Every traveling angler needs a reliable system for safely transporting their rods and reels. While duct-taping a few rod tubes together and wrapping your reel cases in t-shirts will probably get your gear from A to B in one piece, the benefits of a mindfully designed fly rod and reel case are undoubtedly worth it. Not only does a quality travel case ensure your rods and reels are safe from damage, but it’s also an invaluable tool for keeping your gear nicely organized and conveniently separated from the rest of your packing list. With a little practice, your fly rod and reel travel case can be dialed in to perfectly accommodate your equipment list and packing style for any fishy adventure, near or far.
How We Tested
Testing was quite straightforward for this piece. We pulled together a few different adventure anglers and simply laid out the top travel cases on the market in front of them. We came up with a few different packing lists for a few different theoretical fishing trips, and went to work loading up each respective rod and reel case to get a sense of which travel systems excelled at what. Determining each product’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of what they can logistically pack wasn’t difficult after playing around with various gear lists.
Testing how each travel case performed out in the wild was also quite simple. Each rod and reel case was put through the paces on various road trips, international adventures, and more casual local outings, so we got a tight pulse on how each system physically carries from the garage to the airport terminal as well as how each holds up to the regular abuses of travel. Unsurprisingly, we discovered some travel cases are more suited for weekend getaways to your favorite stream than they are for far-flung expeditions to off-grid destinations. Like so much other essential fly fishing gear, selecting the right rod and reel travel case for you has everything to do with your personal fishing style, travel plans, and preferences, so let’s get into it.
Best Overall: Riversmith Travel Pack
Best Overall
Riversmith Travel Pack
Key Features:
- Capacity: Accommodates up to eight rods up to 10 feet in their socks, or up to three tubes
- Dimensions: 33 x 12 x 7.25 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
Pros:
- Designed to be a high-capacity, all-in-one solution for both luggage and fishing gear
- Deployable, padded, and breathable backpack straps and back panel enable hands-free carry
- A larger-sized compartment can accommodate bulkier items such as wading boots
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Fairly expensive option
- May or may not satisfy carry-on requirements depending on the airline
Traveling anglers who are seeking a one-pack-fits-all solution for loading up both their luggage and fly fishing rods, reels, and gear need look no further than the Travel Pack by Riversmith. Designed to carry up to eight fly rods, along with a plethora of reels, clothing, and other gear, this is the ultimate system for high-capacity, ultra-organized fishing travel.
Measuring only 33 by 12 by 7.25 inches and weighing a mere 6 pounds, Riversmith has engineered a remarkably portable travel system here, considering its extensive packing capacity. Equipped with deployable backpack straps in addition to an ergonomic carry handle, the Travel Pack enables you to transport the entirety of your fly fishing gear hands-free. The breathable foam back panel and strapping also help you stay one step ahead of the heat if traveling to tropical destinations.
The length of the designated rod compartment also accommodates four-piece rods up to 10 feet long, so that you can pack those longer nymphing rods without issue. If bringing along a four-piece rod tube or two is important to you, the rod compartment can stow a few tubes at the expense of lowering total rod capacity. The Travel Pack unfortunately cannot accommodate rod tubes intended for 10-foot rods, so you’ll have to sock any rods longer than 9.5 feet.
While it depends on the fishing trip/gear list at hand, we can confirm this pack can transport everything you need to arrive at your destination and start fishing. If you’re embarking on an especially gear and apparel-heavy trip that calls for loads of outerwear, base layers, and foul-weather gear, then chances are the Travel Pack will fall short. Tropical trips that demand nothing more than casting shirts, a wet wading wardrobe, and a packable rain jacket in addition to your fishing gear will, however, fall well within the Travel Pack’s capacity.
The feature-rich design also includes quality lockable aluminum zipper pulls, a transparent sleeve for an ID card on the back panel, and a three-sided continuous strap handle for easy retrieval at the baggage claim or boat ramp. While the price point is indeed a bit steep here, rest assured, you’re absolutely getting more than your money’s worth.
Best Carry-On/Best Lightweight: Fishpond Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case
Best Carry-on/Best Lightweight
Fishpond Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case
Key Features:
- Capacity: Accommodates up to four nine-foot rods in their socks
- Dimensions: 31 x 10 x 5 inches
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
Pros:
- Most airlines will allow this bag to be classified as a carry-on
- Minimalist, streamlined design perfect for grab-and-go trips
- Fishpond’s soft goods are covered with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Cannot accommodate rods longer than nine feet or standard rod tubes for nine-foot rods
- Large arbor reels must be placed flat rather than upright within the storage dividers
Traveling anglers seeking a straightforward grab-and-go solution to safely packing rods and reels will be thrilled to learn about the Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case. Built to carry and pack, this nifty travel case is not quite as barebones as it might initially seem.
Able to stash up to four rods in their socks up to nine feet long, all paired with reels and an extra spool, the Dakota Carry-On’s capacity is impressive for its smaller-sized profile and lower weight. If you don’t fully load them with reels and spools, the adjustable, padded, and removable interior dividers can also be used to accommodate other sensitive gear, such as fly boxes, electronics, and sunglasses. It’s a bit snug in there compared to some of the larger dimension carry cases on the market, but if you’re traveling with solely nine-foot rods, you’ll likely find that there’s plenty of room for the essentials and appreciate the overall smaller footprint. Unfortunately, your rods will have to be packed in their socks, as the rod compartment is a smidge too short to accommodate a standard four-piece, nine-foot rod tube.
One of my favorite features of the Dakota Carry-On is the inclusion of three external, laminated see-through mesh pockets in addition to three interior mesh pockets. While the outer pockets don’t have a ton of depth and are not padded in any way, they’re perfect for tucking in a few extra spools of tippet, a couple of packs of indicators, and other gear that won’t mind getting banged around a bit. It’s also worth reserving one of the three external pockets for stashing your passport, travel documents, and other on-hand essentials you don’t want to go digging for once you’re on the move, or already embarked. There’s even an additional see-through external pocket for an identification card with your personal info, in case it is lost during travel.
Equipped with an ergonomic carry handle and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap as well as a waterproof, molded bottom, you can travel from the airport to the lodge, to the boat with unencumbered confidence. All of our testers also agreed that the Dakota Carry-On features an aesthetically sharp look, so packing and traveling with your fly fishing gear has never looked so classy, no matter how much of a trout bum or bonefish vagabond you might be.
Best for Long Travel: Orvis Carry-It-All Bag (Large)
Best for Long Travel
Orvis Carry-It-All Bag (Large)
Key Features:
- Capacity: Accommodates up to six rods up to 11 feet in their socks
- Dimensions: 36 x 8 x 5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
Pros:
- Can accommodate longer rod lengths up to 11 feet
- Great interior organization potential
- Extra dividers are available for purchase at a reasonable price point
- Lifetime guarantee against defects in manufacturing and materials
Cons:
- Larger dimensions may or may not be cleared as carry-on sized, depending on the airline
- Zipper pulls are advertised as lockable, but are not built very tough, in our opinion
The Orvis Carry-It-All Bag might not be the highest capacity rod and reel case on the market, but we still feel it’s the best option for long travel based on its mindful internal and external schematic, ample capacity for longer rods and larger pieces of gear, and overall quality of build. If you’re embarking on an especially long fishing trip, chances are you’re not going to be able to fit all of your luggage and fishing gear into one bag. A full send to chase fish in faraway lands with all the bells and whistles means you’re going to need to come extra-prepared, so having a designated rod, reel, and gear bag is definitely in your best interest. Think of this as your stationary gear locker once you touch down at your destination—it’s perfect for keeping all of your rod setups, flies, and assorted gear nice and tidy and at the ready.
The larger-sized Carry-It-All Bag offers a generous amount of space for loading up to six rods in their socks up to an impressive 11 feet in length, so unless you’re packing particularly long switch or spey setups, you should be covered here. There are also loads of customizable spaces within the main internal compartment for packing reels, spools, and additional gear, so you can arrange the internal layout to fit your gear list. I can comfortably and coherently pack five rods and reels along with an extra spool or two, a large and small fly box, deck shoes, two pairs of shades, an assortment of tippets and leader materials, pliers, and extra fly lines.
Carrying this rod and reel bag onto your flight might prove tricky due to this bag’s longer length, depending on the airline, so keep this in mind if you’re seeking a travel companion that can stay on your person. Fitting it into an overhead compartment, however, is a breeze if you can convince the airline to allow you on with the bag, so it’s always worth a shot in my opinion. Regarding durability, I feel totally confident waving goodbye to this carry case if airport staff makes me check it. Built from 100% recycled CORDURA® re/cor™ and equipped with reinforced corners, Orvis has engineered this travel bag to take a beating without complaining. That being said, if you refuse to travel without tubing your rods to ensure absolute and total security, you can fit two or three rod tubes in here at the expense of lowering overall rod capacity.
Not to be ignored, the Carry-It-All Bag also includes a handy external zippered pocket that’s perfect for stashing your travel documents, keys, and on-hand essentials, so Orvis has gone the whole nine yards here to really streamline your travel-fishing endeavors.
Most Durable: Sea Run Norfork Expedition Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Travel Case
Most Durable
Sea Run Norfork Case
Key Features:
- Capacity: Accommodates up to six 9.5-foot rods in their socks
- Dimensions: 32 ⅛ x 9 x 6 ⅝ inches
- Weight: 9.3 pounds
Pros:
- Deep compartments accommodate large arbor reels
- Three combination locks ensure your rods stay secure
- Patented rigid ABS construction and interior closed-cell foam provide unparalleled protection
Cons:
- Expensive option
- Interior dividers are not adjustable/customizable
Sea Run Cases is arguably the industry leader in engineering extra-durable, ultra-efficient travel solutions for fly rods, reels, and other gear. If you’re an adventure angler in search of an exceptionally bomb-proof travel case for enduring the most burly and relentlessly gear-abusive expeditions into the unknown, this is the case for you. Period.
By combining the brand’s patented rigid ABS hard-sided construction with interior padding consisting of closed-cell foam typically used in marine applications, this is a wildly tough travel system. Further equipped with three integrated TSA-compliant combination locks and stainless steel hinges for corrosion resistance, this is essentially a portable gun safe for your fly rods, reels, and must-have gear. When it comes to checking luggage on full-send fishing trips and crossing your fingers everything arrives intact, there is no option more reliable than a hard-sided case from Sea Run. The brand even includes a weatherproof case cover that further boosts overall integrity and provides you with a few comfortable carry options.
Perhaps best of all, the interior compartments designated for reels and fly boxes have been designed to accommodate large arbor reels comfortably, so saltwater anglers and big game enthusiasts won’t have a hard time squeezing in even the biggest pieces of hardware. While the dividers are unfortunately set in stone and not adjustable/customizable, Sea Run has very nicely set this case up to maximize your gear load while keeping it tidy. I personally love how the brand has wasted zero space and included some slim compartments on either side of the carry handle for sliding in leaders, fly lines, electronics, nippers/forceps, and various accessories.
The only real downsides here are the higher weight (9.3 pounds) and the price tag ($495), but we found both are negligible when you consider the quality of craftsmanship and the included limited lifetime warranty. Anglers looking to travel with four-piece rods longer than 9.5 feet will, unfortunately, have to go with a different case, so if your rod quiver consists of longer sticks, consider Sea Run’s designated solution, the Spey Travel Case.
Best For Two-Piece Rods: Fishpond Thunderhead Two-Piece Rod & Reel Case
Best for two-Piece Rods
Fishpond Thunderhead Two-Piece Rod & Reel Case
Key Features:
- Capacity: Accommodates two, two-piece rods with their reels attached (segments up to 58.5 inches long)
- Dimensions: 59 x 8 x 6 inches
- Weight: 5.35 pounds
Pros:
- Two external lash tabs for securing to a boat frame
- Can leave your rods fully rigged within the case for easy grab-and-fish access
- Fishpond’s soft goods are covered with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive option considering this carry case only accommodates two rods and reels
- A bit awkward to carry due to the longer length, but that’s the price of traveling with two-piece rods
Two-piece rods with longer segments pose an especially challenging travel hurdle. The Thunderhead Two-Piece Rod & Reel Case offers a safe and easy travel solution for longer rod segments, so bamboo lovers, spey fishermen, and two-piece aficionados can transport their trusty wands with confidence.
Accommodating two, two-piece rods with their reels attached, the Thunderhead Rod & Reel Case has the necessary length to stow rod segments up to a whopping 58.5 inches long. Unfortunately, there’s virtually no room for packing any additional gear, so what you see is what you get with this option. While the Thunderhead is constrained in terms of gear capacity and organization, it’s fortunately not limited solely to use as a travel case.
External lash tabs enable you to secure this system to boat frames, so you can have your rods simply broken down into two pieces, fully rigged and ready to go while actively fishing. Think of it as a half-length rod tube that you can integrate into almost any fishing vessel, so you don’t have to fully break down your rods, detach your reels, or even de-rig your leader and fly. Fishpond also added a Velcro fly patch for pinning a handful of bugs. This is also a great system for keeping a few setups both safely stored and fully rigged in your vehicle, so no more worrying about your assembled rods taking a beating in your hatchback or truck bed.
Designed with a molded end cap and ample interior padding for protecting your reels as well as crushproof rod tube inserts, you can rest assured your rods and hardware will be safe in there. This peace of mind might be especially important for anglers traveling and fishing with vintage or custom two-piece bamboo or fiberglass setups that may not be easy to replace or repair.
Honorable Mentions:
Black Hole Rod Case by Patagonia
A solidly built travel companion from Patagonia, the Black Hole Rod Case accommodates at least five four-piece rods (up to 11 feet) and five reels, along with additional gear. Modular internal storage dividers and two external pockets enable a nice degree of customizable organization, while multiple exterior lash-down points add further versatility. A brilliant feature not typical of this style of travel case, a handy sleeve near the carry handle enables you to slip it through the handle of rolling luggage.
Sea Run Spey Travel Case
Designed to accommodate spey and two-handed rods, this hard-sided travel case from Sea Run is one of the few reliable solutions available for stashing particularly long fly rods. Able to stash eight reels and up to five spey/switch rods measuring up to 43.5 inches per section (14.5 foot full-length equivalent), along with a mess of additional gear, this is the perfect high-capacity travel case for diehard steelheaders and spey maniacs who demand the best of the best.
Ballistic Rod & Reel Brief by Sage
While the capacity is limited to just four nine-foot rods, you can safely pack up to an impressive nine reels and spools into this killer option from Sage. Built with impact-resistance and a high degree of internal organization in mind, this is a great option for anglers who prefer to travel with a plethora of reels, spools, and fly lines.
Orvis Rod and Reel Cases
A no-frills, straightforward solution for safely traveling with the bare-bones essentials. Orvis offers this style case at a very reasonable price point compared to the competition. Essentially a rod tube with an integrated reel case at the base, this style of fly rod and reel case simply enables you to break down a four-piece rod up to 10 feet in length and leave your reel attached. Viola!
Things To Consider
There are four main criteria to consider when selecting the right fly rod and reel case for your fishing endeavors: gear capacity, organization, portability, and durability.
Capacity speaks for itself. Make sure the number of rods and reels you can pack, as well as the allotted space for other gear, is adequate for your packing list(s).
Organization is an underrated detail in my opinion. While you may only be seeking a reliable carry system for your rods and reels, please don’t overlook the handiness of a travel case when it comes to keeping the rest of your gear coherent. This goes double if you’re embarking on particularly equipment-heavy, long fishing trips; it’s nice to have your rod and reel case double as a one-stop gear locker. Fly boxes, tippets, sunglasses, foul-weather gear, nippers, and forceps can all have a nice and tidy home depending on the rod and reel case you choose.
Portability is a detail you’ll need to think a bit harder about. Where do you plan on bringing your rod and reel case, and how do you expect to be traveling with it? If it’s simply a gear-transport that’s going to live in your truck bed for the duration of your fishing trip, then the style of carry straps and total weight are likely not significant factors. If you’re embarking on a full-send international expedition into gnarly backcountry, then the size, weight, and carry convenience of your travel system will be paramount. Think about the advantages of features such as backpack straps, carry-on compatibility, and total weight while considering just how portable your system needs to be.
Durability is the last detail you ought to consider carefully. While most fly rod and reel cases are designed to handle the routine abuses of travel, some are built more burly than others. Ask yourself: do you need your travel system to simply endure rough handling by flight crews, or does it have to stand up to next-level beat-downs? Think about whether or not you require waterproof storage or a full-on hard-sided, padded case for protecting ultra-sensitive gear such as electronics. Wise adventure anglers will be smart to seek out a particularly bomber travel system so their irreplaceable gear is safe while out in the wild.
FAQs:
Q: How to pack a fly rod and reel case?
If there’s one thing we learned while testing for this gear list, it’s that there are countless different ways to pack each fly rod and reel case effectively.
The main question one needs to ask themselves before getting into the nitty-gritty of packing schematics is whether to bring rod tubes. While the travel cases we tested all performed wonderfully for keeping rods safe while packed in rod socks alone, keeping your rods tubed will undoubtedly add even more integrity to your travel system. It can also be nice to have your rod tubes (or at least one or two) with you on your fishing trip for several different reasons, so first things first—consider if you’ll need rod tubes or not. I personally think half the beauty of a travel rod-and-reel case is the ability to leave your tubes behind, so I typically pack one in case I need it.
If you opt to leave the rod tubes behind, then you’ll have a whole lot more room to play with while packing. Utilize the designated rod compartment to place as many rod socks as you can safely fit, and then go about playing Tetris with the rest of your gear. Most cases offer a customizable schematic so you can personalize the compartments and storage space to accommodate your gear load perfectly. If you plan to bring only two or three reels, pull out some dividers and create larger compartments for a big streamer box or some rain gear. The ability to customize some of the above-mentioned packing systems is quite impressive!
Q: Can you lock rod and reel cases?
If locking your rod and reel case is important to you, there are absolutely some options on the market that enable you to do so. While some options have a lock or locks incorporated into the design, most travel systems are at least built with lockable zippers so you can utilize your own lock. If you’re an adventure angler who often flies with gear, be sure to read product specs carefully if TSA-compliant locks are important to you.
Final Thoughts
Owning a designated fly rod and reel case will no doubt streamline the way you pack and travel on your fishing trips, both near and far. Offering better safety and security and superior organization for your gear, you’ll never look back once you utilize one of these killer travel systems and likely wish you had sprung for one sooner.