Backpacking flyrod

[jimmadsen]

hey folks,

I'm going to be doing some backpacking out in Colorado later this summer and am thinking about investing in a 7 piece backpacking rig. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Any suggestions on what to get, things to consider or avoid?

Thanks!

Jim

[Jerry]

The ultimate back pack rod.





A 9 piece 6' Lamiglas 3 wt. Packs to just over a foot.
A true 3 wt, you can put it in your shirt pocket.
I won the blank some years ago here in the FAOL drawing.

[Humber Brad]

would you number the pieces on something like that? I thik I would be really frustrated by the time I had it put together.

[Jerry]

Its easy to tell which piece goes where because they are different diameters. But as you say a rod of that many pieces takes longer than I like to put togethers.

[crazy4oldcars]

I have enough trouble getting 4 pieces lined up (both meanings )

Kirk

[flyandtie]

i would say anything from a 4 piece toa 9 piece would work

depends on also what rod weith you need

[Black Gnat]

The Hardy Smuggler is a classic.
I have two....a six piece 7 ft 4 wt and an eight piece 9 1/2 ft 7 wt.
both perform wonderfully.

I see that Hardy makes a their Angel in a Smuggler configuration.
That may well be my next graphite rod.

These rods are pricey, but well worth it.

Best,
Black Gnat

[SilverMallard]

Check out the Elkhorn Traveler Series (FAOL Sponsor). They're located in Loveland, CO. I'm very impressed with their rods, but I don't have a Traveler.

I'd pair it with an Okuma Airframe reel (think they just renamed it) for backpacking. This lightweight, high-impact, composite plastic reel is a solid performer with a reliable drag and is virtually indestructible. And they're about $40.

[Joe Valencic]

From the "build it yourself" department, I offer the Forecast 9'-0" 4wt 7-piece:



Hit a sale at H&H and built the rod for $75 including shipping. Made the rod bag as well.



This has proved to be a dandy rod. Took it to Florida and it fit in my carry-on bag, and I use it around here for bass and gills because it can be tossed in the truck and takes up little space.

Joe

[Gringo]

Hey Joe - that is seriously nice work, well done mate.

Best I could do for a traveller was a cabelas five piece stowaway, not bad, but not great either. I figured I didn't want a high value rod for "backpacking" though.