When going into the wilderness, you should always consider the equipment and supplies you will carry in your pack.

Packing smart is one of the best ways to make sure you can pack a lot of tools without weighing yourself down and potentially shortening your trip.

With the popularity of backpacking increasing every year, it makes sense that more companies are starting to offer packable products.

Today we’ll look at backpack fishing rods, but don’t forget that collapsible fishing rods have been around for a long time.

However, backpack fishing rods are more specialized than standard folding fishing rods. These products often break down to a much smaller size than your typical folding fishing rod, but they are still designed to be as rigid and reliable as possible. Sure, they’re less stable than rigid rods, but the gap between the two is getting smaller and smaller.

Throughout this guide, we’ll look at six of the best choices you have when looking for a backpack fishing rod. We decided to review as many of these rods to improve the likelihood that each reader will find a suitable model for their needs.

We will divide our reviews into two sections to give you the most detailed description of each product. The first will focus on the specifications of each product so that you can have their capabilities carefully laid out before you.

Once we’ve covered the specs, we’ll move on to our overview, telling you what we thought of the product during our review process. Beyond reviewing each product, we’ll help you choose the right product once we’ve completed our reviews.

In our buying tips section, we’ll look at some of the most crucial things you should look for in the best backpack fishing rod. This section will be especially helpful if you’ve never bought one before and don’t know what separates a good model from a bad one.

1 – St Croix Triumph Four Piece Travel Fishing Rod

Specifications:

• The rod breaks down into four convenient pieces for transport.
• When assembled, the rod is 6’6″ long
• Made of high-quality SCII graphite for durability
• Aluminum oxide guides are lightweight and strong
• Includes a Fuji DPS reel seat
• The handle is made of premium cork for better comfort
• Features two coats of Flex-Coat finish

St Croix Triumph Travel Fishing Rod Review
This travel fishing rod from St Croix is one of the more expensive options on our list, but it also has much better build quality than many competing models. In addition to its excellent construction, a few features ensure this travel spinning fishing rod will stand out.

In its collapsed form, this rod is in four separate pieces, and their assembly is simplified by the logical design of the locking mechanism. Some travel canes require a lot of guesswork, but the detailed instructions and simple way the cane comes apart ensure that it’s an easy task.

If the value for money in your travel fishing rod is essential to you, then you’ll love this model because it performs much better than other affordable products. It has a fast rod action, so it will flex mostly near the tip, but not as much as the extra fast variant of this model.

The construction of this rod is superior to most other products in its price range. The quality of this model is evident when you pick it up, and you won’t feel any loose parts or see anything chipping. It features two coats of Flex-Coat finish to ensure that it doesn’t start to degrade anytime soon.

The SCII graphite rod’s construction is lightweight and durable without being vulnerable to corrosion, which can destroy a fishing rod in short order. This product also features aluminum oxide guides, which share the same pros as graphite: low weight and high strength.

One of the most impressive things about this backpack fishing rod is that it comes with a five-year warranty, which ensures that it can provide you with years of service. This rod also comes with a Fuji DPS reel seat, which is very hard-wearing. Overall, this is one of the best-built fishing rods we’ve gotten hands-on.

You may be wondering why the build quality of these rods is so excellent, and it’s because each one is handcrafted.

The included handle is made of premium cork, ensuring that the rod absorbs shock better and keeps your hands from getting sore.

The only real issue we had with this fishing rod is the price, as it’s almost twice as expensive as some of the other options we reviewed. But if you don’t mind paying extra for the quality, we’d say it’s worth every penny.

2 – Okuma Nomad seven-foot travel casting rod.

Specifications:

• Made of graphite with an external carbon wrap
• Features a three-piece design
• Each rod comes with two separate tip actions (one light, one heavy)
• Comes with a waterproof bag for transport and storage
• Features stainless steel guide frames that resist corrosion
• Equipped with an ergonomic Pyramid reel seat
• This rod has EVA foam grips to keep your hands from getting hurt.

Okuma’s Nomad is another high-quality option available at a relatively high price, but it’s also built with care and quality materials for an optimal fishing experience. Unlike other rods, this one only breaks down into three pieces, making it easier to assemble and disassemble.

It’s also designed to be disassembled and reassembled easily, as evidenced by the arrows and guides that tell you how to reassemble it. It has European butt connectors, which fit together so well that you’ll often forget it’s not a one-piece rod when you’re fishing with it.

Each guide frame is made of high-quality alpine stainless steel, featuring zirconium inserts for less friction against the line. Zirconium is less likely to wear out over a long period if you compare it to ceramic or other materials commonly used for guide inserts.

One of the special features of this portable fishing rod is that it comes with two different types of tips, so you can get a different action depending on what you are fishing for. The first tips are softer and bend much closer to the handle, while the second is much harder and bends near the tip.

As for the construction of the rod, it features a graphite core wrapped with carbon fiber, ensuring excellent durability without compromising on weight. The pyramid reel seat is much more durable than on other rods, and it has an ergonomic design so that you are comfortable when fishing.

The handles on this rod are made of EVA foam, which is great for absorbing shock and keeping your hands from getting tired while using it. It’s easy to see that this rod was built to last, so if you need something that won’t fail you for years, the Nomad is a great option.

Thanks to the compact design of this fishing rod, you can even slip it into your carry-on luggage so you can travel abroad with it. For your convenience, it comes with a high-quality carrying case with a custom-made interior and extra padding so it won’t get damaged during transport.

Unfortunately, every product has its problems, and that’s also true of this rod. The Nomad is relatively expensive, which is not a big problem, but Okuma has disappointing customer service compared to competing companies. This isn’t a big issue, and we still love this rod.

3 – JEKOSEN 5.9 foot portable travel fishing rod

Specifications:

• Made of solid carbon fiber for added durability.
• Ceramic guide sets are designed for smoother line flow
• Equipped with a highly wear-resistant nylon reel seat.
• The three-piece design of this rod makes it easy to carry
• Includes a handle with a combination of EVA foam and cork
• The rod comes with markings for easy assembly.

The JEKOSEN 5.9-Foot Spinning Travel Fishing Rod is the first of the more affordable products we’re going to review today, and it’s available for about one-third the price of our first two products. While it does make some sacrifices to reach this price point, none of them are drastic enough to turn us away from this rod.

This fishing rod is made of carbon fiber and has incredible structural strength that guarantees it won’t break on you anytime soon. This is a medium-power fishing rod, so it will be much more versatile than many other products it competes with, although it is still very sensitive.

One of the things we noticed about this fishing rod is that the reeling action is much smoother on it than on other affordable models. This is probably due to the use of high-quality ceramic guides that reduce the amount of friction between the line and the guide itself.

The frames around the guides are made of stainless steel, which is relatively affordable while still resistant to damage and corrosion. Although this model is available in both spinning and casting versions, we tried the spinning reel and were impressed with its construction’s quality.

Most affordable fishing rods sacrifice the reel’s quality, but this one ran smoothly and didn’t have too many bumps throughout our testing. When you put this fishing rod together, you may notice that the joints have a little space between them to ensure they aren’t worn out from prolonged use.

The handle of this fishing rod has foam wrapped around a protective cork pad that will help prevent shocks from being transmitted along the length of the rod. While disassembling and reassembling this fishing rod isn’t as easy as with the higher-end models, you can do it with some practice.

We were particularly impressed with the sensitivity of this fishing rod, as it is often lacking in more affordable products. That wasn’t the case with this JEKOSEN fishing rod, as it’s sensitive enough that you can feel the slightest tug.

Regarding issues during our review, we found the action to be a bit too stiff, though that’s often a matter of preference. The case is also designed to store the rod with the reel mounted, but that’s a minor complaint. Overall, this model gives you great value for money.

4 – Okuma Voyager Six-Foot Spinning Rod Travel Kit

Specifications:

• This rod features a size 20 Voyager reel with a ball bearing drive in a graphite frame.
• It has a length of 6 feet and is broken down into five parts
• The grips are made of cork for comfort and durability
• Includes a stainless steel reel seat and ceramic guide inserts
• Comes with a lightweight tackle box
• Included travel case features a foam insert and adjustable strap.

 

Okuma’s second product on our list isn’t just a travel fishing rod, although that’s also included in this fishing kit. It’s one of the best choices for beginner anglers who may not have all the gear they need, as the accessories ensure that you’ll be ready to go on a fishing trip almost immediately.

Another thing to remember is that this fishing trip kit is much more affordable than the Okuma Nomad fishing rod we reviewed earlier in our guide. The fishing rod included in this fishing starter kit is a six-foot-long model that breaks down into five pieces for easy transport.

Because the fishing rod breaks down into five pieces, none are too long to fit comfortably in the compact carrying case that the kit includes. The small size makes this fishing rod a perfect option for customers who may not have a lot of space in their bag, although it does have a few cons.

The main Cons with the five-piece design of this fishing rod is that it takes longer to disassemble and reassemble than the three-piece models. However, the process is not that tedious, as all the connection points are clearly marked and attached smoothly.

The reel that comes with this fishing rod is impressive, especially considering its affordability. This size 20 Voyager real features a ball bearing drive system for a smoother reel, and it’s housed in a graphite frame that combines low weight with durable construction.

You can also switch the reel between right- and left-handed retrieve, so if you’re left-handed, you’re in luck. A few extras come with this fishing rod that helps make it perfect for beginners. The travel case included in this kit has a foam insert with cutouts for each part of this fishing rod.

There is even a light tackle box that comes with the combo kit. It’s relatively small but has plenty of room for spoons, hooks, and more. The build quality is good and the materials used are not outstanding, but they are durable and do the job for an affordable price.

At this price, you can expect to run into a few problems with a fishing rod, and one of the main issues we had with this one is that the drag sometimes has problems locking. The reel is also relatively noisy, so if that bothers you, look elsewhere. Beyond these issues, we were impressed with this fishing rod.

5 – Sougayilang Combo Travel Fishing Rod

Specifications:

• The fishing rod is approximately 6.9 feet long when fully extended.
• Features a telescopic design, so you don’t have to worry about assembly.
• Features ceramic guide rings that flow smoothly.
• The aluminum honeycomb spool is both strong and lightweight
• Comes with a wide range of accessories, including a bag, three lures, and fishing line
• Comes with a one-year warranty

Moving on to a high-quality folding fishing rod, we’ll now cover the Travel Fishing Rod Combo from Sougayilang. This fishing rod is just under seven feet long and folds down to just the handle, allowing you to put it in your backpack without worrying about disassembling and reassembling it.

While collapsible fishing rods are often less reliable than those that break down into separate pieces, we had no problems with this fishing rod during our testing. We noticed that it feels more segmented than some high-end fishing rods, but we don’t think that’s just because of the telescoping design.

This is another product that comes in a complete kit, with a bunch of gear you’ll need to get the most out of it. As with other fishing kits, it’s best suited for anglers who are just starting, as the extras are useful, but they don’t compare to the premium equipment that a veteran angler has.

This rod is made of higher quality material than expected, given its price, as it is equipped with SIC Ceramic guide rings that provide low friction and better heat dissipation. The rings are attached to their holders with an epoxy resin glue, which is highly water-resistant.

The reel is equipped with 13+1 ball bearings, which all work together to make your reel action as smooth as possible, and they are corrosion resistant so that they won’t rust or lock up. The handle is interchangeable, making this portable fishing rod suitable for both left- and right-handed anglers.

The reel’s honeycomb design makes it as durable as possible while remaining lightweight, and it’s constructed of aerospace aluminum, which is exceptionally light. If you have any issues with the build quality of this fishing rod, then you can take advantage of the one-year warranty included.

This fishing kit has a lot of equipment to help you start fishing. For example, you get three fishing lures, a line, and a carrying bag to store it in. The compact case is just big enough to hold the rod folded diagonally, so it won’t take up too much space when you’re backpacking.

We had a few problems with the line snagging, but that’s to be expected with many cheap fishing rods. One of the biggest problems is that Sougayilang has poor customer service, so if you get a faulty rod, you’re likely to have problems with them. Other than that, this fishing rod offers you great value for money.

 

6 – DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12-foot portable fishing rod

Specifications:

• When assembled, the fishing rod measures 12 feet long
• Features a folding design with eight segments
• The tenkara style rod is not equipped with a reel, so you’ll reel in the line manually
• Constructed of high-quality IM12 carbon fiber
• Features an ergonomic double hump handle for added comfort
• It also comes with a high-quality tenkara line, a foam line holder, three tenkara flies, a storage tube, and more.

The final rod we’ll review in this guide is the Shadowfire 365 from DRAGONtail, which is a bit more unique than the others. Unlike all of the other fishing rods we’ve reviewed in this guide, it does have some reels, but this one is designed for tenkara fishing, which doesn’t use any reels.

When you cast with this rod and feel a bite, you’ll have to reel in line with your hands, adding a much more personal aspect to fishing with this rod. Because of its twelve-foot length, this fishing rod features an eight-piece telescoping design and fits perfectly in the included storage tube.

This fishing rod is available as a standalone product, but we reviewed the complete starter kit with a bunch of extras for only about $15 more. The starter kit includes the storage tube, a sock for your rod, a tenkara line, and a spool of line.

If you have nowhere to store your line, you’ll also appreciate the inclusion of an EVA foam line holder. While these extras are useful, the rod is the show’s star and features a quick setup process that isn’t as complicated as other tenkara fishing rods.

You can have this rod ready to go in minutes, and you’ll get faster with more practice. Although it is 12 feet long, this fishing rod folds down to a length of only 20 inches, making it backpack friendly, although it is close to the upper size limit.

The fishing rod features a traditional tenkara design, but if you take a moment to analyze its construction, you’ll see that it has some modern fundamentals. For example, the rod is made of IM12 carbon fiber, which is better quality than the IM8 variety used in cheaper rods.

This rod features a smooth action for typical tenkara-style fishing, but it’s strong enough to let you grab fish that are fighting harder than usual. The handle of this rod features a double hump design that conforms to the shape of your hands so you can fish comfortably.

Of course, the main Cons with this rod is that you’ll have to learn the tenkara style of fishing, but if you already know it, this is a perfect model for backpackers. Of course, this is a mid-range fishing rod, so you’ll have to be prepared to pay a little more for it.

 

Guide to buying fishing rods for hikers

After discussing six of the best backpacking fishing rods out there, we’ll now look at the features to look for in the right rod. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate angler, this part of our guide should help you choose the right fishing rod.

Material

The first thing you should look for in your backpack fishing rod is its material. There are a lot of different materials used to make fishing rods. Still, the rod will usually be made of plastic, carbon fiber, graphite, or a combination of these materials.

Plastic fishing rods are not worth the money, and we firmly recommend not using them unless you teach a child to fish. Graphite has the pros of being completely corrosion resistant while remaining lightweight and very strong, and carbon fiber has similar pros.

Portability

Whether or not your backpack fishing rod is portable will determine if it can fit in your bag in the first place. You’ll want to ensure that your fishing rod’s folded shape is small enough to fit comfortably with the rest of your gear, or at least on a net of equipment outside your bag.

Of course, more portable fishing rods often compromise stability when fully extended, although higher-end models have eliminated this problem. There are two main types of collapsible fishing rods, which we’ll examine shortly.

Handle

The handle of a fishing rod is an often overlooked part, but it can usually determine whether or not a model is ideal for extended use over a day. Fishing rods generally come with EVA foam handles that absorb shock and keep your hands comfortable.

Many fishing rods also come with a cork handle, which is much more shock-absorbing than foam. With a cork handle, you can drop a fishing rod on its ass, and you won’t have to worry about those vibrations being transmitted down the length of the rod, which could damage it.

Collapsible or telescopic?

If you’re choosing the best backpack fishing rod, you’ll have to select a model that breaks down or has a telescoping design. Break-down fishing rods tend to be more stable when fully extended, as they lock in much tighter, but they also require more effort to break down and reassemble.

Collapsible or Telescopic Fishing Rods

On the other hand, a telescoping fishing rod sacrifices a bit of stability for ease of use as you slide each of the sections out to start using it. When you’re done, pull out locking tabs and push the rod back on itself to fold one of them over.

Kit or stand-alone?

The last thing to consider is whether your fishing rod is sold as a kit or on its own. A fishing rod kit will include things like string, a carrying case, and even a small tackle box, making them perfect for anglers who are just starting. As an experienced fisher, starter kits are usually a waste of money.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fishing rod is a challenge, even more so when looking for one to backpack with. We hope you were able to find a product that works for you through this guide. We thank you for your time.