Properly "packing" a fursuit....

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6 replies [Last post]
(Rukario)
Rukario's picture
Location: Troy, Ohio
Joined: 2007-03-22
Posts: 54
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Good Afternoon Everyone:

As Anthrocon draws closer, a thought occured to me this morning -- I have just received my first fursuit, and I have to now GET it to Pittsburgh. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't even think of bothering other furs, with something as trivial as "packing" a fursuit, however my experience with the Evil TSA, is that if they get their mitts on anything, chances are, I will leave with a full suit, and arrive in Pittsburgh with a partial. NOT what I exactly had in mind.

Any feedback here, would be GREATLY apprecriated.

Many thanks.

Rukario

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NallTWD's picture
Location: Boston, MA
Joined: 2007-03-02
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The #1 way to go thats standard across the board for suiters is to get yourself a Rubbermaid "Action Packer". These things are reinforced six ways from sunday and are large enough to accommodate any full suit. (Save maybe that giant robot wolf...)

Either way, they should run between 30-50$ depending on your area and can be very securely fastened, or locked if you're bold enough. (Not recommended)

Neatly fold your suit at the bottom of it and place the head on top. If you're worried about it getting out of whack in transit, you can also add any manner of roll foam to brace the head in the center, to make sure even if it flips a few times, you're square.

And because I'm awesome, here's the link to buy one on the cheap. http://www.rei.com/product/634288

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(Rukario)
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Location: Troy, Ohio
Joined: 2007-03-22
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You are awesome NallTWD! Smiling

That is just what I was looking for.

Thanks a million. Laughing out loud

Rukario

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If you plan to check your Action Packer with the airlines, a few things to do to help:

1. Request a hand search of your action packer, explain that it is a fragile costume for performances. You can then repack it properly, and then seal the action packer once the TSA has inspected it and placed the "TSA Sticker" on the bag tag. Use a heavy duty Zip tie and a large metal washer to seal it. This will make sense when you see the locking handles on the packer. This will allow the TSA to get back in if needed and the airline to open it and inspect for contact information if the bag tag is lost. (padlocks have to be cut and usually they damage the baggage when they cut them off)

2. Place a printed page on the top of your suit explaining that it is a fragile costume with all your contact information.

3. Think about getting a folding hand cart. it will fit in your Action packer. Sometimes it is a very long walk and the action packer can become a paw full.

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RB
(RB)
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Location: Kansas
Joined: 2006-07-23
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Just some points to add to alexanderkatz's post (which is all very good information):

I would like to point out that not all airports have the ability to do a hand search of luggage prior to checking your bags. Many smaller airports are like that (my local airport for instance).

You really shouldn't need much to keep the action packer closed. A piece of duct tape from the red handle onto the lid on each side is usually enough to keep it closed *and* this allows the TSA to easily open and reseal it.

I've used the zip tie method before and they cut it and did not replace the zip tie, even though there were extra zip ties (with a note on them) taped to the inside of the lid. Luckily the airline taped it up prior to putting the luggage on the plane.

If you want a little more protection, then you can also put a luggage strap aroung the middle. I will point out that it should probably be used in conjuntion with another method.

The bottom line: It might be best to secure your container in more than one way.

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Yes yes. More Good Information.
The big thing here is to Be Prepared for your travels.
This will be my First AC, so Look for the SkunkStriped Wolfbear Suit.

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It depends on the size of your suit and if your suit has any special features. Most will fit into a Rubbermaid Action Packer. Some can be made that can easily fit into suitcases. Only use a suitcase if the head can be made to collapse or better yet get a hard shell suitcase. In my case my suit won't fit into an Action Packer due to the tail and wings so I have to resort in an oversized hockey bag. Though it will fit into two very large pieces of luggage as what I had use for transporting the suit for FC.

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