People have active lifestyles today. Backpacking allows outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy nature. People in some industries need to travel for work. These individuals need a compact solution for fishing. Fishing rods designed for travel and backpacking fit this need.

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There are multi-piece or telescopic rods for this purpose. Many of the rods include a travel case to hold the rod, reel, and a few other items. In other words, an angler does not need to carry a long rod. The advantages of travel rods make fishing possible anywhere and at any time.
The style of fishing does not bind the angler. The travel rods come in all sizes and types. Anglers choosing to fly fish, using spinning or casting rods have options. Anglers can enjoy the sport or catch a meal using their preferred style of fishing.
Also, these travel rods are high-quality tackle. Leading rod makers have seen the demand and offer great fishing gear for any budget or level of fishing. These choices will make a good rod and reel combo for the people on the go.
Choosing the Best Backpacking or Travel Fishing Rod
The choice of the best travel or backpacking rods is determined by a few factors. The size is the primary factor. But a rod needs other attributes to be a quality fishing rod. The sensitivity, power, and action all need to be considered. A rod lacking any of the qualities will not perform. The sensitivity has to do with the feel.
An angler needs to know the difference between a bite and the bait bouncing on a rock. A rod with good sensitivity lets an angler know what is a bite versus a rock or weeds. Also, the power does affect sensitivity. A rod too heavy of power will not detect lite bites.
The power of the rod must match the species an angler is targeting. Rods come in ultra-light to heavy powers. Each power is for specific sizes of fish or species. Plus, the stronger the power, the more the rod will weigh. That is another consideration for backpacking. Using the correct power of the rod will catch fish easier.
The action is how fast the tips bend and the overall bend of the rod. Rods with fast action tips are common. Fast action is ideal for single-point hooks. This allows better penetration on hook sets. Anglers using lures with treble hooks need a slower action. A moderate fast or moderate is better. The slower action keeps the hooks in the fish better with treble hooks.
St. Croix Triumph 4-Piece Graphite Travel Spinning Fishing Rod
These travel and backpacking rods are a choice for anglers seeking sensitivity in a rod. The 4-piece rod has precision fitting joints. This adds to feeling the bite better and having more strength in the rod. A Triumph travel rod uses the same quality components as the 1 or 2-piece versions.
- Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods on spinning models.
- Fuji ECS or TCS reel seat with the frosted silver hood on casting models.
- Premium-grade cork handle.
- Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
- Outstanding strength, sensitivity, and hook-setting power.
- Designed in Park Falls and handcrafted in Fresnillo, Mexico.
Model or Size | Length | Line Weight | Lure Weight | Rod Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ultra-Light | 5’6″ | 2-6 lb. | 1/32-3/16 oz. | 2.7 oz. |
Light | 6′ | 4-8 lb. | 1/16-5/16 oz. | 3.5 oz. |
Medium | 6’6″ | 6-12 lb. | 1/4-5/8 oz. | 4.9 oz. |
Med-Heavy | 6’6″ | 8-17 | 3/8-3/4 | 5.5 |
The size depends on the fish being sought by an angler. The Ultra-light is ideal for trout fishing in streams. The lure weights let an angler throw small spinners and jigs with ease.
A light power rod will handle trout and other small fish up to 20 inches. Fishing an area with bigger trout or a few smallmouths consider a medium-light power rod, it is better suited. The slight increase in power handles most larger streams or small river fishing.
The medium power is for bass and similarly sized fish. Anglers targeting 5-8 pounds fish need a medium power rod to handle the fight.
A medium-heavy rod is for inshore or larger fish. Anglers going after salmon, pike, or other larger species need a rod capable of handling 20-pound fish.
Check the price on Amazon.
Okuma Citrix Travel Fishing Rod
The Okuma Citrix comes in spinning and casting models. These travel or backpacking rods are designed for weight reduction. The rods are made to tackle any fish. The power ranges from medium-light to extra-heavy in the casting model. The spinning model has med-light to medium power rods available.
- IM8 graphite blank construction
- Custom 4-pieces travel design
- Lightweight EVA split grips for reduced weight
- Zero fore-grip design for improved balance and weight reduction
- ALPS stainless steel guide frames
- Zirconium line guide inserts for use with braid or mono lines
- Pac Bay MINIMA reel seat for reduced weight
- Custom anodized aluminum reel seat threads for strength and balance
- Stainless steel hook keeper
- Convenient travel rod tube
Model or Size | Length | Line Weight | Lure Weight | Rod Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Medium Casting | 7’2″ | 8-17 lb. | 1/4-5/8 oz. | 138 grams |
Heavy Casting | 7’11” | 15-30 lb. | 1-5 oz. | 209 grams |
Extra Heavy Casting | 7’11” | 15-30 lb | 2-8 oz. | 255 grams |
Med-Light Spinning | 6’6″ | 6-12 lb. | 1/8-3/8 oz. | 118 grams |
Medium-Light Spinning | 7’2″ | 6-12 lb. | 1/8-3/8 oz. | 122 grams |
Medium Spinning | 7’2″ | 8-17 lb. | 1/4-5/8 oz. | 128 grams |
The medium-light rods are good for anglers seeking trout, salmon, and smaller fish. The medium power rods are for average fishing. The heavy or extra heavy are designed for handling the big fish. The assembled length fits the common sizes for the power rating.
The rod breaks down to fit into a backpack or suitcase. Travelers to locales with large game fish will find the stronger rods a good option. Few travel rods offer lure weights above 3/4 of an ounce. If you are going after fish on other continents. This rod is built for many of the large fish found in these areas.
Check the price on Amazon.
Daiwa Presso Ultralight Backpack Spinning Rod 4-Piece
The Daiwa Presso is a well-made ultralight rod. Although all rods are called ultra-light 2 are more in the light power range. The rods rated up to 3/8th ounce will work for bass and small game fish. travel and backpacking rods often have fewer guides. This rod is an exception with more than one per foot.
- IM-7 Graphite construction
- Micro pitch blank taping
- Reel seat with machined clamp nut, woven graphite insert
- Minima black ring guides
- Lightweight split-grip cork handles
- Hook keeper
Model or Size | Length | Line Weight | Lure Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Ultra-Light | 5’6″ | 1-6 lb. | 1/32-1/4 oz. |
Ultra-Light | 6′ | 1-6 lb. | 1/32-1/4 oz. |
Ultra-Light | 6’6″ | 2-8 lb | 1/32-3/8 oz. |
Ultra-Light | 7′ | 2-8 lb. | 1/32-3/8 oz. |
These are backpacking rods. The length, when broken down, is under 2 feet. The pieces fit into the case. The case can be tied onto the back making hiking easy.
This rod is for the smaller fish. Anglers targeting large fish need to seek a rod with more power. These rods are for trout, panfish, and small bass species. They will handle fish up to 5-8 pounds.
Check the price on Amazon.
Okuma Nomad Xpress Inshore Rod 3pc 7ft Spin Med Hvy
The Nomad inshore rod has several options for multi-species use. The options include 4 pieces with 2 different power tips. The rod is a 3-piece model with an additional tip to change power. Anglers wanting a rod for panfish and bass can get the right power for both.
- Durable graphite rod blank with carbon outer wrap
- 3-section rod blank for easy break down while traveling 2-tip actions included per rod. (Example L/M or M/MH)
- European spigot ferrule connection: Offers feel of a 1-pcs rod
- Waterproof travel bag with shoulder strap
- Zirconium guide inserts reduce friction from braided lines
- ALPS high-rise 316 stainless steel guide frames
- High-rise frames keep the line off the blank and foregrip
- ALPS pyramid shaped 2-tone anodized aluminum reel seat
- The pyramid reel seat is more ergonomic and offers more control
- Non-slip grip above each ferrule connection for easy assembly
- Comfortable EVA foam fore and rear grips
- Machined aluminum, blue anodized gimbal
Model or Size | Length | Line Weight | Rod Type |
---|---|---|---|
Med / Med-Heavy | 6’6″ | 15-30 lb. | Casting |
Ultra-Light | 7′ | 10-20 lb. | Casting |
Med / Med-Heavy | 7′ | 15-30 lb | Casting |
Light / Med-Light | 7′ | 10-20 lb. | Spinning |
Medium / Med-Heavy | 7’2″ | 15-30 lb. | Spinning |
The rod is not as short as the other rods when disassembled. It still can be carried by backpackers or in a suitcase. This rod is capable of any freshwater game fish. Choose the rod with the 2 powers best suited to your needs.
The extra tip does raise the cost. But it is cheaper than purchasing 2 separate rods. This makes it a value to anglers needing multiple powers in a rod.
Check the price on Amazon.
Summary
The list is short due to many underperforming rods in travel or backpacking designs. Telescopic models tend to lack sensitivity and break easily. The other multi-piece rods are made by cutting corners. Using low-quality reel seats and guides. These rods use quality components in the construction.
An angler needs a dependable rod. When on a trip or in the woods a replacement will not be available. Consider quality with function to ensure an enjoyable adventure. The same applies to a reel. Check out this post on spinning reels.
John McIntyre