Ultralight Rod Case ?

[Denver1911]

Originally Posted by GrouseMan77

Denver,

By disaster I meant loosing the opportunity to fish. A rod, or rods, in a sock on the side of a pack are pretty frail. If you took a fall, set the pack down on it's side, would be great opportunity to break a rod.

Seems like carrying a backup rod would be more of a hassle to pack than the few ounces an aluminum rod tube would cost you.

To each his own. I never really worry about weight unless I am going for three nights or longer.

Actually, I'd carry the backup rod either way. I'm more concerned about slipping in the stream and breaking my rod than I am in falling on the trail in. Most of the trails in the Smokies are easy travel with little liklihood of falling. I'm careful in setting my pack down. If I do break both rods, I'm certain I could catch fish with a stick and a short section of fly-line.

[spotlight]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-..._rod_case.html One of these is what I am looking for. I am on the waiting list for them being on back order. But I won't wait to long I will take the advice of using the smallest diameter PVC that I can find cut to fit the rod perfectly and then padded end caps.

I want to be light my friend that lives in Burnsville N.C. has a triangle shaped plastic rod tube that I am going to get off him if I have to drive there for the weekend. I want to have something by spring so that my rod can fit neatly in my pack and I can move quickly on my feet well into the backcountry.

Using a piece of flyline and a stick? Now that would make a great picture! but it can be done I bet. **** I'd try it if I broke my rod or use a lot of duct tape.

[MBWCC]

If you want to build your own you can use 0.0625" (1/16") wall polycarbonate tubing and vinyl caps. Polycarbonate tubing 2" OD x 1-7/8" ID x 1/16" wall is P/N 8585K64, $4.96/linear foot from http://www.mcmaster.com ; 2" ID vinyl caps are P/N 9753K93, $8.94 per 25. Other diameter tube and caps are also available. The caps drive the cost up considerably if you only want one tube but if you get three or four friends together the cost drops to ~$12-17/rod tube depending on tube length (2-3').

[Mundele]

I've been looking for a source for lightweight tubing also. Found a post on BAckpackinglight.com talking about this very subject.

Here's the post:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...hread_id=12206

These look interesting:
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/prod...05242276695606

[Chuckwalla]

I've made some for all my pack rods. I used these components:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/def...arentcatid=795

Use a miter box and a hacksaw to make the cuts.

[Mundele]

Originally Posted by Chuckwalla

I've made some for all my pack rods. I used these components:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/def...arentcatid=795

Use a miter box and a hacksaw to make the cuts.

What wall thickness and outside diameter did you use?

[Chuckwalla]

Originally Posted by Mundele

What wall thickness and outside diameter did you use?

Depends on your rod. I mostly use 2" OD. Just measure your rod rapped in the sock at the largest guide.

As for the wall thickness, 1/16" is what I use. It's more rigid, but still has flex.

Also, stay away from the acrylics.

[Mundele]

Thanks! I'm gonna order some pretty soon I think. Do you use the provided end caps also?

[Chuckwalla]

Originally Posted by Mundele

Thanks! I'm gonna order some pretty soon I think. Do you use the provided end caps also?

Yep, they work great.