Hard-sided Suitcases

[Franco]

I have used Halliburton suitcases for years, but lately they just don't hold up. Locks get broken, and the cases get so distorted - if you manage to get them open, they won't close again. Part of the problem is the locks are exposed, and the newer cases are awfully thin.

What hard, lockable cases seem to work the best? I need at least one so I can lock up ammo, binos, GPS, etc.

 

[Red Leg]

I have used Halliburton suitcases for years, but lately they just don't hold up. Locks get broken, and the cases get so distorted - if you manage to get them open, they won't close again. Part of the problem is the locks are exposed, and the newer cases are awfully thin.

What hard, lockable cases seem to work the best? I need at least one so I can lock up ammo, binos, GPS, etc.

@Tanks introduced me to Rimoa. I am now convinced they are the best baggage product in the world. https://www.rimowa.com/us/en/home Like telescopic sights, one does pay for quality.

 

[Franco]

@Tanks introduced me to Rimoa. I am now convinced they are the best baggage product in the world. https://www.rimowa.com/us/en/home Like telescopic sights, one does pay for quality.

I was just looking at them. They came up on a Google search. Looks like a road trip to Ft Worth next week.

Thank you

 

[mdwest]

I’ve got a few pelican cases… they are nearly indestructible… but.. they scream “expensive stuff inside!” to baggage handlers… and they’re ridiculously heavy and sometimes push the weight limits for the airlines..

I need to look into getting a few more “traditional” looking hard sided travel cases …

 

[Angelo_orygun]

I’ll second Rimowa for something that stays in the cabin, love my Classic. Love it even more that’s it’s gotten a little character over the last 3 trips to Asia!

For something more economical to check, Pelican Air or Vault. I have a small one for my Ammo when going to Africa. Their warranty is a joke, in my humble opinion, my 1750 died on the way home from Africa.

 

[coreydb]

I ended up buying a Pelican hard case......in yellow; easy to ID. Lifetime warranty for any damage and it always comes out the oversize luggage area with my rifle case. Air traveled for hunts across the States, Europe, and Africa. No problems, no regrets.

 

[Cme1983]

I’ll second Rimowa as well. Great product with a lifetime warranty. It’s worth the money.

 

[Franco]

Just ordered the Rimowa Check-in M. Delivery later in the week, save a drive to Dallas. Hopefully it will hold up.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have used Halliburton suitcases for years, but lately they just don't hold up. Locks get broken, and the cases get so distorted - if you manage to get them open, they won't close again. Part of the problem is the locks are exposed, and the newer cases are awfully thin.

What hard, lockable cases seem to work the best? I need at least one so I can lock up ammo, binos, GPS, etc.

Pelican Air Suitcase fits the bill for me. I take it everywhere including the beach tomorrow!

 

[JimP]

I just use a hard bottom type duffle.

Anything that is worth anything goes into my carryon or rifle case. There isn't a lock out there that'll keep a crook out of it.

If some crook wants to go through my dirty shorts they are welcomed to do so.

 

[Moody808]

I went with the Tumi 19 Degree in aluminum and it has not let me down. I also like how there's pretty much a tumi in every city and most major airports so if you ever do need a repair they can do it quickly.

 

[slam8031]

Pelican Air is my go to check bag

 

[Franco]

I went with the Tumi 19 Degree in aluminum and it has not let me down. I also like how there's pretty much a tumi in every city and most major airports so if you ever do need a repair they can do it quickly.

My wife has Tumi cases; she got them after we had to pry her last Halliburton open. Good point on the repair options.

 

[GuttormG]

Samsonite, I have 2 of them, bought in Singapore in the early -90s; despite the best efforts from airlines, luggage handlers and various ships crews they have sustained exactly 0-zero-damages.

 

[BeeMaa]

We routinely travel with Pelican 1560's and use a 1510 as a carry-on. Several trips a year for at least 10 years now with no issues.

If I had to do it over again, I'd keep the 1560's but get a Pelican Air 1535 to save some weight because it rarely sees a baggage handler.

 

[zephyr]

My last Safari I traveled with a Pelican Air, 2-3 times heavier than my canvas duffel it put over the weight limit with my usual gear ... I can live with that considering the alternative

 

[Philip Glass]

@Tanks introduced me to Rimoa. I am now convinced they are the best baggage product in the world. https://www.rimowa.com/us/en/home Like telescopic sights, one does pay for quality.

One of these days! They are classy suitcases.

 

[Challer]

I’ve had Rimowa Aluminum for over 25 years. It’s been all over the planet with me. And it’s repairable. That is the old style Rimowa made in Germany. It was the standard issue to to pilots and flight crews. IBM used them for hard drives, hasseblad made camera cases. But then LVMH bought them and they are now a style not a tool. I am leary of the new stuff, made in Canada. There is a large secondary market for the old stuff.

Today I’d go pelican as @BeeMaa suggests. I miss the old Rimowa and Haliburton Zero. Best stuff ever in its day.

 

[Sideshow]

Samsonite, I have 2 of them, bought in Singapore in the early -90s; despite the best efforts from airlines, luggage handlers and various ships crews they have sustained exactly 0-zero-damages.

Beat me too it. Also Delsey lite and easy wheels. When you need to load stuff up it helps when your not handicapped by you suitcases weight.

 

[rookhawk]

I have used Halliburton suitcases for years, but lately they just don't hold up. Locks get broken, and the cases get so distorted - if you manage to get them open, they won't close again. Part of the problem is the locks are exposed, and the newer cases are awfully thin.

What hard, lockable cases seem to work the best? I need at least one so I can lock up ammo, binos, GPS, etc.

I've had excellent luck with the Tumi suitcases, both the soft sided and the structured varieties. After they are completely soiled after years of use, you simply sponge the ballistic nylon down and that looks new. When they fray from a decade of rough use and get slightly furry in appearance, you can run a lighter or kitchen torch around the exterior and they look showroom new again. When a zipper busts, you call Tumi and they mail you an owner-replaceable new pull.

I've had haliburtons (still have a briefcase somewhere?) but they show wear and abuse much faster than the Tumi ballistic nylon varieties.

If you're on a budget, the Tumi outlet stores will dump last year's specialty color for up to 70% off. Alternatively, eBay is full of new old stock with tags pieces for 1/3rd of retail too.