How to pack a fursuit
Welcome furry fans!
We're glad you stopped by. Go ahead and register for a free account to get the benefits of being a member, including:
- Access to all of our posts and comments
- Your own profile including an avatar, buddy lists, and other social networking features
- The ability to participate in a community of over 3,000 furry fans!
Posted by Kaseiko_Kitsune on Sun, 2008-09-14 21:26
 "It's all cute n' cuddly till it bites your face off. " Location: Long Island,NY
|
So I have a question. How do you pack a fursuit head without smashing the ears or the entire head? Are there luggage bags that are large enough to fit a head with half suit parts and still have room to put all the essentials? Bookmark/Search this post with: |
I saw a couple using duct taped actionpackers to carry theirs around.
Just a thought.
Be sure to add packing peanuts as well, though that should be a given.
_________________
My Anthrocon 2008 montage video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfIYmueKeI
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Boise, ID
Website: [Link]
Wouldn't packing peanuts be a pain to get off of all of that fur? I can only imagine the horrible static cling those would have.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
http://foxydude915.deviantart.com/
http://z4.invisionfree.com/Idaho_Fur_Syndicate/index.php?act=idx
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkVery likely, I've never done any of this myself, so I'm using my best guess. XD
_________________
My Anthrocon 2008 montage video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfIYmueKeI
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Kansas, USA
Blog: [Link]
Couldn't you wrap the suit in something? That way you wouldn't have to get packing peanuts all over the fur and stuff...
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Boise, ID
Website: [Link]
That's what I was thinking, perhaps crumpled up newspaper, or extra towels or clothes, or something like that.
I'm gonna need to know this too, because I'll have a fursuit when AC 09 rolls around, and I'm gonna have to pack it all the way from Idaho.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
http://foxydude915.deviantart.com/
http://z4.invisionfree.com/Idaho_Fur_Syndicate/index.php?act=idx
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkWebsite: [Link]
Finch has it folks. There are ONLY two words in the business of packing and moving fursuits.
Action. Packer.
And because I'm fantastic...
http://www.rei.com/product/634288
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Long Island,NY
So it looks like action packers are the way to go then. Thats good because I just got two from walmart and the best part about it is that they are forest camo colored!
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Honey Creek, Iowa
In the past I have had trouble with airport inspectors mangling my suits, so I put dividers in my action packer that fit the head, etc real nice and custom. I just used those annoying plastic signs you see at every street corner advertising some lame website for dividers.
You just cut them to fit, drill 1/8 inch holes in the action packer and cut up sign panels, and zip tie it all together.
Its amazingly strong and since I started doing that, I never leave anything behind or get anything broken in transit, cause everything has its own compartment.
Its also a good idea to write your name and phone number in sharpie on the lid, and put a bungie cord across the top as they like to pop open on the luggage conveyors.
Jeefers
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Honey Creek, Iowa
One other note... Action packers are about as big as you can check as luggage without getting a huge additional fee added by the airlines!
If you are getting some other brand or odd size, keep that in mind.
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkYep---the sum of all three dimensions has to be less than 63". I remember seeing somewhere that the Action Packer is just under that.
Oh, and for the record, the material that you used to make the dividers is called Stratocore, a.k.a. "corrugated plastic." Easy to find at any art-supply store.
--
iSKUNK!
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkWebsite: [Link]
It also depends on who made the suit. I just stuff my suit and head into my 38" sports bag along with my clothes, it's fine. You can step on my suit head and it won't break
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Boise, ID
Website: [Link]
Wow, that's quite sturdy. Who did you get yours from?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
http://foxydude915.deviantart.com/
http://z4.invisionfree.com/Idaho_Fur_Syndicate/index.php?act=idx
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkWebsite: [Link]
arend studios
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
Website: [Link]
These types of containers are very strong and extremely unlikely to just come open like typical Rubbermaid containers. You can put locks on them, too, but I guarantee that the TSA would probably break open the locks to examine the contents.
They're well worth the money.
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Long Island,NY
I will be taking the metro train. Do they still check your stuff on there too?
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
Website: [Link]
I would have to say it's possible, considering it's public transportation.
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
I've been fursuiting for many years, and have seen and tried many different kinds of transport boxes. I used action packers for a very long time, and was happy with them for them most part. The biggest problem I had with them was two-fold. First, they are a rather awkward size for transport. They don't have wheels and the handles that they do have are very awkward to use if you have something else to carry. Also those handles can get warped or worn out, and may not want to stay closed. So you may have to tie them down with ZIP ties or some other kind of securing tie. If the TSA decides that they want to inspect it, and they cut the zip ties, be sure there are extras inside for them to resecure the top! Here's the other caveat. That version of action packer is only just *barely* within airline regulations. Depending on which airline you use and where they measure it, you can get dinged for it being oversized. While this wasn't a huge issue in the past, airlines are now *VERY* aggressive with their luggage restrictions. So word to the wise, be cautious with them.
More recently, I used a hockey bag. These types of bags can "scrunch" and generally will fit within airline regs and they are fairly durable. Again, big problem is which airline you are flying. Some will not allow the bag to scrunch to fit, and may ding you for oversize.
This summer, I invested in two Samsonite hardcase suitcases. These are the largest suitcase allowable that are within airline regs, and because they are hardside, they don't change dimensions. They are already pre-measured and the airlines know their dimensions...so there are no issues with these types of cases. Another reason I like these cases: they have a gasket around the closure. They are completely waterproof. If your case happens to get stuck out in the rain, no moisture is going to get inside it. They also have retractable handles and wheels, so you can easily push them around airports and such.
In terms of compacting ears, heads, tails, etc., I've never found a way to completely avoid it. My fursuit heads are made of foam, so they have lots of give, and they fluff right out after a few minutes of getting out of their transport boxes. I took two suits to Europe this summer in those hardside cases, and they worked like a charm.
Another word to the wise: watch what you pack in your fursuit bin! Don't go over the weight restriction, and don't pack anything that may look suspicious to the TSA. Keeping the contents of your fursuit box/case simple and pared down is the best way to avoid problems.
K.P.
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
Website: [Link]
Those are some good ideas, KP. Especially considering the possibility that I will transport not one, but two fursuits to Anthrocon. Hoping the choice I make will be good enough.
I'm confident in one of my fursuit heads, being constructed of mostly foam, can bend and flex as need be, so a hockey bag might be just enough.
Though... choosing an airline... Northwest (whom I frequently fly with) might charge me $50 for an additional bag... @_X
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Orlando, FL
If you're looking to compare airlines, here's a good reference chart that may help:
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/AirfareWatchBlog/tabid/54/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/868/Checked-bag-fees-airline-by-airline.aspx
This page sometimes takes a while to load, but it gives good prices about first and second checked bags. Keep your transportation costs at your destination city in mind when booking your flights. While Anthrocon is primarily serviced by a single airport, if you are flying to/from a city that has more than one airport, differences in shuttle/taxi/train costs may offset any savings you get from flying an airlines with lower baggage checking fees.
Bottom line: Before you book a flight, Do your homework!
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Honey Creek, Iowa
I managed to pack two fursuits in one action packer and a backpack once. I had to stuff the heads with t-shirts and socks to do it, but dagnabbit, I did it!
After packing my shaving bag in the action packer too, with the liquids (double sealed in zip locks) and sharp stuff and my repair kit, (so that I wouldn't have that junk in the carry-on to upset the inspectors). And one of my body suits was in the backpack.
Its actually pretty light, like maybe 8-10 pounds tops, and with the backpack on my back, it counterbalances carrying the packer up front through the airport.
After lugging stuff through airports a few times, you start to pay attention to the weight of the individual items you are bringing with you, and can get the total way down.
Jeef
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Piscataway, NJ USA
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
GREAT INFO KP! Thanks!
~Shy~
http://www.furry4life.org
hugs are free!
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkhave you tried extra large bubble wrap, that should do the trick:3
- Login or register to post comments
permalinkLocation: Piscataway, NJ USA
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
I found this bag at Costco
http://luggagebase.com/product/1921/Samsonite-30-Drop-Bottom-Split--Wheeled-Duffel---Blowout-Special!.html
It's a Samsonite Wheeled Duffle Bag, 30inches, and it was amazing!
I used it at MFF and it did a great job, I even checked it in!
And it was only $36 at Costco!
~Shy~
http://www.furry4life.org
hugs are free!
- Login or register to post comments
permalink