Now that I have my Amago and my western gear is collecting dust, I need to know: how do you pack your rod when backpacking. Because of the style of pack I carry (ULA Ohm), I'm unable to pack the rod inside the pack and will have to place it in a side pocket secured with compression strapping. Will I need some sort of rod protection (homemade case)? Is it safe to just pack it as is? I'd love to hear from you fellow packers (cough...Jason Klass). Thanks to all in advance!

First welcome to the forum.
I carry mine in the case it came in,its tough so you could strap it in the pocket of the pack that way. If you dont want to use the factory case you could get some light PVC pipe and make a travel case out of that. Not my idea, some one else has a article on this forum about that. I wouldnt strap it in without a hard case of some sort.
Or you could sling it over your shoulder in a soft case called an Ebira Rod Quiver(info found on Tenkarabum web site) In my case i drilled a small hole in each end cap of the case it came with, and use parachute cord tied into each end and sling it over my shoulder. I cant take credit for the idea but works well.

By the way, it's hard to find thin-walled PVC pipe At least where I am. A 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" mailing tube would work also, if you can find a 24" length.

If you know how to sew (with a sewing machine), you can make your own Ebira Rod Quiver -like carrying case for like $5 in materials. But that doesn't provide impact resistance.

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Yong
Amago, 11' Iwana I, 12' Iwana II

Since you're carrying an Ohm, I'm guessing you're an ultralight backpacker. (My Ohm is on order - I'm not filling my Catalyst these days, need something smaller!)

In that case I recommend using an Ebira rod quiver from Trail Lite. They are available in both Dyneema and Cuben from Jason and Tenkara Bum. Secure it outside the compression cord, and all should be well - at least, I've had no problems!

The Ebira comes with a small removable pocket for flies, line, etc, but I prefer the Trail Lite Trico pouch as my UL "tackle box."

I've just used the case it came with, but you could ask Daniel or anyone whose purchased a replacement Iwana grip section for their lightweight tube that came with it. I am keeping mine for that purpose. I don't have the Amago so don't know for sure that it would fit but someone here could advise on that.

papa d: Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm excited to be diving into Tenkara head first. At the risk of coming off as a backpacking snob, the original hard case is just a bit too heavy. That being said, it is well designed and beautiful!

chorpie: Amen! I've pretty much given up on PVC. However, US Plastics has plastic tubing that could be promissing.

grampa: Guilty as charged. I also recently downsized from a Circuit. ULA makes awesome packs. Period. I have given the Eriba some consideration, but I too cary a Trico. Adding the Eriba would not only add weight to my bw (God forbid a few ounces!), but would also be redundant.

tnitz: I'll have to look into your suggestion. I'd be interested in the specs on it.

Keep it coming! Much appreciated.

Mine's about 21 3/8" long, 1 3/16" dia. Weight unknown. I assume they are all the same size. Mine came with the Iwana II grip section for my Iwana I, 11'.

mstone,

Welcome!

I tend to be on the risky side (some would say). I've done multiple multi-day backpack trips with two Tenkara rods carried on the outside of my pack in just the socks. I honestly didn't want to haul the weight of the hard cases, which forces me to be very, very, careful. The way I see it, that's not a bad thing

Bottom line, it's up to you. I'd say experiment with what keeps you comfortable while being honest with yourself about how tough you might be on your equipment. You'll find a balance.

Enjoy! There's nothing like Tenkara fishing on a remote mountain stream with only the sound of tumbling waters.

John

Mstone, welcome to the forum!
I personally don't use the tube while backpacking, and hardly ever use them at all.
The tubes they come in are indeed too heavy, and intended mostly as a shipping protection or when in the trunk of your car. If you'll be doing a lot of bushwacking, or in places with a lot of dust, you may want to keep the rod in its cloth. If you may do a lot of rock scrambling, then definitely you may want to consider a plastic tube for additional protection, or at least wrap it in clothing and leave it inside. Otherwise, outside would be okay with just a little care.
Personally, I put it on the inside of the pack when I can, but I have hiked with the rod outside a few times (make sure it's secure) and don't have any qualms doing that. Just take a little extra care when putting your pack down so as not to hit a sharp rock and break it.

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Tenkara USA, founder
打仁得流, テンカラ大使
About me and Tenkara USA

I have been caring two of them in a sling the wife made me. When fishing usually have one rigged nymph with level line and one dry fly with the traditional line sold here. Fish the dry most switch to the nymph when I get to nice deep pool.

Jason