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
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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best overall
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Wild Water Deluxe Fly Fishing Review
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This complete set comes with everything you need for freshwater and saltwater fishing, including a fishing rod, reel, line, sinkers, bait, and tackle box. | Check On Amazon |
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Fishing Rod & Reel
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PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
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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. | Check On Amazon |
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Travel Fishing Rod
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X5 Series Travel Fishing Rod & Case Review
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The winner of numerous awards, Berkley’s X5 fishing rod series has been chosen by avid anglers as their go-to choice for fishing in small spaces. | Check On Amazon |
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Best All In One
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Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos Review
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The Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos is a telescopic fishing pole that is easy to use and light in weight. | Check On Amazon |
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Fishing Pole for Men
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Ghosthorn Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
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The Ghosthorn is a high-quality, affordable option for anglers who are looking to buy their first fishing rod and reel set. | Check On Amazon |
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Fly Fishing Rod
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Moonshine Fly Fishing Rod with Carrying Case and Extra Rod Tip Section
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Moonshine’s Drifter series is a great option for folks who are looking to cast larger flies with heavy leaders. | Check On Amazon |
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Rod & Reel Combos
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LineRike Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
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These rods and reels are designed to give you all of what you need in a portable package, weighing less than five pounds. | Check On Amazon |
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Combo Kit
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QudraKast Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Review
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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. | Check On Amazon |
#Best Overall Fishing Rod With Backpacking
1- Wild Water Deluxe Fly Fishing Review
Available With These Components
- Starter Package
- 7-Foot Pole
- 4-Piece Fly Rod Kit
- 3/4 Weight
- Fishing Accessories
- Includes Die-cast Aluminum Reel
- Hard Tube Case with Pouch
- Fly Box and Flies
This complete set comes with everything you need for freshwater and saltwater fishing, including a fishing rod, reel, line, sinkers, bait, and tackle box.
It’s great for beginners and can hold up to a 10-pound line and 3/8-ounce sinkers.
The rods are made of graphite and fiberglass composite material that is both durable and lightweight.
The rod length is 7 feet long, so it’s perfect for backpackers who want to travel light but still bring along their favorite hobby.
With its affordable price tag, you don’t have to worry about breaking your bank if you lose your rod or if it gets damaged while on your trip.
Key Features
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.
This rod can be used for both spinning and baitcasting reels, making it versatile and ideal for beginner anglers.
It also features an extra-long butt section that makes it easy to reel in fish from a distance.
Pros
- Super light
- Portable
- Robust
- Heavy power
- Good action
- Durable
- Rustproof
- Comfortable
Cons
- Costly
Why we choose this product
The Wild Water is an affordable, high-quality starter kit for newbies who want to try their hand at fly-fishing.
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.
Related Post: Best Telescoping Fishing Rod for Backpacking
#Best PLUSINNO Backpacking Fishing Rod & Reel
2- PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Available With These Components
- Rod and Reel Combos
- Carbon Fiber
- Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo
- Sea Saltwater Freshwater
- Kit Fishing
- Rod Kit
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.
Key Features
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.
Check: Best Fishing Backpack With Rod Holders
#Best Travel Fishing Rod With Backpacking Case
3- X5 Series Travel Fishing Rod & Case Review
Available With These Components
- X5 Max, Travel & Combo
- Nano-Carbon Fishing Rod
- Combinations for All Your Fishing Needs
- Pin Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Ledger Fishing
The winner of numerous awards, Berkley’s X5 fishing rod series has been chosen by avid anglers as their go-to choice for fishing in small spaces.
The rod is extra light, weighing only 7 ounces when assembled, and can be easily folded down to a size perfect for easy storage and transport.
The X5 rod comes with its own travel bag that allows you to take it anywhere you may want to go on vacation.
Key Features
- The X5 Series Travel Fishing Rod & Case (X5 Max, Travel & Combo) is a good choice for anyone who wants to travel light.
- The case comes with a removable rod tube that fits in your luggage, so you can take it with you on any trip.
- This series also has an extended length of 10 feet, which is perfect for casting in deeper waters.
- It also has a convenient pocket for storing your tackle box and other fishing accessories.
Pros
- Rustproof
- Easy to carry
- Good griping
- Sensitive
- Lightweight
- Perfect size
Cons
- Costly
Why we choose this product
If you’re into fishing on a budget, then there is no better option than Plano’s X5 Series of travel fishing rods.
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.
View More: Best Fly Fishing Rod For Backpacking
#Best All In One Fishing Rod With Backpacking
4- Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos Review
Available With These Components
- Telescopic Fishing Pole
- Spinning Reels
- Fishing Carrier Bag for Travel
- Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
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!
Key Features
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.
Check Latest: Best Ultralight Backpacking Fishing Rod
#Best Fishing Pole for Men Fishing Kit Set with Carrier Bagpack
5- Ghosthorn Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Also, Use For
- Collapsible Fishing Pole
- Compact Fishing Pole
- Fishing Pole for Men
- Fishing Kit Set with Carrier Bag for Travel
- Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Poles
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.
Versatile Tackle
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.
Related Article: Best Budget Backpacking Fishing Rod
#Best Fly Fishing Rod With Backpacking Set
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.
Protective tube
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.
Collapsible
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.
#Best Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Kit
8- QudraKast Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Review
- Unique Design with X-Warping Painting
- Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Kit
- Tackle Box
- Best Gift for Fishing Beginners and Anglers
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.
Perfect for backpacking
This ultra-light rod and reel combo is a compact, durable fishing rod that’s perfect for backpacking.
Collapsible
The 7-foot rod can be extended to 10 feet and weighs just 2.2 pounds.
Good for catching bass
The medium-heavy power level means it’s good for catching bass, trout, pike, walleye, and other freshwater fish.
Pros
- Excellent power
- Very responsive
- Ultralight
- Sturdy
- Smooth action
- Comfortable
Cons
- Short size
Why we Choose This Product
Most fly fisherman and saltwater fishermen use a combination of line, rod, and reel to cast heavy lures or baits.
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 | Composite blank, collapsible, smooth action spinning reel, split handle | 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.
