The best alpine lakes for fishing are often far from the nearest parking lot. Reaching them requires a certain grit, the right gear, and sometimes multiple days in the backcountry. When you take off for a backcountry fishing adventure, you want to be sure to have the right rod in your pack for the job. Choosing the best fly rod for backpacking comes down to the rod’s pack size, weight, and extra features that will help you land the fish you walked so far for.
There are several lightweight, packable rods on the market, let’s compare them to see which is worthy of accompanying you on your next adventure.
Light Weight Fly Rods for Backpacking
When every ounce counts, choosing the best fly rod for backpacking must take weight into account. In the past, heavier travel fly rods were the only option for backpackers and back country anglers. Now, competitors like Tenkara offer an extremely lightweight option. REYR First Cast Rods offer the perfect middle ground. The First Cast lineup is lighter than traditional travel fly rods starting at 6.5 oz for the rod and reel (First Cast Light). Tenkara rods range from 2-4 oz., but notably are not compatible with a reel for casting.
Tiny Pack Size and Lightning-Fast Setup
Most multi-piece travel fly rods require assembly, guide threading, and line setup before you can fish. The REYR First Cast line changes that. Its telescoping design and integrated line storage system let you go from pack to cast in just seconds — making it the best fly rod for backpacking. The First Cast Light collapses to 16.5”, making it among the smallest packable rods available, easily fitting into a backpack side or mesh pocket. That collapsed size even includes the reel, which stays attached to the rod at all times for easy setup and further casting.
What is the best Fly Rod For Backpacking?
|
Feature |
|||
|
Packed (Collapsed) Length |
16.5 inches |
22.75 inches |
22.5 inches |
|
Weight |
6.5 oz. |
2.9 oz. |
~10 oz. |
|
Setup Time |
5-10 minutes (must attach line and tie on flies) |
10-15 minutes (assemble, thread, and tie on flies) |
|
|
Ease of Use |
Beginner Friendly |
Simple, but fixed line limits casting distance |
Traditional, more setup required |
|
Durability |
Strong, travel-ready, carbon build with no external eyelets that can break |
Lightweight, less rugged |
Durable with case |
|
Best For |
Backpacking, quick fishing stops |
Minimalist anglers, small fish |
Traditional use |
|
Price Range |
$299 |
$250 rod only ($300 for complete set, more comparable to First Cast Light) |
$479-$519 |
|
Reel? |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Verdict on The Best Fly Rods for Backpacking?
When it comes to trail-ready fishing gear, the REYR First Cast Light dominates in portability, convenience, and versatility. Its compact design and quick setup make it the best fly rod for backpacking — perfect for anglers who want to fish anywhere in no time without the hassle (and with the casting distance).
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