Tuffpak Question

[YancyW]

Hello all, it's been a bit since I have posted, we moved into to the new house the day before Christmas and it has been crazy getting the last few things finished.

I was taking a little time this afternoon to do some planning and I have been thinking about rifle cases for my trip. I have several Pelican and Storm cases and have used them for air travel before, but I am thinking about getting a tuffpak. I like the idea of being able to get away with one checked beg if possible.

For those who use them, how do you like them and how do you generally pack them?

 

[Pheroze]

I used one to travel to South Africa last year. I really liked it. I still use it when I go moose hunting up north . The case got a nasty gash on one side but it did not penetrate. Everything inside was fine. I was paranoid and used an extra piece of foam to prove a little extra protection to the scope (not a quick release unfortuantely)

KLM did not allow me to pack clothes in it. I packed accessories only, but brought another case for my clothes and ammo.

 

[Bullthrower338]

I like mine a lot. Not saying I don’t like my SKB’s, Pelicans and aluminum cases. If you are only allowed 50 pounds you won’t get a lot more than two rifles in their soft cases and a few clothing items in there before you hit weight. I haven’t had an airline tell me I couldn’t have clothing in there yet but have heard of such. In the US it typically comes out with all the other sporting equipment at baggage because that is what it looks like. And a set of clubs does fit though barely.lol.
I would recommend that you just plan on a second checked bag if for no other reason to put your ammo box in until you get to Africa and have to take it out. Ammo boxes are way to small and easily overlooked and left on a cart.
Cheers,
Cody

 

[Mekaniks]

I like my tuffpak. The key to using a tuff pak is to make sure you can pack it with enough stuff to keep the gun(s) from banging around and stay under the magic 50lb limit. That said, @Bullthrower338 is correct that it likely will not save you a checked bag just because you will still need to check ammo which can't go in the gun case.
I took mine to SA last year packed with one rifle in its soft case, our coats and rain jackets, and some other gear. It allowed my son and I to share only one other checked bag for our remaining clothes and ammo. It worked perfect in my opinion.
If you search "tuffpak" I wrote a short review about my tuffpak when I took it on its maiden voyage a couple years ago.

 

[YancyW]

I like my tuffpak. The key to using a tuff pak is to make sure you can pack it with enough stuff to keep the gun(s) from banging around and stay under the magic 50lb limit. That said, @Bullthrower338 is correct that it likely will not save you a checked bag just because you will still need to check ammo which can't go in the gun case.
I took mine to SA last year packed with one rifle in its soft case, our coats and rain jackets, and some other gear. It allowed my son and I to share only one other checked bag for our remaining clothes and ammo. It worked perfect in my opinion.
If you search "tuffpak" I wrote a short review about my tuffpak when I took it on its maiden voyage a couple years ago.

Is that an international rule on having ammo in the same case? I just put the separate case with ammo inside the larger gun case.

 

[Mekaniks]

Is that an international rule on having ammo in the same case? I just put the separate case with ammo inside the larger gun case.

It all has to do with the Airline rules that you are flying with. If they allow ammo in the same case then it's all good....just make sure before you go.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I had one and it does the job. I ultimately sold it because I found that taking 3 rifles to Africa is at least one too many if it's just me and likely even when I took one of my kids. And it was for taking 3 rifles I bought it. For two rifles, I think there are plenty of other good choices as well.

But the TuffPak has it's advantages. If you buy one, the one thing I would definitely do is get about 2" of high density foam, enough to more than cover the bottom of the case. Cut the foam to fit just inside and put it at the bottom of the case.

Most if not all that I know that use the TuffPak shove the rifles in front first, with the rifles in a soft case. The soft case will not be enough to absorb shock in my opinion and I wouldn't rely on a wadded up shirt or other clothing to provide that padding. If you have some padding down at the bottom, I think it will keep your scopes happier. The one trip I did with mine, I ended up with one scope having a loose internal lens. That takes some pretty serious effort.

 

[YancyW]

This is another option I thinking about.

https://www.americase.com/product/AT-2GUN

 

[Dinsdale]

This is another option I thinking about.

https://www.americase.com/product/AT-2GUN

FWIW I have used a similar case a couple times similar to the one you posted with one rifle; made by Strong Case). Modified the interior with a plywood divider and foam, and packed spare junk in one half (extra boots,pants,shirt, etc).

This way I have one ammo can (on cart basket, same company Strong Case) holds four boxes; rifle case, and carry on. Never been nicked for any extra fees (mostly SAA).

 

[Bullthrower338]

I had one and it does the job. I ultimately sold it because I found that taking 3 rifles to Africa is at least one too many if it's just me and likely even when I took one of my kids. And it was for taking 3 rifles I bought it. For two rifles, I think there are plenty of other good choices as well.

But the TuffPak has it's advantages. If you buy one, the one thing I would definitely do is get about 2" of high density foam, enough to more than cover the bottom of the case. Cut the foam to fit just inside and put it at the bottom of the case.

Most if not all that I know that use the TuffPak shove the rifles in front first, with the rifles in a soft case. The soft case will not be enough to absorb shock in my opinion and I wouldn't rely on a wadded up shirt or other clothing to provide that padding. If you have some padding down at the bottom, I think it will keep your scopes happier. The one trip I did with mine, I ended up with one scope having a loose internal lens. That takes some pretty serious effort.

Good idea on the foam Phil. I strategically fold my TAG jacket to fit the bottom and it gives me 4-5 inches of padding. Haven’t had issues yet, knock on wood! Many trips under its belt in the couple years I’ve had it but then again I haven’t flown a delta flight with it and they can f$@! Luggage up better than anyone else I have experienced!
Can’t go wrong with Americase either bud!

 

[Spooksar]

I like mine for the fact that I can put the rifles in a soft case without much problem. Phil’s idea of a piece of foam it the bottom is a good idea. I put in 2 rifles with soft cases, shooting sticks and jackets.

 

[Mekaniks]

I like phil's idea about putting foam in the bottom as well.

Another thing that I like about tuffpak is that it utilizes soft cases. If using traditional style guncase that dont accommodate soft cases, then the soft cases end up taking up space in other luggage or have to leave them at home.

 

[Redruff]

I like my Tuffpak...it’s been abused from Botswana to the the Arctic....that is until I bought a Pelican case. The Tuffpak can take the beating but nothing compares to the Pelican.

Just my two cents worth.

R.

 

[mlazarus]

If you want to have soft cases for your rifles while you hunt, the tuffpak is hard to beat. I also put clothing in mine and haven't had any problems so far. I think it's super easy to pack and only remotely looks like a rifle case. Very versatile.

 

[Philip Glass]

For the most part you are allowed two 50 pound bags flying internationally so you might as well take two bags. In most cases ammo must be packed separately from ammo. This is where you need a travel agent. I have used and really liked pelican cases (I have several of them!). If your soft case fits the gun and not too long it will fit in the pelican with some foam removed to fit. You don’t always need a soft case so that’s your call.
If you search this forum you will find a few stories where they had problems with Tuffpak due to airline regs so just be careful and informed.
Philip

 

[Royal27]

I love my Tuffpak.

There are multiple really good cases out there of which the Tuffpak is one.

I really like it's versatility to add clothing and other essentials, plus the soft cases. And, it's easy in the airports as you don't have to remove everything if packed properly.

One note, there is either a padlock or keylock option. I went with the padlock so I could use a combination lock. Then though, I decided that it was too easy to knock that lock off, and ordered the key system. If they want in they are getting in, but the key is better, in my opinion.

 

[YancyW]

FWIW I have used a similar case a couple times similar to the one you posted with one rifle; made by Strong Case). Modified the interior with a plywood divider and foam, and packed spare junk in one half (extra boots,pants,shirt, etc).

This way I have one ammo can (on cart basket, same company Strong Case) holds four boxes; rifle case, and carry on. Never been nicked for any extra fees (mostly SAA).
View attachment 214342

Is that their 3 rifle case?

 

[Dinsdale]

Is that their 3 rifle case?

2 rifle.

You want a pic of interior I'll pull it out ; just give me a day or two as I'm busy with work at the moment, its at my shop.

I pack lighter than most, I'm comfortable with just essentials and don't over think it.

 

[YancyW]

2 rifle.

You want a pic of interior I'll pull it out ; just give me a day or two as I'm busy with work at the moment, its at my shop.

I pack lighter than most, I'm comfortable with just essentials and don't over think it.

Great, thank you. I try to pack pretty light also, I hate carrying luggage.

 

[frankdes]

It would be nice to have your gun, gear and clothing stuffed in one box. Unfortunately here we can't do it. Our rifle and ammo are inspected (check of serial, paperwork,...) by the airport police and we have to pay an excess luggage fee. To have a quick inspection and low excess fee we use a case as light as possible. The easy access works well for your firearms permit in RSA too.