travel fishing rod suitcase

Best Travel Fishing Rods for 2024

Jason sealock.

• Oct 09, 2023

Choosing a travel rod for anglers who like to pack light and carry a fishing rod in their luggage on every where they travel requires a little planning and view of the options and fish you think you might encounter on your travels. We reviewed a wide gamut of rods and came up with a lot of options to consider as well as some great recommendations for which fishing rods we would suggest for a lot of different types of fishing and travel.

Things like size of the rod when disassembled, number of pieces, rod case, roll or bag, type of rod, how you will transport it, whether a telescoping rod makes sense and more need to be considered before choosing the best travel rod for your fishing plans.  

Travel rods can come from 2 pieces up to 5 pieces not to mention the telescoping travel rod options out there. You might want to fit the rod in a suitcase, if so more pieces will break down into a smaller foot print. Or you might carry it with you which might give you more options for rods. You might want a hard case to protect the rod if you’re worried about TSA or some other party damaging your rods in transit. Or a rod wrap may suffice if it’s tucked inside of another hard case suitcase.

OUR TOP PICKS

• Best telescoping travel combo – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• Best travel rod for bass – Buy from FishUSA
• Runner up: Daiwa ardito travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Best all-around / saltwater travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Best telescopic travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Runner up: Ugly stik cx2 4-piece travel combo – Buy from Basspro
• Ark rods genesis rods – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• Zebco 33 spincast telescopic combo – Buy from Basspro
• Shimano Convergence D Travel 4-Piece Spinning Rods – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• St. croix triumph travel rod – Buy from Tacklewarehouse

Know Your Travel Rods

Then there are the types of rod to consider including spinning travel rods, casting travel rods, telescoping travel rods as well as travel fly rods or specialty rods like travel swimbait rods or travel trout or panfish rods. Or any combination of the aforementioned.  

If you plan to fish with light lures and light line, then a spinning travel rod might be the best option. If you plan to look for big bluegills or crappies specifically on your travels, then a long telescoping rod might make more sense or a small spinning rod like a trout rod might give you a lot of options for trout and panfish.

If you’re going for larger quarry, you will want a beefier rod that has a reel that can hold heavier line. Usually a baitcasting travel rod makes sense for bass, or big fish like walleye, pike, musky, stripers, etc.  

Specialty rods like travel swimbait rods or extra long jigging rods might be just the ticket for probing unknown waters for specific types of fishing like jigging brush for crappie or casting oversized swimbaits for trophy bass and stripers.  

Of course if you’re in to fly fishing, then a travel fly rod is hard to beat. There are some super high end and middle of the road options that are great rods that make a 9-foot fly rod fit into an over night travel bag with the travel fly rod option.

CONSIDER TELESCOPING RODS FOR TRAVEL

For some, a telescoping rod is an easy spur of the moment travel rod option to probe some nearby waters to see if they have fish available. I have buddies that keep telescoping rods in their trucks at all times and will break it out on their travels or while taking a lunch or after work on a work trip. It’s a quick and simple option.

Most of time telescoping rods are a bit lower quality. Or at least that was the case back when the only option was a low end push button spin cast combo for small panfish. There are, however, some newer options bringing this back as a real viable option for bass and panfish.

A Travel Combo Might Make More Sense

You can buy travel rods that are a rod and reel combo. This is often the case with telescoping options. But there are some better quality options in the multi-piece travel rods with a decent spinning reel. Most of the time. I want the best rod I can get and a good reel in my bag so I’m not fighting my equipment in the limited amount of time I get to fish on my travels. Especially those spur-of-the-moment unplanned fishing trips while traveling.  

But when you get to a location and wished you had a rod and reel, a decent priced telescoping rod/reel combo can get you in the fish on an unexpected hot spot quickly and easily.

You Need a Travel Rod Case, Bag or Roll

Anymore your travel rod is going to come in a hard case, a roll or a bag. Regardless you need to take care to protect the pieces of the rod or the rod while it is compartmentalized so it’s not damaged in your travels.  

A hard case might be a cloth case with a hard shell inside of it that zips closed on the end and the multiple pieces slide into little sleeves inside of it. Or it might be a hard outer shell with a soft interior that keeps your guides and blank parts protected. These are nice when you plan to carry your travel rods separate from your luggage. Or keep them in a vehicle on your travels.

A travel rod roll is just a cloth sleeve with individual pockets for each piece of the blank and then you roll it up with flap that closes on one end and tie it off with the attached ties. These can be nice for putting a rod or two into your other travel bags or a small compartment in your vehicle.

A travel bag can be just a cloth bag or a padded foam bag that houses and protects the rod simultaneously. I’m a fan of these as they keep your pieces from falling out as sometimes happens with rolls. And they keep the blank pieces with a bit of added protection. The padded bags are ideal in my opinion.  

Best Travel Rod Brands

In the freshwater space, the best travel rod makers are often synonymous with the best rod makers. Makers like Daiwa, Shimano, St. Croix, Megabass, Ark Rods, Fenwick, and others have really solid travel rod options. Others that many don’t know offer travel rods have good options like Favorite, Bass Pro, and BnM Poles.  

Here are the travel rod brands we reviewed and liked:

• Favorite Fishing
• B’n’M Poles

Having said all that, let’s take a closer look at some of our personal favorites in various travel rod categories.

Best Telescoping Travel Combo

Daiwa travel combo.

We chose the Daiwa Travel Combo as the best combo because it comes with a good reel, telescoping rod that is better than most and it’s own sling carry bag that is big enough to put several travel rods and reels in. This combo compacts down to 26 inches making it a perfect option for any trip whether it be in a car or a plane.

The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch Medium power fast action rod. It’s a solid rod and stayed extended as we fished with it. The reel is a 2-bearing Daiwa Crossfire LT 2500. Even though it’s only 2 bearings, it performed very smoothly and effortlessly with a very smooth drag. It’s a solid spinning combo and it’s offered in EVA or Cork grips.

The combo costs $149 but if you just want a good combo without messing around with pairing rods and reels, this is a quick easy choice.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Best Travel Rod for Bass

Shimano zodias travel rod.

The fact that Shimano took one of their best rod lines and converted it into a high-end bass travel rod got me excited. And when I got the new rod in my hand, I was very impressed. I am a big fan of the original Zodias line and was so excited to see this level of quality in a 5-piece travel rod.  

This travel rod condenses down to 19 inches when packed, meaning you can literally take it anywhere. And when full assembled you have a very high quality rod full of all the features of the high end one-piece blanks. The 5-piece construction gives the rod more uniform bend than a 2-piece model would.  

It has so much power and a steady consistent load when casting. You will forget it’s a travel rod by your second cast. It’s a high end rod that just happens to be in 5 pieces. It has a CI4+ reel seat for lightweight strength and a full carbon monocoque grip which eliminates the use of EVA giving a light rod more sensitivity.

Hi-Power X construction which makes the blanks outermost layer wrapped with carbon tape form that X appearance on the blank that gives more precise actions to the rods with more strength.  

You can really lean into fish with this rod without worry. It’s one of the nicest travel rods we’ve tested.

Buy at FishUSA.com

Buy from Omnia

Runner Up: Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

This is another high-end rod that has been brought down to a travel rod form factor. This rod comes with a very nice hard case and it breaks down to 30 inches (32 in its case). It features a V-flex ferrule joint system. These ferrules don’t require you to jam the rod pieces all the way together and then struggle to separate them. You simply push them until they snug together and you are all set. You can break down and put the rod together in seconds and be fishing as fast as you can thread your line.  

The rod has a high-modulus blank, Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides, unsanded micro-pitch blank, split Eva grip and machined nut hood. It’s a high quality rod that pairs nicely with your favorite bait caster. It comes in 7-foot medium, 7-foot medium heavy and 7-foot, 6-inch medium heavy.

Buy at BassPro.com

Best All-Around / Saltwater Travel Rod

St. croix avid trek rod.

This is a finely crafted American rod with incredible blanks offering uniform performance, strength and ultra-perceptive sensitivity. The premium cork full grip, and quality blanks featuring St. Croix’s IPC mandrels, SCII high modulus carbon, slim profile ART ferrules, Sea Guide Hero hi-grade guides with zirconia rings and stainless gun smoke frames, sea guide hook keeper, and a 15-year-transferable warranty.  

This rod can literally do it all. Going to Louisiana to fish the marshes for bass and redfish, this is your rod. Strong, light, smooth, sensitive and easy to pack. The 3-piece rod is 6-foot, 6-inch MH rod with a lot of power but great castability. This rod is a joy to fish with and you can expect it to last a long time with that kind of warranty.

Best Telescopic Travel Rod

Bass pro aventur1 telescoping rod.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Aventur1 telescoping rod. It features 6 sections but 8 guides for uniform castability and a nice line path while fighting fish. The unique guide system has floating guides as well as guides permanently affixed to the rod sections. So you won’t fight with line on the blank on this travel rod.  

The 7-foot medium power rod fished really well and I was pretty taken aback at how nice this rod fished for $59. A rod that will likely always be in my travel plans. With an RT2 graphite blank, Fuji aluminum oxide guides, Fuji reel seat, with EVA split grips and X-Wrap rubber cork butt cap, this is a pretty functional telescoping rod for travel fishing.

Best Big Swimbait Travel Rod

F5 departure travel rods.

The folks at F5 Custom Rods make some of the nicest big swimbait rods available today. These are custom made rods from blanks to handles to accents. They are often very selective in how they build rods and you usually have to get lucky enough to catch a rod on a drop. However, the F5 Departure Travel Rods are often in stock and I picked up a H and XH rod a year or so back.

These are two of my favorite big swimbait rods that I use for crankdowns like the Bull Shad 4×4 and the Toxic Whippersnappers, for glides like the 86 Baits Doomrider, KGB Swimbaits Chad Shad or the Deps Slide Swimmer 250 and of course for my jointed swims like the Bull Shad 8 inch.

The rods are both 3-piece rods and are custom made with a full extra long camo EVA handle. The ones the often sell are split grips. The rod blanks are solid. Even with three pieces I had no issues heaving big baits like the Slide Swimmer which weighs 6 1/2 ounces.

They are going to run you about $289 a piece for these rods. But I am so happy to have them because I can take a pack of my favorite big baits and a very high-end swimbait rod literally everywhere I go to chase trophies all over the country and out of the country for that matter.

Buy at F5 Custom Rods

Best Travel Rod on a Budget

Favorite fishing army geo rod.

This is an impressive rod not only for the price but for how well this 4-piece rod fishes and fights fish. We caught some really quality bass on this rod this spring and it is a legit fun spinning rod to fish. I love that I threw it in my suitcase, loaded up and went to Arkansas and broke it out and caught a bunch of nice bass that were moving shallow to spawn.  

Even my brother-in-law enjoyed fishing with this travel rod. And at $39, it’s a hard rod to pass up. The 4 pieces in their hard travel tube are 26 inches. The pieces are barely 23 inches. The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch medium-heavy spinning rod. I used it to skip Senkos around shallow cover a lot this spring. And it sets a nice hook and has a ton of backbone to land big bass. Our biggest on it was 6 pounds, 4 ounces this spring.

Buy at FavoriteUSA.com

Runner up: Ugly Stik GX2 4-piece Travel Combo

At $44 at Walmart, you can’t go wrong with this nearly indestructible travel rod. The Ugly Stik has been the staple of affordable travel rods. They can take abuse and continue to catch and land fish.  

Buy from Walmart.com

Buy at Scheels

Best Trout Travel Rod

St. croix trout series pack rod  .

For the adventurer who needs a light and packable trout rod to get to remote locations, this is the Cadillac of adventure rods. This rod says trout, but it’s a dynamite bluegill, crappie and even smallmouth rod for remote streams and creeks. It’s a beautifully built rod at only 2.9 ounces and 3 pieces, it compacts down to be no added weight in your backpack.  

I paired it with a small 1000 spinning reel and 4-pound line and really enjoyed fishing this rod a lot. It will become one of my staple creek travel rods now. It throws little baits effortlessly and had a nice backbone for such a light rod. A real joy to fish with.

Buy from FishUSA.com

Best Panfish Telescoping Rod

Bnm poles little mighty telescoping rod  .

I have to admit, I’m a little blow away by this rod. I grew up crappie and bluegill fishing with my father in Florida and Arkansas with telescoping fiberglass rods from B’n’M Poles. So I have a lot of nostalgia when it comes to these types of rod. But the new Little Mighty Rod is something special.

While it’s not technically a travel rod, it’s a telescoping rod that reaches out to 20 feet and breaks down to barely 22 inches. It looks like a bright orange track baton but it extends to a masterful reach out and touch a crappie or bluegill telescoping rod quickly.

One word of caution, be sure you extend the rod small sections first. So grab the string tab on the tip and pull it out that way. Don’t slide the sections out by dumping the open end out or you will have issues with sections getting out of order and blocking each other. Same for breaking it down. Big sections first and be sure to leave the string out when you put the cap on.  

Other than that, I enjoyed testing this rod a lot. I honestly didn’t think much of it when I got it. But after using it I can think of all sorts of places I want to take and fish with this rod. Once you get the hang of maneuvering 20 feet of rod with a fish on the end it’s a pretty fun stick to fish with.

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy from BnmPoles.com

Other Travel Rod Considerations

Ark rods genesis rods.

This was my original travel rod and I’ve put a lot of miles on it. It’s caught fish in Nebraska, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. This is a two piece travel rod that comes with a nice padded bag.

Read our full Ark Genesis 2-piece travel rod review

The rod joins together nicely and fishes so well. The very narrow blanks are durable and sensitive. I’ve caught fish just about every way you can on these rods. I have the 6-foot, 8-inch MH and the 7-foot, 6-inch MH rods and have flipped, frogged, spinnerbait fished, jigged, cranked, popped a topwater popper and burned a buzz bait with these rods. A great option that gives no sacrifice in performance in a 2-piece travel rod.

SixGill Argos Travel Rods

A very nicely made travel pack rod, the Argos Travel Rod is a 4-piece rod built on a 24T Toray Carbon blank. Comes with a 25 inch travel case. It fishes like your nicest bass rod but you can tuck it under a jacket and take it with you anywhere. The rod loads nicely on the cast and has enough back bone with it’s 7-foot MH frame to fight any size bass you might tangle with. A very nice travel rod option.  

Buy from Sixgillfishing.com

Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo

This is an affordable option at $25 but it’s not made to handle big fish in my opinion. It’s a great rod for catching panfish around a campsite, or of the dock on vacation. But it’s not made for fishing for larger fish. The rod bends easily at the tip under load and the line cuts across the rod to the next guide. So just be cautious with bigger fish on this setup. But for $25, you can catch the heck out of a bunch of panfish with this setup.

Buy at Amazon

Hardy Zephrus FWS Travel Fly Rod

I haven’t had a chance to review the latest offerings from Hardy yet, but one of my all time favorite travel rods is my Hardy Zephrus FWS Travel Fly Rod. It’s a 9-foot, 5-weight rod. It is the perfect pack rod for hiking into remote streams and chasing fish on the fly. This is the Ferrari of travel rods in my opinion. Everything is first class from the aluminum case, styled bag, ferrule covers, and beautiful craftsmanship on the Sintrix 440 blank.  

Buy from Hardyrodsandreels.com

Shimano Convergence Travel Rod

This 7-foot, 4-piece rod is another great do-it all travel rod. It’s a great rod for a lot of different species and lures in that 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce size. It breaks down to 25 inches so it will fit in almost all your bags and it comes in a nice hard case with a shoulder strap if you want to carry it on your back while you hike. It’s very well made and fished nicely with a variety of reels.

Spinning rod

Casting rod.

Buy at Tackle Warehouse

St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod

This work-horse travel rod serves a ton of different purposes. It’s 6-foot, 6-inch size makes it a great size for tight quarters. I loved fishing some small streams near the house with this rod. A fun little rod for wading creeks or winging around on bigger waters on your travels. It’s small form factor of 24 inches makes it a great pack rod to keep in your vehicle or throw in your bag on long trips. It’s a very nice blank divided into 4 pieces. It’s strong, sensitive and light. A great travel version of their very popular Triumph line.  

Wired2fish Travel Rod Comparison Chart

We review a ton of products and while they don’t always make the best of categories there are a lot of good rods to choose from that can get the job done. We try to give you as many options as possible while identifying some that we think stand out in the array of options. The goal with our guides is to help you be as informed and aggregate as much helpful information and personal experience into helping you with your fishing gear decisions.  

Here is a quick rundown of a lot of travel rod / telescoping rod options:

COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. Now he sets the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

Breaking News

2 anglers suspended from all mfl tournaments after boat wreck on harris chain, korkers introduces wade light wading boots, hamner wins 2024 bassmaster classic on grand lake o’ the cherokees, montevallo’s cory and sledge win bassmaster college classic on keystone lake, gregory wins 2024 bassmaster kayak series championship, justin hamner grabs first-day lead at bassmaster classic on grand lake, lew’s introduces custom lite shallow spool spinning reel, shimano, g.loomis and jackall release new tackle for spring 2024, recent posts.

Duo Realis Versa Pintail 3.0 Review

Shaky Head, Neko Rig and Drop Shot Finesse Fishing Mastery

Northland Tackle Sunny B Giveaway Winners

44% Off Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Lil’ General Worm

Basic Motor Maintenance: Spark Plugs

15% Off Garmin EchoMAP Ultra Fishfinders

Goldenmate Orion 1000 Lithium Battery Review

50 % Off Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Casting Rods

Flambeau Outdoors NextGen Tackle Box Giveaway

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » The BEST Travel Fishing Rods – Cast Off in 2024!

The BEST Travel Fishing Rods – Cast Off in 2024!

I love to fish all over the world. Fishing somewhere new is always fun, but the exciting uncertainty of fishing in a totally new country or biome is unbeatable.

I’ve had some of my most raw and authentic travel experiences with local fishermen in remote locations. It’s so rewarding bonding over such a primal activity and commonly shared passion, all whilst spending time in nature. Nothing beats enjoying a well-earned meal at the end of it too!

Fish of all shapes, sizes and colours can be found in each of the world’s waters. Spending time in some unbelievable and serene off-the-beaten-path spots is what makes travel and fishing such a match made in heaven.

Talking as someone with plenty of experience, travelling with bulky fishing gear isn’t ideal. The best travel fishing rods, however, bridge this great divide and allow me to combine my two favourite activities effortlessly – fishing and travel.

If you’re wondering how to travel with fishing rods, the number one piece of advice I’ll give you is to invest in a travel rod! I’m going to share with you some of my personal favourite travel rods in this post, some of which fit INSIDE my backpack.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

The 5 BEST Fishing Rods For Travel

5 more great travel fishing rods, how to travel with fishing rods, ethical and sustainable travel fishing, final thoughts on travel fishing rods.

Travel fishing rods are better for backpackers as they take up far less space than your standard rods – without compromising on quality. Fitting a rod into your bag or strapping it to the outside of your pack makes for a more realistic approach to fishing on the road.

Travelling the world with a fishing rod opens so many doors. You can catch your dinner in the smallest of streams by the roadside, or hop on a local’s boat and explore the ocean. Different fishing rods are good for different things, so here’s a list of my favourite travel rods , and what I think they’re useful for.

Overall Best Travel Fishing Rod – X5 Adventure by Rigged and Ready

Image: Rigged and Ready

• Length: 1.90m – 2.20m (41 cm transport length)

• Weight: 160g to 163g

• Price: £75 or $91 (£129 or $161 With Reels)

• Type: Spin and Fly

The X5 Adventure is my number one travel companion. The rod packs up so small it fits INSIDE of my day pack. I mean, the thing is bonkers.

For a rod so small, it packs a serious punch. It comes with five different combinations and four unbreakable rod tips. It’s my favourite travel rod because, thanks to the interchangeable rod tips, I basically have four different rods. This lets me do all my types of fishing, all with just the X5 (fly, cast, bait-cast, spin and bait).

I recently took this rod along with me on my brief stay in Malta and had a great time. I caught lots of different fish and it fit in my easyJet carry-on luggage. Yep, it’s that small.

There is also an X5 MAX version of this rod, which I would recommend to anyone who wants a great travel rod with a bit more backbone for heavier lures, or surf/sea fishing. There is an option to get an X5 package with a great spin (RR3000) and fly reel included too which is what I did. I love it.

One of the main reasons I love Rigged and Ready products so much is their unbeatable warranty and parts replacement service . They have a no-questions-asked part replacement or money-back policy that lasts for two years! This is valid if you lose or break a part on the road, for ANY reason.

There is a five-year support system too (you basically just pay for postage) on all products which is very easy to claim too. In short, investing in a Rigged and Ready Travel is a safe bet by definition. Not only do you get multiple rods in one, but it pretty much comes insured!

Second Best Fishing Rod for Travel – Shimano STC

Image: Shimano

• Length: 2.40m (64cm transport length)

• Weight: 142g

• Price: £107 or $131

• Type: Spin

The STC series is a classic travel rod range of spinning rods with lengths from 2.4m up to 3m and casting weights from 10 to 100g. I like the 20-60 gram STC rod as a good all-rounder (stats listed as 20-60g variant).

The transport length of the rods is kept to a maximum of 65cm, ensuring that you can fit the rod in your backpack, suitcase, car or wherever you want to store it!

The Shimano STC is a great option for any traveller looking to purchase a travel rod for a specific usage such as spinning and knows the weight of lures they want to use. Shimano is a great brand, and this lightweight, ultra-strong rod is one of my favourite pieces of Shimano kit.

The rods come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty – but it can be difficult to claim.

Best Collapsable Travel Fishing Rod – Infinite Ultimate by Rigged and Ready

• Length: 1.07m to 2.80m (49cm transport length)

• Weight: 125g to 245g

• Price: £130 or $163

• Type: All Types

The Infinite Ultimate by Rigged and Ready is essentially the most comprehensive rod package out there.

If you are looking to just buy one rod and use it for all your fishing, look no further than the infinite ultimate. This rod is a 25-in-1. Yes, there are 25 different ways to use this fishing rod – it truly is one of a kind.

The numerous parts and combinations can be a little confusing at the beginning, but that’s the only remotely negative thing I can say about this rod. It’s not as small or compact as some of the other travel rods on this list, but you won’t find a more complete travel fishing set out there, I promise. This thing is a unique piece of kit for any avid all-round angler who loves to travel.

It’s not the cheapest travel rod on the internet, but when you consider the fact that you’re buying 25 rods in one, all of a sudden, it becomes astonishing value!

Best Telescopic Travel Fishing Rod – KastKing BlackHawk II

Image: KastKing

• Length: 1.98m t0 2.84m (53.4cm transport length)

• Weight: 115g to 163g

• Price: £100 or $49 (USA Only)

• Type: Spin, Cast

The Kast King Black Hawk II sells like crazyyy on Amazon, it’s probably the most popular travel rod out there.

With 14 length options to purchase, this one-piece telescopic rod is one of the best telescopic travel rods on the market . It compresses to just one-third of its total length telescopically. I like the shortest option (6’6″ or 198cm) as I like my travel rods to be as compact as possible.

I love telescopic rods – they are so quick and easy and I would recommend them to beginners. They are not the most sturdy things though (sometimes). A multiple-piece rod could be a better option for some more keen anglers.

It’s one of the most affordable travel rods available, so I would recommend it on that alone . KastKing makes some quality stuff, and this rod is a good option for almost anyone.

There is a useful one-year ‘total peace of mind warranty’ available with this rod too which is great, but it can be tough to redeem.

Best Lightweight Travel Fishing Rod – Fish Rig 180 by Rigged and Ready

• Length: 1.60m t0 1.80m (48cm transport length)

• Weight: 90g

• Price: £67 or $84

This is my personal go-to light rod, I must have caught hundreds of fish on this thing and call it my ‘pocket rocket’. Don’t underestimate its power and capabilities because of its size.

Whilst I wouldn’t really recommend this rod for all types of fishing, this rod stays in my car… ALWAYS. I can set it up in about one minute thanks to its telescopic system, and it’s the perfect travel rod for opportunists.

The Fish Rig 180 is a super-lightweight travel rod that comes with two rod tips. It’s my favourite rod for hikes and treks due to its weight.

The thing weighs just 90 grams! That’s lighter than some lures.

I wouldn’t recommend the Fish Rig 180 for sea fishing though. It’s light and can handle some decent fish, but something with a bit more backbone is better for sea fishing in my opinion. The Fish Rig 180 is perfect for mountainous lakes, small rivers and maybe some shallow or micro jigging.

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, here are more of the most popular travel rods out there. They are popular for a reason – they’re EPIC!

The World Traveller by Rigged and Ready

• Length: 1.90m to 2.15m (43cm transport length)

• Weight: 146g to 150g

• Price: £90 or $110

• Type: Spin, Bait-Cast and Bait.

The World Traveller is Rigged and Ready’s original travel rod. It is the perfect travel rod for an all-around fisherman who wants to combine efficiency and functionality.

This rod has been popular for a reason, and as the name suggests, this thing was made for you world travellers. The rod actually comes with a great reel too (RR3000), so it really is the full package.

The World Traveller comes with two interchangeable rod tips as part of a six-piece rod. The rod tips are a standard lure weight (10-20g) and a heavier short tip for 15-40g lures. I’ve caught pike, perch, chub, carp and a handful of saltwater fish like mackerel and sea bass when using this rod in the UK.

Abu Garcia Diplomat V2 Travel Rod

Image: Abu Garcia

• Length: 2.13m to 3.04m (58cm transport length)

• Weight: 114g to 213g

• Price: £89 or $110 (With Reel)

Abu Garcia is one of my favourite fishing brands. It is world-renowned, and their tackle has NEVER let me down after over 15 years of usage.

In the words of Abu Garcia themselves, “The famous DIPLOMAT range stands for mobility and travelling.”

Abu Garcia’s Diplomat V2 travel rod range has four different rod lengths ranging from 2.13m to 3.04m (Light-Heavy). Depending on the length you opt for, this rod can be either a four or five-piece set. It can cast lures as heavily as 55g and as light as 3g.

Whilst this flexibility does sound great, it lacks the flexibility of interchangeable rod tips offered by competitors such as Rigged and Ready rods – so you’re kind of stuck with what you choose.

It’s sold as an exclusively freshwater rod, but the heavier variants will work fine in saltwater. The 5-21g version is competitively priced at $110 WITH an Abu Garcia WFS reel which is a marvellous piece of kit.

Daiwa Travel Combo

Image: Daiwa US

• Length: 2.18m (71cm transport length)

• Weight: 450g (With Reel)

• Price: £120 or $147

This Travel Combo by Daiwa is a great option for opportunists. It’s a highly functional telescopic rod that can be set up and packed away in just minutes. It also comes with a Daiwa Crossfire 2500 spinning reel included in the price.

This is more of a freshwater combo, but it can be used in saltwater too – just don’t expect greatness.

That being said, this is a great telescopic rod, and one of the best travel rods that exists. It’s great value, Daiwa is a great and reputable brand, and the fact that this set comes with a reel makes it a great full-package option.

The thing feels great to use and it’s very strong for a telescopic rod. I would recommend it to most anglers who want to opt for a brand they trust.

My favourite thing about the Daiwa Travel Combo is the carry case. It’s compact, functional and more importantly… it looks the part.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Travel

Image: Shakespeare UK

• Length: 1.98m (54cm transport length)

• Weight: 302g

• Price: £45 or $55

This four-piece travel rod is a classic. Shakespeare holds a special place in my heart as it is the brand that introduced me to fishing. As a kid, I owned tons of Shakespeare gear and it is ALL really good shit.

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Travel is a four-piece travel rod which is perfect for beginners.

Shakespeare is always a great option for affordable fishing gear without compromising on quality and the Ugly Stik Travel is no exception. At £45 (under $60), this is a steal that fits in your carry-on luggage.

It’s a little heavier than the other rods out there but is still a great choice for freshwater anglers. The cast weight is 5-15g so it’s a bit optimistic to use this for most types of saltwater fishing.

Unfortunately, despite a great 7-YEAR guarantee being on offer for this rod, it’s extremely tough to claim – I wouldn’t bank on it. I would recommend this travel rod for beginners, children or as a gift.

The Predator by Rigged and Ready

• Length: 1.85m to 2.20m (65cm transport length)

• Weight: 144g to 147g

• Price: £80 or $100

• Type: Spin, Bait-Cast

The Predator by Rigged and Ready is a great option for those who fish to hunt for magnificent and marvellous beasts. It is a slightly larger travel rod than other options on this list, but it has the strength and backbone to justify its bulkiness.

This is the perfect rod for anyone who wants to do some more heavy-duty spinning or lure fishing. It has a unique spin or bait cast microtrigger handle and I have caught some MONSTERS on it. For a travel rod, this thing is strong. 

Paired with the RR3000 or a bait caster (sold separately), this thing feels so well-balanced and nice to use. I recommend the Predator to any… predator anglers… obviously.

If you want the strongest of strong travel rods, I’d recommend the S MAX by Rigged and Ready . But the Predator is my pick for the best rod that combines the convenience of travel with the ability to sea fish, cast big heavy lures, or target behemoths.

Travelling with a fishing rod can be challenging at times. You’re also gonna need some more gear, or as fishermen call it, tackle. 

You’ll need a reel, some line and other basics like some hooks, lures, baits and weights. Buying a durable and compact tackle box to fit all your gear is my advice, but a basic food storage box will do.

Compact travel rods reduce the inconvenience of travelling with long poles, but you still may run into a few issues. Theft is a minor concern, as some of the gear isn’t cheap.

Keep your eyes on your tackle and treat it as you would any other valuable belongings.

Taking rods, hooks and tackle on buses, planes and other transport shouldn’t be an issue. Big rods may have to be checked if they don’t fit in your carry-on bag. I have been stopped at airports for having MASSIVE treble hooks in my box though  – avoid this. 

When travelling with a travel rod, it still may be slightly too big (depending on what rod you choose) to fit in (or strap onto) your bag. In this case, I would recommend storing it in places such as behind hostel/hotel desks to keep it safe. Overhead lockers, under hostel beds, with bus drivers, and on balconies are all places I’ve stowed my sticks.

One final recommendation I have for travellers is to CLEAN and pack away any rods and tackle in between sessions. Avoiding fishy smells is a must. I’ve had times where I didn’t decamp my rigs and ended up breaking rod tips, hooking bus seats and snagging line on passing pedestrians. It’s just not worth it.

Fishing ethically and looking after fish (fish care) is non-negotiable. Sport fishing is ethically questionable already, so it’s important to take extra care. Fish are living things and they’re worthy of respect.

If you are fishing for food, do so sustainably and only ever take what you need. Practice catch-and-release fishing where possible and do not target vulnerable species or fish in conservation/marine protected areas. Always follow laws and bylaws – wherever you’re fishing.

Stay prepared with a way to unhook fish quickly or cut line or hooks (plyers/wire cutters). You may also need somewhere to rest or land fish. A net, a mat, a rockpool or some wet grass will do fine.

Killing fish ethically is important. I usually give ‘em one swift and powerful strike to the back of the head before bleeding them out. Never let fish suffocate . If you are releasing the fish you catch, take your photo and get them back in the water ASAP.

Sometimes accidents happen, I’ve hooked stingrays, snapping turtles, and even birds all accidentally. In this case, it’s best to release the animal as quickly as possible, sometimes you’re able to do so easily and hassle-free. However, sadly, just cutting the line is sometimes the best option.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Before You Cast Off!

Fishing can be dangerous and accidents do happen – not to mention the possibility of losing gear! Some good quality travel insurance is never a bad idea – just make sure it covers fishing as a sport/activity.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Travel fishing rods are simply amazing, they’re the perfect invention to accompany any keen angler abroad. I never travel without them now, and I go carry-on only! 

It’s important to decide which type of fishing you want to be doing BEFORE you buy a rod. 

Smaller rods will be good for dropping off piers and sussing out small rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. They are more easily transportable, but won’t be able to cast far or fight big fish.

I use the Fish Rig 180 by Rigged and Ready for my occasional, opportunistic and quick sessions.

If you want to do some beach/surf fishing or hop on a boat, I’d recommend a bigger travel rod, with a larger casting weight. The X5 MAX Adventure by Rigged and Ready is my go-to for this. The Predator or S MAX would be good for larger fish too.

If you’re not sure what type of fishing you’ll be doing, grabbing a good all-round option would be the safe shout. Something like the Shimano STC would be good . The Infinite Ultimate by Rigged and Ready will be great as it is so versatile and flexible. It just has so many rod tips, making it great for different types of fishing.

As a final note, I want to say something realistic. It’s called fishing not catching for a reason. It’s important to understand that when fishing in totally new places, (or anywhere really) it’s normal to sometimes not to catch anything (blank).

Connecting with locals, connecting with yourself and connecting with nature is what it’s really all about.

• Diving in Bali
• Spearfishing 101
• Best Travel Towels
• How to Freedive

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Joe Middlehurst

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SHALLOW WATER FISHING
• Email Newsletters
• Boating Tips
• Boating Safety
• Electronics
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Baits & Lures
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Travel
• Conservation
• Fishing Knots
• Women in Fishing

How to Select Your Next Travel Fishing Rod Carrier

• By Sam Hudson
• Updated: November 20, 2019

If an upcoming fishing trip takes you far from your local waters, and you won’t be trailering your boat with you, chances are you’ll need a travel case for your fishing rods. If fishing with a captain, sometimes the guide service will provide the rods and reels. Inquire with the outfitter if that’s something you’re interested in.

Most anglers want to bring their own fishing tackle, feeling more comfortable with their own gear. The tricky part is getting your gear to your destination in one piece, without breaking any of the rods, rod guides or reels. Reels, line, hooks, pliers and other terminal gear can be packed in a suitcase; your rods likely require a specific rod carrier. The rod carrier might be different if you’re flying or driving, or packing spinning, conventional or fly tackle. Check out some of the designs available to anglers today, built with different features and materials, and priced at different levels.

Protect Against Rugged Air Travel

The beefy protection supplied by the hard-shelled Flambeau Bazuka Pro Rod Tube is perfect for taking your fishing rods on the airplane. The one-piece rod tube telescopes from a base of 63 inches all the way to 87 inches. The rod tube holds up to six 6-foot, 6-inch rods and meets all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) air travel requirements. Although the rod tube is lockable, TSA may cut the lock to take a look at what’s inside. The rod tube comes with a durable handle so you can carry the case with one hand. Add shirts and pants to the rod tube, that might otherwise go in your suitcase, to pack tight and protect the rods in transit. If there’s any extra room in the rod tube, don’t be afraid to add other fishing tackle like weights, hooks, or lures. Flambeau makes one larger rod tube that telescopes to (8.5 feet) 102 inches.

Bring All Your Light Tackle Fishing Setups

If you want to pack all your gear in one bag, but don’t need a hard-shell covering, consider soft-sided storage. Soft-sided storage works great for travel in a car or truck. The Etna Fishing Rod Case Organizer storage bag allows anglers to store and carry up to 5 rods and reels in the sleeves on the outside of the bag. A 34-inch pocket on the outside has an adjustable clip lock. An interior compartment has room for extra reels, tackle and gear. When not in use, the bag folds flat like a duffel bag. Add a cardboard tube from your local home improvement store to make the inside bag rigid.

A Rod Carrier for Fly Fishermen

Fly fishermen who have delicate fishing rods that break down into 3 or 4 pieces can utilize less bulky rod storage in hard or soft sided versions. The Allen Cottonwood Fishing Rod and Gear Bag is soft sided, but handles up to four 4-piece 9-foot, 6-inch rods. Eight adjustable dividers inside allow the angler to pack rods one trip, or maybe reels, line, tackle trays and other gear on another trip. Interior see-through zippered pockets are great spot to pack tippets or pliers. The main compartment inner dimensions measure 30.5 inches by 8.75 inches by 3.75 inches.

• More: Saltwater Fishing Gear , Shop

March Madness: Gear to Kick off the Fishing Season

10 Best Tarpon Lures

Spring Gear Guide for Women Anglers

ePDL+ Review: After 30 Trips, Does Old Town’s New Electric Kayak Stand Up to the Hype?

Toughest Nearshore Game Fish

New Gear: The Siren Connected Boat App

QUICK GUIDE: Surf Fishing Etiquette

Fishing With Crabs as Bait

• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Sport Fishing may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Sport Fishing Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

• Fishing Rods
• Best Travel Fishing Rod

The Best Travel Rods Reviewed: Real Performance for Serious Fishermen

Anglers who travel a lot and want to get some fishing in or who need to pack rods in carry-on luggage know that real fishing tackle that meets their needs is in short supply.

Yes, you can opt for some of the products that promise performance - Plussino comes to mind - and you’ll see these rods recommended by sites where the writers probably don’t fish themselves. 

But if you want a real rod that can perform, casting and fighting like the rods you left at home, you’ll need to look carefully.

We’re here to help, and we’ve put together a list of some our favorites, as well as buying guide to get you on the right track.

Quick glance at the best travel fishing rods:

St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod

• Excellent, sensitive blank
• Good guides
• Excellent handles
• Fishes like a premium rod should

Tackle Direct Bass Pro

Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod

Goture Travel Fishing Rod

• Great price for what you get
• Good, sensitive blanks
• Nice handles
• Fishes well

Smuggler 7 Travel Fishing Rod

• Very compact
• Good, sensitive blank
• Interchangeable fiberglass tips

KastKing Blackhawk II

Table of Contents (clickable)

• 1.1 St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod - Best Light/Medium-Light Power Travel Rod
• 1.2 Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod - Best Medium Power Travel Rod
• 1.3 Smuggler 7 Travel Fishing Rod
• 1.4 KastKing Blackhawk II
• 1.5 Goture Travel Fishing Rod - Best Budget Travel Rod
• 2.1 Avoid the toys
• 2.2 Modular probably beats telescopic
• 2.5 Handles
• 3 Final Thoughts

Related: 

• Best Telescopic Fishing Rod
• Best Travel Fly Rod

Best Travel Fishing Rods Reviewed

St. croix triumph travel spinning rod - best light/medium-light power travel rod.

Length: 6’ or 6’ 6” Power/action: light or medium-light/fast Line and lure weight: 6’ (4-8 lbs. 1/16 - 5/16 oz.); 6’ 6” (4-10 lbs. 1/8 - 1/2 oz.) Material: carbon fiber Handle: continuous cork Guides: Sea Guide Atlas Performance SS304 stainless steel guides Pieces: 4

Most anglers already know that St. Croix is a premium rod manufacturer, but you may be new to the sport and have no idea - and there’s nothing wrong with that!

For serious anglers looking for a “real” travel rod that can perform with the best of them, the Triumph is very hard to beat.

Available in two lengths, 6 feet or 6 feet, 6 inches, the shorter rod is light powered while the longer rod is medium-light. Both offer a fast action.

St. Croix has chosen a carbon fiber blank for these rods, and that means fantastic sensitivity. For panfish, trout, perch, flounder, specks, and the like, these rods will perform masterfully, allowing you to feel every bump, nudge, and nibble.

And when the fight does start, you’ll find the backbone of these blanks quickly, about 25% from the tip. And don’t be shy about that medium-light rod: it’s a real beast if you’re working with a good reel and a properly set drag, and you can fight any smallmouth in the world with it, as well as most largemouth.

Both rods wear premium continuous cork handles, though the shorter rod has a shorter handle.

The stainless guides that St. Croix chooses are excellent performers in the real world, especially if you skip braid, which can be abrasive to any guides.

Overall, this four-piece travel rod fishes like a premium two-piece, and that’s saying something.

Fenwick HMG Travel Spinning Rod - Best Medium Power Travel Rod

Length: 7’ Power/action: medium-light or medium/fast Line and lure weight: medium-light (8-17 lbs. 1/4 - 3/4 oz.); medium (10-20 lbs. 3/8 - 1 oz.) Material: graphite Handle: continuous cork Guides: stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts Pieces: 3

Fenwick is another brand that’s built a long-term, dedicated following by producing premium rods, and their HMG travel rod is no exception.

Where the St. Croix dominates on smaller fish, the Fenwick’s heavier power medium rod would be my choice for travel when I’m looking for species like snook, reds, blues, walleye, bass, and anything else that might test a medium-light rod to its limits.

That’s not to knock the medium-light Fenwick but rather to applaud the medium rod.

Capable with mono lines as heavy as 20 pounds, and more than able to launch a 1-ounce lure like a rocket, this is another rarity in travel rods in that it fishes like a premium rod rather than a toy.

Expect a beautiful, continuous cork handle and excellent stainless guides with zirconium inserts.

In a hard fight, you’ll appreciate those well-made guides, and you’ll find the blank’s backbone quickly, just as on the St. Croix. Sensitivity is excellent, too, making this a superb choice for the angler who travels and wants a heavier rod.

Amazon  

Length: 7’ 8” and 8’ 6” Power/action: ??? Line and lure weight: 5-20 g. or 15-40 g. Material: graphite with a fiberglass tip Handle: split EVA fam Guides: stainless steel with silicone inserts Pieces: 7

Smuggler is a British company that’s put together a very portable seven-piece rod. Innovative in many ways, if space is truly at a premium, this is a rod you’ll want to look at.

Offered in two lengths, Smuggler is shy about stating the action and power you can expect, in part because British expectations and terminology differ on this point. But given that the larger rod can cast a 40 gram, or 1.4-ounce lure, I’d guess that it’s in the medium to medium-heavy range, with a fast action given the graphite blank.

The shorter rod can cast a 20 gram, or .7-ounce lure, and I’d make that about medium-light.

In either case, graphite is very sensitive material for a blank, and these rods should allow you to feel even the lightest strikes.

In terms of innovation, they come with interchangeable fiberglass tips that alter the feel as well as the action of the rods, allowing you a bit of customization.

Expect a split EVA foam grip and stainless guides with silicone inserts.

One thing that concerns me is that customers report quality control issues, especially with guide finishing. If you do pick the smuggler, check each guide carefully for polish and finish, and definitely contact the manufacturer if you get a lemon.

• Guide finish quality can be iffy

Length: see chart Power/action: see chart Line and lure weight: see chart Material: Toray 24-Ton Carbon Matrix blank with a fiberglass tip Handle: split EVA foam Guides: ??? Pieces: telescoping

Telescoping travel rods can be a nightmare, and most are made as gimmick offerings for new anglers who don’t know better. That needn’t be the case, and KastKing delivers a real rod that’s capable of actual fishing.

Now, to be fair to its premium competitors, you’re not going to get the sensitivity, backbone, fighting power, or durability of the St. Croix or Fenwick. That’s a simple fact, and I mean no disrespect to KastKing.

By design, a telescoping rod just can’t compete with a segmented rod.

But the carbon fiber blank on the KastKing is sensitive, and guide quality seems to be OK. I personally wouldn’t put much faith in the rods of medium power and above, as the joint construction on a telescoping blank is going to be abused by a hard fight with a big fish. 

Maybe it’ll take it; maybe it won’t - but I wouldn’t bet my fishing trip on it. The segments tend to loosen with casting - but don’t collapse. That’s not confidence-inspiring, because I’m sure that places greater stress on the joints, and with a heavy power rod and big, mean fish on the other end, I wouldn’t count on the rod to survive.

Instead, I’d stick to the lighter end of the powers - medium light and medium - and try not to push this rod too hard.

If that sounds like a serious reservation, that’s because it is. 

Now keep in mind that the Blackhawk II is about 1/3rd the price of the St. Croix and Fenwick, and if you’re just looking for an easy rod to pack and want to hit the water for a few hours, there’s nothing wrong with the product.

But as serious competition for the premium rods on our list, the Blackhawk II isn’t going to make the grade.

• The Segments loosen after casting, and I wouldn’t trust this rod in medium-heavy or heavy actions with big fish and hard fights

Goture Travel Fishing Rod - Best Budget Travel Rod

Length: see chart Power/action: see chart Line and lure weight: see chart Material: carbon fiber Handle: split EVA foam Guides: stainless with ceramic inserts Pieces: 4

For anglers on a budget too tight for the St. Croix or Fenwick, Goture offers a nice travel rod at a reasonable price. Available in powers ranging from ultralight to medium-heavy, and actions that vary from medium, to medium-fast, to fast, these are dependable travel rods that won’t break the bank.

The blank on every rod in this lineup is made from carbon fiber, promising great sensitivity and plenty of backbone. Powers and actions are matched well, and there are some great surprises in this series, like a light rod with a medium action that would be just perfect for small crankbaits.

Expect well-made, split EVA foam handles that provide plenty of territory, even for big hands.

The guides are stainless steel with ceramic inserts and clearly designed more for fresh-water fishing than the salt. They’re small - I’d say a bit undersized for salt - but perfect for enhancing sensitivity for species like bass when using a worm.

One word of caution: the ferrules are meant for a .6” gap, meaning that they should not be tightened down till they touch.

The carbon fiber blanks prove plenty sensitive and strong, and these are really good rods for the money. Anglers on a tighter budget should definitely give these rods a close look.

• Not going to compete head-to-head with premium alternatives like St. Croix and Fenwick

What to Look for in a Good Travel Rod

Avoid the toys.

When angling sites recommend products, there’s a real difference between content farms and those where the researchers and writers are fishermen themselves.

That’s a fact.

And just because a product is popular on Amazon doesn’t make it good.

Many of the telescoping travel rods with awesome reviews are disappointing if you’re more than a once-a-year angler, and you can chalk up the positive responses to people who really don’t fish a lot not using these rods much or knowing what they’re missing out on.

That’s not to insult anyone, and if you just need a rod for a few days a year and space is tight, go ahead: you probably won’t be disappointed.

But if you’re a serious angler and you try one of these out, I promise you, you’ll burn with frustration.

That’s why our list is populated with real rods that are high on performance, especially the St. Croix, Fenwick, and Goture.

Modular probably beats telescopic

On that front, modular rods are almost always better than telescoping designs. 

Being more mechanically simple, there’s much less to go wrong, and as ferrule technology has improved since the 80s, you’re not sacrificing sensitivity much at all by increasing that number to three, four, or even five.

And to be painfully honest, companies like St. Croix and Fenwick have hard-earned reputations that they’re not going to sacrifice by offering underperforming designs.

What this all adds up to in the real world is that modular is usually the way to go.

There are a variety of blank materials on the market, ranging from fiberglass and fiberglass composites to graphite to carbon fiber.

Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of each choice:

• Fiberglass and fiberglass composites - are well known for being heavy but very, very durable. They tend to be very flexible as well, but they can be made stiffer through the introduction of carbon fiber or graphite.
• Carbon fiber - is a common blank material, combining light weight with awesome stiffness and sensitivity. Not as durable to hard knocks as fiberglass, it’s still prized for its strength to weight ratio and its reliable backbone for hard fights.
• Graphite - is the lightest and stiffest of the rod materials out there, but it’s also the most fragile. A hard knock against a piling or rail can result in micro-fractures, so blanks made from graphite need some care in handling. But they’re awesomely sensitive and very strong, offering a fantastic performance.

Good guides are essential.

When you have a fish on your line, the stress on the line and rod is transferred through the guides, meaning that they need to be strong. But they also need to be as smooth as they can be, protecting your line from the heat caused by friction. 

If your line gets hot, it will fail!

An easy test of guide quality is to take a length of the line, pass it through the guide, and saw like mad against the guide. Excellent guides will leave your line intact.

Whether you prefer the warm feel of cork or the durability of EVA foam, look for handles that are long enough to give you a two-handed grip and really put some muscle into a fight.

That’s a tall order on a travel rod, but the best ones deliver just that.

Final Thoughts

Good travel rods are in short supply, and if you’re a serious angler, it can be a frustratingly difficult task to find one that fishes well.

What we can promise is that if you pick one of the rods we recommend, you’ll be more than happy with your purchase. The St. Croix , Fenwick , and Goture rods fall at different price points and quality levels, and the premium rods are definitely better choices if you can afford them, but all three of these products are real tackle designed for real-world fishermen.

We can’t tell you which one is best for you - only you can do that - but we can guarantee that these three will put a smile on your face.

As always, we’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Product Buying Guides and Reviews
• Fishing Tips

The 5 Best Travel Fishing Rods of 2023

Geoff Stadnyk in Fishing Rods on January 3, 2023 January 3, 2023

Traveling fishing rods are all about convenience.

A traveling fishing rod should be portable, lightweight, and easy to transport without taking up much space.

Slipping the best travel fishing rod, reel, and a hand full of lures into your backpack when venturing into the great outdoors is how great memories are made.

True travel fishing rods generally follow two designs with the most recognizable being the telescopic fishing rod.

The second option is the take-down multi-piece designs.

The number of pieces can range between two to six sections with four-piece rods fairly common.

Best Travel Fishing Rod

A myriad of travel fishing rods is available today.

Amazon’s online store offers over three hundred options for various angling disciplines.

Some possibilities include rod and reel combos, including a few lures and hooks.

Prices vary widely, ranging from as low as twenty dollars to four hundred and fifty dollars.

Let’s look at a few popular travel fishing rod options from Amazon for your convenience.

Best Designed Travel Fishing Rod

Smuggler 7 – rigged & ready review.

In my opinion, Rigged & Ready has struck gold with the design of the Smuggler 7 range of travel rods. It offers great value in a decent length, increasing the versatility of the rig.

Fishing Rod Length

The Smuggler 7 travel fishing rod is a seven-piece, well eight, if you include the two rod tips fishing gear.

The tips are interchangeable, which changes the length of the rod from 7.8 feet to 8.6 feet.

Fishing Rod Material

The rod blank is made from high-performance, powerful nano carbon called SRF Zylon-Carbon-HighGlass.

A unique selling point is a claim that it has unbreakable rod tips.

The tips are of fiberglass construction and are white in color compared to the rest of the travel fishing rod, which is carbon black.

The fishing rod’s grip is made from quality EVA while the reel seat is the traditional graphite screw type.

The slimline rod guides or eyes are silicon lined, making the sturdy rod suitable for use with whatever type of fishing line is available.

Fishing Rod Action

This travel fishing rod is capable of various baitcasting weights depending on the rod tip used.

The blank is a medium action blank for use in many inland and sea fishing adventures.

0.17 ounce to 0.70 ounce (5-20 + gram) for the 8.6 feet rod (2.60 meter)

0.52 ounce to 1.41 ounce (15-40 gram) for the 7.8 feet rod (2.35 meter)

What type of fishing is the rod suited to?

The travel spinning rod fitted with an ultralight spinning reel makes this a cut above other spinning rods.

It is best to use with a bass fishing reel and is also great for catching carp, pike, and salmon.

Keeping in mind that this rod is made for use as a stand-by or non-primary fishing rod with the ability to get the job done in a variety of situations, the Smuggler 7 is a great choice.

The slightly more robust build with super-strong tips of this travel rod, when compared to all the rods, gives the angler the confidence to look forward to the best travel fishing experience.

The pricing of the affordable rods, which falls into the lower to mid-range spectrum, makes this a great option when buying matching rod sets for family members.

The length of the Smuggler 7 makes the rod easily managed by anglers of slight build.

It does not require a large fishing reel that helps in keeping the weight of the rod down.

Lines in the six to fifteen-pound class are well suited with the Smuggler 7 travel rod.

When used with fluorocarbon or braided lines, the rod is capable of far casts.

Best for Freshwater Fishing

Xceed 704m-s goture spinning rod review.

The Goture Exceed spinning rod is a great travel fishing rod for freshwater fishing.

The rods are made in four sections that push together to form the travel rod.

This series of rods are available in five different models, of which the Xceed 704M-S is my favorite.

The Xceed 704M-S travel rod is a four-piece device that slides into each other to make up the Goture travel fishing rod.

The total length of the assembled rod is seven feet.

The rod blank is made from 30T carbon fiber, while the handles are made from quality EVA material for a comfortable hold regardless of fishing style.

The reel seat is the traditional screw type and forms part of the middle EVA handle, which is turned to adjust the reel seat.

The rod sports eight stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts, making the rod suitable for use with any fishing pole line that you will pick .

The blank is medium to heavy with a fast to medium-fast action making this one of the best travel spinning rods.

The lure weight rating is 3/16 to 5/8 of an ounce.

The outfit fitted with the appropriate spinning reel makes a perfect travel spinning rod and is suitable for mainly plastic baits when bass fishing.

Of course, the rod is ideal for bait fishing, float fishing, and many applications.

The sturdy but light rod at barely 5 ounces is an excellent choice when taking a rod along on a hike or camping trip, especially if one doesn’t want to bother with a traditional one-piece rod that can be a pain to lug around.

The sticker price of the rod, which falls into the lower to mid-range pricing, makes this a great buy.

Suitable lines for this class of fishing rod are six to fourteen pounds, allowing you to land most inland fish species successfully.

Best Premium Quality Materials

St. croix avid trek 3-piece 7ft review.

The St Croix triumph travel series consists of seven models offering both spinning and casting configurations.

The brand is aimed at those anglers who demand top-quality travel fishing rods.

St Croix rods are handmade and constructed from premium quality materials.

The St. Croix 7Ft is my choice for fishing trips.

The seven-foot length strikes a good compromise between the rod’s portability when disassembled and practical rod length for most inland fishing purposes.

The rod blank is made from high-modulus SCIII carbon fiber material using IPC (Integrated poly curve technology) and ART technology.

The fishing rod handles are made from quality cork, while the reel seat is a screw-type supplied by Fuji for whole day fishing.

The slimline rod guides or eyes are zirconia lined, making the rod suitable for all types of fishing lines.

The ferrules or joints on the rod’s blank are slim line and reinforced to ensure the rod feels and performs like a one-piece rod and avoids dead spots in the rod’s action.

The rod is classed under medium action rods but is perfectly capable of heavy action as well.

Suitability for the casting of baits is between ½ ounce to 1 ¼ ounce.

Given its robust construction, this travel rod fitted with the appropriate spinning reel makes for an excellent spinning rig suitable for lure and baitcasting of the most common fish species.

The Xceed 70 is an excellent choice for use in most waterways.

The light construction, compactness, and high sensitivity make the rod versatile for various fishing situations.

The pricing of the rod falls into the higher pricing bracket and is backed by St. Croix triumph travel warranties – a transferable fifteen-year warranty which is one of the best in the industry.

Slightly built anglers can easily manage the length of the Exceed 70 and also will not require the use of a large reel which helps in keeping the weight of the rod down.

The ten to twenty-pound class lines are well suited for use with the St. Croix Xceed 70.

Best Build Quality and Materials

Angryfish telescopic spinning rod review.

The Angryfish telescopic fishing rod impressed me with its build quality and materials.

Many of the features found on the rod are often found on many higher-priced telescopic rods.

The rods are churned out in great numbers, but the quality is good.

All told, this telescopic rod is an excellent buy.

The Angryfish telescopic fishing rod is available in two lengths, 6.8 feet or 7.8 feet.

My choice is the 6.8 feet due to its slightly smaller dimensions when folded.

The rod blank, consisting of six sections sporting very low dimension ferrules, is made of carbon fiber.

The reel seat is an ABS screw-type molded part that allows your finder to rest on the rod blank for added sensitivity.

The rod handles are made of EVA material, ensuring a firm but comfortable hold on the rod without causing fatigue.

The rod guides, of which there are six, are stainless steel with ceramic inserts to make the rod suitable for use with all types of fishing lines.

The blank is medium to heavy with a medium-fast action, making this a great spinning model.

The lure weight rating is 0.2 ounces to 0.7 ounces (5 to 20 grams).

The Angryfish telescopic fishing rod is an excellent option for the weekend recreational angler.

Fitted with the appropriate spinning reel, the rod makes for a great spinning rig.

The rod is well suited for casting plastic baits when bass fishing.

Of course, the rod is suitable for most travel fishing applications where smaller fish species are targeted.

The sturdy but light rod at barely 4 ½ ounces in weight is a great choice when going along on an outing where a fishing opportunity might present itself.

The pricing of the telescopic rod falls in the lower range and is excellent value for money.

Suitable lines for this class of fishing rod are ten to twenty pounds, allowing you to catch most inland fish species successfully.

Best Priced

Sougayilang 6.9ft blue - telescopic spinning fishing rod review.

The Sougayilang telescopic spinning rod is amazingly low priced for its quality.

Available in combo form which includes some basic fishing lures and hooks and a spinning reel, I picked the 6.9 feet rod.

The Sougayilang telescopic rods are available in five lengths ranging from 5.9 feet to 10.9 feet.

My choice is the 6.9 feet due to its practical size for a travel fishing kit.

The rod blank consists of five sections sporting stainless steel ferrules to which the guides are attached.

The rod blank is made from high-density 24-ton carbon fiber and E-Glass composite.

The reel seat is CNC machined aluminum and appears of great quality.

The blank is a medium-fast action, making this a great all-purpose spinning rod for any fishing trip.

The lure weight rating is 0.3 ounces to 0.8 ounces.

A telescopic spinning rod is an excellent option for the average recreational angler.

The travel rod is fitted with the appropriate spinning reel to make a great spinning and general-purpose device.

The rod falls in the lower pricing range and is great value for money.

Suitable lines for this class of telescopic rods are six to fifteen pounds, allowing you to land most inland fish species.

And The Best Travel Fishing Rod Is…

My choice for the best fishing rod for the average recreational angler and traveler is the Rigged & Ready Smuggler 7!

The small dimensions when folded, nice storage tube, multi-tip option, price, and great build quality makes this rod a top-class product.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Travel Fishing Rods

In order to choose the best rods, you need to consider a few things before buying a certain model.

1. Length of the Rod

You need to choose the right rod length for your specific fishing application or what you plan to fish.

It’s best to start with a short rod if you are a beginner since this size is easy to master, and can be used for many different applications.

A medium travel rod is helpful for catching species like beam, golden perch, trout, whiting, and other small fish.

A larger fish, of course, like kingfish, mackerel, queenfish, trevally, and others will require a longer travel fishing rod.

2. Number of Rod Pieces

Multi-piece rods can be broken down into two, three, four, or even up to eight pieces.

This makes them easier to carry in your luggage or fishing rod case when it is time to pack.

The parts are also easier to replace when you break or lose one because you only have to buy one section and not the whole rod.

The downside is you have several pieces to look after and you have to secure each segment tightly or they might break under strain.

Multi-piece rods are also more expensive than one-piece rods.

3. Fishing Rod Material

The material from which the rod is made will play a big role in its durability, and price .

Fiberglass rods have been around for ages because they are durable and affordable but their lower sensitivity makes it harder to detect lighter bites.

Graphite rods have high tensile strength and sensitivity but it is an expensive material for those on a budget.

A composite rod combines the best features of both fiberglass and graphite but is more expensive than pure fiberglass rods and less sensitive than pure graphite ones.

You may also want to look at the other rod components like the rod guide which is best with a ceramic coating and the rod handle which comes in cork or EVA foam.

4. Rod Power

Power is a measure of how strong a rod is and its capability to withstand pressure when catching fish.

Rod power ratings are classified as light, medium, or heavy, or medium/light or medium/heavy in some cases.

A light power rating means the rod can only handle small fish species like crappie, trout, bluegill, and other panfish.

A medium power rating is fine for, well, medium-sized fish such as bass, catfish, pike, or walleye.

For big fish such as musky and tuna, a heavy power rod is a must.

Medium-light bridges light to medium and is capable against smallmouth bass and steelhead trout.

Medium-heavy, on the other hand, has excellent power for flounder, pompano, and salmon.

Fishing rods are available in a mind-boggling variety and quality.

The critical requirements for a travel rod are portability and convenience.

The Smuggler 7 fishing rod kit fits the bill of the best travel rod superbly by offering a two-in-one rod option with interchangeable tip sections that make it a great buy.

Geoff started fishing as a child in the gorgeous lakes of Mammoth, while on family vacations. His fishing experience includes the use of fly rod and reel. Guided trips along the Madison and Gallatin rivers in Montana, the Frying Pan and Animus in Colorado, and the Deschutes river in Oregon have all paid off and helped make Geoff the angler and writer that he is today.

As an Amazon Associate, Fishermen's Angle earns from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

We promise you, we won't flood your inbox. Subscribe today and join our fast growing fishermen community. Receive the latest only from the best!

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• MIAMI BOAT SHOW
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety

How to Select Your Next Travel Fishing Rod Hard Case

• By Sam Hudson
• Updated: November 20, 2019

Bringing your own tackle is absolutely necessary at remote fishing destinations, where locally anglers don’t have access to quality fishing gear. Unfortunately, many anglers who travel abroad have had their fishing rods broken while in transit. It’s a hard lesson to learn, arriving at your destination, finding your gear manhandled.

No doubt, airlines are tough on baggage. They expect the passenger to take extra precautions to protect their own gear. Thankfully, hard-shell rod tubes for fishing rods are easily available for anglers to buy from different manufacturers. The hard case is the top option for anglers travelling via airplane, as it best protects against broken tips, guides and butts better than soft-sided bags.

Pack your rod tubes with clothing and other soft material to prevent the rods from banging against each other. Use packing peanuts, use bubble wrap, or even your clean underwear. Just pack it tight enough so that your rods are not able to move around when your rod tube is rocking and rolling in the belly of an aircraft.

All Around Options

Flambeau’s contoured, blow-molded Bazuka rod tube is tough, built to stop the bends, crushes or breaks that destroy rods in a soft-sided bag. With a 3-inch diameter, and measuring anywhere from 63 to a telescoped 87 inches, the one-piece rod tube handles up to six 6-foot, 6-inch rods. The tube is padded at both ends to protect rod tips and rod butts. Airports can’t reject this type of luggage, as it meets all Transportation Security Administration (TSA) air travel requirements. The rod tube is lockable for extra security, and comes with a durable handle for easy handling.

Telescope for Success

Plano’s 4.5-inch diameter Guide Series Airliner Telescoping Rod Tube features a three-tier design that collapses as small as 47 inches long or extends as long as 88 inches. At 44 inches, easily store it in a closet when not in use. Its smallest setting is still large enough for 3-piece spinning rods or 4-piece fly rods. At 88 inches, the rod tube handles up to eight 7-foot rods. A

convenient carry handle allows the rod tube be lugged around an airport easily. You won’t find many rod tubes that can handle more fishing rods than this one.

A Different Approach

Sometimes a hard case built for a completely separate purpose is the perfect option for a rod case. The Valterra Black carrier’s intended purpose is for a hose, but measuring 50 up to 94 inches, and with a diameter of almost 5 inches, it’s a perfect option for fishing rods. The tube is easily adjustable, has hinged door caps with twist latch closures, and even spot for a padlock. What’s unique about this case is that it comes with a mounting bracket and screws to install to a roof rack with a little ingenuity. That keeps the rods out of the truck cabin and safely stored on the roof.

• More: Gear , Shop

What Can Boating Anglers Expect From NMEA OneNet?

How to Choose a Fillet Knife

Choosing the Right Marine Battery Charger

The Believer: A Review

Unusual Tuna Hotspots

Top Spanish Mackerel Fishing Tips

10 Common Solutions for Boat Engine Problems

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

The TOP 16 Best Travel Fishing Rods for 2024 (Powerful Portability!)

Do you love to travel?

Do you love fishing?

Well, how about combining the two?!

On-the-go fishing has never been more accessible, with some truly great travel fishing rod options out there that will help you enjoy the sport practically anytime, anywhere.

So, read on to discover the best travel fishing rods available in 2024, and you’ll never have to sacrifice one activity for another again!

• Our Top 3 Travel Fishing Rods for 2024

The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod & Reel Combo is the ideal fly fishing travel setup. It is affordable, of great quality, portable, and comes in all weights to match most species.

The Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod is made to slot into your backpack. It is the perfect companion on camping trips where catching panfish and trout is on the menu.

The Penn Regiment III Boat Travel Rod does it all from saltwater to freshwater. This is a travel rod you can take and use on pretty much every trip you go on. It performs excellently too, no matter whether you are lure or bait fishing.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Best Travel Fishing Rod – A Quick Guide

Okuma voyager freshwater travel kit, orvis clearwater fly rod outfit, daiwa ardito-travel rod, penn regiment iii boat travel rod, daiwa presso ultralight pack spinning rod, okuma citrix travel fishing rod, offshore angler ocean master travel rod, rigged & ready smuggler travel fishing rod, flying fisherman passport travel fishing rod, tfo traveler fishing spinning rod, kastking blackhawk ii telescopic fishing rod, st croix triumph travel spinning rod, goture portable travel fishing rod, plusinno telescopic fishing rod and reel combo, capaci portable travel fishing rod, ronco pocket fisherman, type of fishing rod, size and weight, materials/construction, action and power, transport options, how do you carry a fishing pole while hiking, how do you pack a fishing pole, are collapsible fishing rods any good, what is the best backpacking fishing pole, can i carry a fishing rod on a plane, what do i need for backpack fishing, how do you travel with a fishing rod.

Disclosure: At BonfireBob, we recommend products based on unbiased research, however, BonfireBob.com is reader-supported and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases if you shop through the links on this page. For more information, see disclosure here .

Choosing a good travel rod isn’t so easy as they come in many forms. Here is a quick guide to help make sure you pick the best one for your needs.

• Rod Type: Multi-piece or telescopic? It can be a confusing choice but I recommend always going with a multi-piece as there is a lot less to go wrong on the road.
• Size & Weight: A travel rod should be small and light. Look for 4 piece rods with intelligent builds to make them lighter but still strong.
• Materials/Construction: Graphite and carbon fiber rods with solid construction are the name of the game here.
• Action/Power: A fast action rod with medium power will have you covered for most fishing scenarios.
• Portability: Make sure it breaks down small and comes in hard travel case so you can move the rod around easily and safely.
• Cost: You pay for what you get in the fishing world. Luckily travel rods are quite affordable but don’t buy the cheapest one. Look for mid-pricing and you will find quality.

If your travel rod has all these features, then you are onto a winner that will last. For a more in-depth buying guide, check out the section below the reviews.

TOP 16 Best Travel Fishing Rods for 2024

For the price and popularity, I couldn’t think of anywhere better to start than the famed Okuma Voyager freshwater fishing rod.

This is a complete travel kit that comes with some handy fishing accessories for your next fishing trip, including a custom case and tackle box for fishing lures .

The size 20 reel is ideal for a variety of species, including panfish, walleye, bass and trout fishing, while the rod itself offers a nice, light action with comfortable cork grips.

Are there better fishing rods out there? Sure, but for the money, this could easily be considered the best travel fishing rod available.

• Great price point for what you get.
• Rod and reel combo.
• Padded foam bag with carry handles.
• Spinning reel with ball-bearing drive system.
• Ceramic guide inserts.
• Not the best for big fish.

When considering this setup as the best travel fishing rod, you must always remember the price. You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck here, and for a fishing rod and reel combo – you can’t go wrong with the Voyager.

If you’re interested in fly fishing on-the-go, then look no further than the Orvis Clearwater fly rod.

Not only is it one of the best fly fishing rods for the money, but the four-piece rod and reel combo is super easy to transport, thanks to its well-constructed, durable, dedicated rod tube.

The Clearwater series is immensely popular for good reason – it offers smooth casting, is suitable for fresh and saltwater fishing, and features composite butts for extra durability.

If you’re choosing one fly fishing rod and reel for travel – make it this one.

• Very highly rated.
• Full black nickel aluminum reel seat.
• Chrome snake and stripping guide.
• Quick rod identifier on blank.
• It’s on the more expensive side.

A brand-new design, the Clearwater fly rod is every inch the fishing tool you need, with outstanding portability to boot. Probably the best fly travel fishing rod on the market.

The Daiwa Ardito-Travel Rod is perfect for taking on the road. But why?

Well, firstly it breaks down into 3 pieces into the included travel case. You can put it in a suitcase, clip it to a backpack, or lay it on the back seat of the car.

The rod’s fast action, medium-heavy power, and 7’6 length make it an ideal all-around rod for casting lures on lakes, rivers, and inshore. It will literally work almost everywhere making it ideal for most fishing trips.

Built from a durable graphite blank, it is made to last and provides solid casting performance in both accuracy and distance.

It also features quality Fuji Aluminum Oxide Guides, a reliable reel seat, and comes with a V-Flex Ferrule Joint System so it won’t come apart on the cast.

To top it all off, this rod is super affordable for its quality. But, there is one issue, the tip is a little delicate and can snap so treat it with care.

• Affordable for the quality.
• Great graphite blank.
• Casts well.
• Super light and portable.
• Comes with a travel case.
• Ideal all-around length.
• Great power and action.
• Perfect for all-around use.
• Tip is delicate.

The Daiwa Ardito-Travel Rod is an awesome all-around travel rod. Light, compact, and super portable, you can take it anywhere. Plus, its length, action, and power make it perfect for a range of fishing situations, from lakes to rivers and inshore saltwater.

Penn are known for their awesome saltwater rods. If you are looking for a travel rod for both saltwater and freshwater, then this might just be it.

The Penn Regiment III Boat Travel Rod comes in 4 pieces in its own cordura tube. You can take it anywhere safely from on a boat to a plane, to hiking up the coast on a camping trip.

The rod is made from a quality 30 ton carbon blank featuring SLS3 tech, making it thinner, lighter, but still super tough – exactly what you want from a travel rod.

It loads excellently to ensure accuracy over both short and long distances. The sensitive tip makes it perfect for both lure and bait fishing too, so you are not restricted in any way.

The rod is also durable, made for both braid and mono, and you can put a lot of pressure on a fish with these thanks to the strong but section.

Overall, it is a hard rod to beat, as it literally works in all scenarios from saltwater to freshwater. To top it all, it is very affordable too!

• Great casting distances and accuracy.
• Sensitive to bites.
• Light but very strong.
• Packs down small.
• Includes a hard travel cases.
• You can pull fish hard with these.
• None I can find.

The Penn Regiment III Boat Travel Rod is the perfect travel rod for both saltwater and freshwater. It performs across the board with regards to casting performance durability, portability, and strength, plus is great for both bait fishing and lure fishing too!

The Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod is designed for one thing – catching trout and small panfish while camping in the wilderness.

It is just 5’6” in length and breaks down into 4-pieces, making it tiny when packed. You can slip it into your backpack and barely notice it is there as you hike to lakes and rivers.

The rod is made from quality IM-7 graphite so it will last, and being ultralight, is designed to cast small lures perfectly. It has a relatively stiff action which lets you get a solid distance with light lures.

The only negative about this rod is that it only has one purpose, catching small fish. It is not an all-around travel rod like some of the others.

Also, the travel case is a bit too big for the rod, reducing its portability a bit which is a shame.

Overall though, it is a high-performing travel rod that is both affordable and super portable.

• Perfect for camping trips.
• Made for trout and panfish.
• Super small and fits in your backpack.
• Lightweight and durable.
• Great for short accurate casts.
• Looks great.
• Only for small fish.
• Bulky travel case.

The Daiwa Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod is the perfect rod for camping trips. Designed to catch trout and small panfish while slotting in your backpack, it is ready for every mountain adventure.

Okuma is a global leader when it comes to fishing gear and will need little introduction for those in the know.

This is a top-quality four-piece spinning travel rod that is a total of seven feet in length, made with IM8 graphite blank construction.

The grip has split EVA foam to reduce weight, with APLS stainless steel guide frames, durable zirconium line guide inserts for use with braid or mono lines, and a Pac Bay minima reel seat that also helps to keep things lighter and well-balanced.

This is a solid, well-made option that just might be the best travel spinning rod there is.

• Outstanding price for the quality.
• Durable build construction.
• Lightweight.
• Travel tube included.
• None immediately apparent.

You’ll pay double and sometimes triple for other brands offering this kind of quality, which is why it’s a very popular choice for anglers on the go, and a contender for the best travel fishing rod around.

Looking for the best travel fishing rod for surf fishing? The Offshore Angler Ocean Master might well be it.

Made with lightweight IM-8 graphite, it has carbon-coil technology for durability, with Fuji Alconite guides to enhance casting distance.

The double-helix configuration of materials improves structural integrity, which means you can be confident fishing for larger fish and saltwater species.

The seven-foot rod length is perfect for offshore fishing, with a medium-heavy or heavy action available. For saltwater, this could well be the best travel fishing rod available.

• Ideal for saltwater fishing.
• Carbon-fiber construction.
• Choice of rod action.
• Lightweight travel tube included.
• None to speak of.

As far as saltwater fishing rods go, this carbon-fiber casting rod is up there with the best when it comes to travel. This is a top-quality rod that is well worth your consideration.

Designed to be the ideal size for small luggage and carry-ons, this rod is from travel fishing store Rigged and Ready.

The clue is in the name, and this will easily fit into or as part of one of these excellent fishing backpacks , so you’re kitted out for a moment’s notice.

Made with premium-quality nano-carbon, it’s a seven-piece kit that offers a choice of set-up lengths depending on your preferred style of fishing. The fiberglass tip is “unbreakable,” with a casting weight of 5-20 grams and 15-40 gram fast action.

A graphite reel seat is durable and well-balanced, and the interchangeable tips give you the option to fish the way you want.

• Great price.
• Durable, carbon-fiber construction.
• Silicone eyes.
• Compact design.
• Four interchangeable tips.
• Attractive, rugged travel case.
• Not actually “rigged and ready,” so be aware of that.

A well-designed travel rod from a company that specializes in travel fishing. The choice of set-up lengths and tips to cater for your preferred fishing style means you only ever have to take one rod with you.

If you purchase the aptly-named Flying Fisherman Passport travel rod, you’re actually getting two rods for your money.

You can select your preferred weight, and you will receive a fly and spinning rod in an attractive travel-friendly case.

The fly rod is four-piece while the spinner is three, each made with high-strain, Japanese graphite with nano-resin, while the grips are high-quality Portuguese cork.

The reel seat and guides are made by Fuji, and the blank taper of each rod has been designed to improve sensitivity, as well as their overall strength and performance.

• Two rod options.
• Reinforced carbon-fiber connections.
• Premium-quality materials and parts.
• Durable carry-case and black velvet rod bags.

This would make the perfect gift for the traveling fisher-person in your life (and it’s perfectly fine if that’s you). Two excellent rods for fly and spinning, this is one of the best travel fishing kits out there. But maybe a fishing rod and reel combo would have been nice, too.

Next up we have this three-piece, 7.3 foot travel spinning rod designed for spin fishing with medium power.

It’s been made with a combination of IM carbon-fiber and proprietary lightweight scrim, which ensures the rod is very easy to handle, with decent sensitivity and a nice, medium-fast action to cover most bases.

With an attractive sky-blue finish, the rod has premium-quality cork grips, TFO’s skeletal reel seat, and with Fuji’s corrosion-control K-frame guides, this is a beautiful travel rod that offers a lot of versatility no matter where you’re heading.

A contender to be the best travel fishing rod for spinning.

• Attractive design.
• Suitable for fresh and saltwater.
• Well-balanced.
• Airline-friendly rod tube.
• Premium materials and parts.
• A little on the pricey side.

There’s a lot to like here from TFO, a travel spinning rod that has been well-designed and thought out, with an attractive aesthetic that’s sure to turn a few heads when you unveil it by the water. Unless you’re on your own, of course – then you can just admire it yourself.

On to the first of our telescopic fishing rod options now, with the famous Blackhawk II from KastKing.

With a great range of 14 lengths and actions cater to all types of fishing, you’re certainly not short of choice when it comes to probably the best backpacking fishing rod there is.

Made with durable carbon-matrix blanks and solid fiberglass tip, it offers a superfast setup, with stainless steel line guide, graphite reel seat and comfortable EVA handle for performance and control.

Whether fishing in salt or freshwater, for bass or trout, on shore, on a kayak, or anything and everything in between, the Blackhawk II range has you covered.

• Excellent price point.
• Telescopic rod.
• Durable construction.
• One-piece performance.
• Consistent, smooth taper.
• Eyelets can be tricky to align.
• A fishing rod and reel option would have been nice.

Probably the best telescopic fishing rod there is – or at least one of them. The Blackhawk II has garnered a great reputation as a product that will leave you pleasantly surprised.

But check out this review of other quality telescopic fishing rods if you’d like more to compare.

Another world-class fishing brand that produces some top-quality gear and equipment, St Croix were always going to have a place somewhere in this review.

This is one of their excellent travel spinning rods, with a premium SCII graphite construction, and available in a choice of lengths and actions to suit your preferred style.

The Fuji DPS reel seat is strong and durable, with a frosted silver hood, while the high-quality cork handle ensures a firm grip and unbeatable control.

And two-coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish improves the rod’s already excellent strength, sensitivity and hook-setting power.

• Name to trust in fishing.
• Travel spinning rod.
• Aluminum-oxide guides.
• Hard carry-case included.
• Beautifully designed and made.

One of the finest fishing tackle manufacturers in the world, you know you’re getting a quality rod with St Croix, and that’s exactly what this is. Up there with the best travel spinning rods available.

Made with a 30-ton carbon matrix, this four-piece travel fishing rod from Goture has been designed to offer the perfect balance between sensitivity, strength, and power.

Another brand that offers a great choice of rod lengths and styles, you can pick your poison to suit the type of fishing you do.

The reel seats are made with tough ABS material, while the EVA grips are super-comfortable to hold and offer nice balance and control.

Corrosion-resistant guides have ceramic inserts for durability, and well-spaced to offer the best casting experience and free-flowing line action.

• Excellent price.
• Sturdy blanks.
• Spigot ferrule construction.
• Finely tuned action.
• Hard carry case included.
• Reel seat isn’t the best.
• Balance might be a bit questionable for some.

You get what you pay for, and this rod is a decent option considering the price, but just don’t expect to be blown away by it. For more stuff that won’t blow you away (thanks to great weather protection), check out this review on the best fishing jackets around.

Now, I think this is a cracking travel-friendly fishing kit that comes with just about everything you need to get yourself in the game.

Available in a choice of lengths, the Plusinno telescopic fishing rod comes with its own aluminum spool that fits in the stainless steel hooded reel seats, while the rod itself is made from a combination of carbon-fiber and fiberglass.

Tough and durable, the rod has EVA grips for comfort, and the reel has anti-reverse and power-drive gears for extra strength. And line and lures are also included, so there’s no time wasted for catching fish with this all-in-one package.

• Super compact design.
• Everything included.
• Not the best reel – but still decent for the price.

A one-stop-shop for all your fishing needs, this set makes a great kit to throw in the back of your car. You don’t need anything else to get going – and as a travel fishing option, you can’t say fairer than that.

When it comes to the best budget travel rod, then this effort from Capaci just might have a shot at the title.

Available as a choice of either casting or spinning, they’re constructed from Toray 24-ton carbon, which gives each rod incredible sensitivity and power.

Six pieces make up the rod regardless of length chosen, and you’ll have a similar experience to that of using one piece rods.

Super lightweight and highly portable, you might just enjoy the performance of these carp fishing rods and reels with the bonus of being travel-friendly.

• Outstanding price.
• High density EVA and cork handles.
• Smooth guides.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Bag included.
• A hard case would have been preferable.
• Fitting it together can be a challenge.
• Won’t be the strongest option there is.

Whether spinning or casting, you can’t go wrong with the price here, and so you might as well get one of each. Easily one of the most affordable rods for traveling there is.

You want travel fishing? You’ve got travel fishing! The Ronco pocket fisherman might not land you that dream bass, but it can fit into your glove compartment, backpack, or even a larger jacket pocket.

You can also hang the ingenious device from your belt, ensuring it’s a great option to take camping and hiking, or anywhere you might need to catch your dinner in a hurry.

The automatic anti-reverse prevents the handle from turning backwards, and there’s even a mini-tackle box hidden in the handle for added convenience and portability.

Perfect for smaller fish, it might not revolutionize the fishing industry, but it might help you survive!

• Super compact and portable.
• Bonus lures included.
• Very easy to use.
• Great for kids/fun/emergencies.
• Not suitable for larger fish.
• Not actually a standard rod.

An indispensable little fishing gadget that you can store just about anywhere, and whip it out at a moment’s notice to fish a spot you might otherwise have missed.

And even if you’re not on a dedicated fishing trip, keep this to hand, and you’ll be able to throw a line in wherever you go.

Buyer’s Guide to Travel and Backpacking Fishing Rods

Size matters.

But there are other considerations when it comes to choosing the best backpacking fishing rods, so check out the buyer’s guide below for some insider tips and advice on what to look for.

Rods come in a variety of types to suit a variety of fishing styles. The same is true for travel fishing rods.

Casting rods, spinning rods, fly fishing rods, surf-fishing rods, trolling rods, telescopic rods… the list can be mind-boggling if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

It would take too long to explain everything here, but with regard to travel rods, you’re mainly looking at casting, spinning, telescopic, and perhaps the odd fly.

Do your research carefully to choose the one that’s right for you.

Telescopic Fishing Rod vs Collapsible Fishing Rod

When it comes to travel rods, the debate of telescopic versus collapsible rages on. Which is actually better for travel and fishing?

There isn’t much in it when it comes to which one is more travel-friendly, although at a push, I’d say a telescopic will have a smaller profile and save you a bit of space.

But for the actual purpose of fishing, collapsible rods are much better. They’re stronger, more durable, and are much simpler to set up.

That’s not to say telescopic rods don’t have a place in your backpack or the trunk of your car – and they’re certainly the preferred choice for hikers, or whenever storage space is a concern.

By their definition, travel rods really should be as light and as compact as possible – but when it comes to rod length, you should be able to pack a six to nine foot pole at the very least.

The best backpacking fly fishing rods might be a little longer, but for the most part, a decent travel rod will be somewhere between that sweet spot, with a seven-foot rod recommended as a beginner, or all-purpose option.

You don’t want the rod to be too heavy for travel purposes, and as such, most rods in this review have been made with that in mind, and are super-lightweight in their design.

Fishing rods are most commonly available in three distinctive materials. Fiberglass, graphite (carbon), and bamboo.

Bamboo rods tend to be more old school and traditional, and they don’t make good travel rods at all.

You’ll be choosing between fiberglass construction and graphite, but most travel fishing rods utilize a combination of both materials for durability, strength, and performance.

Check out the video below for a brief guide to choosing the right rod material and the advantages of each.

A fishing rod’s action and power are important factors when choosing the right tool for the job.

• Rod action refers to where the rod flexes when pressure is applied to the tip.
• Rod power is how much pressure is required to bend the rod at the action point.

It’s quite a complex topic with a lot of science and tech behind it, and so it makes more sense to watch this excellent video below that goes into the differences in depth – but still keeps things understandable.

For travel rods, you’ll probably be happy choosing a medium-weight rod that offers a nice, smooth action and balance of power.

However, you can purchase rods that come with a choice of different tips, so you can cover all the bases and get the best of both worlds.

Aside from the rod itself, a reel is a very important and necessary addition to your fishing set up. And this is where your budget can be seriously stretched.

Good-quality reels can be eye-wateringly pricey, which is why it’s often a good idea to look for the best travel fishing rod and reel combo, so you get everything you need in a set.

Unfortunately, they’re few and far between (mostly consisting of the telescopic variety) and even then, the reel is rarely up to standard.

Still, it’s important to bear this in mind when budgeting your fishing gear, and if you can find a quality rod and reel combo then it’s well-worth considering.

It stands to reason that travel fishing rods should come with some sort of carry case, bag, tube, or box in which you can safely transport your new acquisition.

This is often overlooked when it comes to choosing a fishing rod, but it shouldn’t be an afterthought. How you carry your rod is, after all, very important when you’re traveling.

Look for products that come with good quality carrying options, and keep an eye out for those that specifically say they’re carry-on/overhead locker friendly.

The final (or perhaps the first) consideration will be to do with your budget. Travel fishing rods vary wildly in cost, and you can spend as much or as little as you like.

I would encourage you to select a rod based on how much you’re actually going to use it.

If you’re traveling regularly, then you might want to go for something more high-end, whereas if you think you’ll only use it once or twice a year – maybe go a little cheaper.

Of course, you could easily use a good travel rod as the main weapon in your fishing arsenal, and as such you should spend accordingly. There are prices out there to suit everyone’s pocket.

There are a number of ways you can accomplish this – depending, of course, on the fishing pole itself.

Many rods in the review above come with their own carry bag, and it’s possible that you’ll be able to fit this directly into your backpack, depending on its size.

A more common solution is to attach the rod to the outside of your pack using D-rings, webbing, bungee, straps, or whatever else your setup offers for carrying gear externally.

A telescopic fishing rod is often the preferred choice when hiking, as they can pack down much smaller than a two piece rod, for example.

While this is similar to the question above, if you’re looking for a more detailed answer, I would watch the video below that gives you some great advice on how to pack and travel with multiple fishing rods.

Yes, they are. Unless you’re getting a one-piece, most rods are collapsible anyway, and you can easily find two, three, and four-piece rods that will give comparable performance, all things being equal.

In the end, you need to understand that a quality one-piece rod is still likely to outperform anything that collapses – but it’s not going to be the best choice for travel.

Just don’t go too cheap when you’re in the market for a rod, and you won’t have any problems finding a good quality option, regardless of the style you choose.

For backpacking, I would be tempted to lean towards a compact telescopic rod, and I personally believe that the KastKing Blackhawk II is one of the best on the market.

Having said that, this is still a subjective question, and what’s the best for me might not be the best for you. So long as you can fit it on or in your pack – you should be good to go.

Yes, of course – providing that it meets with the airline’s carry-on luggage restrictions. So long as you adhere to them, there’s no issue in bringing a fishing rod on board.

Check this page on TSA fishing pole guidelines .

Obviously, it will need to be a collapsible or telescopic rod, as you still have to fit it into the overhead bins. Look for rods in the review above that specifically say they’re safe for air travel – if you’re in any doubt.

Anything larger than that, and you’ll need to check it in. Contact your chosen airline directly for full confirmation.

I think a fishing rod and a backpack would be a great start.

All jokes aside, you can keep things relatively simple when it comes to backpack fishing, in order to travel as light as possible and keep plenty of space for all your other gear and equipment.

Take a look at one fisherman’s backpack set up in the video below to give yourself some ideas.

There are all kinds of ways to travel with a fishing rod – but it helps a great deal if you’re traveling with a good travel rod in the first place.

A compact fishing rod will be easy to carry in your luggage, or strap it to your backpack. Just make sure it’s securely fastened and not sticking out anywhere that you risk putting someone’s eye out!

Never miss the opportunity to fish on your travels again by choosing one of the best travel fishing rods of 2024.

Let me know which one you’ve gone for and why – and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more top tips, advice and reviews.

Tight lines, folks, and happy fishing.

Bob Hoffmann

The author of this post is Bob Hoffmann. Bob has spend most of his childhood fishing with his father and now share all his knowledge with other anglers. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Recent Content

Carp Feeding Times, Triggers & Habits

Everyone... including you... wants to catch more fish. For the sake of this blog, we are going to discuss how we move from the point of trying to the point of understanding. In addition, we will...

Using Bluegill For Catfish Bait - A Step by Step Guide

Using bluegill for catfish bait can certainly increase the odds of catching the bigger catfishing strolling beneath the water surface. Is it worth using? Absolutely. It’s one of the best...

 F &S Music Fest & Outdoor Expo Tickets Are On Sale Now!   J oin Eric Church, Lainey Wilson & more for a party in the woods.   Get tickets

FIELD & STREAM+

• Join 1871 Club

The 5 Best Travel Fishing Rods for 2024

Whether you're going on a dedicated trip, or just want to get some casts in during the family vacation, it pays to be prepared

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Travel fishing rods are made for anglers on the go. Wherever you end up, there are new waters to seek out, so the addition of a dedicated travel fishing rod to the arsenal makes sense for aspiring travel anglers. The problem for many years was the lack of quality rods to meet the carry-on restrictions for fishermen traveling on planes. Multi-piece rods were much less common and inferior to more conventional rods; they were also more likely to break.

Thankfully, advances in technology and design have changed the landscape of angling travel. Rod companies are now able to provide traveling anglers with quality options, and the best travel fishing rods fish like their one-piece counterparts. 

• Best Budget & Best Combo: Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo
• Best for Bass: Abu Garcia IKE Signature Series Travel Spinning Rod
• Best for Saltwater: G. Loomis Escape GLX Series
• Best Telescopic: KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod
• Best Fly Rod: Orvis Clearwater

How We Picked the Best Travel Fishing Rods

My first travel-to-fish trip happened when I was seven. We ventured north to fish for northern pike and bass in the Thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence River. Since that first trip, my wanderlust has persisted, spanning three continents, five countries, eleven states, and three Canadian provinces. I’ve carried rods to all of those places via airline, bush plane, panga, train, car, taxi, subway and hiking boots. In between those adventures, I’ve spent a lot of time talking with fishing industry professionals about travel fishing rods and other assorted gear. Cumulatively, this distilled experience proves highly useful in evaluating travel fishing tackle. While writing this review, I considered the following attributes:

• Fishing Performance—comparative to one-piece rods
• Packability
• Materials and Construction

Best Travel Fishing Rods: Reviews & Recommendations

• Length(s): 5 feet (light power), 6 feet and 6 feet 6 inches (Both medium power) 
• Numbers of sections: 5 foot rod is 3 pieces; others are 4 pieces
• Line Rating: Light: 4-10 pound; Medium: 6-15 pound
• Strong, durable and sensitive graphite and fiberglass construction
• More economical than buying individual components
• Strong and durable Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides
• Shakespeare four-bearing spinning reel, with double anodized aluminum spool
• Cloth rod and reel travel bag offers only cosmetic protection; not suitable for checked luggage.

According to Shakespeare lore, the Ugly Stik received its now world-familiar moniker when a product management executive took one look at the first prototype blanks and said they were the ugliest he’d ever seen. 

The most updated version is more aesthetically appealing, but it hasn’t lost its rugged durability or the signature clear tip segment. The Ugly Stik Travel Combo comes in three lengths and two power options (light and medium). Each rod is fitted with a solid Shakespeare four-bearing reel with oversized bail wire for added durability. And the entire combo is at a price point that won’t break the bank. 

These travel outfits make a solid choice for those trips focused on activities other than angling where you just might be able to fit in a little fishing anyway. They also make excellent entry-level outfits for kids and fishing rods for beginners . From personal experience, I’ll also say that these rods can handle those unexpected trophies that have a knack for biting when you’re just helping the kids catch a few bluegills.

• Length(s): 7 feet
• Numbers of Sections: Four pieces—butt section, midsection and two tip sections for increased versatility
• Tip Sections: medium light—for 1/8 to 5/8 ounce lures and medium for 1/4 to 3/4 ounce lures
• Line Rating: medium light: 6-12 pound; medium: 8-14 pound
• Two tip sections offers great versatility
• Fishes like a one-piece rod
• Excellent sensitivity 
• Doesn’t include a crush-proof case for checked luggage protection

Abu Garcia was smart to partner with Mike “Ike” Iaconelli in designing this rod. Twenty plus years as a bass tournament professional coupled with his additional experience as a city fishing enthusiast provided the ideal experiential foundation for crafting top notch travel fishing rods. 

The Ike Signature Series Travel Spinning Rod is an exceptional value and an incredibly versatile fishing tool. Quality components are a significant part of the winning formula. The rod blanks are constructed from 36-ton graphite and finished rods have stainless steel guides and a high quality reel seat. The use of a continuous graphite ferrule is key to allowing this rod to fish like a one-piece rod. If all of this isn’t enough, then add in the best feature—the versatility provided with interchangeable tips. This combination allows you to fish an extended range of lures and finesse baits. Anglers looking for a more powerful bass fishing tool should consider checking out the casting rod version .

• Length(s): 7 feet in two power options, medium-light and medium
• Numbers of Sections: three
• Line Rating: Medium-light: 6-12 pound; Medium: 10-17 pound
• Multi-taper design offers a superior blend of durability and performance
• Nickel-Titanium RECOIL guides
• High quality cork grip
• Light weight
• Difficult to find stock, at the moment

Very rarely will I say that a rod has the potential to enable a competent angler to catch more fish. The G. Loomis Escape GLX rods are an exception to this rule. Hands down, these are some of the finest fishing rods made today.

G. Loomis has been making fishing rods focused on performance since 1982. I bought my first GLX rod in 1999 and I still fish it today; I think that says a lot about both the quality and durability of the GLX line of rods. Loomis’ rod building expertise has led to superior travel rods that compromise nothing in a multi-piece design. Their proprietary Multi-taper Design process strengthens potential break points while reducing material application elsewhere. The result is strength and sensitivity. The Nickel-Titanium RECOIL guides used on these rods are amazingly tough and the cork grip provides a comfortable feel over days, months and years of fishing.

These rods are amazingly lightweight, given their strength, durability and ability to subdue large saltwater fish. This lightness in hand translates to greater comfort over a long day of fishing. The last cast of the day feels as effortless as the first.

GLX Escape travel spinning rods are available in two models. The medium power model is what I consider the ideal saltwater rod, able to handle large inshore species such as permit and bull redfish. In freshwater, this rod will handle most of the salmonid species, bass and pike. The medium-light model is also a phenomenal light saltwater rod, ideal for small bonefish, puppy drum and schoolie stripers. This rod is also a great crossover rod, whether for large trout, shad or smallmouth bass.

• Length(s): Casting —7 models from 6 feet, 8 inches to 8 feet; Spinning—7 models from 6 feet, 6 inches to 8 feet
• Numbers of Sections: All models are telescopic
• Line Ratings: 6-25 pound, depending on the model
• Multiple models for diversity and flexibility
• Quality materials and construction
• Quick assembly
• Still not as good as quality multi-piece rods
• Segments can loosen after significant casting/fishing time

Though I’m not a telescopic rod fan, I see the usefulness of the concept, and the KastKing BlackHawk II is the best telescopic rod I’ve seen. These rods are particularly well suited for anglers who need the added convenience provided by a telescopic rod and aren’t logging serious hours of fishing associated with dedicated travel fishing trips. In other words, they’re ideal for when you’re on vacation and, suddenly, you have an hour or two to go fishing.

KastKing has provided an outstanding array of options, in both casting and spinning rod models. This selection is a great service for potential customers who need to find rods to fit a wide variety of angling scenarios, as well as the inevitable personal preferences.

The BlackHawk II rods are built using KastKing KastFlex 24-Ton Carbon Matrix blanks, with a solid glass tip. Snug-Fit ferrules, stainless steel line guides, graphite reel seats and comfortable EVA handles are used to create a nicely finished rod. 

For more information on telescopic rods, we have a rundown of the best telescopic options out there , as well. 

• Length:  9 feet
• Line Weight:  5
• Action:  Medium-Fast
• Pieces:  4
• Warranty:  25-Year
• A bit heavy

The Orvis Clearwater took home the best value award in our fly rod test last year and was a favorite among our group of editors and testers. For starters, the Clearwater is one of the more affordable fly rods on the market, and it can hold its own with the premium rods that often see a price tag north of a grand. This rod went head-to-head with all of the top-end models, and after a quick blind-casting test, most of our editors put the Clearwater ahead of our favorite high-end rods.

As for performance, the Clearwater throws tight loops and can reach almost as far as any other rod. It’s a bit cumbersome, and you might get tired after a full day on the water. Anglers can pick up a Clearwater rod in sizes ranging from 2-weight to 12-weight. So no matter what fish you enjoy chasing with a fly, there’s a Clearwater rod for you. And since this is a travel fishing rod story, it’s worth mentioning that the Clearwater is a four-piece rod and can be carried on any plane in a rod tube. —Ryan Chelius

Things to Consider Before Buying a Travel Fishing Rod

Travel fishing can be as exotic as a once-in-a-lifetime globetrotting adventure, or as simple as a subway trip to the city pond or lake. In both scenarios, a more compact, travel-friendly fishing outfit will make transit to the destination easier. Before buying a travel fishing rod, consider what species of fish you’re targeting, spatial limitations, mode of transport and the all important time versus money equation.

Target Species

What type or types of fish will you be chasing, and where will you be fishing? An ideal rod for panfish or trout will be outgunned and frustrating to use when targeting big stripers or redfish. Rods and their counterpart reels (meaning the reel you always use with that rod) may be great in freshwater but not up to the abuse they’ll endure in a marine environment. I like versatility in my gear but not to the point of compromising my overall enjoyment. To this end, I think it best to establish realistic expectations and fully understand what my travel rods can and cannot handle.

Spatial Limitations

The first leg of the journey is a commercial airline behemoth with spacious overhead compartments that will easily accommodate your travel rod case. But the final hop comes via a de Havilland Beaver where space is severely limited. Or, perhaps you’re hiking into the backcountry for a multi-day camping and fishing adventure. In each of these scenarios, spatial limitations are different, and in each case it’s important to identify how compact your travel rod (or rods) need to be. This is a question best asked and answered before you depart.

Mode of Transport

In a perfect world, my rods never leave my oversight when I travel to fish. But often that’s just not realistic. So, I opt to plan for the worst and hope for the best. I like when rods come with a crush-proof case. If they don’t, it’s best to invest in a specialized travel rod case that will accommodate the rod or rods you plan to take. When trips require multiple transfers, the added peace of mind alone merits the investment.

If carrying a rod or rods onto an airplane, I find out the airline’s maximum dimensions for carry-on items. If I have any doubt about carry-on options, I make sure the cased rod I’m traveling with will fit in my checked baggage.

Time versus Money 

This is an important equation that has additional variability based on a person’s disposable income and priorities. I once commented to a guiding client that I thought everyone should have one area of life where they indulge themselves. His response was, “Why just one?”

Realistically though, most anglers need to evaluate how often, and for how long, they’re likely to use a travel rod, and then factor that into their decision about which rod is best for them. An angler who might, or might not, use the rod once a year on a family vacation will want a different rod from the fisherman or woman who embarks upon one or more dedicated destination fishing trips each year.

Q: Can I carry-on a fishing pole?

According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), fishing rods can be carried on, as long as they meet the airline’s criteria for carry-on items. However, it’s best to always work with the specific airline you’ll be traveling with to fine-tune your carry-on planning. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to also check with air carriers you’ll be flying with in the destination country or countries.  Adhere to their requirements, and your rod should remain in your hands from home to destination and back.

Q: How do you travel with a rod and reel?

I always want to travel with my rods in a hard, crush-proof case and my reels safely stowed in my carry-on fishing bag. Even if my travel rods are compact enough for airline carry-on, I still prefer to carry them in the protective hard case, as plans can sometimes change at the flight check-in. If I have to check the rods, at any point in the journey, I know they’ll be safe. Many people think about the flight process but don’t consider the auto travel on either end of the flight. In my experience, the transition points are when unprotected gear gets broken. Careful packing of your rods and reels extends the safety to these travel transition scenarios. In the “for what it’s worth” column, I’d rather arrive at a fishing destination without my clothes than my rods and reels. But happily this can be avoided by using a change of clothes as padding around your rods in the travel case. This way you arrive with your rods, reels and at least one spare outfit. 

Q: Can you carry-on a 4-piece fly rod?

Yes, most conventional 4-piece fly rods will meet airline criteria for carry-on luggage. I’ve traveled with 4-piece, ten foot fly rods to Chile, Mexico, England and remote north western Canada. I’ve never had any difficulty carrying-on my fly rods. That being said, it’s still always best to check with the airline in-question in advance. If you’re working with an experienced fishing travel service, they can also provide their experience traveling to your destination. For additional thoughts on this topic, check out our in-depth breakdown of the best fly rods .

Q: Can I fly with fishing lures?

According to the TSA, fishing lures are defined as “sharp fishing tackle that may be considered dangerous.” They recommend sheathing or otherwise securing hooks; the lures should then be securely wrapped and packed in your checked baggage. Based on this information, any hooks, lures or flies in your carry-on could be confiscated. For anglers, the problem with this approach is the fear of arriving at a remote fishing destination with nothing to fish. To alleviate this concern, I pack a small selection of must-have flies or lures that I put in my carry-on bag—think of it as an emergency kit. I keep the selection small enough that I can accept the loss if it’s ever confiscated. The bulk of my fishing lures are packed safely in my checked bag and include duplicates of the essentials.

Q: What is the difference between a travel rod and a standard rod?

A travel fishing rod can break down into small sections or telescope into one small piece. A normal fishing rod is often one, two, or four pieces. This makes it a bit more difficult to travel with.

Q: Are travel rods worth it?

Having a fishing rod that can break down into small pieces is definitely worth it. You don’t necessarily need a “travel fishing rod,” but rather something that breaks down into three or four pieces so it’s easier to travel with.

Best Traveling Fishing Rods: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re embarking upon a bucket-list adventure fishing trip or hoping to get in a little fishing while traveling with the family, it all depends on your tackle getting to the destination unbroken and functional. That defines why travel rods have become so important for modern anglers, and the importance extends beyond airline travel. Try carrying a one-piece rod on a busy subway and you quickly realize the value of travel rods for close-to-home fishing. 

Though many travel rods still fall short of their one-piece counterparts’ performance, advances in technologies and economies of scale have closed this gap. In some cases, the best travel fishing rods are indistinguishable from one or two-piece rods. To decide which travel rod is right for you, evaluate your target species, consider spatial limitations, mode of transportation and time versus money. Then, just add water and enjoy the fishing.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

Want More of the Great Outdoors?

Stay adventure-ready with outdoor news that keeps you informed, not spammed.

Best Travel Fishing Rods 2024: Expert Reviews & Picks

Traveling anglers often face the conundrum of wanting to fish wherever they go without the hassle of transporting bulky equipment. Travel fishing rods offer the perfect solution, boasting portability without compromising on the quality of the fishing experience. Designed to fit compactly into backpacks, suitcases, or even glove compartments, these rods enable fishing enthusiasts to seize every opportunity to cast a line, regardless of their location.

A travel fishing rod typically breaks down into smaller segments or collapses into a shorter length, making it a practical choice for on-the-go fishing adventures. Some might wonder if these segmented rods compromise on strength and sensitivity, but advancements in materials and design ensure that the best travel fishing rods now rival their standard counterparts. Modern travel rods are crafted from durable materials like graphite or composite blends, maintaining the rod’s sensitivity to bites and overall sturdiness.

When purchasing a travel fishing rod, key considerations should include its material, weight, collapsed size, and ease of assembly, which directly affect its convenience and performance. The rod choice also depends on the type of fishing you plan to do, with different rods optimized for freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, or other specific angling disciplines.

We’ve dedicated our efforts to evaluating various models and styles to recommend the best travel fishing rods that merge portability with reliability. Our analyses focus on balancing a rod’s compact design and fishing efficacy to ensure that your travel gear doesn’t compromise your following catch.

Top Travel Fishing Rods

We’ve scoured the market for the finest travel fishing rods that combine portability with performance. Our selection promises quality and convenience for anglers who love to explore and fish wherever they go. The rods we’ve chosen are compact, durable, and versatile, catering to various fishing techniques and species. Discover our top picks that ensure you’ll never miss an opportunity to cast a line, no matter where your adventures take you.

KastKing Valiant Eagle Rod

We believe the KastKing Valiant Eagle Rod is a reliable companion for any angler’s travel adventures, offering a blend of portability and quality performance.

• Breaks down easily for travel without sacrificing rod action
• Highly durable titanium oxide guide rings
• Versatile for both freshwater and some saltwater fishing
• May not match the sensitivity of a high-end one-piece rod
• Potential for connection points to weaken over time
• The included travel tube is protective but can be bulky

After spending an entire weekend navigating remote streams with the KastKing Valiant Eagle, it’s no wonder this travel fishing rod has become a permanent fixture in our gear. Its collapsibility into a compact form makes trekking through dense foliage a breeze, especially when space is a premium.

The rod casts smoother than expected for a multi-piece, with responsive action that allowed us to feel subtle nibbles. Given its robust construction, it confidently handled the unexpected tug of larger catches without showing signs of stress.

We must admit, though we were initially skeptical about the joint strength of a travel rod, the Valiant Eagle has proved us wrong. The sections fit snugly, and even after repeated assembling and disassembling, there was no noticeable play or weakening.

Lastly, the sleek design and cork handles not only add to its aesthetic but also provide a comfortable and firm grip during long hours by the water. While the rod’s sensitivity is commendable for a travel model, hard-core anglers might notice a slight difference compared to single-piece counterparts. Overall, the KastKing Valiant Eagle is a worthy investment for those looking to fish on the go.

Goture 4-Piece Travel Rod

If you’re in search of a reliable travel companion to reel in those memorable catches, the Goture Travel Fishing Rods are a catch worth considering.

• Remarkably sensitive yet strong enough to fight larger fish
• Comfortable grip and durable reel seat for extended fishing sessions
• Impressively portable for travel with a lightweight and compact design
• Some may find it less stiff compared to higher-priced alternatives
• The segments can be challenging to separate after use
• Warranty process may be cumbersome for some

On our recent fishing escapade, we were thoroughly impressed with the Goture Travel Fishing Rod’s performance. It’s sensitive to the slightest nibbles yet has enough backbone to haul in the fighters. The 30-ton carbon matrix technology is not just marketing fluff; it translates to an impressive balance between strength and sensitivity.

The grip is another aspect we love. After hours by the water, comfort becomes critical, and the EVA split grips ensure that your palms and fingers don’t bear the brunt of a long fishing session. Also, the high-quality ABS material used in the reel seat held up without any issues, giving us the confidence to cast and retrieve all day.

Transporting your rod can often be cumbersome, but this rod’s 4-piece design made it a non-issue for us. It’s not only a breeze to carry around but when assembled, it feels satisfyingly well-balanced in hand. We whisked it away on a flight and had no trouble fitting it in our luggage, which is a testament to its travel-friendly design.

While our experience was predominantly positive, it’s fair to note that some anglers used to stiffer rods might find this one a bit too flexible. Additionally, disassembling the rod after use required a tad extra effort; the pieces fit snugly, typically a good thing, but they might stick after a day’s use. Finally, although it comes with the reassurance of a one-year warranty, actually leveraging the warranty could entail some bureaucratic hoops, though this is common with many products.

Considering the balance of pros and cons, we found the Goture Travel Fishing Rod to be a terrific addition to our fishing gear. Whether we were casting into surf or jigging in a lake, it felt right at home. For those who prioritize portability, comfort, and overall functionality without splurging excessively, this rod should not disappoint.

PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Kit

We recommend this fishing rod and reel combo for its versatility and ease of use, making it a solid choice for anglers on the go.

• Compact, portable design that collapses easily for travel
• Robust construction with a blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass
• Reel seat is built with stainless steel and offers strong anti-corrosion properties
• Can feel slightly heavier compared to some high-end models
• The enclosed reel may not suit all fishing styles or preferences
• Durability may be an issue with frequent saltwater exposure

When we took the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Kit out for a spin, the immediate benefit was its portability. The rod’s collapsible design made it a breeze to store in our backpack, which was especially appreciated on a tight-packed hiking trip. It’s the type of rod we could stash in the car for impromptu fishing sessions whenever the mood strikes.

Strength and flexibility are crucial out on the water, and this rod offers plenty of both. During a recent fishing trip, the rod held up to the challenge, securing a lively catch without a hiccup. It mixed sturdiness with pliability in a way that inspires confidence, a testament to its carbon fiber and fiberglass construction.

Handling this setup felt comfortable thanks to the EVA grip, which was especially noticeable during longer fishing forays. However, after several encounters with saltwater, we noted a bit of strain on the materials. Regular maintenance is key to keep it in prime condition. Overall, the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Kit provided us with what we needed—no frills, just efficient, functional fishing.

Fiblink Travel Rod

We recommend the Fiblink Travel Rod for any angler looking for a balance of portability and performance on their outdoor adventures.

• Remarkably lightweight, enhancing our casting comfort throughout the day
• Holds up well under pressure with its solid carbon fiber construction
• Cork handle design provided us with an excellent grip, even in wet conditions
• The stiffness may not appeal to those seeking more flex for certain fishing techniques
• Only one configuration is available, which may limit versatility for some anglers
• The hook keeper’s position seemed less than ideal when we needed rapid accessibility

Casting my line with the Fiblink Travel Rod felt almost effortless, as the rod’s lightness really stood out. It was also satisfying to feel the solid responsiveness when setting the hook, partly thanks to the rod’s sturdy carbon construction which managed to impress with both its strength and sensitivity.

The extended use during my last trip didn’t wear on my hands or arms, a testament to the ultra-premium-grade cork grip. As someone who appreciates a comfortable handle, this feature made my fishing sessions much more enjoyable, especially during long days on the water.

Despite its rigid form, which was initially a concern, the rod performed exceptionally well with various lures. However, I noted the precision in the rod’s functionality, evident in how effectively it conveyed even the slightest nibbles right to my fingertips. The only minor snag was the hook keeper, which, while practical, could be optimally placed to avoid interfering with the action on the retrieve.

In conclusion, our experience with the Fiblink Travel Rod has been positive. Its portability didn’t compromise on power, and fishing felt both smooth and controlled. While it may not be the perfect fit for every fishing style, for us, it proved to be a valuable tool that enhanced our travel fishing experiences.

Sougayilang Travel Fishing Kit

We recommend this travel fishing kit for any angler looking for a versatile and compact combo for on-the-go fishing.

• Highly portable and easily fits into tight spaces
• It comes with a complete set including accessories and carrier bag
• Constructed with durable carbon fiber, offering longevity
• Some components may require adjustments or fixes over time
• The included line could be of better quality
• Drag cap on reel may require frequent tightening

Outdoor adventures often lead us to tranquil waters, and having the Sougayilang Travel Fishing Kit on hand ensures we’re always ready to cast. The portability is a game-changer—this rod fits in our car’s trunk with ease, and we appreciate how the compact size doesn’t compromise its strength. Out on the lake, it has proven exceptional for catching bass and trout, and we notice it comfortably fits in our hands.

The smoothness of the reel in action is notable. It glides seamlessly, and the 13 + 1 ball bearings contribute to its fluid performance. The ease of use becomes apparent when casting lines and reeling in catches. We’re particularly impressed with the ceramic guide rings, which enhance the rod’s durability—a feature that’s usually reserved for higher-end models.

There’s something to be said for the convenience of having a ready-to-go kit. We’ve found the included carrier bag useful for keeping all fishing accessories organized, facilitating a spontaneous trip to the water whenever the mood strikes. It’s the kind of all-inclusive set that works well for beginners and seasoned fishers alike, sparing us from the need to purchase additional gear.

When the day’s journey ends and it’s time to pack up, collapsing the rod back down is a breeze. It’s reassuring to know that next time we stumble upon a hidden creek or see the sun reflecting off a peaceful pond, the Sougayilang Travel Fishing Kit will be with us, ready to turn the moment into a memorable fishing experience.

Buying Guide

Understanding rod length.

The length of a fishing rod directly influences casting distance and maneuverability. For travel rods, we typically consider lengths from 6 to 9 feet. Shorter rods offer better control and are ideal for tight spaces, while longer rods provide increased casting distance.

• Short (6-7 feet): Superior control for tight spaces
• Medium (7-8 feet): Balanced control and casting distance
• Long (8-9 feet): Enhanced casting distance

Focusing on Portability

Portability is key for a travel fishing rod. We look for compact, lightweight designs that can easily fit into luggage or backpacks.

• Multiple Sections : Rods that break down into several pieces
• Compact Length : Measure the rod’s length when fully collapsed

Material Matters

The material of a rod affects its sensitivity, strength, and weight. Common materials include graphite, fiberglass, and composite blends. We prioritize durability along with a balance between flexibility and sensitivity.

• Graphite: Sensitive and lightweight, but potentially less durable
• Fiberglass: Heavier and more durable, with a slower action
• Composite: A blend, offering a mix of sensitivity and durability

Action and Power

Rod action and power influence how much and where the rod will flex when casting or fighting a fish. Actions range from slow to fast, while power ranges from light to heavy. We match action and power to the fishing conditions and the species we target.

Reel Compatibility

Ensuring the chosen rod is compatible with the type of reel we plan to use is essential. We constantly compare the reel seat size and design to ensure a secure and functional fit with our reel.

Great Travel Gear Reviews

Best premium leather travel backpacks.

For those who prioritize elegance and durability in their travel gear, our selection of Best Premium Leather Travel Backpacks is designed with you in mind. These backpacks not only secure your belongings but also add a touch of sophistication to your travel ensemble. Perfect for city explorers and adventure seekers alike, discover how you can combine style with functionality on your next journey.

Best Travel Guitar

Music enthusiasts who can’t imagine leaving their instrument behind will find our Best Travel Guitar guide invaluable. We’ve explored the top options that ensure you don’t have to sacrifice quality for portability. Whether you’re performing by the campfire or practicing in your hotel room, these guitars are made to move with you, ensuring the music never stops, no matter where you are in the world.

Best Nomad Travel Insurance

Traveling without insurance is a risk no modern nomad should take. Our in-depth review of the Best Nomad Travel Insurance offers will guide you through selecting the right coverage for your lifestyle. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations, we’ve covered all the essentials to help you travel with peace of mind. Explore our recommendations and find the insurance that best fits your adventurous spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we address some of the most common inquiries regarding travel fishing rods, focusing on their functionality, quality, and transport considerations.

What are the top-rated travel fishing rods for saltwater fishing?

The top-rated travel rods for saltwater fishing include the Okuma Nomad Xpress Inshore Rod, St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rods, and Daiwa Ardito-TR. These models exemplify strong construction and corrosion resistance, essential for saltwater conditions.

Which travel rod and reel combo offers the best performance?

The Penn Battle II Spinning Combo and the Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo are renowned for their exceptional performance. They balance sensitivity and strength, making them a favorite among seasoned anglers.

What are the advantages of four-piece travel spinning rods?

Four-piece travel spinning rods offer enhanced portability and convenience without compromising rod action and sensitivity. They fit easily into luggage or backpacks, making them ideal for trips that require light packing.

How do Shimano travel rods compare to other brands?

Shimano travel rods are respected for their innovative design and quality materials. Compared to other brands, they often feature more advanced technology such as the Shimano Spiral X construction which enhances rod strength and reduces twist.

Can you provide tips for safely transporting fishing rods on an airplane?

To transport fishing rods on an airplane, use a hard rod case or tube, and secure all latches or closures. If possible, carry them as hand luggage or ensure they’re labeled as ‘Fragile’ when checked in.

What should I look for in a telescopic fishing rod to ensure quality and durability?

When selecting a telescopic rod, look for high-quality guides, a sturdy reel seat, and a consistent finish along the rod. Brands like KastKing and Sougayilang offer models with these features that ensure longevity and reliable performance.

Traveler and blogger Living in Guadalajara, Mexico

Related posts

Puerto Vallarta Surfing: A Guide to the Best Spots

Fan Review: Why I Love My Hello Kitty Travel Case

Travel Iron: Ultimate Guide to the Best of Your Needs

• Sports & Outdoors
• Hunting & Fishing
• Rods & Accessories

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Rigged and Ready Smuggler Series Fishing Rods. 5 Unique Super Compact Multi-Function Rod Lengths, with 2 or 4 Tips for Active Travel Rod Anglers for Freshwater and seawater Fish

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Travel Fishing Rod & Case. Compact medium-short length 5.25’ (160cm) rod, with 2 tips, for spin and general fishing. For fish up to 6lbs (3kg)
• SUPER COMPACT MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TRAVEL ROD, PERFECT FOR TRAVEL ANGLERS: Whether you enjoy spin, bait, bass, carp, pike, trout, salmon, or sea fishing, this versatile rod has got you covered.The Rigged and Ready Smuggler 5 Lightweight Travel Fishing Rod & Case is specifically designed to be short and lightweight. Designed with convenience in mind, its super compact carry size of 14.4' (36.5cm), is perfect for those who love active fishing adventures. Designed to Go Anywhere and Fish Everywhere.
• UNIQUE BRITISH DESIGN: 2 rod length options 5'3"(160 cm) and 4'6"(140cm) with 2 interchangeable tips to change fishing styles.. Compact carry size of 14.4' (36.5cm), powerful, multi section fishing rod with 5 sections. 4 SRF blend sections, plus 2 interchangeable solid fiberglass tips, delivering maximum casting weights upto 0.7oz (20g) or 1.4oz (40g).
• PORTABLE AND DURABLE: The Smuggler 5 is ideal choice for tackling fish up to 3kg (6.6 lbs), e. Its sturdy construction ensures reliable performance, while its lightweight design, and compact carry size allows for easy transportation and storage in the soft rod bag and protective case. To provide such a compact fishing pole each, we have more joints than other rods. All of the joints are hand finished male into female, to provide a perfect fishing rod curve and non-travel rod feel.
• PREMIUM QUALITY WITH VERSATILITY:-Robust unique SRF Zylon-Carbon-HiGlass rod blanks with 2 unbreakable tips, graphite reel seat,EVA handle,silicone eyes. A unique multifunctional fishing rod with 2 interchangeable tips to deliver different rod lengths, casting weights and fishing styles. Whether you're casting from shorelines, fishing off piers or exploring remote fishing spots, this is your go-to companion. Designed to balance with a 1000 to 3000 size spinning reel. Braid and Mono compatible.
• 2 YEAR GUARANTEE ASSURANCE – Full replacement, spare parts or money back. Feel every nibble and strike with confidence, knowing that you're using a top-tier fishing rod crafted to deliver outstanding results to help you Go Anywhere and Fish Everywhere.

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

From the brand

Super Compact Travel Rods

RIGGED AND READY FISHING RODS. Unique, super compact, multi-functional fishing rods, for travel angling.

GO ANYWHERE FISH EVERYWHERE

Visit the Store

Rigged and Ready is the world’s leading travel fishing brand based in the English Lake District. Our extensive range of unique travel rods are very compact and multi-purpose, uniquely designed for the travelling angler; or anyone that favors a different approach to traditional fishing tackle. As well as our rods, we also design and manufacture innovative travel fishing accessories.

Product Description

Product information

Technical details, additional information, product guides and documents, videos for this product.

Click to play video

World Traveller and Smuggler 6 Rod by Adventure Fishing UK

Rigged and Ready Ltd

Rigged & Ready Travel Fishing Equiptment

Smuggler Series Smuggler 7 Travel Fishing Rod Stop Frame

World Traveller & Smuggler Travel Spinning Rods

Rigged & Ready BRAND MOVIE

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the portability and appearance of the fishing rod. For example, they mention it's a compact travel rod that easily fits into a small carry on. Some appreciate the feel and balance of the rod. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the portability of the fishing rod. For example, they say it's a nice compact travel rod, easy to pack in a suitcase, and can be carried anywhere. Some mention that it'll fit in an airline overhead bin. Overall, most are satisfied with the port ability of the product.

"...I wasn't sure what to expect with this rod but it's a really nice pack rod for travel and packs down more compact than any other rod I've seen...." Read more

"This rod was purchased before a recent trip. The size was perfect for my backpack and I was happy to see how well the sections fit together when..." Read more

"The modular design of this pole is genius. It’s easy to pack in a suitcase or for backpacking. And the customer service is unmatched...." Read more

"... Easily fits into a small carry on for airplane travel. Great!!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the fishing rod. For example, they mention that the case is very nice, well-built, and has a great feel. Some say that the rod looks good at first, but the line kept on breaking. That said, most are happy with the compact design and the modular design of the pole.

"The rod looked good at first . But my line kept on breaking. I couldn’t figure out why until I inspected all the eyes...." Read more

"The modular design of this pole is genius . It’s easy to pack in a suitcase or for backpacking. And the customer service is unmatched...." Read more

"Product came in awesome hard shell case. Looked amazing and exactly as I thought it would be. But to my surprise the second section was broken...." Read more

"...Well built, well designed, and has a great feel. The case is very nice - but for those who want it for ultralight backpacking you may want to..." Read more

Customers like the feel of the fishing rod. They mention it has lots of feel and is nicely balanced.

"...the rod with a Mitchell 300X reel that I already had and it felt nicely balanced . The spool was loaded with 10 lb...." Read more

"...Well built, well designed, and has a great feel ...." Read more

"my husband loves it. says it has lots of feel ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the fishing rod. They mention that it performs well, and the rig works for trolling.

"...-on bag on a sailing trip to French Polynesia March 2019 and it worked like a charm ...." Read more

"...Caught Mangrove and Yellowtail Snapper and several Jack fish and it worked admirably ." Read more

"Easy transport flying to Alaska and performed extremely well . Caught roughly 50 salmons during my week there for pinks, reds and silvers...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the fishing rod. Some mention it's pretty darn good quality, well built, and has a great feel. However, others say that it broke easily, is not durable at all, and snaps easily.

"...The rig worked for trolling although a little light. Casting it was a dream ...." Read more

"...P.S. - one small nitpick, the "cloth" sleeve that holds the rod arrived torn . Not a big deal, but not what you expect for a brand new product." Read more

"...chance because I couldn't find any solid info on it but it looked like decent quality . Turns out it was better. It's pretty darn good quality...." Read more

"The rod looked good at first. But my line kept on breaking . I couldn’t figure out why until I inspected all the eyes...." Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Start Selling with Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Best Travel Fishing Rods – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

I consider a travel-sized fishing rod outfit to be an essential piece of equipment in my gear arsenal. Why you may ask? Unhindered convenience to be able to fish when you may otherwise not have a fishing pole. In my life, I never know when an unexpected opportunity to go fishing may arise. Instead of longingly looking at a piece of water wishing you had the gear, I have an ultra-compact fishing rod setup stored in my vehicle for such an occasion.

Having a fully encased fishing rod setup that can break down and stow behind the back seat of your car is invaluable if you are a die-hard angler. On top of that, I love having a compact travel-sized rod for backpacking, camping, and hiking trips when new fishing opportunities have the potential to arise at any time.

If the idea of an ultra-compact, travel-sized fishing rod is new to you, check out below. Even if you are familiar with the idea and have been debating on adding this gear to your stash, we have all the info you need here.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Travel Fishing Rods

• OUR TOP PICK: ​PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Full Kit
• RUNNER-UP: OKUMA Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

Comparison of the Best Travel Fishing Rods 

What limits a rod from being able to travel.

So why would you even need a special travel-sized fishing rod? Why not just use your regular fishing rod? Well, even a breakdown fishing rod is going to take up some space. The convenience put into the design of a specified travel fishing rod is hard to beat for its application. A good rod should come with a protective case. These cases often hold the entire setup, plus some tackle. All your fishing equipment in one convenient spot, whereas with a traditional rod, you will likely have to purchase a separate case for it, a reel, and a box of tackle as well.

• Telescopic Ultra-Compact Design
• Available in Different Length Options
• Protective Carrying Case and Tackle included
• Only Available in Medium Power

With this all-in-one setup by Plusinno, you have got just about everything you need to get out there on the water. This complete kit provides you with a telescopic fishing rod, carrying case, and some included tackle to top it off!

The high-density, carbon, telescoping rod blank makes this one of the most packable rods you can imagine. It reduces down to a length of about 16 inches. The stainless steel and carbon oxide guides ensure durability for years to come while allowing a smooth and friction-free flow of the line. The included reel also has portability in mind. A slightly stubbier design than other reels allows this to be a compact, yet fully functioning reel.

A great feature of this kit is that it gives buyers some sizing selection. This kit is available in medium power rod lengths from five to nine feet, allowing you to suit it to your intended application. This makes it a great, highly versatile rod for different fishing scenarios.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a travel fishing rod kit that has it all, look no further. The Plusinno telescopic rod fishing kit comes with a full rod setup in medium power with fishing line, tackle, and a low-profile protective case to keep it all contained. The quick setup and takedown of a telescoping fishing rod are hard to beat. This should be a kit that will put you on the water quickly when the opportunity arises.

Product Specs

Materials :

Stainless Steel, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Graphite, Carbon Fiber

Fishing Technique:

Available Lengths :

5.91 ft, 6.89 ft, 7.87 ft, 8.86 ft

Available Power(s) :

Travel Length :

16.5 in, 17 in, 17.3 in, 17.7 in

Includes Case?

Runner-up:  OKUMA VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

• Compact 5-Piece Breakdown
• Includes Protective Carrying Case
• Complete Fishing Rod and Reel Kit
• Not Available in Different Sizes.

Talk about an all-in-one travel spinning rod kit for wherever fishing may present itself! Okuma has done an excellent job in assembling a great complete travel fishing rod kit without terribly sacrificing rod performance.

The six-foot graphite composite rod is rated as a light weight rod and breaks down to an ultra-packable five pieces. This is a rod that would serve well as a highly versatile rig for all but the largest of fish.

The kit includes a size 20 reel that should be suited for just about anything you can throw at it. Best of all, it comes complete with a convenient carrying case and included tackle box. With this case, you can have your entire fishing outfit contained in a 17-inch x 9-inch x 3-inch well-protected, padded carrying case.

For an affordable compact fishing rod, reel, and carrying case, Okuma delivers a sure buy.  Have all your most vital fishing gear contained in a well-protected case and store it wherever. Make the most out of any fishing opportunity that may present itself with this ultra-convenient, complete kit with carrying case.

Ceramic guide inserts, stainless steel hooded reel seats

Available Action(s) :

3. Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case

• Complete with Hard Plastic Carrying Case
• Ultra-Light and Shorter Design for Extreme Packability
• Not Available in Sizes Other Than Ultralight 4.5 -oot

For those who intend to target fish with ultralight gear, this Daiwa setup is rugged and ready for the test. The 4.5-foot ultralight spinning rod setup breaks down into five pieces that fit with the accompanying reel in a pint-sized plastic carrying case. The reel features a smooth ball bearing and multi-disk design for quick and efficient retrieves. Though the kit comes with no fishing tackle, the carrying case is designed with compartments to carry some fishing tackle in your kit. By not including tackle, you can customize your outfit to have just what you need for your intended fishing. The rod is rated for two to six-pound test line. This is a great versatile rig for smaller fish. The short rod and small carrying case make this an excellent backcountry portable fishing rod outfit.

Perfect for anglers who are always on-the-go, this kit allows you to customize your tackle and keep it in a dedicated, compact, hard-sided case. This makes it perfect for stowing in luggage, backpacking, or simply keeping handy under your car seat. I personally own one of these outfits and cherish it for its small portability.

Aluminum Alloy

Spinning, Casting

Ultra Light

4. St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rods

• Multiple Choices in Length and Weight
• 4-Piece Breakdown with Soft Nylon Case
• High-Performance Spinning Rod with Travel in Mind
• More Expensive Than Others on the List

Maybe you are looking for a travel spinning rod but don’t necessarily need the ultra-compact design of the previous models. The St. Croix Triumph travel series of spinning rods are full-featured spinning rods that don’t sacrifice performance for portability. 

The graphite four-piece breakdown design reduces to a length of less than 18 inches when packed in the included travel nylon case designed to hold just your rod. Best of all, anglers have a choice of varying weights and lengths in this fast action spinning rod. From ultralight 5.5 foot to medium/heavy 6.5 foot, you have the ability to fine tune this rig to your needs.

This travel spinning rod doesn’t include anything other than the rod. The idea of this setup is to sacrifice absolutely zero performance. This is ideal for savvy anglers seeking the best in performance, value, and convenience.

While the other rods in this review have ultra-portability and complete kits as their highlight, this rod stands out amongst the others. Offering simply a quality fishing rod and nothing more, this four-piece rod is still designed with travel in mind. If you are looking for a rod to pack in your luggage for your next flyaway vacation, check out this spinning rod by St. Croix.

SCII carbon, Fuji DPS reel seat

5 ft, 5 ft 6 in, 6 ft, 6 ft 6 in, 7 ft, 7 ft 6 in

Ultra Light / Light / Medium / Medium Light / Medium Heavy /

Moderate / Fast

5. Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod

• 3-Piece Breakdown with High-Quality Connections
• Non-Corrosive Components Designed for Saltwater Use
• Only Available in Medium/Heavy 7-Foot Design

Like the St. Croix rod above, this travel-sized spinning rod by Okuma sacrifices nothing in performance. Different than the St. Croix rod, this one is designed with bigger fish in mind. This medium heavy, seven-foot rod breaks down to a semi-compact three pieces. All the pieces are held together with innovative European spigot ferrule connections that give the rod a quality one-piece design feel.

The medium-heavy, fast action rod, is designed with all non-corrosive stainless steel guides and hardy aluminum reel seat. These features make this rod an excellent candidate for saltwater fishing scenarios.

If you want a travel-sized spinning rod up to the task of large fish, Okuma has you covered. This three-piece rod has all the makings of a good saltwater setup or even a big freshwater rig. While it isn’t the most packable rod on the list, this would be a great candidate to fit in your luggage for your next beach vacation. Don’t get caught in a great ocean fishing scenario without any gear!

Stainless Steel

Medium / Medium Heavy

How to Maintain Your Rod While You’re on the Road

General maintenance and upkeep of a travel spinning rod should be a quick and easy affair. If you stay up on it, your gear should last for years to come. While it can be more difficult to take care of your gear when traveling, it only takes a quick few minutes to ensure your gear is well taken care of.

The best way to keep your fishing rod in good working order is to perform regular inspections and do a quick wipe-down with a clean damp rag. You want to pay particular attention to any damage to the rod blank itself. When wiping it down, be sure to check the inside of the guides for any debris, nicks, or damage that will further harm your fishing line. Also, pay close attention to cleaning any threads or connecting points on your rod.

For your reel, similar maintenance is required. Brief wipe downs and inspections with a damp rag will do wonders. Utilizing a toothbrush to remove debris from nooks and crannies can help a lot. If you have found your reel spin to become rougher, it could need oiling. The video shows how to disassemble and oil your reel, which is fairly quick and easy. Thankfully though, this isn’t a regular maintenance necessity.

Another special consideration with a travel fishing rod is to make sure your case stays clean on the inside. If your case gets full of debris or gunk, you risk getting all of that into your fishing components. Be sure to clean out your case every now and again as well.

The convenience and versatility of having a travel fishing kit in your gear arsenal are hard to beat. Having the option to just grab a small case and go is great when it comes to fishing, where opportunity may unexpectedly knock on your door.

With a good travel fishing rod kit, you will have a nice portable rod, reel, and assortment of tackle in a compact and durable carrying case. This makes it ideal for keeping in the car, packing in luggage, or even taking on hiking/backpacking trips. As affordable as many of these kits are, there is no excuse for anglers not to have one of these in their ownership.

Home » Fishing » Rods » Best Travel Fishing Rods – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at [email protected]. Read more about Big Game Logic .

Top 10 Best Travel Fishing Rods 2024 Review (Buyer’s Guide)

• by Lance Wilkins
• October 2, 2020
• 18 minute read

One of the best things about fishing is the environments that it takes you to. The best fishing is found in the most pristine environments.

Whether it’s the mountains of Patagonia or the flats of Seychelles, traveling to fish has no downsides. 

Here we take a look at some of the best travel fishing rods around…

Okuma Citrix Travel Spinning Rod

• Light but durable
• Great price for the quality

Goture Xceed 4 Piece Travel Fishing Rod

• Great for saltwater and freshwater
• Lightweight

Editor’s Choice

Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Spinning Rod

• Great balance of action and power
• Excellent for small-medium species

Not all of us will have caught the fishing travel bug yet, but once it gets you, it bites down hard.

To fish in these magical locations, you’re going to need a fishing travel rod and reel to take with you, and picking the right one is not so easy. Especially considering all the different types of fishing rods out there.

This article will save you valuable time and give you everything you need to make the right buy.

In this article...

The Best From The Review

Choosing a fishing rod is a big decision, here are our top three choices from the lineup, each one in its own category.

This is so you can have a variety to choose from depending on your needs.

An excellent travel pole that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at. It has the sensitivity for trout fishing and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal all-around travel pole for most species.

The all-round best travel fishing rod for me is the Okuma Citrix.

Designed with a lot of thought, the Citrix has the sensitivity for small species while having the power to handle some big saltwater fish too.

It’s light, durable, casts excellently, and has thoughtful features like braid-ready guide inserts.

A quality all-round travel rod with minimal flaws for such a low price.

I think the best travel fishing rod, if you’re on a budget, is the Goture Xceed.

It’s light, strong, sensitive, durable, and can handle anything from light freshwater to medium saltwater species.

The quality for the price is almost unbeatable, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It ticks every box.

Editor’s Choice

An awesome rod to cast with, and once your fishing hooks snag a big catch, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.

The best travel fishing rod, in my opinion, is the Daiwa Ardito.

The Ardito takes things to another level compared to the rest.

Its performance outdoes the others in terms of casting distance, action, power, and sensitivity.

It’s a true all-rounder that’ll have you catching bass today and tarpon the next without any concerns.

Our Best Travel Fishing Rods

Here are all the top reels we reviewed.

Each one’s a winner in its own right and they all have their different strengths.

St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod

A 4 piece travel rod weighing just 4.9 oz. that delivers excellent performance in both casting and sensitivity.

St Croix has made their name by making affordable and high-quality fishing rods, and the St Croix Triumph Travel Series is their best travel fishing rod.

This is a 4 piece travel rod weighing just 4.9 oz. that delivers excellent performance in both casting and sensitivity.

The St Croix Triumph travel rod’s low weight means you’ll be able to keep casting all day without your arm feeling any tiredness.

You’ll happily make it to that golden hour at sunset when the fish usually turn on and start feeding heavily. 

This St Croix triumph travel rod is made from premium SCII graphite, giving you excellent performance, sensitivity, and durability at a great price.

You’ll cast this rod like a dream and even better if you go with the casting rod variant.

The St Croix Triumph feels like a one-piece and has the sensitivity to feel every bite with the backbone to make a decent hook set when fishing with it. 

It comes with aluminum oxide guides to reduce friction when casting and a Fuji DPS reel seat made of graphite with stainless steel hoods. 

The reel seat does tend to come loose and your reel can drop out if you’re not consistently checking it. 

Great with the Right Reel

When paired with the right spinning reel, the St Croix fishing rod and reel combo will be an excellent set-up for small to medium-sized fish but it might be a little light for larger species, and you may need a heavier rod if you plan on going after tarpon for example. 

The St Croix Triumph comes with a padded nylon case and the 4 piece design makes it easy to travel with, but the case is nylon and padded rather than being hard, so you may have to buy a rod tube.

• Model: TRS66MF4
• Power Rating: Medium
• Length: 6’6”
• Line: 6-12 lbs
• Lure Weight: ⅛-½ oz
• Action: Fast
• A great balance of action and power for great casting and sensitivity
• Made from quality graphite that is durable and will last
• Excellent for all small to medium-sized species
• Comes with a 5-year warranty
• Packs down small into 4 pieces for portability
• The reel seat can loosen and drop your reel at important moments
• The spinning rod is a little light for larger fish
• Comes without a hard tube and only a padded nylon case

CAPACI Travel Spinning Rod

Cast amazingly well and are incredibly sensitive to any bite that comes along thanks to the fast action.

Capaci are quite unknown in the fishing rod/reel market and have yet to make a name for themselves.

So far, they are doing pretty well at making what we fishermen need in terms of quality but affordable rods. 

Available Options

This travel fishing rod of theirs comes in both a casting rod or spinning model, so for anyone who uses a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel, there is a model for you. The model we have chosen below is their spinning travel rod. 

This fishing rod kit is made from 24-ton carbon, a top material, and it’s surprising considering the low price as carbon is usually more expensive.

These rods cast amazingly well and are incredibly sensitive to any bite that comes along thanks to the fast action.

They are also extremely light fishing rods, and the low weight is something that’ll help keep you fishing for hours on end. 

The fishing rod breaks down into 6 pieces, making it awesome to travel with as the rod length is just 45cm when put away.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a travel rod case and you’ll need to buy one to travel with it securely.

You might also find it tricky getting the eyes to line up when connecting all 6 pieces as there are no alignment marks on the rod to help you out.

An awesome rod to cast with, and once you hook up to a big fish, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.

Daiwa are one of the most trusted spinning fishing rod and reel manufacturers the world over.

They have built a loyal following in the fishing industry and make some of the best travel fishing rods out there.

Their Ardito might be the best travel spinning rod they make and covers everything from trigger fishing to casting and spinning. 

The fishing rod below is part of their best travel fishing rod series and is a true all-rounder.

It has the gusto for some tarpon fishing in the Florida keys while being light enough to enjoy catching some bass with too, covering all the species and environments we need it to. 

It’s made from Daiwa’s exclusive HVF (High Volume Fiber) graphite, which keeps it light while ensuring maximum performance.

The blank on these travel spinning rods is specifically designed to reduce twist giving the rod extra strength and flexibility to handle some large creatures.

It’s an awesome, sturdy rod to cast with, and once you hook up to a big fish, you’ll immediately notice the power that comes with it.

The fishing rod comes in 3 pieces and a hard travel tube is also included. It’ll fit in the overhead or in your check-in luggage with your fishing accessories, and is easy to travel with. 

The only downside about this rod is the reel seat.

You need to continually tighten it while you’re fishing to make sure the fishing rod and reel combo stay together.

The last thing you want is your spinning reel by your feet while fishing or fighting a fish. 

• Model: ARDT763MHFS-TR
• Power Rating: Medium-heavy
• Length: 7’6”
• Line: 8-17 lbs
• Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz.
• Comes with a rod tube for safe travels
• Great blank construction, giving flexibility and reducing twist for extra strength
• Excellent action and responsiveness for a multi-piece rod, like a one-piece
• Great for saltwater species as well as freshwater, a true all-rounder
• Comes with an awesome 5-year warranty
• The reel seat needs constant tightening or you spinning reel may fall off

Fiblink Triomphante 3-Piece Spinning Rod

The combination of the length, power, action, and the 30-50lb fishing line rating stacks up to give you a rod that can handle boat, inshore, or surf fishing.

Fiblink are getting a name for themselves in the fishing rod and reel market.

If you need a travel rod specifically for fishing the ocean or for large freshwater species, then the Fiblink Triomphante has got your back.

Unlike other spinning rods, it’s a little too heavy for trout or bass fishing, but if it’s big cats or sailfish you’re after, this might be the best travel spinning rod to do it with.

The model below is ideal for surf fishing , boat fishing, and inshore fishing.

The combination of the length, power, action, and the 30-50lb fishing line rating stacks up to give you a rod that can handle almost any ocean species out there. 

The rod is made from solid carbon fiber and is tough as nails so you can put the pressure you need on those large species.

The reel seat and guides are all geared up for survival at sea too. Made from stainless steel and aluminum alloy, they are excellent at batting away corrosion. 

However, the guides’ inserts aren’t the best and tend to pop out from time to time

This is relatively easy to solve if they aren’t cracked; just a bit of super glue and re-inserting them should fix them up fine. 

In terms of travel, the Triomphante breaks down into 3 pieces and arrives at your door in a classy rod tube.

It’s a great packed size and perfect for any kind of transportation.

• Power Rating: Heavy
• Length: 8 ft
• Line: 30-50 lbs
• Lure Weight: 2-8 oz
• Quite a serious saltwater rod for handling large species
• Aluminum alloy & stainless steel reel seat for awesome corrosion resistance
• Strong carbon fiber construction while being light and sensitive
• Packs down into a nice rod tube for travelling
• Stainless steel guides to handle the saltwater
• A bit too heavy to enjoy light freshwater fishing
• Guide inserts on the rod can pop out easily

Goture Xceed

The Goture Xceed is a little bit too good to be true as a travel fishing rod.

I’m struggling to see how they have made such a quality all-round travel rod with minimal flaws for such a low price.

And then you find out the Xceed comes with a lifetime guarantee as well.

It baffles me, but I’m happy about it!

The model we have chosen below is the ideal set-up for fishing trout in the mountains one day and snook in Florida the next.

If you’re looking for the one rod to travel the world with, this might be it. But in case you’re looking for more trout rods, check out this guide .

Made from a 30-ton carbon blank, the rod is sensitive, strong, powerful, light, and casts like a dream.

You’ll be able to get your lure just where you want it to be, feel the bite, have the stiffness for the hook set, and the power to land a big fish.

We can’t ask for much more can we.

The Xceed is a 4 piece rod and comes delivered in its own protective tube.

It’s an ideal size to travel with, and you can happily fit it in your suitcase or in the overhead.

There is just one drawback to this rod, for a medium-heavy rod it does feel a little too bendy for some, and could do with a little stiffening up.

• Model: Xceed80MH-S
• Line: 10-20 lbs
• Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz
• Action: Medium-fast
• Comes with a lifetime guarantee at an awesome price
• Light for fatigue-less all-day casting on the water
• Strong but sensitive thanks to the carbon blank and action
• Great for use in saltwater and freshwater
• It has some serious lifting power
• It can feel a little bit bendy for some

JEKOSEN Travel Spinning Rod

Made from a solid carbon blank, making it both light and durable, while also being strong and sensitive. It has the power for some large inshore species and the delicacy for some smaller freshwater fish.

Jekosen are another budget manufacturer who seems to be knocking out some quality gear for a low price.

Their 4-piece travel pole has been compared to a one-piece, although that is probably pushing it, it’s still a good sign.

The Jekosen comes in both a spinning and casting rod model.

The model below is for spinning and is an ideal setup for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

It has the power for some large inshore species and the delicacy for some smaller freshwater fish. 

It’s made from a solid carbon blank, making it both light and durable, while also being strong and sensitive.

The guides use frictionless ceramic inserts to assist with how far you can cast and the pole has a lovely action. 

The tip section is a little delicate and you’ll need to treat it with care, in fact, it’s so delicate that many an angler has had the tip snap within the first 10 hours of use.

It’s hard to know if this is a user error, but it seems to have happened enough to be a genuine worry.

• Line: 12-25 lbs
• Lure Weight: 0.35-0.88 oz.
• Great all-round rod for salt and freshwater species
• Light & sensitive but has some backbone for a solid hook set
• Excellent value for such quality
• Comes with a great travel tube
• The tip is pretty thin and will need a delicate touch
• In some cases, the tips can break within hours of use

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rod

An all-round pole that will be great for both freshwater and saltwater species. It sits in that ideal middle ground that means it can do almost everything.

The one and only telescopic rod to make the cut is the KastKing Blackhawk II.

I tend to avoid telescopic rods like the plague as I was bitten as a child, but I thought this one was worth talking about. 

It somehow doesn’t do the one thing I hate about a telescopic rod, collapse while you’re fishing.

Thank you KastKing for making a telescopic rod that stays together, so you can focus on fishing instead of re-building your pole and untangling everything all the time. 

The Blackhawk II collapses down to a third of its length and comes in all sorts of models, from casting and spinning to inshore, so there is certainly a version for you.

The model I have chosen below is an all-round pole that will be great for both freshwater and saltwater species. It sits in that ideal middle ground that means it can do almost everything. 

The Blackhawk pole is made from a carbon blank and is therefore light, durable, and powerful.

It comes with an excellent seat for your reel that fully locks down, making sure your reel isn’t going anywhere.

Once set up, it casts well and you’ll feel every bite thanks to the medium-fast action, missing a fish will only be due to angler error not equipment failure. 

The telescopic rod does feel a little too bendy for a medium-heavy though and there are no markers to help you align the eyes.

And even though it doesn’t collapse, the eyes tend to twist around while you’re fishing, so you’ll have to constantly re-align them.

• Great quality for a telescopic pole and priced very reasonably
• Good spinning reel seat that locks down hard
• The sections don’t collapse, great for a telescopic pole
• Excellent performance in casting and sensitivity for a telescopic
• Made from quality carbon with a glass tip for durable sensitivity
• Feels a little light for a medium-heavy, more medium
• Can be a little tricky to get the eyes straight on set up
• Guides twist while fishing and need correcting

An excellent travel pole that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at. It has the sensitivity for trout and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal versatile fishing rod for most species.

The Okuma Citrix is a great travel fishing rod that can handle pretty much anything you throw it at.

It has the sensitivity for trout and the power for burley jacks, making it an ideal all-around travel pole for most species.

Made from an SCII graphite blank, the pole is durable and is balanced beautifully to give you great castability. The overall construction makes it quite light, and allows you to fish tirelessly all the way through to dusk. 

The guides on the Citrix use zirconium inserts that are designed for use with braid. This is the first pole in the review to have braid-ready guides, and since most of us use a braided fishing line these days, it gets extra points for that.

The zirconium reduces friction for both brain and mono, giving you the extra casting distance you’ll need in some situations. 

The tip of the Citrix has been labeled as a little delicate for some, but not for all.

There are stories of the Citrix handling large cobia and jacks without any issues, but then there are also reports of the tip snapping on a snag.

I would put it down to angler error but it’s worth noting.

• Model: CIT-S-724M
• Length: 7’2”
• Lure Weight: ¼ – ⅝ oz.
• Zirconium guide inserts are ideal for use with braid
• High-quality graphite makes it light but durable
• Ideal for small and medium-sized fish from bass to snook
• Packs down small for easy packing and travel
• Comes with a protective case
• Sensitive enough to feel the most subtle bites
• The tip can snap if you’re too bolshy with it

KastKing Crixus Travel Fishing Rods

The Crixus travel pole gives you amazing quality for a very reasonable price.

KastKing are in the game of making fishing affordable, and somehow come out with quality spinning travel rods that mean anyone can afford to fish if they want to.

The Crixus travel pole follows this trend and gives you amazing quality for a very reasonable price.

The Crixus is made from IM6 graphite and is very light.

If you fish long and hard you’ll know that every ounce counts when it comes to how tired your arm and wrist get.

The Crixus has got your back in this regard, and you will be able to keep casting and casting with minimal fatigue. 

The model chosen below is again in the middle ground. It’s sensitive enough for smaller species, yet strong enough to handle some medium size ones too.

It does feel a little bendy for a medium-heavy though and may struggle if you hook something quite big. 

The Crixus is beautifully balanced and a joy to cast with.

You’ll be able to hit your desired spot time and time again without any concerns, and even if the grip is wet, it stays in your hands. 

The grip is a little short in front of the seat; this does get annoying for some anglers who like to use the front grip for extra leverage, so bear that in mind.

It also comes in two pieces, so is a little long in the case for traveling with. It’ll be fine to go in the overhead but it might not fit in your suitcase.

• Model: KRDSPNCX-76MH2
• Line: 10-17 lbs
• Lure Weight: ⅜ – ¾ oz
• Light for easy all-day casting
• Comes in a bulletproof travel case
• Excellent grip never slips even when wet
• Sensitive with great casting action for hitting cover and feeling subtle bites
• Awesome quality for the price point
• Very short grip in front of the reel seat
• Feels a little light for a medium-heavy and may not manage larger fish
• Comes in two pieces and may not fit in your luggage

Okuma Nomad Spinning Travel Rod

This is one of the best travel rods and performs excellently when targeting larger species, but is a bit too blunt for light freshwater fishing.

The Okuma Fishing Tackle Nomad is designed for the ocean and is the perfect travel companion for bouncing from the Florida Keys to Costa Rica and beyond.

The Okuma Nomad travel rods are described as the 3-piece that feels like a one-piece.

This is one of the best spinning travel rods and performs excellently when targeting larger species, but is a bit too blunt for light freshwater fishing. 

The Okuma Nomad is made from a high-quality graphite blank that is wrapped in carbon for extra strength.

The Okuma Nomad is durable as hell as far as travel fishing rods go and has the power to handle some serious creatures, especially when the fishing rod and reel combo are matched correctly. 

The Nomad comes with two tips, a light tip, and a heavy tip, giving you almost two different rods. You can drop down to the light tip for small species and slip on the heavy tip when you’re going after those monsters. 

The Okuma Nomad uses stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts that are designed to reduce friction when fishing braid. This not only looks after your braid but also gives you some extra casting distance when spinning. 

It also comes with a protective carrying case that is waterproof, so no matter what happens, you know your rod will be living in a salt-free environment.

Unfortunately, there isn’t space for your fishing reel in the carrying case.

• Model: NT-S-703L-ML
• Power Rating: Medium-light
• Length: 7 ft
• Line: 10-30 lbs
• Comes with two tips, one light and one heavy
• Great for medium-sized saltwater fishing
• Sturdy and powerful rod for putting the heat on large fish
• Comes in a protective, waterproof carrying case
• Made from quality materials that can handle saltwater with ease
• Uses braid ready zirconium guides
• A little too heavy for any light fishing
• The case won’t fit both your fishing rod and reel combo inside

What Is A Travel Fishing Rod

Traveling fishing rods can be spinning rods or fly rods, any kind of rod for that matter. You can travel with a 7 weight setup but it might be considerably more tedious.

The only difference is that the rod is designed to make traveling with it more convenient. 

A travel fishing rod will either be a multiple piece rod or a telescopic fishing rod, reducing it’s length significantly when broken down.

The length reduction means it’ll be small enough to fit in your check-in luggage or maybe even your tackle box, making it a good fishing rod for travel. If you need rods specifically for backpacking, you might want to check out this best backpacking fly rods review .

It’ll come with a protective rod case too, which you’ll just slot into your suitcase for check-in or take as a carry-on along with your reel and fishing accessories..

It’s much more comfortable than showing up to the airport with a one-piece 12ft spinning rod and hoping it’ll survive the journey, although it is fun to look at the flight staff’s face when they wonder, “what the hell is that thing”! 

Travel Rod V’s Normal Rod – What’s The Difference? 

The only real difference between a travel rod and a standard rod is its length when packed away.

Instead of being a two-piece spinning rod and being 7ft long when packed away, it’ll be a 4 piece travel spinning rod and only be 3.5ft when packed away.

A travel spinning rod can also be telescopic , meaning the rod’s sections collapse into each other and when stored, can be as small as only a foot long. 

The short length means you can take the rod and reel combo on the plane or pack your rod and reel in your main luggage. 

Can Normal Rods Still Travel? 

Yes, of course, but they are quite inconvenient to travel with.

I remember trotting around the globe with my two-piece fishing rod and reel combo and having to put it in a PVC case to check it in as a separate piece of luggage every time I flew.

It got expensive checking in my fishing gear and tackle box and I would always be worried on the flight if my rod would make it safely; one day it didn’t. 

You don’t have to own a travel fishing kit but it will make your life a little less expensive and your fishing trips a little more stress-free. 

Are Fishing Rods Allowed On A Plane? 

This depends on the country you’re traveling in.

In the USA, yes they are, and so is a reel, as long as they fit in the overhead or under your seat, basically the standard carry-on rules.

Depends on Size

A standard travel spinning rod will fit in the overhead lockers no problem.

If the fishing pole is too long, you’ll have to check them in.

Depends on Destination

In other countries, the rules differ quite considerably from place to place.

I have fished all over the world and had many long conversations with flight staff as to why my best travel fishing rods weren’t dangerous.

In the end, I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle, so every time I fly, my best travel fishing rods and reel go in my cart or check-in bag with the rest of my fishing gear. 

A Multiple Piece Rod Or Telescopic Fishing Rod, Which Is Best? 

As we have discussed, there are two types of travel fishing rods to choose from; a multiple piece spinning travel rod or a telescopic fishing rod, so which is best? 

Personal Preference

In my opinion, a multiple piece travel spinning rod is always going to be better than a telescopic fishing rod.

A telescopic fishing rod is prone to issues and doesn’t usually have a multiple piece rod’s quality. 

They tend to collapse while you’re fishing and due to the inferior quality, little annoying things like the guides popping out or the mechanism breaking end up affecting your fishing.

This is especially annoying if you have traveled around the globe to fish an amazing spot. 

To Each Their Own

That being said, telescopic rods are useful as backpacking fishing tackle , as they pack down a bit smaller than multiple piece rods and will slot into your backpack or tackle box easier.

In the end, it’s a personal choice.

What Makes The Best Travel Fishing Rod? 

There are several factors that make up the best travel fishing rods and we’ll run through them below. If you only plan on owning one, the key is versatility, and here is why. 

What Are You Fishing For? 

If the world was your oyster and money no object, where would you take your fishing trip?

The list is probably growing in your head as you dream of all the species you’d love to experience and the beautiful places they live in.

In the end, it’s a long list and the last thing you want is your fishing gear to hold you back.

Versatility

With this in mind, you’re going to want a travel fishing rod that can handle your fishing style and a solid variety of species and environments.

This means it needs to be light enough to enjoy catching smaller fish and heavy enough to target some bigger ones and handle saltwater too.

What we are looking for is a travel fishing kit that sits in the middle of the spectrum and will survive in saltwater. 

Materials 

Like all other rods, travel rods are can come in carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass construction or.perhaps a combination of these.

Fiberglass construction in travel rods is rare and most of the travel fishing rods you’ll find will be made of graphite or carbon fiber. 

Carbon Fiber and Graphite

Both carbon fiber and graphite are excellent rod materials for a travel fishing rod.

They are light, strong, cast well, and give a great all-round performance when you’re fishing. High density carbon fiber is a little bit more expensive and responsive than graphite but it is a little hard to tell when you’re using them, so the difference is negligible. If you’re a pro you may notice and want to go for carbon over graphite. 

Rod Length 

The ideal length of a good travel fishing rod kit depends on what you’re looking to catch and where your fishing trip is.

But when it comes to looking for an all-rounder which you can fish for multiple species with, you’ll want to look for a fishing rod kit around 8ft long.

This will give your spinning travel rod enough gusto to cast a few lures far and handle larger fish while still being delicate enough to fish for any smaller species. 

Rod Action 

The action of a fishing rod describes where the pole will bend under pressure.

Slow action rods bend near the butt, medium action rods in the middle, and fast action near the tip. 

Ideal Action

The top travel fishing poles are fast action or medium-fast action rods.

They not only increase your casting distance and accuracy but are also much more sensitive. The extra sensitivity allows you to feel how your fishing lures are doing and notice every little bite that comes along, making your fishing more successful. 

Power 

The power rating of a fishing pole dictates how thick and robust the rod is, and therefore how stiff the rod is.

The rating scale goes from ultralight to extra-heavy, ultralight for very small fish and extra-heavy for monsters or casting heavy fishing lures. A spinnerbait rod will, quite obviously, work best with a spinnerbait lure as that particular rods power will be designed with those lures in mind.

Ideal Power

The best travel rod will have a medium or medium-heavy power rating.

This will give it the strength to catch larger fish while still letting you feel the pull of smaller species, giving you the all-around option we are looking for. 

The weight of any rod has an impact on your fishing. Heavy rods make you tired when you’re casting all day.

You can feel the ache in your arm and notice your patience and enthusiasm start to dwindle. As a rule, you want to choose the lightest rod possible for your specific needs. 

Consider Other Factors First

The weight of a travel fishing pole should be the last thing you look at.

It is best to try to tick all the boxes we have mentioned above first, and then use the weight to make your final decision.

This way, you get a rod that will get the job done, and the lightest version of it, saving your casting arm and maintaining both your patience and enthusiasm. 

The best travel fishing kit will come with a rod case that the rod slots neatly into and protects it on its journey to new adventurous fishing grounds.

Going on fishing adventures without a rod case is suicide for your travel fishing rod, as it will break unless you’re cuddling on the plane.

In case you have plans to bring kids along with you on your fishing travels. These rods for kids are great to start learning the basics with.

TIP If the rod you choose doesn’t come with a rod tube, not to worry, you can buy a case that will fit to give you peace of mind while you’re traveling with it.

Let’s have a quick recap of the top three picks…

Best All-Rounder

If you’re looking for a great all-round travel pole that you can rely on and doesn’t break the bank, then the Okuma Citrix is the way to go.

Strong, durable, sensitive with the capacity to target everything from small freshwater species to punchy inshore ones too, it’s one of the best travel spinning rods to take on your fishing trip around the world.

If good value is your game and you’re on a budget, the Goture Exceed is the best travel spinning rod for you. Incredibly affordable while being high-quality, it truly is a bargain. It’ll go far if you practice proper fishing rod maintenance .

The Exceed does all the basics well and can handle both saltwater and freshwater fishing, making the world your oyster.

If it was me, I’d buy the Daiwa Ardito spinning fishing rod.

The Ardito is the best travel performer out of all the rods in the review and for this reason is one of the most expensive travel rods.

The balance of power and sensitivity with the Ardito is second to none, along with its awesome casting action and versatility, it’s hard to go wrong with this and if you pair it with the right gear, you’ll have a great rod and reel combo.

Thanks for reading my review and I hope you like it.

Please share this review to your fishing buddies who might find this helpful.

And don’t forget to read my other articles. There are many to choose from, like the “ Best Pen Fishing Rods “, “ Best Flipping Poles “, or “Bass Fishing Tips”. Feel free to check them out.

Lance Wilkins

Editor @ CallOutdoors. Outdoor gear-head and adventure addict. I fish, camp and enjoy to writing about my adventures.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 7 Best Backpacking Fishing Poles of [year] (Ranked and Reviewed)

Top 5 best kids fishing pole reviews ([year] buyer's guide), you may also like, top 5 best trout fishing rod of 2024 (buyer’s guide).

• September 11, 2020
• No comments

What’s The Best Fishing Pole For Beginners? (2024 Buyer’s Guide)

• April 21, 2022

Top 7 Best Saltwater Reels of 2024 (Buyer’s Guide)

• April 13, 2022

Best Fishing Pliers Review 2024: A Must Have Fishing Tool

• June 2, 2022

Top 8 Best Fishing Paddle Board Review (2024 Buyer’s Guide)

• June 28, 2021

Fishing Rod Length 101: In-Depth Guide To Choosing The Ideal Rod

• September 30, 2021

Travel Fishing Rods

We make buying travel rods online easy. A travel fishing rod is ideal for the frequent traveler who makes fishing part of their escape whenever he or she can. The problem is most rods are too big to fit on an airplane. If you’re flying, bringing a dedicated travel rod makes a lot of sense. There are versions that are cheap, relatively inexpensive and high end. Travel rod prices are not as high as you think and they come in their own case that can fit in your suitcase or be stored in the overhead compartment.

Travel rods for sale at J & H include major brands: St. Croix, Dark Matter and Okuma. Each of these manufacturers offers travel rods at prices that won’t break the bank.

If you're buying a travel rod online or in the store you should know that they come in three or four pieces that you can easily put together. No tools necessary! These three pieces are designed in such a way that, irrespective of the price of the travel rod, cheap or expensive, they will feel great in your hand as if they are a one-piece rod.

Of course, travel rods are sold without reels so make sure you factor that into the price. You might think the price seems cheap but adding. Most reels are sold without a case so make sure you buy a protective neoprene case. This can then be stored in a carry-on bag or in your luggage. Before traveling make sure the airline lets you bring a reel with line on it onto the plane. There have been instances where they have not. In this case you will have to put it in your suitcase.

St Croix Avid Trek Travel Spinning Rods

St Croix Triumph Surf Travel Spinning Rods

St Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rods

St Croix Legend Trek Travel Casting Rods

Dark Matter Bonefish Plus Travel Spinning Rods

St Croix Legend Trek Travel Spinning Rods

Calpak Review: Is the Popular Luggage Worth The Hype?

We've put some of the most popular styles from Calpak to the test. These are the picks that we think are worth buying.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If you're anything like me and want to travel in style but still need luggage that's going to hold up to your frequent flyer status, look no further than Calpak.

As an analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , I test and write about all kinds of luggage — from carry-ons to checked bags , hardside suitcases to softside styles — and I can't get enough of Calpak's pieces, and neither can many of my fellow GH analysts and editors as well as our consumer testers . We've taken the brand's luggage on our own vacations, and it regularly stands out as a top performer in our Lab tests, beating out popular pieces from other well-known brands.

Read on to learn more about some of the most popular pieces Calpak offers and our honest insights into why we think they're worth the investment.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

The sleek and sturdy hardsided suitcases of Calpak's Ambeur collection are designed with wheels that roll effortlessly over carpet, tile and wood floor. Each piece is lightweight with comfortable carrying handles that make it easy to lift, so I don't have to worry about holding up the line when I'm loading my suitcase into the overhead bin on a plane. The polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite material held up well in our drop tests without dents but did show more surface-level scratches than other suitcases we've tested, so there's a possibility you may notice some scuffs and marks after retrieving your bag from the luggage carousel.

I love the interior of the carry-on bag, which unzips to two primary packing compartments: one side with a full zippered panel and another with compression straps to secure your belongings in place. There are plenty of organizational features like two zippered mesh pockets and a removable mesh toiletries bag, and as a self-proclaimed over-packer, I'm especially fond of the 2-inch expansion system so I can fill the suitcase with my favorite vacation clothes and shoes and still have room for souvenirs.

Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

Puffy padding is totally on-trend right now, and Calpak gets it. The brand's Luka collection includes this cute softside carry-on that has a special tapered design to help keep it upright when you stuff it full of your belongings. The carry-on is on the smaller side, so it's not ideal for a long trip, but it's perfect for a weekend getaway or to hold your travel must-haves if you're checking a larger bag. I'm a fan of the two outer pockets that take some of the stress out of the TSA line. Instead of digging through your bag for your laptop or boarding pass, there's a larger front pocket that's equipped to hold a 17-inch laptop and a smaller side pocket that can fit your passport and ID.

Inside, you'll find one main packing compartment with secure compression straps and elasticized mesh pockets built into the lid for more organization. The suitcase is made with a smooth polyester material that should be easy to wipe clean after a long trip. It's equipped with 360-spinner wheels and padded handles to make rolling the bag through a busy airport a little easier.

Duffels and backpacks

Calpak luka duffel.

Just as chic as its carry-on counterpart, Calpak's Luka duffel is a favorite of GH analysts and editors and is our number one pick for weekender bags . The trendy duffel fits everything you need for a short trip, and when we packed it with a weekend's worth of clothing, accessories and toiletries, there was room to spare. There's a separate shoe compartment, water bottle pocket and a zippered outer pocket to easily access your essentials. You'll find even more elastic and zippered pockets inside to stash smaller items.

The padded shoulder straps are comfortable to throw over your shoulder and don't dig in (pictured here). There's a removable crossbody strap too. If you don't want to lug around a bag while you're on the go, you'll find the luggage strap on this duffel to be especially handy. Simply slide the luggage sleeve over your suitcase's telescopic handle, and you can roll it around on top of your suitcase. One GH analyst who brought this duffel on a weekend trip noticed some unraveling at the seams around the luggage sleeve, but it remained in great shape overall. The material was easy to wipe clean, and it's water-resistant to keep your things dry, even if you're traveling in wet weather.

Calpak Terra Large 50L Duffel Backpack

Perfect for your next adventure, this travel backpack is made of a laminated polyester ripstop material that's rugged and water resistant. The straps are padded for a more comfortable feel, and there's a sternum strap for extra support. The versatile backpack actually doubles as a duffel bag — just unbuckle the backpack straps, tuck them away and attach the crossbody strap to carry it over your shoulder. And it even has a luggage sleeve to slide over the handle of your favorite suitcase (pictured here).

Because the sides and bottom of the backpack aren't structured, you're able to fill it with everything you need, but that means it's also easy to overstuff, which can make it difficult to zip or become too heavy, causing the straps to dig into your shoulders. When you're packing the backpack, you'll find that it's completely full of organizational features — inside and out. There are small, zippered pockets on the outside of the bag to stow away your travel necessities, a water bottle pocket on the side and buckles to attach items you may not be able to fit inside, such as a travel blanket or poncho. Inside, there's a padded laptop pocket, along with compression straps and additional mesh zippered pockets.

Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

If you're traveling for business or want something a little chicer, Calpak's Kaya laptop backpack is for you. This streamlined style is a favorite of GH analysts and editors, earning a top spot as our best work backpack . It's made of faux leather and features elegant details like gold hardware for the zippers and pulls, a rectangular shape and stitched trim. It's available in a collection of seven core colors like grey, black and navy, along with nearly 20 bold limited hues like lavender, bronze and emerald. The straps are thin and unpadded, so they can start to feel uncomfortable with extended wear, and I find the bag is best to use for a shorter commute.

To relieve the stress on your shoulders, there's a luggage sleeve that you can slide over your suitcase handle for easy transport. The backpack is equally as practical as it is stylish and can hold a significant amount of your belongings, including a 15-inch laptop, and there are a lot of small pockets inside for sunglasses, pens and notebooks.

Travel accessories

Calpak packing cubes set (5 pieces).

I bring packing cubes with me on every single trip I take, even when I'm just carrying a backpack or weekender bag. These from Calpak help me keep all my belongings organized and easy to access on my journey and once I reach my destination , so I don't have to rummage through my suitcase to find what I'm looking for. They're not compressive like some of Calpak's other packing cubes , so they do take up more room in my bag than some other styles I've tried. That said, they feature breathable mesh details that help clothes to feel fresh, even after they've been shoved in a bag for days.

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

Another one of our staffers' favorites, Calpak's large toiletries case will hold everything you need, including some full-size products. At $95, this isn't the most affordable option on the market, but it's designed with thoughtful details like carrying handles, metal feet to keep it upright and a mesh pocket inside for your smaller items. The transparent case makes it easy to show your liquids during TSA screenings, and you can clearly see everything you packed without having to spend forever digging around to find it. The PVC material also makes it a breeze to wipe clean when your makeup or skincare products inevitably leak in your bag.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The 14 Best White T-Shirts for Women

In-Depth Shibumi Shade Review

Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washers

Seed Probiotic Review

Is a Colugo Stroller Worth It?

The Best Wine Fridges

The Best Upholstery Cleaners

The Best Smart Bird Feeders

The Best Swimsuits for Big Busts

The Best Bras for a Large Bust

The Best Eco-Friendly Household Cleaners

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

These Are the 9 Best Luggage Sets, According to a Travel Expert

Get ready to jet-set with thoughtfully considered luggage pieces you'll love.

When investing in a luggage set, Liles likes to take an economical and practical approach. She shares, "I always try to remind myself about the 'cost per wear' rule, which is when you divide the cost of a product by the amount of times that you'll wear it. While you're not necessarily wearing your suitcase, quality luggage should last a substantial amount of time, which is worth an investment." She adds, "I wouldn't say that an expensive luggage set will transform the way that you travel though, because I think that the most important factors are quality and functionality. Finding a trustworthy brand who stands behind their products, producing durable luggage with good wheels, does not have to break the bank."

Read on to discover the best luggage sets approved by Liles, along with some of VERANDA editor favorites.

Away Luggage Set

If you've been in the market for luggage, this is likely not the first time you've heard of Away. The brand has garnered a lot of buzz in recent years, and several VERANDA editors can be spotted sporting their Away luggage while traveling.

"Away luggage is durable, chic and absolutely worth the investment," says Deputy Digital Editor Jaime Milan. She adds, "Mine has stood the test of time without any dings, scratches or cuts—and I travel a lot!"

The Carry-On bag (pictured) pairs beautifully with The Medium or The Large check in luggage for a thoughtful set.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $610 to $660 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Away

Aviator set plus.

Looking for a more sustainable way to pack? Look no further than Paravel for a travel set that goes green in more ways than one. Liles loves this set and even sells them at her Alabama shop which she co-owns with Ragan Stone .

"One of the reasons that I love Paravel is because the brand has really succeeded in tying design and sustainability together," Liles shares. "Their suitcases have a very elevated look, with leather trim on each piece of luggage, but they are also very dedicated to using recycled materials and offsetting emissions"

What to know about Paravel

July trunk set.

For those who would rather travel sans zipper, this set from Australian travel brand July is just for you. The brand has designed trunks for the modern era, with a matte polycarbonate shell that can withstand the stress of today's air travel.

What reviewers say: "Not only beautiful but also sturdy. I love the trunk design as it saves space in hotel rooms and no zip to worry about breaking. You can lean the top part of the opened suitcase against a wall so it halves the space compared to a traditional suitcase style. Highly recommend."

What to know about July

Ambeur hardshell suitcase set.

Want the beauty of an aluminum suitcase without all the worry? The stunning metallic-looking designs of Calpak are precisely what you need. The bags have a polycarbonate shell, which is much more resistant to bumps and scrapes than aluminum, and the set is complete with a TSA-approved lock that will keep your items secure.

What to know about Calpak

Lipault luggage set.

During her travels to Paris, Liles took note of the ultra-French brand Lipault as a good option for those who prefer softer luggage. Inspired by Parisian style, these bags are as sleek and chic as they come and are built to last.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $540 to $574 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Lipault

The luggage set.

"Carl Friedrik's main focus for their luggage is durability and longevity, offering a lifetime warranty, which I think speaks volumes for their dedication to their consumers and products," Liles says. "Not to mention, their suitcases are extremely sleek and suit both men and women."

The handsome, well-crafted designs of Carl Friedrik ooze style for the traveling tastemaker.

What to know about Carl Friedrik

The diplomat luggage set.

Designed for the classic traveler, collections from the chic brand Steamline Luggage are so beautifully made the brand had to make it onto the list. The collection full of classic luggage pieces (including a hatbox !) is available in a variety of colors and styles.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $1,340 to $1,865 for a two-piece set at full price. The full collection is $4,075

What to know about Steamline Luggage

Béis luggage set.

Founded by actress Shay Mitchell, Béis luggage packs a whole lot of star power into its thoughtfully crafted luggage. The brand's weight limit indicator handle has caught the attention of quite a few travelers and has a bit of a cult following thanks to its innovative design.

To purchase a bundle set, head to the brand's luggage set page , where you can choose up to three rolling bags of your choice. When you buy the pieces together, you can save 15%.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $446.40 to $518.40 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Béis

Freeform 2 piece set.

Samsonite has earned the trust of travelers across generations, and luggage sets like this one demonstrate why the brand remains so beloved. This set of two Samsonite bags has anything a traveler could need: a good set of rolling wheels, a TSA-approved locking system and space for both clothes and other personal items.

What to know about Samsonite

.css-1plnxtr{color:#0a0736;font-family:avenirbold,avenirbold-roboto,avenirbold-local,helvetica,arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1plnxtr{font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1plnxtr{font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1plnxtr{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-1plnxtr b,.css-1plnxtr strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1plnxtr em,.css-1plnxtr i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} why trust veranda.

For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best.

Mary Alice Russell (she/her) is the assistant market editor for VERANDA. She composes gift guides and stories about style, design, decor, shopping, markets, and trends. Currently attempting to master the art of needlepoint, Mary Alice loves creating, baking and discovering hidden treasures like sea glass or the perfect chai latte.

Our Editors' Favorite Luxury Bedding Sets

The12 Best Garment Bags, According to a Travel Pro

21 Luxury Items to Buy from Amazon's Spring Sale

The 15 Best Design Books to Buy in 2024

Chairish’s Biggest Sale of the Year is Here

The Best Mother's Day Gifts for Your Wife in 2024

80 Best Luxury Gifts for Women 2024

40 Fabulous Mother's Day Gift Ideas

The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Pieces of 2024

40 Best Gifts for Artists

The 15 Best Travel Purses to Carry You in Style

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Best way to secure luggage when flying into Moscow - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

Best way to secure luggage when flying into Moscow

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

Thank for your answer..

I have another question...

Sorry, I don't understand anything...

I wrote in spanish

Tengo que tomar el transiberiano en la estacion de Yaroslav, el tren parte a las 16.00 hs - Antes estare en Petersburgo. Me pregunto si tomando en Petersburgo un tren a las 12 .00 y llegando a Moscu a las 9 de la mañana estare bien con el tiempo-

La estacion Yaroslavsky (para Trans-Sib) y estacion Leningradsky (para Petersburgo) estan literalmente lado a lado.

Bolshoe cpacibo!!!!!!!

yes they can only be opened with a key in the states

Domodedovo airport has a few vendors available that will shrink wrap your bag. It looks very odd but I can see the value in it. It won't stop a determind theif, but it will stop casual theft or someone with a limited time window to get in to your luggage.

I personally use the zip/cable ties. I also never had a problem with any of my luggage going through SVO or DME and I bring a lot back and forth.

• Union Pay debit card yesterday
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter yesterday
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
• about clothes Feb 27, 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
• Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
• Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
• Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
• Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
• Are shops and things closed during Christmas and New Week ? Dec 15, 2023
• Traveling to Eastern Russia Nov 17, 2023
• Travel to russia september 2023 tips welcome Oct 17, 2023
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• New year's in moscow 8 replies
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
• Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
• ATM Access 12 replies
• Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies
• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Trends + Deals We Love

We Found Black Friday-Level Prices on Luggage, Crossbody Bags, and Comfy Sneakers — Save Up to 66%

From brands like Steve Madden, Samsonite, and Coach.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

Between spring break, summer vacations, and out-of-town weddings, the next few months are typically packed with travel. While buying resort-ready clothes and accessories can be fun, planning for a trip also means making sure you’re prepared with the essentials like sturdy luggage and comfortable shoes. 

If you’ve found yourself in need of either, Macy’s marked down luggage, shoes, and designer handbags up to 66 percent off during its huge VIP sale . Get up to 50 percent off Samsonite luggage and an additional 30 percent off select shoes and designer handbags with code VIP . This sale ends on Sunday, April 7, but we recommend shopping early before styles and sizes sell out. Below, we rounded up our top luggage and shoe deals. 

Luggage and Shoe Deals at Macy’s 

• Calvin Klein Lyam Lace-Up Round Toe Casual Sneakers , $70 (originally $99)
• Steve Madden Campo Retro Lace-Up Jogger Sneakers , $63 (originally $89)
• Easy Spirit Merci Round Toe Casual Lace-Up Sneakers , $45 (originally $79)
• Easy Spirit Barbeau Round Toe Lace-Up Sneakers, $50 (originally $89)
• Coach Runner "C" Lace Up Jogger Sneakers , $137 (originally $195)
• Nine West Bask Round Toe Lace-Up Casual Sneakers , $60 (originally $85)
• Samsonite Silhouette 17 Split Case Duffel , $149 (originally $440)
• Samsonite Elevation Plus Destination Backpack , $90 (originally $240)
• Samsonite Silhouette 17 25-Inch Check-in Expandable Hardside Spinner , $237 (originally $700)
• Samsonite Spin Tech 5 29-Inch Check-In Spinner , $162 (originally $480)
• Karl Lagerfeld Paris Maybelle Crossbody , $106 (originally $178)

Steve Madden Campo Retro Lace-Up Jogger Sneakers

Shoes can take up a lot of packing space, so having a pair that can be worn with dresses, athleisure, or jeans that are also comfortable enough to walk around in all day can make a huge difference. One shopper said these Steve Madden sneakers are “super comfortable” and “very dressy at the same time,” while another person shared that they’ve “received so many compliments” on them. 

Samsonite Spin Tech 5 29-Inch Check-In Spinner

This Samsonite 29-inch suitcase has eight spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, an expander zipper, and an easy hook to easily transport a carry-on bag. Shoppers say this bag is “extremely resistant,” “holds a very large volume of clothes,” and is “easy to maneuver” in the airport. It’s available in five colors and TK percent off during Macy’s VIP sale.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Maybelle Crossbody

Designer bags are also included in the sale, and this Karl Lagerfeld Paris Maybelle Crossbody is a must-have style for travel. Shoppers agree, with one customer saying that the “strap is comfortable” on their “shoulder and neck” after wearing the bag “all day.” They also added that it “holds a lot more” than “expected.” If you’re looking for a new purse that can hold all of your essentials while still being compact enough for travel, this 40 percent-off Karl Lagerfeld crossbody is an ideal option. 

For more luggage and sneaker styles, keep scrolling to shop on-sale pieces from Macy’s VIP sale .

Samsonite Elevation Plus Destination Backpack

Calvin klein lyam lace-up round toe casual sneakers, samsonite silhouette 17 25-inch check-in expandable hardside spinner.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

See More T+L Shopping Deals

United Airlines bag policy: What you can carry on and how much it costs to check luggage

Following the lead of American Airlines , United Airlines has raised the cost of checking bags.

Under the updated United Airlines baggage policy , the cost to check a bag is now $40 for the first bag ($35 if paid online at least 24 hours before the flight) and $50 for the second bag ($45 if prepaid online) for flights within the U.S.

United's checked bag fees were previously $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.

The cost of checking bags for international travel depends on the destination. For example, it also costs $40 for the first bag and $50 for the second bag for travel to and from Canada and Mexico.

Here's what to know about United Airlines' baggage policy.

How much does United charge for checked bags?

For domestic travel, United Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second checked bag. The fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag if you pay online at least 24 hours before your flight.

The fees are the same for international destinations in the Americas such as Canada and Mexico, as well as the Caribbean. However, The Arizona Republic found there was no discount to prepay for checked bags for flights to and from Canada when we used United's Bag Fee Calculator to price the cost of checking luggage for Phoenix-Toronto and Phoenix-Calgary itineraries.

Does United Economy include a checked bag?

United Economy fares do not include a checked bag.

Can I bring a carry-on with United Economy?

United's Economy and Economy Plus fares include one free carry-on that can go in the overhead bin plus a personal item. United Basic Economy fares permit one personal item that fits under the seat. Carry-on sized bags must be checked.

Are prepaid baggage fees refundable on United?

Passengers may be able to get refunds for checked luggage if they prepay for more bags than they check, or if their flight is cancelled, according to United.

How can I get a free checked bag on United Airlines?

Certain fare classes and loyalty program tiers include free checked bags on United.

Members of United's MileagePlus rewards program who have MileagePlus Premier status can check at least one bag for free, and the number of free bags depends on their tier. To reach the minimum Premier level, Premier Silver (one free checked bag), passengers must either take 12 qualifying flights and earn 4,000 qualifying points or earn 5,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.

United Explorer Card credit card holders, plus a companion, get one free checked bag when they purchase their plane tickets with that card. The credit card has an introductory annual fee of $0, which increases to $95 annually after the first year.

Active U.S. military members with ID and their dependents can check up to two bags free for personal travel and up to five bags free when traveling on military orders, according to United.

What is United Airlines' baggage allowance?

The baggage weight allowance on United depends on a passenger's fare class and MileagePlus status. For economy and premium economy passengers, checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less. Fees for overweight bags start at $200.

First class passengers, business class passengers and MileagePlus Premier members can check bags that weigh up to 70 pounds.

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and crutches are free to check regardless of size and weight.

How many bags does United Airlines allow for free?

United Airlines passengers may board with one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.

What is the carry-on size restriction for United?

Carry-on bags can measure no more than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

What is the personal item size restriction for United?

The size limit for personal items, which include purses, small handbags, backpacks and laptop bags, is 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.

Does United allow a backpack and carry-on?

If you have a carry-on bag, you can also bring a backpack as long as it meets the size limit for a personal item, which is 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high. Passengers may not bring two carry-on size bags.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags?

No weight limits for carry-on bags are noted in United's carry-on bag policies. Carry-on bags and personal items within the size limits can fly regardless of weight as long as the carry-on can fit in the overhead bin and the personal item can fit under the seat.

New security technology: Self-service TSA screening is being tested in Las Vegas

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

Trending Now