I travel by car back and forth to Connecticut (cold but not 40 below) as I have to take a Desktop PC with me. My work is dependant on this PC and its not going into the belly of an airplane and its not good carry on material.
I have a large Rubber Maid storage bin I pack everything in, Tower, screen, KB, Mouse & phone. I use towels to protect each compontnt from jostleing and scratching.
Works great!
As for the cold, I always think that when equipment is in shipment by manufacturer, they receive harsher treatment than I'll ever give them!
Your blanket will afford additional protection, but if worried, bring tower into motel room.
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