I love to carrry with me a pack fly rod of sorts when I tour. I build custom rods for a hobby so it was easy to build a fly/spin combo rod in a 5 piece design. Cycocumute hit it on the head when he stated how light your gear can be. The rod will weigh about 3 oz., the reel about 4 oz, and a small fly box with a few leaders and tippet only a few ounces. The problem comes about when you see some inviting water but then you come to grip with the fact that you have so many miles to get in. It works out great if you can stop for the day near some good water. Much better than reading the evening away.