Durable but light fly rod tube for backpacking
- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated Mar 7, 2008 at 6:05 am by
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To set the context of this post… I’m one of those ounce counting backpackers who loves to fish when in the backcountry but hates to carry heavy loads (those > 35 pounds). So any ounces (they add up to pounds you know!) I can get rid of means I’m able to hike more hours per day and for longer distances. At present my base weight (does not include food or water) for my pack is around 15-17 pounds for extended trips in the late fall or early spring.
In the past I’ve used fluorescent lamp guards for fly rod tubes like this: http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=275&PHPSESSID=20080227205242276695606 which I cut to the length of my fly rod and used the provided caps. While not as nice as the Backpacking Light ultralight fishing rod case: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ultralight_fishing_fly_rod_case.html both options are insufficient for younger (read – less careful) fly fishers (e.g. my son) or for significant bushwhacking. In my opinion their wall thickness is a bit too thin.
Therefore, I’ve been searching for the right material which provides a better balance between strength and weight. I wanted to share with you my results and conclusions. I was able to acquire sample material from Home Depot (lamp guards), Small Parts (clear polycarbonate tubing)
When I pack-in fish, I’m usually only going in 3-5 miles then fishing from there the rest of the trip.
Lightweight backpacking….now your talking about something I know a little about. I also use the flourescent bulb tubes from the Depot. Just curious……did you weight a regular aluminum tube? The screw on cap is pretty heavy so if you scrap that…..the weight would probably come down considerably.
Great report Brian…..thanks for the info.
BTW…don’t want to hijack your thread but Gossamer Gear just released their new one-pound tent:
I also do the sock thing, and I put the rod in the pack butt-side up, so if I hit a tree snag, the butt will prevent the rod from getting blown up.
interesting thread subject. you now, if you really wanted to shed some weight with your fishing gear, leave the reel at home LOL. or go with a very light and small magnesium reel.
i went on a week long hike along the JMT a couple of summers ago. i wrapped up a new rod 2 days prior. an 8 foot 6piece 3wt. i used single foot wire guides, small wraps, small cap and ring reel seat, light wood insert. i wasn’t trying to be lightweight though. for a rod tube, a buddy donated the clear plastic tube an echo rod of his was packaged in (not sure of the material). it had black plastic caps. i cut it down to fit my rod and stashed it along the outside of my pack. the overstuffed pack stuck out enough around the edges i think to protect the tube from catching on things. on day hikes, the tube fits into my camelbak pack.
“In my opinion their wall thickness is a bit too thin. ” but do you KNOW it’s too thin for protection? have you had problems in the past with punctures? my clear plastic tube stuffed with the 6 pc rod sections and rod bag feels very stiff and protective to me. hopefully i’ll not have any problems.
thanks for the info and links. very interesting.
eric
fresno, ca.….and to further cloud the lightweight backapck waters…..check out Granite Gear:
http://www.granitegear.com/Index.html
I have the Vapor Trail and really like it……3600 c.i. and weighing in at 2 pounds. Retail $160
I’ve tested it exstensively in the Smokies, Yellowstone and the Beartooths with no complaints.
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