SKB I Series double bow case. Arrows and everything else go in the bottom, everything else goes up top. It's an expensive, bulky, heavy case but nothing is happening to the bow in it. I've been thinking about special padding for my cams, sight and rest so I can just throw it in a duffle.
I use a Cableas Ripcord XL rolling duffle. ($159 last year). I put the bow as well as the spare bow into my Prime softcase along with my arrow tub, bowquiver, heads, release, amd whatever soft clothes fit in the soft case too....socks, shirts etc. The Prime case fits in the rollling duffle, with other clothes, boots and backpack, but I keep it just under 50#s. I carry on my electronics and optics. Good luck!
I just use a $30 Plano now case that I fill with my other clothes for padding. It’s certainly not as good as an SKB or other top of line cases but it serves me well.
I have a big SKB thats been all over the world...but when the airlines went to 50# limit the heavier SKB didn't give me the options and with more gear that the Nomad at 11# does.
Heck when I pack my takedown recurve instead of a compound....I can get most everything in one bag. On something like a DIY moose hunt in AK, I can get everything inc tent, and all camp gear with food in 2 bags.
Double SKB for me. I take the middle foam out and load it with clothes and other small pieces of gear. I’m also always flying a 75 qt cooler or 2. I will load it with more gear and my pack. If I kill, I can fit most of that gear into what’s left in the case and use my pack as another checked bag, while the meat goes into the cooler(s).
My bow travels in an aluminum Kalispel case, no longer made. Inside I put an old .22 pistol, that I don’t know if it would fire, nor do I care. But I do know that I can declare a firearm, lock the case, and the TSA ain’t touching my bow, arrows, and gear, unless I’m standing there by them.
Double SKB for me. The case has logged over 20 flights and is still going strong. Usually only one bow travels and as others stated pack clothing in the rest to help protect the bow and accessories.
SKB 4119. Several airlines consider it sporting goods so you don’t have to worry about weight/size limits and there aren’t any extra fees. Also won’t count towards your bag limit. But this is all airline dependent so do your research before buying a ticket.
SKB here and for good reason
back in 2017, Alaska Air pretty much destroyed the outside edge and one end of the SKB bow case, it was 4 years old. it would hardly close together on that end. Good thing I had an extra strap wrapped around the middle of the case as well.
but bow inside was fine, no damage. Accessories, clothes (a bit damp) ok too. Made sure to surround bow with extra hunt clothes, 2 towels.
good reason: took it directly to SKB in southern Cal, 2 hours from San Diego winter home....they replaced it with a new one.
Pelican has a new one Im gonna try this year. 40% lighter 1745 pelican air double bow case. Not sure of total weight seen it advertised and told my dealer to grab one
If you are considering a soft case like the Sitka Nomad or Cabela's rolling duffel you should definitely consider the Legend Everest 40 or 44. It is made specifically for airline travel with compound bows. I haven't traveled as much as some here but flew on three round trips this fall with no issues. The Legend soft case is between the Sitka and Cabela's options in terms of cost and quality.