During my journeys around the world fly fishing, I am constantly tweaking my travel bags. No matter in the airport, at the lodge, or on the water, these packs are an important part of the experience. The wrong ones can drive me crazy, as they’re difficult to lug around the airport and don’t always hold the right gear for the trip. Yet some rise to the top, disappearing into the background and making the experience not only easier, but more enjoyable. Those are the travel bags I discuss in-depth.
Most weeklong fly fishing trips involve three bags. Of those, one is checked and two are carry-ons, which makes things manageable.
What makes one bag better than another? This differs for everyone, especially based around the type of travel and fishing. Checking and carrying-on bags when flying is different than those thrown in the back of my truck for a road trip. Sometimes I need every bag waterproof because we’re floating down a river for days. Other trips involve my 11’ Euro nymph rods, thus the bag must be able to hold 36.5” fly rod tubes. Most importantly, not all bags are created equal, especially regarding quality, durability, and price.
TYPES OF BAGS
Whether I’m flying or driving, I prefer to limit myself to three bags or fewer. Anything beyond that becomes cumbersome, making it difficult to move comfortably due to the added weight and awkwardness of extra bags. When flying, I always check one bag, then carry a personal item and carry-on bag aboard. With three total bags, you can easily fit enough gear and clothing to last a week, which tends to be the average time spent on my fly-fishing trips.
That will be our starting spot, three categories of bags: Full-sized, carry-on, and personal items. To make things simple, let’s turn this into a three-part series about each type. Within each blog, I’ll share packs that outperform others, highlighting positives and mentioning any noticed shortcomings. Kicking things off is the main attraction: full-sized bags perfectly suited for carrying most of your fishing gear.
FULL-SIZED BAGS
Get a big bag and throw your gear in. Easy enough, right? I wish! As consumers, we have many choices and options within this category, with a range of prices following along. To me, this luggage is essential because its job is to protect some of my most critical gear, especially when rods are loaded inside.
Below each bag model, the specifications are listed, including approximate liters, dimensions, and weight. I prefer to pack fly rods when I’m traveling to destinations, meaning that the bag I choose must hold the rods when packed in their tube. With the typical rod lengths between 9’ and 11’, it’s important to be sure that your travel rods fit inside, otherwise they quickly turn into a carry-on item (more on that in the Carry-On blog). Another valuable number is the bag’s weight, especially important if you tend to be the one who packs and prays…that your bag is just under the airline’s weight requirement!
Some bags are built specifically for fly fishing, like the Fishpond Grand Teton. Note that its molded base can fit 6 standard fly rod tubes across!
Note that every listed bag holds between 90 and 140 liters, the ideal range for a checked bag. Smaller bags definitely have their place, especially if you prefer to use waders and gear from an outfitter. Other anglers on my group trips check multiple bags, as they have fewer suitcases to carry through the airport and on the plane. Personally, I prefer a larger full-sized bad and leave some extra space available (i.e. to bring gifts home for my children).
You’ll also notice that there are varying outer materials used for these recommended bags. My favorites offer soft and flexible outers, though I’m more cautious how I pack delicate gear inside. Many full-size suitcases have a hard shell, offering near bulletproof abilities and keeping their contents safe. For the camping and boating trips, I opt for waterproof bags that keep my gear dry no matter the conditions; bags offering this tend to cost more than others. Each material offers an advantage, and the important part is determining which impacts your travel the most.
Recommended Bag: Ortlieb Duffle RS 140, MSRP $500
Specifications: 140 liters, 38” x 17” x 14”, 7 pounds
The Ortlieb RS 140 is waterproof, plus features both wheels and backpack straps. At 140 liters, this bag holds lots!
Ortlieb is a German company that I learned of from my friend Franta Hanak. When we connected in Iceland to chase Atlantic salmon, I immediately asked him to tell me more about the RS 140, as it checks off a lot of boxes. Its large capacity of 140 liters holds the greatest amount of any bag on this list. Yet there are wheels on the outside, making it easy to roll in airports and along smooth surfaces. A standout feature of the RS 140 is its waterproof main body, allowing the bag to be taken on outdoor trips with peace of mind. Additional pockets are found both inside and out of the Ortlieb Duffle, and in my opinion, this is a bag that must be at the top of a fishing traveler’s list.
Pros:
Waterproof body and zipper; IP67 rating
38” allows for longer rods; a rod tube for an 11’ 4-piece fly rod is 36.5”
Removable padded shoulder straps
Wheels for easy transport
140 liters holds LOTS of gear; this bag also offered in 110 and 85 liters
Areas to consider:
Cost is at upper range for these bags
Be sure to weigh bag when fully packed
Click to learn more and buy the Ortlieb RS 140:
Fly Fishing Specific: Fishpond Grand Teton, MSRP $395.95
Specifications: 125 liters, 35” x 16” x 11”, 11.35 pounds
The Fishpond Grand Teton is a 35" rolling bag that holds 125 liters. Designed by fly fisherman, this bag features many pockets and smart features.
Fishpond is a brand designed especially with fly fishers in mind, and it shows. There is a separate protected compression molded base designed to hold fly rod tubes, and the longer length will allow up to 39” fly rod tubes when placed at an angle. The fabric used is durable and holds up well over the years, plus there is ballistic fabric over the high use areas. With a retractable handle and wheels on an edge, rolling this on smooth surfaces is simple. My good friend Chris Trovato has used this pack during recent trips to all over and recommends it to others.
Pros:
35” allows for longer rods
Dedicated rod compartment
Lots of pockets
Wheels for easy transport
Fishpond quality
125 liters holds a lot of gear!
Areas to consider:
This style has been out for a handful of years and a redesign is in the works
Lack of backpack straps
Neither water-resistant nor waterproof
Click to learn more and buy the Fishpond Grand Teton:
Best Looking Bag: Yeti Panga 100 Liter Duffel, MSRP $400
Specifications: 100 liters, 33.9” x 17.1” x 12”, 6.8 pounds
Waterproof, backpack straps, and it looks cool! These are some things you get when buying a Yeti.
Yeti is a name synonymous with overengineering, as they made their mark with heavy-duty coolers that bears couldn’t break into! So how does the Panga duffel stack up? At first glance, it checks many boxes, especially as the Panga is waterproof and incredibly durable for a soft bag. Holding 100 liters is another positive, more than ample enough if I’m bringing multiple bags on a trip. The removeable straps make this easier to carry, yet the lack of wheels makes airport movement a cumbersome task. Though the Panga is 34” long, it’s tough to get longer rod tubes inside unless at a diagonal, so keep that in mind if you travel with rods longer than 10’. Finally, this bag screams for attention, as I am constantly stopped in airports and at lodges as others inquire about the Yeti. The Panga is a quality bag but offers fewer standout qualities for its high price.
Pros:
Waterproof body and zipper; IPX7 rating
Removable shoulder straps for backpack transport
Lightweight overall, under 7 pounds empty
Areas to consider:
No internal or external pockets
If packing wet waders and wading shoes, be sure to place them in a heavy-duty garbage bag
No wheels for ease of transport
Because of front zipper, maximum length rod tube to fit inside is 34” (10’ 4-piece fly rod)
Click to learn more and buy the Yeti Panga 100:
Value Bag: Rockland Standard 3-Piece Luggage, MSRP $199
Main bag specifications: 93 liters, 28” x 17” x 12”, 10 pounds
Three for the price of one! Standard luggage offers a significant value over other bags, be sure to research the size and weight to determine if it will meet your fishing needs.
Why buy one bag when you can get three for a reasonable price? That’s the bonus of purchasing a standard luggage package. Many include two larger suitcases, and a carry-on. My favorite feature of these bags is their hard shell, which does a great job of protecting the gear placed inside. Both sides of the interior feature a standard zippered pocket to cover everything packed. There are telescoping handles and multi-directional double spinner wheels on each bag, so maneuverability in the airport is a breeze. This bag has been in my arsenal for over a decade, though is used more for travel to fly fishing events (i.e. The Fly Fishing Show in Denver) versus when for packing fishing gear.
Pros:
Hard shell protects gear inside
Low cost: 3-pieces of luggage for under $200!
Handle and wheels for easy transport
Bronze color is easy to identify on conveyor belt
Areas to consider:
Holds under 100 liters of gear
Other models of bags feature built-in TSA-approved locks
One 9’ rod tube (~31.5”) fits on each side when placed diagonally
Click to learn more and buy Rockland Luggage:
Useful Luggage Tips
Note the Travel Sentry logo, telling you this is a TSA-approved lock.
When buying your luggage, consider a color or pattern that stands out. This will make it easier to find when waiting at the airport baggage conveyor. A darker color, such as black or navy, hides dirt and scratches, which is a positive. However, with so many black bags on the conveyor belt, there is a chance that someone else accidentally grabs yours when in a hurry.
For my travels, I use a Master TSA-approved lock. A benefit is that they are recognized in many countries around the world. Be sure to verify from the list on this site, as countries that don’t accept them may cut the lock off to inspect what’s inside. Check the Sentry list: https://www.travelsentry.org/tsa-lock/
Packing cubes save space and keep you organized. This set is half mesh, allowing you to see the clothes inside.
Were you into games like Tetris? If so, you may be great at packing bags! I prefer to keep clothing within mesh compression packing cubes. The mesh allows me to identify the clothing type at a quick glance. When I’m traveling to fish, waders and wading boots are in a checked bag within a heavy-duty garbage bag. Other fishing accessories are split between my checked and carry-on bags, normally dictated by weight. Since I prefer to fish my own flies, I bring multiple fly boxes and check those in my main luggage. Many of my clients have had no issues bringing flies through security, but I have yet to try because I fear the wrong gate agent denying them!
Within luggage, I include an AirTag that connects to my phone. This gives me peace of mind that I’ll have an idea of my bag’s location if lost at the airport. Luckily, I’ve not had a bag lost on a fly fishing trip! Along that same thought, my contact information is placed inside so the airport can quickly get ahold of me if my bag ends up somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Final Thoughts
Do your research when buying fly fishing luggage for a trip, as there are many factors to consider. The above bags are part of my travel arsenal, and the one I choose for a given trip is dictated by the items I bring. Speaking of which, I use a base packing list for every trip, shoot me an email (down below) for a copy of the list.
Many fly fishing items are specified for packed luggage, whereas others are considered essential and have a place in carry-on bags. To learn more about my list and see some of the carry-on bags I’ve used over fly fishing travels, check out my next blog, out soon! In the meantime, safe travels on your fly fishing trip and have fun packing!
Into travel and fly fishing? Check out my current group trips to Iceland and Alaska:
BY TIM CAMMISA
I share my passion for fly fishing and fly tying through personal experiences and expert insights. As a seasoned fly fishing guide turned content creator, my YouTube channel boasts over 5 million views, offering viewers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. While I cherish moments chasing trout in Pennsylvania with my family, I also lead fly fishing expeditions to the captivating landscapes of Iceland and Alaska. Additionally, I authored the acclaimed book Fly Tying for Everyone, aiming to empower fellow enthusiasts to tie superior flies, elevate their angling game, and savor unforgettable moments on the water. My newest book, Euro Nymphs, is set to be released this winter.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.