another question for you experienced hunters, since your ammo has to be in a locked case and put in your checked luggage would you recommend a hard sided that uses a TSA key to unlock or one of the zippered soft side pieces thank you very much, Jim
I travel quite a bit and I've made it a bit of an art form, although I'm still a journeyman in this topic.
For safari, here's what I do OUTBOUND to Africa:
Bag #1: A gigantic Rothco Duffle. The contents of that duffle is a pelican case with TSA locks holding 11 pounds of ammo. It also may contain another gigantic rothco army duffle ($25 on amazon) new in the package. Once inspection is done, I wrap that baby up tight and tiny. Nothing else in it.
Bag #2: A rolling safari rifle case. I have a 3 gun case and usually have portable shooting sticks and two rifles in it. I like the Americase which is no longer made.
Carry on Bag #1: I use a pretty large gym duffle. I found one made in America by Gokey/Orvis. Green Canvas. Leather bottom. Straps and handles. I use this because its soft sided and I can argue with a gate nazi if its oversized (it is, by a lot) and take stuff out of it until it squishes into carry-on status. I can just wear everything if they want to be petty. Never had an issue. Contents are my second pair of boots, 3 pairs of underwear. 3 shirts. 2 shorts. 3 pair socks. All of these items are padding my flashlights, my binos, my toiletries, my phone charger, camera, and my QD rifle scopes.
For safari INBOUND:
All the same, except that army duffle is now filled to max size. The second one may be deployed as an overbag limit item. That's if I'm trying to bring half of Africa home with me. I've brought spears, war shields, furniture, more courteney boots, ice buckets, ammo pouches, belts. Lots of safari clothes.
The duffles are junk and they break in one trip. They cost $25. They are huge. You get them plastic wrapped at the airport after inspection. You can haul tons of stuff in them. I learned this trick from
@Tokoloshe Safaris who has been known to pack chainsaws and generators in them. lol.