason we decided to go with the Pelican Protector 1560 for checked luggage. A little heavier (17# vs 14# for the Air) but gives me peace of mind.

Interesting. They have not torn up my Pelican Air YET! Nothing would surprise me though.

 

[revturbo9967]

I have a pelican 1750 for rifle case. Any negatives with this case for the long trek to Africa?

 

[Fatback]

I wonder if you could use pillows in the tuff pack case in place of clothes? I will reach out to my travel agency and see what they say. I’m not heading over until late August so I’ve got some time to get it figured out. Appreciate the insight Phillip. Thanks

 

[rgsiii]

I wonder if you could use pillows in the tuff pack case in place of clothes? I will reach out to my travel agency and see what they say. I’m not heading over until late August so I’ve got some time to get it figured out. Appreciate the insight Phillip. Thanks

I never thought of that and can't see why it wouldn't work. It will save me finding room for a sleeping bag and pillow on an Idaho hunt in the fall.

 

[BeeMaa]

I have a pelican 1750 for rifle case. Any negatives with this case for the long trek to Africa?

We used one on our trip to Africa, not to mention just about every other hunter that was waiting to pick up their rifles from customs. So yes, it works.

Downside is that the 1750 exceeds the 62" linear limit for checked baggage. Most ticket agents don't pick up on this so you avoid the $100-$150 fee (per flight) for having a bag that is now considered cargo. If they happen to catch this it can add a significant cost if you have multiple flights.

Second thing is that it's heavy, long and awkward for traveling through an airport. At least compared to other options that are available. The 1750 works great for travel when driving or when you don't have to lug it around too much.

We have switched to the Pelican 1700 case that is within the 62" linear limit, is smaller & lighter than the 1750 and is still capable of holding two full sized traditional rifles (provided you separate the action/barrel from the stock). Our rifles are Blaser R8's and disassemble quite easily for transport. Even with a traditional rifle, it's pretty simple to do this but does require a few more steps.

Will a 1750 work for Africa, absolutely. Are there better alternatives, absolutely. The really good news is that someone is always looking for a used 1750, so you can sell it and put the money towards a 1700 if you want.

 

[revturbo9967]

We used one on our trip to Africa, not to mention just about every other hunter that was waiting to pick up their rifles from customs. So yes, it works.

Downside is that the 1750 exceeds the 62" linear limit for checked baggage. Most ticket agents don't pick up on this so you avoid the $100-$150 fee (per flight) for having a bag that is now considered cargo. If they happen to catch this it can add a significant cost if you have multiple flights.

Second thing is that it's heavy, long and awkward for traveling through an airport. At least compared to other options that are available. The 1750 works great for travel when driving or when you don't have to lug it around too much.

We have switched to the Pelican 1700 case that is within the 62" linear limit, is smaller & lighter than the 1750 and is still capable of holding two full sized traditional rifles (provided you separate the action/barrel from the stock). Our rifles are Blaser R8's and disassemble quite easily for transport. Even with a traditional rifle, it's pretty simple to do this but does require a few more steps.

Will a 1750 work for Africa, absolutely. Are there better alternatives, absolutely. The really good news is that someone is always looking for a used 1750, so you can sell it and put the money towards a 1700 if you want.

I understand the 1750 being a big heavy lunky case. I’ve dragged it through a few airports and it is not fun. I’ve also needed to store it in the back of a truck bouncing around and it does the protecting job well. I didn’t consider the oversized bag fees as I have yet to pay one on a domestic flight. For some reason, when checking my gun the agents are more concerned about following the firearm rules then noticing it’s oversize. I’m on one ticket all the way to Zim so only one fee each way for the worse case. I got it for a song on sale about 8 years ago and it’s been everywhere and looks like hell, but still secures well. I’m not sure it’s value at this point. Thank you for the information

 

[Travis2282]

We used one on our trip to Africa, not to mention just about every other hunter that was waiting to pick up their rifles from customs. So yes, it works.

Downside is that the 1750 exceeds the 62" linear limit for checked baggage. Most ticket agents don't pick up on this so you avoid the $100-$150 fee (per flight) for having a bag that is now considered cargo. If they happen to catch this it can add a significant cost if you have multiple flights.

Second thing is that it's heavy, long and awkward for traveling through an airport. At least compared to other options that are available. The 1750 works great for travel when driving or when you don't have to lug it around too much.

We have switched to the Pelican 1700 case that is within the 62" linear limit, is smaller & lighter than the 1750 and is still capable of holding two full sized traditional rifles (provided you separate the action/barrel from the stock). Our rifles are Blaser R8's and disassemble quite easily for transport. Even with a traditional rifle, it's pretty simple to do this but does require a few more steps.

Will a 1750 work for Africa, absolutely. Are there better alternatives, absolutely. The really good news is that someone is always looking for a used 1750, so you can sell it and put the money towards a 1700 if you want.

With delta a gun case is considered sports equipment and has to be under 50lbs and no more than 115 linear inches. What is the 62in limit? Or what am I missing here?

 

[BeeMaa]

With delta a gun case is considered sports equipment and has to be under 50lbs and no more than 115 linear inches. What is the 62in limit? Or what am I missing here?

Most airlines have a 62" linear limit for checked baggage, if it's over that (and you get caught) you could be subject to additional fees because now your baggage is classified as cargo for it's size. Most fees start at $100 per flight, but can be as high as $200. Take two flights to where you are going and two flights back...I'd rather keep the $400-$800 in my pocket for additional animals or tips than give it to the airline.

Yes, that could be the case for Delta as well as other airlines. However relying on the person at the ticket counter to know the rules or you being able to persuade/convince them that you are right... Once they have their mind made up, you will be paying.

Another thing (unfortunately) is that there are a lot of people in the world that don't like guns. A byproduct of this is impaired judgment and by that I mean they want to "stick it to you". I see the looks my wife and I get when approaching the ticket counter with our rifle cases.

Having traveled with the 1750 and the 1700, it's just easier with the smaller one. It's not even close when you compare the two of them. Plus it removes any questions of the 62" vs 115" limit.

 

[revturbo9967]

Most airlines have a 62" linear limit for checked baggage, if it's over that (and you get caught) you could be subject to additional fees because now your baggage is classified as cargo for it's size. Most fees start at $100 per flight, but can be as high as $200. Take two flights to where you are going and two flights back...I'd rather keep the $400-$800 in my pocket for additional animals or tips than give it to the airline.

Yes, that could be the case for Delta as well as other airlines. However relying on the person at the ticket counter to know the rules or you being able to persuade/convince them that you are right... Once they have their mind made up, you will be paying.

Another thing (unfortunately) is that there are a lot of people in the world that don't like guns. A byproduct of this is impaired judgment and by that I mean they want to "stick it to you". I see the looks my wife and I get when approaching the ticket counter with our rifle cases.

Having traveled with the 1750 and the 1700, it's just easier with the smaller one. It's not even close when you compare the two of them. Plus it removes any questions of the 62" vs 115" limit.

From what I can see, unless you take the rifle apart, most bolt actions will not fit in a 1700

 

[Travis2282]

Most airlines have a 62" linear limit for checked baggage, if it's over that (and you get caught) you could be subject to additional fees because now your baggage is classified as cargo for it's size. Most fees start at $100 per flight, but can be as high as $200. Take two flights to where you are going and two flights back...I'd rather keep the $400-$800 in my pocket for additional animals or tips than give it to the airline.

Yes, that could be the case for Delta as well as other airlines. However relying on the person at the ticket counter to know the rules or you being able to persuade/convince them that you are right... Once they have their mind made up, you will be paying.

Another thing (unfortunately) is that there are a lot of people in the world that don't like guns. A byproduct of this is impaired judgment and by that I mean they want to "stick it to you". I see the looks my wife and I get when approaching the ticket counter with our rifle cases.

Having traveled with the 1750 and the 1700, it's just easier with the smaller one. It's not even close when you compare the two of them. Plus it removes any questions of the 62" vs 115" limit.

I have not had issues with my 1750. I keep the printed out section of sports equipment with me for reference if needed. I believe emirates is 118 linear inches.

 

[BeeMaa]

From what I can see, unless you take the rifle apart, most bolt actions will not fit in a 1700

You are correct. Take out the screws that hold the two together and it's now able to fit in a 1700. Nearly every rifle can be a "take-down" model if you so choose. Reassemble with the proper screwdriver and torque wrench, test fire to check zero (which you will have to do anyway) and you are all set.

EDIT - Can you tell how much I disliked having to carry around the 1750?

 

[Green Chile]

Got this reply from Travel Express...

Several years ago the Joburg airport wanted luggage to be rectangular in shape and have hard sides with no protusions. To my knowledge they have not enforced or mandated that in quite some time. I did check the Turkish and Airlink baggage requirements and they don't specify. Worst case they will shrink wrap your luggage if they don't like it.

As to the tuffpak question, you can pack clothing in there, just not ammo if there is a firearm in it. If you're using the clothing as padding just be aware that TSA may remove the firearm and clothing and not repack it to your liking.

 

[mdwest]

Ive got a Pelican 1615 and a Pelican 1510 that I bought back in the early 2000's (I think late 2003?) that literally have been all over the world and have been handled by the baggage apes in the worst airports on the planet more times than I can count (Juba, Mogadishu, Amman, Islamabad, Baghdad, Kabul, etc).. They have taken a very hard beating over the years.. but 2 decades later are still going strong..

I dont always travel with them these days... Sometimes the weight is a factor.. and they are bulky compared to my soft bag options.. but if I am going somewhere that I think my stuff might get destroyed or that I am worried about really needing to protect the contents while in transit from breakage, etc.. the 1615 and 1510 are my go-to bags..

Other than my pelican storm rifle case, I havent checked a bag for any hunting trip to Africa in the last several years though.. Typically everything I need fits into a single carry on... This year will be an exception however.. once we leave camp from our hunt we're planning on spending some time playing tourist and seeing some other parts of South Africa.. so I'll be taking more clothing and some other stuff and will likely need to check a bag... so the 1615 will be accompanying me..

 

[BeeMaa]

Ive got a Pelican 1615 and a Pelican 1510 that I bought back in the early 2000's (I think late 2003?) that literally have been all over the world and have been handled by the baggage apes in the worst airports on the planet more times than I can count (Juba, Mogadishu, Amman, Islamabad, Baghdad, Kabul, etc).. They have taken a very hard beating over the years.. but 2 decades later are still going strong..

I dont always travel with them these days... Sometimes the weight is a factor.. and they are bulky compared to my soft bag options.. but if I am going somewhere that I think my stuff might get destroyed or that I am worried about really needing to protect the contents while in transit from breakage, etc.. the 1615 and 1510 are my go-to bags..

Other than my pelican storm rifle case, I havent checked a bag for any hunting trip to Africa in the last several years though.. Typically everything I need fits into a single carry on... This year will be an exception however.. once we leave camp from our hunt we're planning on spending some time playing tourist and seeing some other parts of South Africa.. so I'll be taking more clothing and some other stuff and will likely need to check a bag... so the 1615 will be accompanying me..

Funny how the exterior dimensions of the Pelican Air 1615 add up to exactly 62"...almost like they planned it.

 

[meigsbucks]

I've been researching the Red Oxx bags. Those look promising.

My brother has several RO bags and is a big fan. His favorite is the Sky Train.