6 Best Backpacking Fishing Pole and Ultralight Fishing Rods
Fishing and backpacking go together, just like marshmallows and campfires. However, there is absolutely nothing like backpacking into a remote wilderness, in all honesty, only to realize that the local stream is full of wild brookies who have not seen a lure in months. On the other hand there is nothing worse than coming across a stream that is full of gullible mountain fish, and you sans the finest backpacking rod and reel to catch hold of them. If you are a serious angler who gets an itch to throw a lure any time you come across water, or your next backpacking trip is around the corner, it is best to be prepared.
However, the anglers are often gear junkies. But, unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to balance the perfect fishing gear with one that fits comfortably in your pack. So, we will break down the six best backpacking fishing rods and reels that will set you on a fast track and make it easier for you to make the pick for the ideal backpacking rod and reel for your needs.
Even though most fishing reel types are primarily used with “finesse” presentations and light tackle, but when you’re in a curtailed gear environment like backpacking, you need the best telescoping fishing rod for backpacking.
When fishing and selecting a hiking fishing rod, do give thorough attention to rod action and power. If you opt for cheap hiking fishing rods, it may accidentally slow down the movement. Consequently, catching the fish maybe even more challenging.
Usually, in a backpacking situation, the environment will be cramped with brush or trees either in proximity or overhead. Hence, the best portable fishing rod for backpacking that we recommend to anglers is a compact rod in the 6′ range, unless you are confident you will be casting only in open positions.
At a Glance
- Best rod and reel overall – PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Sea Saltwater, Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit
- Best collapsible rod and reel – Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
- Best portable rod and reel – Sougayilang Fishing Rod Graphite Carbon Fiber Portable Spinning Telescopic Fishing Pole for Boat Saltwater and Freshwater
Table of Contents
- Best Backpacking Fishing Pole And Rod
- PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit
- Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
- Sougayilang Fishing Rod Graphite Carbon Fiber Portable Spinning Telescopic Fishing Pole for Boat Saltwater and Freshwater
- Croix TRS66MF4 Triumph Travel 4-Piece Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod with Cork Handle, 6-feet 6-inches
- Goture Telescopic Spinning Fishing Rod Saltwater Freshwater Travel Retractable Rods Poles for Trolling Surf Casting, Super Hard Carbon
- TROUTBOY Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo Kit for Outdoor Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
- Buying guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Comparison Table – Best Backpacking Fishing Pole and Rods
| Product | Rating | Check price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
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Best rod and reel overall
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit |
4.4 |
Check price on Amazon |
|
Best collapsible rod and reel
Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit |
4.4 |
Check price on Amazon |
|
Best portable rod and reel
Sougayilang Fishing Rod Graphite Carbon Fiber Portable Spinning Telescopic Fishing Pole for Boat Saltwater and Freshwater |
3.9 |
Check price on Amazon |
St. Croix TRS66MF4 Triumph Travel 4-Piece Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod with Cork Handle, 6-feet 6-inches |
4.6 |
Check price on Amazon |
Goture Telescopic Spinning Fishing Rod Saltwater Freshwater Travel Retractable Rods Poles for Trolling Surf Casting, Super Hard Carbon |
3.9 |
Check price on Amazon |
TROUTBOY Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo Kit for Outdoor Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing |
4.2 |
Check price on Amazon |
1. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit
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Check price on Amazon |
If you seek a backpacking fishing rod kit, which you give the maximum bang for your money, then this PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is the best backpacking fishing rod for you. Of course, if need be, you can opt for just the rod and the spinning reel by itself, but the kit contains everything that you need for a wholesome fishing trip – carrying case, rod, reel, line, and seven kinds of bait, all of which come at a budget-friendly price tag. This backpacking rod and reel kit is indeed the best deal that is hard to beat.
You can avail this best portable fishing rod for backpacking in four different lengths, and each of these lengths has one more section than the other (going from six feet to nine feet). The closed length for this collapsible fishing pole for backpacking varies from 17-inches to 18-inches. This hiking fishing rod is composed of a high-density carbon fiber amalgamated with fiberglass. It makes this backpacking fly fishing rod flexible, solid, and highly durable. Its hiking fishing pole has medium power and has a low-level gear ratio of 5.2:1.
Overall, the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a great entry-level backpacking fly fishing rod for anglers who are new to fishing or seeking the best portable fishing rod for backpacking.
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2. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
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Check price on Amazon |
The next ultralight backpacking fishing rod on our list is the Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit. This 2000 series spinning reel and a six-foot rod, making it the perfect traveling kit for spinning reel anglers. It is one of those hiking fishing rods that you can conveniently fit in the trunk of your car and always have with you on the go. You get this backpacking fly fishing rod with a foam carrying case. It also comes with a tackle box.
If you like a small kit to keep some lures, a rod, and a reel with a convenient case, then this is the best hiking fishing pole and rod set for you. When collapsed, you get a 17″ long x 9″ wide x 3″ deep case, which is easy to travel with or store anywhere. Inside it is a compact three-bin tackle box, so you can keep a couple of simple lures, which works anywhere you go around fishing.
We cannot say much about the quality of this best hiking fishing pole, but all we can say is that users have loved it so far. So, that is quite encouraging for the buyers of this hiking fishing rod. The rod is a cord-handled blank, which is way superior to the EVA foam. So, add some eight-pound fluorocarbon line onto this reel, and you can be prepared to have an impromptu fishing session, wherever you may be.
However, please bear in mind that this is a light-action hiking fishing rod. As a result, it is a light to medium power, backpacking fly fishing rod. Hence, it can handle only lightweight tackle and is probably ideal in the 3/8 ounce and under range. However, like several combo kits in the market, there have been some complaints about the reel’s quality.
Usually people like a backpacking fishing pole and rod, which comes apart, over the best telescoping fishing rod for backpacking. However, this is an excellent pick for backpackers too. You can break the rod into five pieces. When broken down, the parts are less than seventeen inches. Consequently, all the pieces can snugly fit in the backpack. You get this hiking fishing rod in a kit, complete with a zippered, padded storage bag, plastic tackle box, and a spinning reel.
Interestingly, you can conveniently fit the entire fit in the storage bag and stack it in the backpack. However, you can save some space by ditching the case and merely rubber banding the pieces together. This best hiking fishing pole comes with a spinning reel and is an entry-level piece of equipment. So, for the purpose it is indented, it works amazingly well.
Lastly, let us conclude by stating that even though it is the best backpacking fishing rod and reel, it may not be ideal for seasoned anglers. However, there is no denying; it is compact and handy ki to have if you are around the lake, hungry for some fish.
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3. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Graphite Carbon Fiber Portable Spinning Telescopic Fishing Pole for Boat Saltwater and Freshwater
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Check price on Amazon |
This backpacking fishing rod gets points for both ergonomics and aesthetics. Of course, we know it is not perfect, but it is indeed one of the best fly rods for backpacking. This best fly rod for backpacking is available in varying lengths of 5.9 – 11.8 feet.
This best fly rod for backpacking takes the top spot in performance because it is indeed a bit lighter than the Plusinno rod. Still, we have ranked this collapsible fishing pole for backpacking at number third because there have been complaints about the quality control and durability a bit too often for this rod to secure a top spot on the list.
Having said that, it is indeed one of the affordable collapsible fishing poles for backpacking. It does come with excellent specifications if you can handle rolling the dice on quality control. The best hiking fishing pole is the 5.9′ long version for backpackers, which weighs approximately 5.2 ounces.
Even though the manufacturer does quote that carbon rod blanks, it seems that this may be a glass or carbon hybrid, but that truly is not the end of the world. Ceramic line guides and EVA foam handles do round out the offering. Its handles are soft and assure all-day comfort. Despite that, the handles firm enough to keep control of the product.
At the end of the day, regardless of the good specifications, decent weight, and an array of options, Sougayilang should up their game when it comes to the longevity and the quality of the product lifespan. However, please no that this hiking fishing pole does not come with a reel.
Even though the Sougayilang Portable Spinning Rod is like the several other compact fishing poles for backpacking, but they were generous enough to provide the fishing pole an ergonomic handle. So, we recommend this hiking fishing rod to anyone with hand issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel.
Overall, this light or medium power backpacking fly fishing rod will not disappoint you on your hiking trip if utilized in a suitable capacity. Lastly, it is not the most potent backpacking fishing rod, but if you are catching some fish for dinner, it is a good, compact buy.
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4. St. Croix TRS66MF4 Triumph Travel 4-Piece Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod with Cork Handle, 6-feet 6-inches
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Check price on Amazon |
The collapsible fishing pole for backpacking feels excellent, is exceptionally portable, and has an excellent feel. In this backpacking rod and reel kit, you can be assured of the right combo of versatility, features, and balance. The St. Croix Triumph’s best backpacking rod and reel is indeed a deserving candidate on our list. Thanks to the excellent feel of this best telescoping fishing rod for backpacking, you can sense even the slightest bites and then set the hook as required. What’s more to know about this incredible hiking fishing rod?
This backpacking fishing rod is also one of the best casting rods. With this backpacking fishing rod, you can conveniently cast farther and certainly more accurately when compared to the other rods. Further, with this backpacking fishing rod, you can be assured of exceptional portability. You can break down this best hiking fishing pole into four sections which makes it suitable for travel.
You can fit it neatly in the travel case and carry this backpacking fishing rod with you on the go. With this best backpacking fishing rod, you get a cork handle, which is a great touch. Overall, this backpacking fishing pole feels comfortable in hand and provides you with an outstanding rod balance. As for the quality of this hiking fishing pole, the rod has it in spades.
Now that we have spoken about all the pros in this backpacking fishing pole, you may be interested in knowing whether there is a downside to this backpacking fishing rod. It is pretty hard for us to find faults with this best backpacking fishing rod, in all honesty. However, if we had to say, we would like to point out that this backpacking fishing rod is not very easy to take apart and put together as the other best backpacking rod and reel sets on our list. Yes, it is indeed a minor issue, so if you need the best all-around hiking fishing poles, then the St. Croix Triumph Travel is a good pick for you. Though, please know that it is not one of those affordable backpacking fishing poles.
ProsThis backpacking fishing rod comes with a carry case for extra protection
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5. Goture Telescopic Spinning Fishing Rod Saltwater Freshwater Travel Retractable Rods Poles for Trolling Surf Casting, Super Hard Carbon
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Check price on Amazon |
The next collapsible fishing pole for backpacking on our list is the best telescoping fishing rod for backpacking. In this telescopic ultralight backpacking fishing rod and reel combo package by Goture, you get a top-notch backpacking fishing rod and an incredibly well-made and smooth reel.
This best backpacking pole is indeed very lightweight and durable and has an exceptional build quality. In this backpacking fishing pole, the body is composed of E-glass and durable 24T carbon fiber. The two offer a composite that can conveniently withstand most outside and stress conditions.
The makers of this backpacking fishing pole have paid special attention to the rod’s coating. This makes it corrosion-resistant. Your Goture hiking fishing pole is also safe from any other environmental damage, which most lower quality hiking fishing poles may be unable to withstand.
Even though this compact fishing pole for backpacking with a telescopic design is not a major investment, but it is indeed ideal for protecting them from damage as much as possible. Given the top-quality materials used throughout this hiking fishing pole, it is quite a pick for even the larger fish.
Furthermore, this hiking fishing pole is designed for efficiency. So, half the battle is already won by owning this rod, sand taxing on your body. Also, this hiking fishing pole comes with additional features, such as an EVA handle that offers higher comfort during use. The reel in this best backpacking rod and reel combo is engineered with premium quality ball bearings and a one-way clutch for a smooth boat fishing experience. The reel has brass gears, a steel shaft, and a machined aluminum spool. You get this best backpacking fishing rod in four different sizes. The largest rod size in this backpacking rod and reel combo is pretty long. You can find the measures, such as 2.1 meters, 2.7 meters, 3.0 meters, and 3.6-meter lengths.
The best backpacking fishing rod collapses into a smaller and an easy to carry size. So, you do not require extra equipment to transport it once it is collapsed. Hence, this fishing pole is quite convenient and can meet the needs of all campers, casual anglers, or hikers. However, if you are a pro, you can utilize this backpacking rod and reel combo as a super-utility or backup in certain situations. As it is pocket-friendly, so there is not much lost if this backpacking fishing pole does not work out well for you. Overall, you will find a lot to love in this best telescoping fishing rod for backpacking.
Now, when there is so much to like in this compact fishing pole for backpacking, why did it not win the best backpacking fishing pole and reel combo? See, it is all a matter of value. The best backpacking fishing pole that we ranked at the top just had more packed with tons of value in the quality. It would not be wrong to say that even though this is not selected as the best, it truly does appear to be of the same quality, more or less. Since it is more pocket-friendly, it lacks extras.
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6. TROUTBOY Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo Kit for Outdoor Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
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Check price on Amazon |
When shopping for the best backpacking fishing pole, a few people need the best in a budget price. If that’s what you need, this last hiking fishing pole and reel combo is the right pick for you. It is a money-saving hiking fishing pole that assures adequate quality for you to have all the fun while you are on the water. This is the perfect backpacking fishing pole for people who like to catch a few fish for dinner here and there.
You can find this pole in six different sizes, ranging from 5′ 10″ to 11′ 10″. The shortest can be availed in a version with an adjustable handle. There are two shorter rods with medium power. The longer ones are medium or high power rods. If you need the best backpacking fishing pole, we recommend the adjustable handle version. It closes to 16.5.” So, this is indeed the perfect size and will fit in your pocket or backpack. The combo comes with a stainless steel spincast reel.
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Buying Guide: How To Make The Best Pick?
When shopping for the best backpacking fishing rod or combo, one of the first things you should consider is the kind of telescopic or expendable model, its overall compatibility with your rucksack or backpack, size, and efficiency.
In addition to this, there are a few other things, too, that you need to bear in mind when shopping for the best compact fishing pole for backpacking.
- The composite build, expandable length, and durability for strength should be according to the type of fish you are chasing and your skill level.
- Several best backpacking fishing rod and reel combos will come with a travel case. It is best advised to pick the backpacking fishing pole and reel combo that comes with one. Such hiking fishing poles will be apt for your weather protection needs.
- When shopping for the backpacking fishing pole, bear in mind and ascertain how easy it is for you to use the selected rod for casting, based on its overall build. Further, it should be easy for you to balance the reel and the rod.
- Next, when you shop for the best backpacking fishing pole and reel combo, check all the additional accessories you get with it and their quality. If you pick the combo with a cheap rod, it will be nothing but useless.
- More so, it would be best if you considered where you would be using your chosen best backpacking fishing rod, ranging from inshore, saltwater, or freshwater fish. So, match appropriately, and then pick the most functional rod or combo set.
- Take into consideration the spinning action for jigging and lures, the rod’s firmness, and how fast your body or hands may fatigue over time from the use of this backpacking fishing pole.
- Look for power and precision in flexibility and engineering, and note the difference in carbon fiber design, SCII graphite, or aluminum for each of the reel and rod parts.
- Shop for the backpacking rod with EVA foam grips. This will ensure maximum comfort, a chair, or a stand for the reel to rest so that you can do other things.
- It should have both left and right-hand retrieval and flexibility (for those who may use both).
- Lastly, the brand’s support staff should be good, and the product must hold a good warranty.
Backpacking Fishing Rod: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1. How strong is a backpacking fishing pole?
Ans. The fishing rod’s strength will depend on a couple of factors, such as the reel, the guide rings, and the fishing pole’s material. Additionally, certain products have more outstanding ratings over others on design and how their folding mechanisms are set up across the rod. Be assured; you are aware of the acceptable weight that it can conveniently drag, so you do not invest in something that cannot meet your needs.
Ques 2. How do you carry a fishing pole while hiking?
Ans. You can put the pole in the side pocket or outside the backpack. Always note that the rod’s tick is guarded as it is susceptible to damage. If your combo comes with multiple extras, you do not have to carry all of them. Only take a few of them, and stack them in the case or ziplock that you get with the kit.
Ques 3. What is the best backpacking fishing pole?
Ans. The best pole here will be something reliable, lightweight, and consistent for regular use. You can pick something like the Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Set. It is affordable, highly rated, and assures excellent experience, especially for beginners.
Ques 4. How do you pack a fishing rod for backpacking?
Ans. Usually, the rods come with a folding mechanism. A couple of them also have latches, and some may have tinier compartments that come apart with a spinning mechanism. It all depends on the design and the manufacturer. Usually, the backpacker’s pole and rod can conveniently break apart in five to six sections for you to store comfortably.
Ques 5. Are collapsible fishing rods any good?
Ans. The telescopic or the collapsible rods perform better than the traditional rods; they are also reasonably affordable. Like the other rods, they vary in price, but the cheapest ones may not function as well as the others. However, if you shop for a mid-range rod, they will assure an excellent value for money.
Conclusion
Picking the right fishing pole and rod puts the odds in your favor. When shopping, you need to consider the style that you seek. Do you intend to casting from the shoreline more frequently or aspire to spend most of your days dropping a line off a boat? Regardless of the objective, there is a rod for you. So, we hope and believe that this article will help you find the best backpacking pole and rod. Backpackers can even look for the best pen fishing rods, as they too are incredibly convenient to travel with. So, go ahead, plan your next fishing trip, and land the trophy fish with your chosen best kit. Happy Fishing!