Below are the 8 best backpacking fishing rods that will ensure that you catch fish on your next trip out of town.
When you’re backpacking, you want to take only what you need. Carrying even one more pound makes it harder to get around and ruins the experience of being out in nature.
This means that your fishing gear needs to be as lightweight as possible while still doing the job effectively and this can make choosing backpacking fishing rods difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
List of Top 8 Best Fishing Rod For Backpacking
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Product
Feature
Price
best overall
Wild Water Deluxe Fly Fishing Review
This complete set comes with everything you need for freshwater and saltwater fishing, including a fishing rod, reel, line, sinkers, bait, and tackle box.
If you’re looking for a fishing rod that will fit in a backpack, your search ends here. It comes at only 9.7 inches when compacted and extends to over 6 feet long.
This product is sold in a combo package that includes a rod, reel, line, and hook. It’s ideal for new fisherpersons because it’s so easy to get started.
The Wild Water Fisher Complete Starter Fishing Rod is light enough to take backpacking or traveling on a plane, but durable enough to handle any freshwater species you might encounter.
The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a reel, line, backing, and flies. It’s lightweight and durable and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
This option is great for those who are just getting into fly-fishing or who don’t have a lot of money to spend on gear.
If you’re looking for a fishing rod that will fit in a backpack, your search ends here. It comes at only 9.7 inches when compacted and extends to over 6 feet long.
Aside from its compact design, it also comes with built-in ball bearings. It’s also durable enough to handle fish up to 24 ounces and features stainless steel frame wire guides and an EVA foam grip for comfort during long trips.
Plus, it has three other rods in one so you can quickly switch between them as needed.
Its length can be adjusted from 2ft to 6ft so that you can enjoy fishing in different water depths and catch different kinds of fish
This spinning combo comes with two high-quality stainless steel ball bearings and one fixed gear ratio ball bearing spool.
They are strong enough to hold up big fish when you’re fishing in deep water.
PLUSINNO Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod combo has an excellent anti-corrosion coating which protects its internal parts from rusting. You don’t need to worry about breaking down when using it for a long time.
Pros
Good response
Firm grip
Stable
Portable
Good action
Durable
Cons
Short length
Why we choose this product
This rod is designed to make your fishing trip easy and comfortable. It’s made with a high-strength carbon fiber material that ensures durability even under harsh fishing conditions.
Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in a backpack without taking up too much space.
This telescopic rod comes with a versatile handle that you can adjust as needed to make it easier for you to play fish and reel them in quickly while standing on slippery rocks or wetland.
These are excellent for anglers who want to pick up some bait and hit a good old’ river or stream without having to break their bank in doing so.
Coming with a sturdy case and guides, it isn’t just a go-to rod for backcountry fishermen; it also makes an excellent rod for beginners.
The price tag might be low, but that doesn’t mean that quality has been compromised! The X5 Max comes in 5 different sizes (1/4 oz., 1/2 oz., 3/4 oz., 1 oz., and 2 oz.) and each size comes with its own custom carrying case.
The Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos is a telescopic fishing pole that is easy to use and light in weight. It’s built with quality graphite composite fishing rod blanks so it’s not too heavy, just right for backpacking fishing trips.
It also has rust-resistant stainless steel guides, a lightweight reel seat, and durable EVA foam grips. This combo comes with 2 10-foot sections of fishing line, 4 split shot weights, and 1 swivel.
You can get it in 6 sizes from 7 1⁄2 feet all the way up to 12 feet. This is one of our favorite backpacking fishing rods because you can find a size for any type of fish you want to catch on your trip!
It’s made from fiberglass material, which makes it durable enough to endure long-term use while also being flexible enough to cast a wide variety of lures.
It comes with two free-spinning reels that are ideal for beginners. These reels have anti-reverse features that make them easier to use than other types of reels.
In addition, they have ball bearings that allow them to spin smoothly and efficiently without getting stuck or slowing down during your catch.
Pros
Portable
Super light
Responsive
Good power
Durable
Cons
Costly
Why we choose this product
This combination of a rod and reel is one of the best backpacking fishing rods for several reasons.
It has both aluminum and graphite frame, meaning it’s great for catching both large fish in strong currents as well as smaller fish from lakes, ponds, or quiet rivers.
The length is telescopic, making it easy to pack up when you’re finished fishing and go.
Finally, it comes with three different lures: a jigging lure, a soft plastic bait (which is effective for catching larger fish), and a hard plastic bait (which is ideal for small fish).
When used correctly, these baits can catch all types of fish—and are perfect for beginner anglers.
The Ghosthorn is a high-quality, affordable option for anglers who are looking to buy their first fishing rod and reel set.
Weighing only 2.5 pounds with a 4-foot 6-inch frame, it’s perfect for backpackers who want to practice their skills at the lakeside.
The cord-wrap-around design has fast action so you can cast long distances, and it comes equipped with six ball bearings that help you reel in your catch with ease.
It also features two split rings and two line clips, as well as an oversized bail wire that makes removing hooks easy. And if you’re worried about storage space, don’t be:
The Ghosthorn breaks down into three pieces so it takes up minimal room in your pack. It even comes with a padded carrying case.
The best part about these combos is that they come with all of your tackle already included, so you don’t have to worry about bringing extra gear along.
Different lengths
They also come in different lengths depending on where you plan on fishing (and how far away from shore).
Pros
Lightweight
Sensitive
Good action
Good griping
Perfect size
Smooth action
Easy to carry
Cons
Soft tip
Why we Choose This Product
The Ghosthorn is a fishing rod and reel combo that is compact and portable. It weighs less than six ounces making it easy to take anywhere.
The Ghosthorn is telescopic, meaning it can be collapsed into a small package for easy storage or transportation.
And when you’re ready to fish, it extends out to give you plenty of room to cast your line, even with thicker baits or lures.
This makes it great for backpacking as well as hiking or other outdoor activities where space may be limited.
The spinning handle also allows you to adjust how far out your bait will go so you don’t have to worry about accidentally casting too far and losing your lure in a body of water.
6- Moonshine Fly Fishing Rod with Carrying Case and Extra Rod Tip Section
Moonshine’s Drifter series is a great option for folks who are looking to cast larger flies with heavy leaders.
The combination of a medium action and an extra-fast tip means that you can fling pretty much anything you have on hand without fear of breaking your fishing rod.
This 9-foot rod weighs in at less than two pounds but is built with high-grade carbon fiber and comes equipped with an EVA foam handle.
This unit has a line rating of 2-20lbs, which means it’s versatile enough to catch anything from panfish to pike.
It comes with a protective tube for easy transport and storage. The rod is designed to be used as a travel rod, but it can also be used in lakes, ponds, and other small bodies of water.
This makes it perfect for backpacking trips or even just fishing on your own property from your backyard.
Strong
This rod is made with premium-quality graphite, so it’s strong enough to handle even large fish like salmon or trout.
Pros
Impressive stability
Firm grip
Ideal for bass fishing
Good casting
Cons
Nill
Why we choose this product
The Moonshine Drifter Series Fly Rod is a great rod for fishing in smaller streams and rivers.
The length of 9’6′′ makes it easy to cast over rocks and other obstacles, while still providing enough power to land larger fish.
It’s also light enough that you can take it on longer backpacking trips without feeling weighed down.
#Best Backpacking Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
7- LineRike Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Available With These Components
Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Spinning Reel
Line
Lure
Hooks
Carrier Bag Portable
Travel Fishing Rod for Youth Adults Men
Beginner Saltwater Freshwater
These rods and reels are designed to give you all of what you need in a portable package, weighing less than five pounds.
The rod itself is made of lightweight graphite and has been designed for both freshwater and saltwater use.
It’s also equipped with a comfortable EVA handle that will fit comfortably in your hand as you reel in your catch. Plus, it’s easy to disassemble when you’re ready to pack up and head home.
If space is an issue, but you still want to take along a fishing pole on your trip, then look no further than these collapsible fishing poles.
They’re easy to carry around and come in several different sizes, so they can accommodate kids and adults alike. They collapse down to just 17 inches when not in use
Lightweight
The LineRike fishing rod is also lightweight, so you can easily carry it in your backpack as you hike to your favorite fishing spot
Stainless steel ball bearings
They also come equipped with five stainless steel ball bearings on each side of their reel, which makes them easier to use when reeling in your catch!
Pros
Good action
Durable
Portable
Good response
Firm grip
Smooth reeling action
Stable
Hard
Cons
Short casting
Why we Choose This Product
LineRike fishing rods are designed to provide you with maximum strength and durability so that you can enjoy your fishing trip without having to worry about your equipment.
Whether you’re reeling in a small fish or trying to catch a big one, LineRike fishing rods will help you reel in more fish than ever before.
They come equipped with an ergonomic handle for easy handling and comfort. They also feature a shock-absorbing tip for accurate casting and an anti-twist line roller for smooth operation.
The adjustable rod length is great for all anglers of different heights, while their high-quality carbon fiber ensures they won’t break easily.
This product is sold in a combo package that includes a rod, reel, line, and hook. It’s ideal for new fisherpersons because it’s so easy to get started.
The total length of both pieces is 5 feet 2 inches, making them an ideal size for backpacking. This rod weighs only 2 pounds and will fold down easily to fit in your backpack or tackle box.
Aesthetically, it’s pleasing to look at, with a matte black finish on its aluminum body. In addition to being lightweight and compact, QudraKast rods are also very durable; they won’t break even if you accidentally drop them on hard surfaces.
They also have impressive sensitivity, which means you can feel when something bites without having to constantly check your line.
These combos are great because they come in many varieties that match different types of fish and situations.
For example:
You could use a light spinning combo for a nighttime bottom fishing trip on your favorite lake or an ultra-light spincast setup for small streams.
All these factors make these combos versatile for nearly any type of backcountry angler.
How To Choose the Best Backpacking Fishing Rod For Beginners
Choosing your backpacking fishing rod can be a tricky decision, especially if you’re new to backcountry fly fishing. There are a lot of factors to consider, so it’s always best to do as much research as possible before making a purchase.
This buyer guide will take you through a number of different considerations when choosing your first fly rod and reel combo and direct you towards some solid options that should suit your needs quite well.
There are two types of backpacking rods: travel rods and packable rods. These are sometimes referred to as telescopic or foldable rods because they break down into smaller pieces for easier transportability.
Packable rods tend to be lighter and more compact, but they sacrifice durability for weight savings. Travel rods are typically more durable but heavier and larger.
They also tend to cost more than packable models. The type of fishing you plan on doing is another important factor in deciding which rod is right for you.
Determine what type of fish you’ll be targeting
Bait-casting rods are great for beginners because they’re easier to use than spinning reels (but not quite as versatile). If you plan on catching lots of fish with large mouths.
However, it might be worth investing in a spinning reel. Most experienced anglers prefer spinning reels because they’re easier to cast and retrieve lines from.
Choose a length that fits your needs
To determine what length is right for you, consider where you’ll be fishing and if there will be many obstacles along your path.
Shorter lengths will allow you to maneuver more easily through dense brush or trees, but longer rods may allow you to reach deeper waters.
Choose a weight that fits your needs
Lighter weights are better suited for smaller fish; heavier weights tend to work better when casting farther distances.
COMPARISON TABLE
WILD WATER FISHING
PULSSINO SPINNING ROD
X SERIES FISHING ROD
SOUGAYILANG TELESCOPIC RODS
LENGTH
7’’
5.9-8.5’’
7’2’’
5-8’’
SECTIONS
4
7
5
7-8
KEY
FEATURES
collapsible, lightweight, sensitive, medium-heavy power
EVA grip, multiple tasks, heavy action, adjustable, robust
Graphite blank, corrosion-resistant reel with five bearings, heavy power,
WEIGHT
3/4
Super light
Lightweight
Lightweight
GHOSTHORN FISHING COMBO
MOONSHINE ROD COMBO
LINERIKE TELESCOPIC FISHING ROD
QUADRAKAST FISHING COMBO
LENGTH
5-8’’
7-10’’
2.1 meters
6-8’’
SECTIONS
7
4
4
4
KEY
FEATURES
Collapses to 17’’, portable, robust blank,
Medium fast action, canvas tube, portable, rustproof
Portable, light, sensitive, foamy handle
EVA butt, carbon blank, sensitive tip, suitable for trout
WEIGHT
Ultralight
Super light
Lightweight
Lightweight
FAQs
1- How do you use a fishing rod to backpack?
Choose a rod based on where you are going and what kind of fish you plan to catch: If you are planning to fish in small streams and lakes, then a short, lightweight fly-fishing pole would be perfect for your needs.
However, if you plan to hike into larger bodies of water like rivers and streams where bigger fish live, then a longer pole would be more appropriate. You should always choose a rod that fits easily inside your backpack without taking up too much space.
2- How do you make a backpack into a hydration pack?
The most common method is to carry a reservoir on your back. This is great because it frees up your hands and allows you to move more freely without having extra weight on your shoulders.
The downside is that if your backpack doesn’t have straps specifically designed for holding a reservoir, then chances are good that your reservoir will end up falling off at some point during your hike. Another method is simply attaching a bladder directly onto one of your shoulder straps.
3- How do you carry multiple fishing poles?
If you’re hiking or backpacking, it can be tricky to figure out how to carry more than one pole at a time. If you don’t want to sacrifice space and weight in your backpack, try using extension rod holders.
These will attach directly to your pole and usually allow you to carry extra rods without taking up any additional space.
4- How do you make a survival fishing kit?
A rod and reel are a great choice for someone who wants to do some serious fishing on their backpacking trip.
2. An extra-long, telescoping pole with the extra line will allow you to put your bait as far away from your tackle box as possible so that no fish can take it before you can snag it.
3. Add lures and artificial bait so that you won’t have to limit yourself to just worms or fish eggs while you are out in nature!
4. The best way to carry these items is in a backpack designed specifically for anglers. These packs often include special pockets and compartments designed specifically for carrying gear like fishing rods, reels, and lures.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just getting started, there’s a rod out there for you. Whether you want an ultra-light, sturdy rod that will get you to your ideal fishing spot, or an all-around action that can handle any situation you throw at it, there’s no better time than now to choose a top backpacking fishing rod.
