Let’s Talk Hiking, Fishing, and Gear That Won’t Break Your Back
Okay—confession time. The first time I brought a fishing rod backpacking, I decided it was a genius move to strap a full-size, two-piece rod across the outside of my pack. You know, one of those clunky “regular guy at the pier” rods. And instantly regretted it.
Imagine 6 hours up a rocky trail while your pole keeps snagging branches like it’s auditioning for a slapstick comedy. Yeah. By the time I reached the lake, I was too annoyed to even fish.
Enter: telescopic fishing rods.
Tiny, collapsible lifesavers that feel like magic wands for backpackers. They tuck into a side pocket—no fuss, no awkward glares from fellow hikers watching you joust with pine trees.
So this post? This is the sleepy but excited backpacker’s breakdown of the top 5 telescopic rods in 2025 that are worth your money, pack space, and most importantly, your patience when you’re 10 miles in with blistered feet.
🤔 Why a Telescopic Rod Isn’t Just Gimmicky
You might think, “Collapsible rods? That’s some gimmick from an Instagram ad.”
Nah, trust me. I had the same snarky thought, and then I reeled in a fat 4-pound rainbow out in Colorado with something that literally folds up smaller than my Nalgene bottle.
Here’s why they slap differently on backpacking trips:
- They collapse down to about 12–20 inches. Which means instead of strapping an awkward rod tube to the outside of your bag, you literally slip this bad boy next to your Jetboil pot.
- Lightweight. Carbon fiber + fiberglass blends = you won’t curse your gear halfway up switchbacks.
- Surprisingly tough. I mean, as long as you’re not trying to wrestle a catfish the size of your leg, these hold up against trout, bass, panfish, even some saltwater stuff.
- No major setup drama. Extend, click, and you’re fishing.
And here’s my “real hiker” take: the fewer weird dangly gear pieces I have to manage at camp, the happier I am. Telescopic rods equal freedom.
🏆 The Top 5 Backpacking-Friendly Telescopic Fishing Rods (2025 Tested)
Now, to the meat of it. I’ve been through cheapo Amazon specials and bougie rods that felt like lightsabers… here’s the list of ones I’d actually vouch for after dragging gear through mud, pine needles, mosquito clouds, and questionable trail ramen mornings.
1. KastKing Blackhawk II (The Solid Upgrade Pick)
This is like the Tesla of telescopic rods. Smooth, sleek, smarter than it looks.
Trail Memory: I whipped this out at an alpine lake in Yosemite after a brutal climb. Felt like I was casting with a regular 2-piece—except it had collapsed into a neat little side pocket all day. The first bite? Clean hookup, buttery retrieval. Sold me right there.
- Extended: 6’6” to 8 ft options
- Collapsed size: About 21 inches
- Material: 24-ton carbon matrix (basically: light but sturdy AF)
- Amazon Link: KastKing Blackhawk II
Pros:
- Honestl, it feels like a “real” rod, not a toy.
- Fast action, snappy.
- Multiple lengths for different weirdos (like me).
Cons:
- Mid-to-high price tag.
- Slightly bulkier when collapsed compared to others.
👉 If you’re serious about fishing while hiking—not just “eh maybe I’ll cast once”—this is my #1.
2. PLUSINNO Telescopic Combo (The Beginner-Friendly Kit)
This one’s the “starter pack” that doesn’t suck.
Trail Memory: Before a Montana trip, I grabbed this combo on a whim. Honestly? Shocked. Came with the rod plus a reel, and it didn’t feel cheap. Perfect for panfish, rainbow trout, and smaller bass.
- Extended: 5’9” to 8’8”
- Collapsed: Around 16–18 inches
- Extras: Reel included; even a tiny tackle thingy sometimes, depending on the kit.
- Amazon Link: PLUSINNO Telescopic Combo
Pros:
- Plug-and-play.
- Affordable AF.
- Compact enough for smaller packs.
Cons:
- Not built for monster fish (don’t push it).
- Reel quality: fine, but not pro-level.
👉 If you don’t wanna overthink gear, this is my go-to recommendation for “just take it on the trail already.”
3. Sougayilang Telescopic Rod (The Budget Hiker’s Pal)
Honestly, Sougayilang is that brand you side-eye at first (‘wait, is that even a real name?’) but then… the thing holds up.
Trail Memory: Utah trip, desert dust everywhere, my cheap collapsible rod actually pulled its weight. Landed a couple of bass. Didn’t snap. Didn’t flake. And it cost me less than my coffee habit that week.
- Extended: 6 to 11 feet (crazy options).
- Collapsed: 15–18 inches.
- Material: Carbon + fiberglass.
- Amazon Link: Sougayilang Telescopic Rod
Pros:
- Cheap. Like “skip one takeout dinner” level cheap.
- Lightweight.
- Variety of sizes.
Cons:
- Doesn’t feel premium.
- Handle’s a bit… meh.
👉 Want to dip your toe in telescopic rods before throwing cash at KastKing? Start here.
4. Daiwa Minispin Combo (The Ultralight Survivalist Vibe)
This setup feels like something you’d pack in a bug-out bag or survival kit. It’s absurdly small.
Trail Memory: Colorado hike, cramped pack, I slid this case in next to my little stove. 12-inch collapsed hard case, rod inside—boom. I caught brook trout in tiny creeks without carrying a thing. Minimalist heaven.
- Extended: 4’5” (short!).
- Collapsed: 12 inches.
- Comes With: Compact hard case kit.
- Amazon Link: Daiwa Mini Spin Combo
Pros:
- The most portable, period.
- Case = easy to toss in a pack.
- Great for ultralighters.
Cons:
- Short length limits your casting distance.
- Not for big fish… obviously.
👉 This is like “I’m obsessed with cutting weight” gear. If you’re the person who saws your toothbrush in half for backpacking? Yeah, get this.
5. Goture Telescopic Rod (The Balanced Mid-Tier)
Goture is like the middle sibling here. Not flashy, not dollar store, but totally competent.
Trail Memory: Oregon summer, lake fishing at dusk. Pulled a nice little trout, rod felt stiff enough, light enough, didn’t squeak or shimmy. It was just… solid, dependable. Balanced.
- Extended: 6.6 ft to 10 ft options.
- Collapsed: 18 inches.
- Material: Carbon fiber.
- Amazon Link: Goture Telescopic Fishing Rod
Pros:
- Feels sleek in hand.
- Handles both freshwater and light saltwater.
- Mid-range price, not bad.
Cons:
- No reel included (extra purchase).
👉 If you’re past beginner but not wallet-ready for KastKing? This is your buddy.
🎒 Quick Breakdown For Lazy Readers
| Rod Name | Collapsed Size | Best For | Price Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| KastKing Blackhawk II | ~21” | Serious backpacker anglers | $$$ |
| PLUSINNO Combo | 16–18” | Beginners, casual hikes | $$ |
| Sougayilang | 15–18” | Budget-tight anglers | $ |
| Daiwa Mini Spin | 12” | Ultralight survivalist packs | $$ |
| Goture | 18” | Balanced mid-tier | $$ |
🪵 Random Packing Lessons
Okay—quick sidetrack. Rods aside, let me just say:
Once, I left a pack of ramen in the side mesh instead of the inside pocket. Guess what? By hour 3, the noodles had crumbled to ramen dust. Lesson learned: just because it fits doesn’t mean it goes there.
Telescopic rods actually taught me that—pack placement matters. If your collapsed rod can slide inside the bag, do it. Don’t dangle it outside unless you like catching every thorn bush between here and the summit.
⚙️ How to Choose Your Backpacking Telescopic Rod
Couple real-talk pointers:
- Size matters less than balance. For trails, a 6–7ft extended length hits the sweet spot.
- Carbon fiber > cheap fiberglass. Lasts way longer, especially when your rod inevitably bounces down a rock once.
- Collapsed length = everything. Check under 20 inches so it’ll actually slip inside mid-sized packs.
- Do you actually care about reels? If not, grab a combo kit. Saves headache.
❓FAQs (aka stuff you’ll probably Google at 2 a.m. later)
Do I really need a telescopic rod for backpacking?
Need? Nah. But if you try hauling a full-size one up a mountain, you’ll regret it faster than soggy trail socks.
What if I’m broke?
Get the Sougayilang. Spend the rest on snacks. You’ll thank yourself at camp.
Will these rods break in bad weather?
Only if you’re reckless. Rain? Fine. Snow? Fine. Just dry them after, so you don’t end up with a sad rusty toy.
Can I catch big fish with these?
Yes…If you don’t cheap out. KastKing or Goture can easily handle a proper bass or larger trout. The Plusinno? Ehh—stick to panfish.
Will TSA let me fly with one?
Collapsed telescopic rods are plane-friendly. Pack ‘em in checked luggage if they’re longer. I’ve flown with the Daiwa mini, and no one batted an eye.
I hike ultralight. Is it worth carrying?
If you’re the toothbrush-cutting crew? Only if fishing brings you joy. Remember: ultralight is mental, too. A rod might weigh 7oz, but if catching dinner saves your sanity… worth it.
