I don't find my GLoomis GLX Classic 10 ft 5 wt at all tiring. On the other hand an older Orvis 10 ft 5 wt was a beast because it was tip heavy. Keeping that tip up for nymphing is what tired me out.

As far as packing is concerned, a rod tube for a 4 piece 10 ft rod is only 3" longer than a 4 piece 9 foot. My Gloomis 9 ft rod tubes are 31" long and the 10 ft rod tubes are 34" inches long.