"Many thanks for (getting Tuffpaks here quickly).

Here with are a few photos of the Tuffpak on an Alaskan Dall Sheep Hunt. As always, the Tuffpak protected all of my scoped rifles against the rigors of wilderness travel and the roughest treatment of all - airline baggage handlers."

Regards,

An Article Written for Hunting Magazine
Published April 1994

Nalpak's Tuffpak

How often have you arrived at your hunting destination with a hard gun case, and found that you have forgot your soft gun cases? Or didn't have room in your luggage for them when packing? Well, a California company named NALPAK has responded to this problem. Based in El Cajon, NALPAK , which makes tough tubular cases for heavy-duty tripods on (cameras) used in the film industry, recently introduced a similar case for carrying guns. Its called TUFFPAK case, and it's practically indestructible.

Last fall a busy hunting schedule required that I travel to a variety of locations, often by air. I had the opportunity to test the TUFFPAK, and was very impressed with the protection it provided for my rifles and shotguns. But the feature I liked the best was the fact that I could pack my guns inside of soft gun cases and place these in the TUFFPAK. On a trip to Africa, I packed three rifles, filling in the space between them with clothing and gear – affording them even more protection. When I left the TUFFPAK in Arusha, I had the soft cases for further travel into the bush . . .

A TUFFPAK case will hold as many as five long guns, or four long guns and five handguns. This number will vary according to the thickness of the padded soft cases used for each of the guns and whether the rifles are scoped. I have been using Uncle Mike's Sidekick gun cases, which afford plenty of protection for my guns both inside the TUFFPAK and out of it.

Manufactured from rotationally-molded cross-linkable polyethylene-a virtually unbreakable material-the TUFFPAK weighs 17 pounds. The material is noted for its ability to resist deformation or damage from even the roughest of baggage handlers.

The TUFFPAK's unique design is tubular, octagonal (eight-sided) shape, which stops the case from rolling when placed on its side. The case is opened by removing a top-end lid that is locked in place, and is anchored with an extra-wide polypropylene web-strap that has a single-handle buckle release . . . .

Another feature of the unique shape is that it does not look like a gun case. As long as the airline allows you to put the "unloaded firearms" label inside, this reduces the chances of it being recognized by potential thieves. The TUFFAPK is (52) inches long and (10) inches in diameter. It comes in black and Hunter Green, and it will resist temperatures up to 140 degrees or down to 40 degrees below zero, Fahrenheit. The TUFFPAK is impervious to solvents, abrasion, denting, and shock. The suggested retail is $325.00. For additional information write Nalpak Sales, Inc. 1937-C Friendship Drive., Dept HM, El Cajon Ca 92020. (619) 258-1200.

Joe Coogan