I have several very large cordura-but-not-really-heavy duffle bags. I can fit a 7000ci pack and all my gear in it and come in under 50 lbs. I don't bother locking anything except gun cases anymore - if they want it, a TSA lock won't stop 'em.
A separate rifle case, optics, and change of street clothes in my carry on, and I'm good to go, though I may need to stop and buy extra food, a stove or fuel when I hit the ground.
If you need to ship meat on the way home, stop at WalMart and buy a Rubbermaid tote (I think it's the 18 gallon one that holds 50lbs of meat) or a cheap cooler, and a roll of duct tape.
Same here when flying to a destination. No issues so far. I use zip ties to secure the closure on the over-bag. Stuff like cameras and optics go in my carry on. Guns in locked hard cases. Have taken pistols or rifles with out any issues.
