What sized duffel for checked baggage?

[MuleyFever]

This is really a 2 part question. A lot of people like to use a roller duffel over a suitcase for flying to hunting destinations.

Should I go with a duffle with or without wheels? No wheels would save some weight for gear but not as convenient.

What size to get? I know if its too big it just gets too heavy.

 

[hereinaz]

I sewed up a simple duffle with straps that fit my K3 pack inside and 50 pounds of gear. My rifle case gets packed with another 50 pounds of gear/clothes. In this case you see it with my bow case.

It has been to Alaska and Tennessee so far with no problems. The first time I went to AK I checked my pack, but didn’t like it and I couldn’t pack as much.

It’s a bit of a pain to lug them. But, my rifle case has wheels so I strap it to that. If your rifle case has wheels, use that.

 

[Davyalabama]

Big packpack, easier carry.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

If you're going duffel, definitely wheeled. I have the Badlands version and it is perfect for airline travel. If I just cram it full of clothes and boots, it has never hit 50 lbs.

 

[TaperPin]

I had a pair of these Ogio rollers and they were tough, about 3’ tall, 7,500 cubic inches, and you could strap another bag on top fairly easily. The downside is cost, they weighed 14 lbs empty, and if you couldn’t use the rollers it made you appreciate the times you could. You can’t hardly give them away to someone who doesn’t need the capacity, so there are probably good deals on eBay.

 

[uglymud]

The North Face duffel has worked well for me. Wheels would me nice but the weight penalty kills it if you're already pushing 50lbs.

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[MuleyFever]

The North Face duffel has worked well for me. Wheels would me nice but the weight penalty kills it if you're already pushing 50lbs.

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What size?

 

[Article 4]

I am using Yeti bags. I have the 75 and the 100...prefer they have shoulder straps rather than rollers. I can carry my kit and roll my rifle or bow case. They are water proof and pretty darn tough when baggage people are throwing them around. Usually use my Stone glacier as my carry on and pack my optics and things inside it.

 

[MuleyFever]

I can never bring myself to support Yeti. Been looking at RTIC. I like the compression straps for when its not full.

Duffel Bag: Super Tough, Water-Resistant | RTIC

Conquer any journey with Super tough Duffel Bags! Water-resistant, puncture-resistant, & welded for durability. Choose the perfect size for your next adventure.

rticoutdoors.com

 

[uglymud]

What size?

Fairly certain it's an XL.

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[freediver111]

Just jumping in as I’m currently looking at options for air travel.
I have a good buddy in AK and have been going there on moose hunts for the last 7 years.
I’ve always just packed my Kifaru AMR (now using a Dall) and packing it with all my gear. I bought one of those child seat airline storage bags and I put the stuffed pack in the car seat bag for extra protection. Works well, but limits my weight to 50 lbs. and can be bulky.

My rifle case is mostly all foam with a cut out for the gun and ammo. I think a better option moving forward is to dump the foam and wrap the rifle in clothes/soft gear.

I am considering buying a dedicated air travel duffel bag, but the only option I’m really excited about is the Kifaru Rondy. It’s a little spendy for a simple duffel just for a 1-2x per year travel bag. I get it though, I’m sure it would last me a lifetime and I’ll probably use it more for a variety of travel like family vacations. The only reason it intrigues me is the fact it weighs 4lbs. All the other bags I’ve checked weigh 10-14 lbs, which just cuts down on how much you can pack and stay in the 50 lbs limit.


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[mxgsfmdpx]

North Face XL water proof duffle is the one. Comfy shoulder strap and good durable handle straps as well. Wheels just add weight which adds up quick on weight limits on airlines.

Easily fits my stone glacier frame pack, bino harness, plus extra clothing and food for 2 week plus trips/hunts. Only thing that ain’t water proof are the zippers but, the storm flaps over the zippers work well. Never had it wet out anything inside.

 

[Matt W.]

I have had good luck with the Sitka Nomad. It's a beast, but you can fit your pack in it and a whole lot more. I've even flown with a bow in it. Some airlines charge an oversize fee, but it really depends on who is running the desk. I did have issues with the zipper on the first Gen version. 2nd Gen no problems, but you have to be thoughtful using the zipper. I've been in a hurry a few times and snagged it. No issue, just had to back it up and then go slower. I got mine on a sale sometime in 2018.
Looks like One Shot Gear has them in stock.

Nomad Gear Roller

For those lucky hunters who will travel long distances for your epic hunt, the Sitka Gear Nomad is perfect for hauling all your gear. The 8600 cu in the interior, internal compression straps allow you to maximize the amount of gear you are hauling with you. The Sitka Gear Nomad is designed to...

www.1shotgear.com

As a Rokslide sponsor they sometimes run a Rokslide special. If the bag interests ya, I'd give them a call.

 

[TravisIN]

I used the biggest stone glacier duel on two flights this year. Worth the money, support a hunting company, great features


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[MuleyFever]

I used the biggest stone glacier duel on two flights this year. Worth the money, support a hunting company, great features


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I didn't know they had that. Looks good. Thanks.

 

[rootacres]

I went with this Kuiu bag. They do make one that is larger as well. You're always pressed on weight for those hunts. Airlines, float planes, cubs etc. you're short on weight. Id get a lightweight duffle that's fairly durable and maximize the weight. I was able to fit my SG pack inside this 5500, plus most of my clothes. I carried on a backpack, check the duffle and my rifle case. Also for what it's worth, I went with a Nanuk 995 rifle case. Instead of cutting out foam to fit just my rifle and ammo. I used all the space up to the max weight. So my rifle, tripod, ammo, spotter, some tools, and clothes all went in the rifle case.

Waypoint 5500 Duffel | Black

The Waypoint 5500 midsize hunting duffle is perfect for shorter-duration or vehicle-supported hunting trips. Shop hunting duffle bags and more at KUIU.

www.kuiu.com

 

[choovhntr]

I used the largest bag from Canis athlete this year traveling to Alaska. Worked great and the shell is twice the thickness as the kuiu waypoint. Maybe not as tough as the yeti material or the kuiu Kodiak line but pretty close and they make it in a140L size. Worth looking into.