7 piece travel fly rod

The 5 Best Travel Fly Rod in 2024 – Buyers Guide

• Written By: Ben Kepka
• Last Updated: December 20, 2023

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If you like to travel around and visit new fly fishing spots, you’ll need to kit yourself out with a travel fly rod. The best fly fishing rods break down into 6, 7, or even 8 different sections, making them very  portable . They also tend to be  lightweight without losing out on performance.

Backpackers are big fans of travel rods, but they can also be handy when you don’t want to check luggage on a flight. Here’s our  complete guide to choosing the best travel fly rod for you!

The Best Travel Fly Rods: The Reviews

We aim to review the best products so that you can quickly and easily pick out the best compact fly rod for you!

Echo Trip 8 Piece Travel Fly Rod

Echo fly rods has designed the ultimate travel fly rod, breaking down into 8 pieces that  measure just 18 inches . If you need to hit the road and travel light, fly cross country, or go backpacking with your rod, this fly rod is fit for the job.

Available in 5, 6, or 8 weight rods,  you can take your pick and choose the weight that best fits your needs. The aesthetics on this rod are attractive, with black wraps, silver trim, stripping guides, and chrome snake guides.

This 8-piece rod is  quick and easy to fit together  thanks to the alignment dots on the ferrules. The whole rod feels sturdy to use, with the perfect balance of action and power despite it being ultra-compact.  The Echo Trip excels in the mid-long distance range, with plenty of sensitivity and impressive accuracy.

If you’re looking for a travel rod that packs down to a tiny size but could pass for a traditional fly rod, check out the Echo Trip!

• Cool glossy design
• Super compact - 18"
• Fits in your backpack
• Great performance
• Lifetime warranty included
• Doesn’t perform well with big fly patterns
• Just one uplocking ring

Overall Score

* How we test and review products .

Redington Classic Trout

The Redington Classic Trout has an admirable reputation as a  superb trout rod with impressive accuracy and sensitivity.  But what many anglers don’t know is that it also makes a brilliant travel fly rod.

While most of the versions are 4-piece rods, the Redington CT is also available in a 3 weight and a 5 weight rod. Both versions measure 9 foot and break down into 6 separate pieces. The rod  measures just 17.5 inches , making it the perfect size for travel. You can pack it into your backpack, your carry on, or your suitcase with ease.

Although the Classic Trout isn’t built to withstand strong winds, it casts beautifully and will catch you plenty of fish. There’s no shoddy workmanship or cut corners here.

If you’re looking for an amazing travel fly rod that could double up as your main rod, go for this one. You won’t be disappointed.

• Very accurate casting
• Ideal for trout fishing
• Packs down compactly into 6 pieces
• Not great for long casts
• Difficult to cast in windy conditions

Maxcatch Traveler Fly Fishing Rod

The Maxcatch Traveler could easily be the  best travel fly rod for under $100 . This impressive carbon fiber rod has a solid aluminum fly reel and boasts a high-quality, AAA-grade cork grip. The best news is that you can break it down into 7 small pieces and take it anywhere with you, and the affordable price makes it an accessible travel rod for any angler.

The Traveler performs well on all sorts of rivers and can shoot line out there with power and accuracy.  If you’re used to an expensive, high-end rod, you’ll notice the difference, but it certainly gets the job done. The attention to detail in the aesthetics and the construction is clear to see, with alignment dots making it simple to put together.

Without a doubt, the Maxcatch Traveler is the  best budget travel option  around today. If you need a reliable travel rod without breaking the bank, this is the one to go for.

• Packs plenty of power
• Excellent build quality
• Suitable for catching big fish
• Affordable price
• Closer to medium-fast action than fast action

Hardy Demon Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod

The Hardy Demon has a  sturdy build,  with an anodized aluminum double uplocking reel seat, fighting butt, full wells cork handle. It has an  attractive aesthetic  with darker blue wraps and light blue blank.

The rod weighs just 3.81 oz and measures 21 inches, so it’s slightly longer than other travel rods. But it’s still reasonably compact, and the  accuracy in the short-mid range is incredible . Saltwater rods need to pack plenty of power to get your fly out and haul in large fish like tarpon and bonefish, hence the larger size.

You also get a  lifetime warranty,  and Hardy’s customer service is excellent and responsive.

• Great for saltwater fly fishing
• Suitable for BIG fish!
• Lightweight
• Super-fast recovery
• Expensive for a travel rod
• Bigger than some other models
• Less accurate casting in the long-distance range
• Small cork handle

Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer Fly Rod

The Orvis name stands for top quality, superior fishing gear in the fly fishing world. When you see Orvis on a fly rod, you know it’s worth checking out! The Orvis Clearwater Frequent Flyer is an  awesome fly rod that breaks down into 7 pieces , making it very easy to transport.

This ultra-light rod guarantees  effortless control and accuracy . If you like to fit some fishing in while you’re backpacking, this is the perfect solution! It won’t weigh you down, and you’ll catch lots of fish with this responsive rod. You can strap it onto your backpack and you won’t even know it’s there!

When it comes to performance, this rod raises the bar. It’s both  versatile and a delight to cast,  so you can fish almost anywhere with this model.

Although Orvis is no longer manufacturing the Clearwater Frequent Flyer, there are still a few around. Snap up this excellent travel fly rod before it disappears off the market entirely. We can only hope that Orvis brings this superb rod back into production soon!

• Great Control
• Helios technology
• Reasonable price
• Excellent, quality construction
• No longer in production
• Hard to find

How to Choose the Best Travel Fly Rod

There are a few things you need to look out for to make sure you get the right travel fly rod for your needs. Here are the most important factors on how to pick a fly rod.

You’ll find fishing rods that break down into 6, 7, or even 8 pieces. The more parts a rod has, the more compact it will be.  Travel rods tend to vary anywhere between 16 inches and 22 inches.

If you need to fit your rod into your backpack or carry on, make sure you’ve checked the dimensions and verify whether the rod is the right size for you.

Weight is another important factor for travel rods, especially when you’re hiking all day with it strapped on your back. You’ll be amazed at how lightweight travel fly rods can be thanks to the best of modern technology. If you love backpacking up a mountain to get to those remote streams,  go for the lightest rod available.  You’ll be glad you did!

Take a close look at the materials and build quality of the rod from the reel seats to the finishing of the wraps. If anything looks rushed, low quality, or not as sturdy as you’d like, it’s a good sign that you should move on and check out another product.

Graphite fly rods tend to be the most durable, higher quality products . Many travel rods are made from carbon fiber these days, but we always prefer a graphite rod. It’s worth spending a little bit extra if your budget allows, as the rod will be able to stand up to more fishing trips and last you longer!

If you’re going for a rod and reel combo, take a close look at the fishing reel.  Many people underestimate the importance of the fly reel. If your fishing reel isn’t powerful, you won’t be able to land those fish you’ve been hunting for.

Performance

You might be looking for an ultralight, compact rod, but you still want it to perform well on the water. When you’re hunting for fish, whether it’s salmon, trout, or bass, you need a rod that is  accurate, powerful, and sensitive.

Travel fly rods have a bad reputation compared to normal rods, but they have definitely improved in recent years. Many rod manufacturers have worked hard to redesign their portable rods, making them stronger and more precise. As always, try to read a review or two of the rod you’re thinking of buying to see what other anglers think.

Find out what the action is on the rods you’re comparing.  Fly rods range from slow action right up to stiff, fast action rods, and there’s a big difference in how they will behave in your hands. A medium action rod is a good place to start if you’re not sure what to go for.

Make sure you shop around before buying – you can find some great deals on Amazon as well as in your local fly fishing shops. 

Travel Fly Rod FAQ

In this section, we’ll answer the most common questions about fly rods for you!

What is the best brand of fly rod?

There’s a wide range of fly rods to choose from, so it can get pretty overwhelming. When it comes to picking out the best brand, it helps to identify what you want to use the rod for first. Fishing manufacturers normally have a range of models for different situations.

Do you want a durable all-rounder that you can use anywhere? Take a look at the Sage X. After something that will work wonders for trout fishing? The Redington Classic Trout is just what you’re looking for. If accuracy is essential for you, the Orvis Helios 3 should suit you well.

Well-known brands like Redington, Orvis, and Sage all tend to be safe bets , no matter which model you go for. These fly fishing companies will surely satisfy your fly fishing needs.

What is the shortest fly rod?

The shortest fly rod that adults can comfortably and effectively use measures around 7 foot 6. If you go much shorter than this, you won’t have the same ease of casting, versatility, and line control as with a longer model. The most common length tends to be a 9 ft rod.

Are telescopic rods good?

Telescopic rods can be a good solution if you’re tight on space , as they are portable and easy to transport. However, we prefer multi-piece rods here.

The reason for this is that they tend to be more durable, made of better quality materials, and have an improved action compared to telescopic rods.

If you’re an enthusiastic angler who goes on frequent fishing trips, you’ll be better served by a multi-piece rod instead. Telescopic rods are a suitable choice for hobby anglers who only fish on occasion.

The Wrap Up

So there you have the complete review and guide to the top travel fly rods around. Whether you like to hop on a plane to check out new fly fishing locations all over the world, or you’re more of the hiking type, there’s the right travel rod for every angler .

I would suggest the Redington Classic Trout for a new travel fly rod. But you won’t go wrong with any of our recommendations. We’ve selected the best rods for travel, and all our recommendations are compact, lightweight, durable, and perform well on the water. Now, all that’s left for you to do is select a rod and plan some fun fishing trips.

If you’ve found this guide and review helpful, why not give it a share on Facebook or Twitter so we can reach even more readers? Drop us a comment or an email to let us know which travel fly rod outfit you’ll be going for! Don’t miss our other reviews of fishing reels, accessories, and more on the blog!

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Best Travel Fly Rod 2020: The Ultimate Guide

- Buying Guide -

The best travel fly rods come in 6- or 8-piece sections. The most important reason to choose a travel fly rod is portability. If you want a fly rod to easily fit into a duffel bag, carryon luggage, backpack, or even a fly fishing sling pack, a travel fly rod is for you.

While most fly rods are already very lightweight, travel fly rods excel with backpackers because they are so easy to stow into a backpack. Once you invest in a true backpacking fly rod, hauling a 4-piece fly rod in the mountains seems mildly annoying.

Still, 4-piece fly rods that are 9′ long are already very portable — travel fly rods just take portability to a whole new level. Because the ferrels overlap, the standard section length of a 9′ 4-piece fly rod is around 28 inches. On the other hand, a 6-piece fly rod has sections that are only 18 inches long. That’s a huge gain in portability, and it just gets better with 7-piece or even 8-piece travel rods.

Best Travel Fly Rods: How Well Do They Cast?

Because of improvements in ferrel technology, travel fly rods are getting closer to the smooth performance found in 4-piece rods. Travel rods are not as fantastic as the best 4-piece fly rods, but they’re surprisingly good. I’ve found that with a firmer casting motion, travel rods will perform remarkably well. For instance, I was able to cast large October caddis flies with a 9’ 5-weight Cabela’s Stowaway 6 with good distance and decent accuracy. Read my full Cabela’s Stowaway 6 review for more detail. At the other end of the travel rod spectrum, I was able to cast heavily weighted steelhead nymphs and egg patterns with a 9’ 8-weight ECHO TRIP.

Both rods performed even better when I used smaller flies.

Don’t expect any travel rod to be liquid smooth, but they’ll get the job done and let you focus on the fishing. As it turns out, I personally learned a lesson the hard way: Always Take the Rod .

Best Travel Fly Rods: The Manufacturers

There are three major contenders for the best travel fly rod that will fit most people’s budgets: Cabela’s , Echo , and Orvis — and we’ll get into these options in detail below.   However, this isn’t the full story.

L.L.Bean has a travel fly/spin fishing rod combo — noted below — but the company no longer makes a dedicated travel fly rod. On the upside, the L.L.Bean outfit comes with two complete rods and reels , so technically you could choose the L.L.Bean option for the fly rod . . . and gain an extra spinning rod whether you want it or not.

Hardy makes a drool-worthy high-end travel fly rod in 6 pieces, but the price-to-value ratio is a tough sell unless you’ve got the budget to buy the “best” high-end travel fly rod.

Redington makes a 3-weight and a 5-weight 6-piece version of its Classic Trout rod, but it’s sometimes hard to find because most stores stock the 4-piece versions.

Let’s take a closer look.

Best Travel Fly Rod: Cabela’s Stowaway 6

There is a lot to like about the Cabela’s Stowaway 6 fly rod, starting with the wide variety of configurations. Cabela’s makes an ultralight 8’6″ 3-weight as well as a 7’6″ 4-weight. There is also an 8’6″ 4-weight, which is a super versatile combination for smaller streams, as well as the most common 9′ 5w. In addition, you can pick up a 9′ 6w or 9′ 8w.

As for fit and finish, the Stowaway 6 is great. The cork and guides are good. While the varnish is a bit thicker than you see on truly high-end rods, it all comes together in a package that’s better than its price range would imply. The woven graphite reel seat looks fantastic in the sun. We’re big fans.

The action is medium fast, with a stiff butt section and relatively soft tip.

Meanwhile, Cabela’s offers two different Stowaway 6 Rod and Reel and Fly Line combinations if you’re looking for a travel fly rod and reel outfit. The Stowaway 6 Fly Rod with the Prestige Plus Fly Reel Combo is the most affordable, and the reel is pretty good overall. For an upgraded reel with a smoother drag and better build, Cabela’s offers the Stowaway 6 with the RLS+ Fly Reel, which also comes with upgraded fly line. Both are great, can’t-go-wrong options.  Highly recommended.

• Cabela’s Stowaway 6 Fly Rods
• Cabela’s Stowaway 6/Prestige Plus Combo
• Cabela’s Stowaway 6/RLS+ Combo

Best Travel Fly Rod: ECHO TRIP

The ECHO TRIP takes portability to a whole new level with its new ultraportable 8-piece backpacking, travel, and backseat fly rod. ECHO builds the TRIP in just three configurations, which covers 80% of the size and weight interest in this space. ECHO makes a 9’ 5w and a 9’ 6w, both of which are a rich green color. ECHO’s 9’ 8w has a fighting butt and is a dark blue, and ECHO also markets this rod for saltwater use.

The action is medium fast, and for a rod that has 8 pieces that are just 15 inches or so in length, the ECHO TRIP casts surprisingly well. As with all of these travel fly rods, you’re going to get your best results with a firm and intentional casting motion. Casting and overall action is similar to 6-piece rods — the TRIP just gets you a form factor that pushes the portability factor even farther. So cool.

ECHO doesn’t offer the TRIP in a combo package, but the ECHO ION Reel is a very good, very affordable reel.

• ECHO TRIP 8 Piece Fly Rods
• ECHO ION Fly Reel

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Orvis Clearwater Travel Rods

With the recent redesign of its popular midrange Clearwater fly rod series, Orvis is offering four models of its new  Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods . These rods use some of the new rod-building technology and techniques Orvis learned when it developed its high-end Helios 3 rods, but Orvis packages it all up at an affordable price point. Better yet, Orvis stands behind its Clearwater fly rods with a 25-year guarantee. If your fly rod fails — or if you simply break your fly rod — Orvis will repair or replace it. The only downside is that you’ll have to pay a $60 handling fee (which is the new standard for high-end rod repair and replacement guarantees these days).

Meanwhile, what about the six-piece Clearwater rods? Orvis covers the basics by offering a 9′ rod in a 5w, 6w or 8w option. For 8’6″ fans, Orvis also offers a 5w. We’re big fans of the Orvis Clearwater series overall — read our review of the 4-piece Clearwater combo outfit for more detail. Overall, you can expect a thoroughly decent casting experience in a rod that delivers an excellent price-to-value ratio.

• Orvis Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods

 Shop the Orvis Clearwater Travel Rods at Bass Pro Shops and get FREE Shipping!

Best Travel Fly Rod: Hardy Demon Smuggler

Hardy makes some of the very best fly rods in the world, and the Demon Smuggler is aimed at frequent travelers who also want a high-performing rod with fantastic fit and finish. At just under $650, the Hardy Demon Smuggler is the most expensive travel rod on this page by a long shot. It is, however, beautiful and has a truly kickass name.

It is a 6-piece fly rod and Hardy offers an 8’ 4w, 9’ 5w, 9’6w, 9’ 8w, 9’6” 7w, and a 14’6” 10w.

The action is medium fast. The Demon Smuggler comes with a sweet aluminum rod tube.

If you’re in for a Demon Smuggler, pair it with the can’t-go-wrong Hardy Ultralite MTX-S Fly Reel and you’ll end up with an awesome travel combo. Long story short: If you have the budget, nab a Demon Smuggler and don’t look back.

• Hardy Demon Smuggler Rod
• Hardy Ultralite MTX-S Fly Reel

Best Travel Fly Rod: Redington Classic Trout

Redington’s Classic Trout fly rod series is primarily a 4-piece lineup . . . BUT Redington offers two 6-piece versions of this rod — an 8′ 3w and a 9′ 5w. The Classic Trout is a moderate action fly rod, which can be helpful when fishing with tiny flies for skittish trout. On the other hand, we tend to prefer moderate-fast or fast-action fly rods, so choose the 6-piece Redington Classic Trout if you know you want a moderate action. That said, the Classic Trout rod looks great and has a good price-to-value ratio. It has handy alignment dots on each section, and the rod comes with a divided nylon rod tube. (The model  590-6 is the 6-piece 9′ 5w while the 380-6  is the 8′ 3w.)

• Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod — make sure you select the 6-piece version and not a 4-piece version

Best Travel Spin/Fly Combo

Both L.L.Bean and Orvis make a nifty spinning and fly fishing combo. Both are a great value and aimed at those who just want to make sure they always have a rod handy. Better yet, both make for great backup rods as well as superb gifts.

L.L. Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit

The L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit actually includes two separate rods — an 8’6” 5-weight 6-piece fly rod as well as a 6’ medium/light 4-piece spinning rod. Both include basic reels that come preloaded with line. Both rods come in a padded case with foam-molded cutouts for the rod sections and reels. As an added bonus, L.L.Bean includes a small fly box and a small lure box . . . which means you could keep this outfit in your vehicle all in the case and be ready to fish at a moment’s notice.

Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo

The Orvis Encounter Spin/Fly Combo comes with two interchangeable butt sections with two reels, one for spin fishing and one for fly fishing. The fly rod is a 7′ 5-weight while the spinning rod is also 7′ and aimed at lightweight gear: 2-6 lb test and 1/16 to 3/16 ounce lures. It comes in a padded case.

So, what’s the #1 best travel fly rod?

There isn’t one , exactly. If you want the highest overall quality and fit and finish, the Hardy Demon Smuggler wins hands down. If you want the best overall value? The Cabela’s Stowaway 6 in the Prestige Plus Combo package generally takes the lead.

If you’re looking for ultimate portability, the ECHO TRIP line comes in 8 pieces — gotta love ECHO for pushing the edge here and still building a highly fishable rod.

On the other hand, Orvis offers a 25-year guarantee with its Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rods , which offers some peace of mind if you break a tip.

What if you want a backup rod and aren’t looking for fantastic quality or mind-blowing performance? The L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit  gives you two rods in one very affordable package.

So the best? That’s really up to what you want and need most. More importantly, the best rod is the one you have available when you’re on the water.

8 Best Travel Fly Rods: 2024 Buyers Guide

To be honest, I don’t own or use travel fly rods myself, however, since I have guided hundreds of traveling clients that have come from as far away as Africa and Australia, some of them bring their travel fly rods so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to cast and fish with some good travel fly rods, and some not so good travel fly rods.

If you are on a budget, the best travel fly rod is the Redington Classic Trout, which sells for about $189, or the Orvis Clearwater Travel Fly Rod for $249, or if you’ve got the cash, the overall best travel fly rod is the Hardy Aydon Travel Fly Rod.

I’ll discuss other travel fly rods from $79.00 to over $500.

To be honest, some of the discount travel rods and the telescopic travel rods I’ve tried really suck! They just don’t load well, which means they cast poorly, and when fishing with them they either feel like a pool cue or are whippy like a wet noodle. As a fly casting and fly fishing instructor, I know that learning to cast on these very cheap rods will be harder.

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What Is A Travel Rod?

Travel rods are like regular fly rods except that they are six or eight pieces, and when they are broken down, they are often less than 20 inches, making them perfect for a suitcase on a plane or for stuffing in a backpack and hiking into a secluded fishing spot.

A travel fishing rod or travel rod uses a lightweight design crafted of graphite or carbon fiber .

Travel rods do not typically come with a reel unless you are buying some of the cheap ones on Amazon. You can find travel rods designed for various applications and weights from three-weight to ten-weight for big salmon.

Although they are called travel fly rods, they can be used anywhere and all the time if you want.

These are my reviews of the top travel fly rods available today, and I’ll let you choose which one best fits your needs.

Common Travel Fly Rod Lengths, Weights, and Pieces

While travel fly rods can reach up to 14 feet in length, those designs remain pretty rate. The typical lengths for these rods range from 8.5 to 10 feet, with the most common lengths including:

What’s the perfect length for a travel fly rod, you ask? Choose fly rods of up to nine feet in length to gain the best accuracy, but if you need greater flexibility or for custom methods, choose a rod of greater than nine feet. Nine feet offers the sweet spot for a fly rod.

Because travel rods are made with more pieces than a two-piece or a four-piece they are slightly heavier. This is due to the ferrules and the extra resins. Many five or six weights are around 3 to 4 ounces on average. However, the actual weight of the rod will depend on how long the rod is and the rod weight rating.

Some of the really cheap Fiberglass fly rods weigh the most, between six and 15 ounces (between 170 and 425 grams), but graphite and composite rods weigh less. Fly rods don’t come imprinted with their ounces or grams weight but you can find that on the manufacturer’s website.

Typically, you use the same line weight as the rod weight rating, so if the manufacturer recommends a weight rating of five, you’ll read a 5wt on the side of the rod or its packaging.

Pro Tip: Rod weight matters a lot. Use a fly rod with a weight of one to four for small trout or panfish or really for any small stream fishing. When fishing in large streams or rivers, use a four to six-weight rod to catch trout and small bass.

If you can only pack one rod for a trout fishing trip, choose a five-weight for its versatility.

Bass, carp, pike, and steelhead fishing requires a six to eight-weight fly rod and line, while large salmon, steelhead, musky, or saltwater fishing requires eight to 10-weight rods.

Fly fishing for big game fish like Tarpon takes the heaviest weight rod and line of 10 to 14.

Pro Tip #2: With any fly rod the sections can come apart when casting. I’ve seen hundreds of rod tips go flying off when casting. With travel rods, there are even more sections that can potentially come off.

To lower the chance of this from happening, when lining up your ferrules, instead of lining them up and then pushing them tight, have them slightly misaligned and then twist them into alignment as you push them together tight. This twisting locks them in place better, and rarely do my rod pieces ever come apart during casting.

Best Travel Fly Rods: All Price Ranges

Now that we’ve covered the common weights, lengths, and pieces, and what sizes are best per species, let’s dive into the greatest depths of fly fishing gear to explore the best travel fly rods.

I’ll cover a variety of rod weights and lengths, so you can find one that suits your needs whether you want to fish the shallows of the Oklahoma River, or the deep waters of the Hudson River, or the Niagara River.

Douglas Upstream Ultra-Lite Fly Rod

I really loved fishing the Douglas Upstream Ultra-lite Fly rod in both the 4-piece and the 6-piece travel rod.

It is super smooth casting and is a light rod that is great for small stream trout and panfish.

This is, as the name implies, a lightweight rod, and it only comes in 2, 3, and 4 weight sizes.

Douglas offers its Upstream Ultra-Lite fly rod in eight lengths, ranging from six feet six inches to eight feet eight inches.

Choose between a simple two-piece fly fishing rod or a more complex six-piece design in this.

Only the six-foot-six-inch rod comes in the two-piece design. The seven feet three inches, eight feet, eight feet three inches, and eight feet eight inches rods come in four pieces. You can get the seven feet, seven feet six inches, and eight feet lengths in a six-piece design.

Every option uses the same bamboo-like handle design made from cork. This rod features spigot ferrules to enhance energy transferability and a sliding ring reel seat to reduce weight.

Every rod comes with a 1 5/8” brushed aluminum rod tube and sock to make packing it easier.

Hardy Aydon Travel Fly Rod

When you want the best medium fast rod action travel rod, try the Hardy Aydon travel fly rod, offering four length options from 3 weight to 10 weight:

This six-piece rod handles line weights of four through 10, depending on the length of the rod. The design combines a cork rod handle with a ceramic guide of lined titanium stripper and a chrome single foot.

The overall rod uses Sintrix multi-modulus carbon fiber, so it weighs less than a fiberglass rod. Some individuals may find this an easier rod to use because of the keyed fly reel seat slide band that doesn’t weigh much.

Depending on the rod length you choose, the design either uses aluminum or wood spacers.

One of my favorite things about the Aydon model rod comes from its packaging. Hardy provides a travel tube that helps keep all of the pieces of the fishing rod together in your backpack or suitcase.

Greys Wing Travel Fly Rod

Okay, I feature this rod, hence the link to another page on this website, so you know I love it.

It’s my favorite when I need a medium-fast rod action. Greys Wing six-piece travel fly rod comes in four lengths, but I recommend the nine-foot length because it offers the greatest versatility in various fishing situations.

Here are all of the length options:

• 11 feet four inches

Depending on the length you choose, you can use a 3wt, 5wt, 8wt, or 9wt line with this six-piece rod.

You get two handle choices – RHW or TPSF. Like most travel rods, this design uses a cork rod handle. Greys Wing’s design features a lined stripper with a stainless steel snake on a Powerlux carbon rod in a grey and red color combination.

Depending on the length of the rod you pick, this design uses either single or double-foot snake guides and either wood or alloy spacers with an alloy fly reel seat. Its reel features dual locking nuts with a nylon cushion ring.

Similar to the Douglas Upstream, it uses a keyed and milled reel seat slide band. I love that Greys Wing makes it easier to safely pack this rod by supplying a hard tube and rod bag for it.

Echo Trip Eight Piece

The other fishing rods reviewed offer a bevy of lengths, but Echo’s Trip travel rod comes apart in eight pieces for truly simple packing.

Each piece measures 15 inches, and its case measures 18 inches. That means you can easily fit it into any suitcase or backpack.

Echo chose to offer its travel fishing rod only in a nine-foot length.

It does offer three versions catering to three line weights: 5wt, 6wt, and 8wt.

By choosing to design this rod in only nine feet, Echo has focused on providing power and fast action for its travel rod.

Orvis Clearwater

You can get excited with the price of the six-piece Clearwater Travel Fly Rod, $249. It is a great rod for that price.

To get the whole outfit, you’ll pay the same price as you would for the other options in this article – about $500 to $550.

Now, on to its design. This snazzy-looking black chrome rod with white accents features a chrome snake and a stripping guide with a ceramic insert.

The sleek looks continue with its black nickel aluminum reel seats. It does just look cool, Orvis used composite tips on the fighting butts to add to the durability of the rod.

Like many other travel fly rods, it comes with a rod tube. This one’s in gray.

Redington Classic Trout

The Redington Classic Trout fly rod is specifically designed for trout. Why? It’s in the name.

I have had the opportunity to try this rod a few times, and if I were going to buy a travel fly rod under $200, this would be it.

The Redington Classic Trout Rod comes in four pieces and six pieces.

While all the four-piece rods come in lengths and weights, starting at 7 feet six inches and ranging up to nine feet in length.

The Redington Classic Trout travel rod only has one model, which is a 9 foot 5 weight that comes in 6 pieces to make traveling easier.

This rod’s moderate action works well for all anglers, and it’s good in small creeks, rivers, or from the comfort of your boat.

Because it only weighs 3.1 ounces and offers great flexibility, it provides a superb alternative for a long day of fishing.

Choose from two configurations – a four-piece or a backpack-optimized six-piece. Various fly fish rod lengths work with different line weights. Here’s a quick guide:

• 7 feet six inches, 2wt or 3wt
• 8 feet, 4wt
• 8 feet six inches, 3wt,
• 9 feet, 5wt, 6wt.

As usual, the nine feet in length option offers the greatest versatility in application.

Redington Trailblazer

Another Redington winner is the Redington Trailblazer.

While the Classic Trout specializes in trout fishing, the Trailblazer was made for backpacking and traveling and can work for essentially any fishing situation.

The compact design breaks apart into six pieces and comes in two length options.

Choose either a 7 feet six-inch design that works with a 3wt line for small stream fishing, little tout, and panfish, or a nine feet option that works with a 5wt line for bigger rivers, lake fishing, nymphing and streamer fishing, bigger trout and bass, and any waterway requiring a loner casts.

Redington includes a compact storage tube to help keep all parts safe and organized.

According to the manufacturer, the Trailblazer provides the lightest rod they’ve offered.

Also, if you care about such things, this rod comes in a jaunty red blank streaked with neon green.

Getting down to the mechanics of this rod, it uses single-foot snake guides and an anodized aluminum reel seat, resulting in a travel rod that weighs less but also proves more durable.

M MAXIMUMCATCH Travel Fishing Rod

Best Tavel Fly Rod Under $100

One of my clients had this rod with him, and since I’d seen it on Amazon and since it was very inexpensive, I decided to try it out.

Although the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Traveler Fly Fishing Rod casts 40 feet of fly line pretty well, this is still my least favorite of all the rods on this page.

I felt that the rod felt a bit heavy and a bit stiff compared to most rods and my concern is the durability of the rod. It just didn’t feel as good when casting and fishing and when fighting fish.

However, If you are a total beginner or you have a young child who is hard on gear and you don’t want him using a $200 rod, then this is a good option, and that is why I’m recommending it.

It comes in a range of 5 to 8 weight and is only made as a 9-foot rod.

If you are looking for an entire setup, check out my recent article on the best fly fishing combos and kits , and if you need a reel to go with your rods, check out the Best Fly Reels page.

Best Fly Rods For Traveling Summary

If you are looking for the best fly rods for travel, these are them and they range from $79 to over $900.00. My advice when choosing a travel fly rod is to choose the best one that fits your budget.

Tight Lines,

Professional Fishing Guide and Author At Trout And Steelhead

Graham Bristow is the owner and lead author here at Trout and Steelhead.net, and he has been writing about fishing since 2015.

Since September 2000, Graham has guided over 3000 clients over his 22 years as a guide and it now recognized as a top fishing guide.

Graham specializes in fly fishing, float fishing, and lure fishing for trout, steelhead, and salmon. About Graham

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Best Travel Fishing Rods for 2024

Jason sealock.

• Oct 09, 2023

Choosing a travel rod for anglers who like to pack light and carry a fishing rod in their luggage on every where they travel requires a little planning and view of the options and fish you think you might encounter on your travels. We reviewed a wide gamut of rods and came up with a lot of options to consider as well as some great recommendations for which fishing rods we would suggest for a lot of different types of fishing and travel.

Things like size of the rod when disassembled, number of pieces, rod case, roll or bag, type of rod, how you will transport it, whether a telescoping rod makes sense and more need to be considered before choosing the best travel rod for your fishing plans.  

Travel rods can come from 2 pieces up to 5 pieces not to mention the telescoping travel rod options out there. You might want to fit the rod in a suitcase, if so more pieces will break down into a smaller foot print. Or you might carry it with you which might give you more options for rods. You might want a hard case to protect the rod if you’re worried about TSA or some other party damaging your rods in transit. Or a rod wrap may suffice if it’s tucked inside of another hard case suitcase.

OUR TOP PICKS

• Best telescoping travel combo – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• Best travel rod for bass – Buy from FishUSA
• Runner up: Daiwa ardito travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Best all-around / saltwater travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Best telescopic travel rod – Buy from Basspro
• Runner up: Ugly stik cx2 4-piece travel combo – Buy from Basspro
• Ark rods genesis rods – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• Zebco 33 spincast telescopic combo – Buy from Basspro
• Shimano Convergence D Travel 4-Piece Spinning Rods – Buy from Tacklewarehouse
• St. croix triumph travel rod – Buy from Tacklewarehouse

Know Your Travel Rods

Then there are the types of rod to consider including spinning travel rods, casting travel rods, telescoping travel rods as well as travel fly rods or specialty rods like travel swimbait rods or travel trout or panfish rods. Or any combination of the aforementioned.  

If you plan to fish with light lures and light line, then a spinning travel rod might be the best option. If you plan to look for big bluegills or crappies specifically on your travels, then a long telescoping rod might make more sense or a small spinning rod like a trout rod might give you a lot of options for trout and panfish.

If you’re going for larger quarry, you will want a beefier rod that has a reel that can hold heavier line. Usually a baitcasting travel rod makes sense for bass, or big fish like walleye, pike, musky, stripers, etc.  

Specialty rods like travel swimbait rods or extra long jigging rods might be just the ticket for probing unknown waters for specific types of fishing like jigging brush for crappie or casting oversized swimbaits for trophy bass and stripers.  

Of course if you’re in to fly fishing, then a travel fly rod is hard to beat. There are some super high end and middle of the road options that are great rods that make a 9-foot fly rod fit into an over night travel bag with the travel fly rod option.

CONSIDER TELESCOPING RODS FOR TRAVEL

For some, a telescoping rod is an easy spur of the moment travel rod option to probe some nearby waters to see if they have fish available. I have buddies that keep telescoping rods in their trucks at all times and will break it out on their travels or while taking a lunch or after work on a work trip. It’s a quick and simple option.

Most of time telescoping rods are a bit lower quality. Or at least that was the case back when the only option was a low end push button spin cast combo for small panfish. There are, however, some newer options bringing this back as a real viable option for bass and panfish.

A Travel Combo Might Make More Sense

You can buy travel rods that are a rod and reel combo. This is often the case with telescoping options. But there are some better quality options in the multi-piece travel rods with a decent spinning reel. Most of the time. I want the best rod I can get and a good reel in my bag so I’m not fighting my equipment in the limited amount of time I get to fish on my travels. Especially those spur-of-the-moment unplanned fishing trips while traveling.  

But when you get to a location and wished you had a rod and reel, a decent priced telescoping rod/reel combo can get you in the fish on an unexpected hot spot quickly and easily.

You Need a Travel Rod Case, Bag or Roll

Anymore your travel rod is going to come in a hard case, a roll or a bag. Regardless you need to take care to protect the pieces of the rod or the rod while it is compartmentalized so it’s not damaged in your travels.  

A hard case might be a cloth case with a hard shell inside of it that zips closed on the end and the multiple pieces slide into little sleeves inside of it. Or it might be a hard outer shell with a soft interior that keeps your guides and blank parts protected. These are nice when you plan to carry your travel rods separate from your luggage. Or keep them in a vehicle on your travels.

A travel rod roll is just a cloth sleeve with individual pockets for each piece of the blank and then you roll it up with flap that closes on one end and tie it off with the attached ties. These can be nice for putting a rod or two into your other travel bags or a small compartment in your vehicle.

A travel bag can be just a cloth bag or a padded foam bag that houses and protects the rod simultaneously. I’m a fan of these as they keep your pieces from falling out as sometimes happens with rolls. And they keep the blank pieces with a bit of added protection. The padded bags are ideal in my opinion.  

Best Travel Rod Brands

In the freshwater space, the best travel rod makers are often synonymous with the best rod makers. Makers like Daiwa, Shimano, St. Croix, Megabass, Ark Rods, Fenwick, and others have really solid travel rod options. Others that many don’t know offer travel rods have good options like Favorite, Bass Pro, and BnM Poles.  

Here are the travel rod brands we reviewed and liked:

• Favorite Fishing
• B’n’M Poles

Having said all that, let’s take a closer look at some of our personal favorites in various travel rod categories.

Best Telescoping Travel Combo

Daiwa travel combo.

We chose the Daiwa Travel Combo as the best combo because it comes with a good reel, telescoping rod that is better than most and it’s own sling carry bag that is big enough to put several travel rods and reels in. This combo compacts down to 26 inches making it a perfect option for any trip whether it be in a car or a plane.

The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch Medium power fast action rod. It’s a solid rod and stayed extended as we fished with it. The reel is a 2-bearing Daiwa Crossfire LT 2500. Even though it’s only 2 bearings, it performed very smoothly and effortlessly with a very smooth drag. It’s a solid spinning combo and it’s offered in EVA or Cork grips.

The combo costs $149 but if you just want a good combo without messing around with pairing rods and reels, this is a quick easy choice.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Best Travel Rod for Bass

Shimano zodias travel rod.

The fact that Shimano took one of their best rod lines and converted it into a high-end bass travel rod got me excited. And when I got the new rod in my hand, I was very impressed. I am a big fan of the original Zodias line and was so excited to see this level of quality in a 5-piece travel rod.  

This travel rod condenses down to 19 inches when packed, meaning you can literally take it anywhere. And when full assembled you have a very high quality rod full of all the features of the high end one-piece blanks. The 5-piece construction gives the rod more uniform bend than a 2-piece model would.  

It has so much power and a steady consistent load when casting. You will forget it’s a travel rod by your second cast. It’s a high end rod that just happens to be in 5 pieces. It has a CI4+ reel seat for lightweight strength and a full carbon monocoque grip which eliminates the use of EVA giving a light rod more sensitivity.

Hi-Power X construction which makes the blanks outermost layer wrapped with carbon tape form that X appearance on the blank that gives more precise actions to the rods with more strength.  

You can really lean into fish with this rod without worry. It’s one of the nicest travel rods we’ve tested.

Buy at FishUSA.com

Buy from Omnia

Runner Up: Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod

This is another high-end rod that has been brought down to a travel rod form factor. This rod comes with a very nice hard case and it breaks down to 30 inches (32 in its case). It features a V-flex ferrule joint system. These ferrules don’t require you to jam the rod pieces all the way together and then struggle to separate them. You simply push them until they snug together and you are all set. You can break down and put the rod together in seconds and be fishing as fast as you can thread your line.  

The rod has a high-modulus blank, Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides, unsanded micro-pitch blank, split Eva grip and machined nut hood. It’s a high quality rod that pairs nicely with your favorite bait caster. It comes in 7-foot medium, 7-foot medium heavy and 7-foot, 6-inch medium heavy.

Buy at BassPro.com

Best All-Around / Saltwater Travel Rod

St. croix avid trek rod.

This is a finely crafted American rod with incredible blanks offering uniform performance, strength and ultra-perceptive sensitivity. The premium cork full grip, and quality blanks featuring St. Croix’s IPC mandrels, SCII high modulus carbon, slim profile ART ferrules, Sea Guide Hero hi-grade guides with zirconia rings and stainless gun smoke frames, sea guide hook keeper, and a 15-year-transferable warranty.  

This rod can literally do it all. Going to Louisiana to fish the marshes for bass and redfish, this is your rod. Strong, light, smooth, sensitive and easy to pack. The 3-piece rod is 6-foot, 6-inch MH rod with a lot of power but great castability. This rod is a joy to fish with and you can expect it to last a long time with that kind of warranty.

Best Telescopic Travel Rod

Bass pro aventur1 telescoping rod.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Aventur1 telescoping rod. It features 6 sections but 8 guides for uniform castability and a nice line path while fighting fish. The unique guide system has floating guides as well as guides permanently affixed to the rod sections. So you won’t fight with line on the blank on this travel rod.  

The 7-foot medium power rod fished really well and I was pretty taken aback at how nice this rod fished for $59. A rod that will likely always be in my travel plans. With an RT2 graphite blank, Fuji aluminum oxide guides, Fuji reel seat, with EVA split grips and X-Wrap rubber cork butt cap, this is a pretty functional telescoping rod for travel fishing.

Best Big Swimbait Travel Rod

F5 departure travel rods.

The folks at F5 Custom Rods make some of the nicest big swimbait rods available today. These are custom made rods from blanks to handles to accents. They are often very selective in how they build rods and you usually have to get lucky enough to catch a rod on a drop. However, the F5 Departure Travel Rods are often in stock and I picked up a H and XH rod a year or so back.

These are two of my favorite big swimbait rods that I use for crankdowns like the Bull Shad 4×4 and the Toxic Whippersnappers, for glides like the 86 Baits Doomrider, KGB Swimbaits Chad Shad or the Deps Slide Swimmer 250 and of course for my jointed swims like the Bull Shad 8 inch.

The rods are both 3-piece rods and are custom made with a full extra long camo EVA handle. The ones the often sell are split grips. The rod blanks are solid. Even with three pieces I had no issues heaving big baits like the Slide Swimmer which weighs 6 1/2 ounces.

They are going to run you about $289 a piece for these rods. But I am so happy to have them because I can take a pack of my favorite big baits and a very high-end swimbait rod literally everywhere I go to chase trophies all over the country and out of the country for that matter.

Buy at F5 Custom Rods

Best Travel Rod on a Budget

Favorite fishing army geo rod.

This is an impressive rod not only for the price but for how well this 4-piece rod fishes and fights fish. We caught some really quality bass on this rod this spring and it is a legit fun spinning rod to fish. I love that I threw it in my suitcase, loaded up and went to Arkansas and broke it out and caught a bunch of nice bass that were moving shallow to spawn.  

Even my brother-in-law enjoyed fishing with this travel rod. And at $39, it’s a hard rod to pass up. The 4 pieces in their hard travel tube are 26 inches. The pieces are barely 23 inches. The rod is a 7-foot, 2-inch medium-heavy spinning rod. I used it to skip Senkos around shallow cover a lot this spring. And it sets a nice hook and has a ton of backbone to land big bass. Our biggest on it was 6 pounds, 4 ounces this spring.

Buy at FavoriteUSA.com

Runner up: Ugly Stik GX2 4-piece Travel Combo

At $44 at Walmart, you can’t go wrong with this nearly indestructible travel rod. The Ugly Stik has been the staple of affordable travel rods. They can take abuse and continue to catch and land fish.  

Buy from Walmart.com

Buy at Scheels

Best Trout Travel Rod

St. croix trout series pack rod  .

For the adventurer who needs a light and packable trout rod to get to remote locations, this is the Cadillac of adventure rods. This rod says trout, but it’s a dynamite bluegill, crappie and even smallmouth rod for remote streams and creeks. It’s a beautifully built rod at only 2.9 ounces and 3 pieces, it compacts down to be no added weight in your backpack.  

I paired it with a small 1000 spinning reel and 4-pound line and really enjoyed fishing this rod a lot. It will become one of my staple creek travel rods now. It throws little baits effortlessly and had a nice backbone for such a light rod. A real joy to fish with.

Buy from FishUSA.com

Best Panfish Telescoping Rod

Bnm poles little mighty telescoping rod  .

I have to admit, I’m a little blow away by this rod. I grew up crappie and bluegill fishing with my father in Florida and Arkansas with telescoping fiberglass rods from B’n’M Poles. So I have a lot of nostalgia when it comes to these types of rod. But the new Little Mighty Rod is something special.

While it’s not technically a travel rod, it’s a telescoping rod that reaches out to 20 feet and breaks down to barely 22 inches. It looks like a bright orange track baton but it extends to a masterful reach out and touch a crappie or bluegill telescoping rod quickly.

One word of caution, be sure you extend the rod small sections first. So grab the string tab on the tip and pull it out that way. Don’t slide the sections out by dumping the open end out or you will have issues with sections getting out of order and blocking each other. Same for breaking it down. Big sections first and be sure to leave the string out when you put the cap on.  

Other than that, I enjoyed testing this rod a lot. I honestly didn’t think much of it when I got it. But after using it I can think of all sorts of places I want to take and fish with this rod. Once you get the hang of maneuvering 20 feet of rod with a fish on the end it’s a pretty fun stick to fish with.

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy from BnmPoles.com

Other Travel Rod Considerations

Ark rods genesis rods.

This was my original travel rod and I’ve put a lot of miles on it. It’s caught fish in Nebraska, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. This is a two piece travel rod that comes with a nice padded bag.

Read our full Ark Genesis 2-piece travel rod review

The rod joins together nicely and fishes so well. The very narrow blanks are durable and sensitive. I’ve caught fish just about every way you can on these rods. I have the 6-foot, 8-inch MH and the 7-foot, 6-inch MH rods and have flipped, frogged, spinnerbait fished, jigged, cranked, popped a topwater popper and burned a buzz bait with these rods. A great option that gives no sacrifice in performance in a 2-piece travel rod.

SixGill Argos Travel Rods

A very nicely made travel pack rod, the Argos Travel Rod is a 4-piece rod built on a 24T Toray Carbon blank. Comes with a 25 inch travel case. It fishes like your nicest bass rod but you can tuck it under a jacket and take it with you anywhere. The rod loads nicely on the cast and has enough back bone with it’s 7-foot MH frame to fight any size bass you might tangle with. A very nice travel rod option.  

Buy from Sixgillfishing.com

Zebco 33 Spincast Telescopic Combo

This is an affordable option at $25 but it’s not made to handle big fish in my opinion. It’s a great rod for catching panfish around a campsite, or of the dock on vacation. But it’s not made for fishing for larger fish. The rod bends easily at the tip under load and the line cuts across the rod to the next guide. So just be cautious with bigger fish on this setup. But for $25, you can catch the heck out of a bunch of panfish with this setup.

Buy at Amazon

Hardy Zephrus FWS Travel Fly Rod

I haven’t had a chance to review the latest offerings from Hardy yet, but one of my all time favorite travel rods is my Hardy Zephrus FWS Travel Fly Rod. It’s a 9-foot, 5-weight rod. It is the perfect pack rod for hiking into remote streams and chasing fish on the fly. This is the Ferrari of travel rods in my opinion. Everything is first class from the aluminum case, styled bag, ferrule covers, and beautiful craftsmanship on the Sintrix 440 blank.  

Buy from Hardyrodsandreels.com

Shimano Convergence Travel Rod

This 7-foot, 4-piece rod is another great do-it all travel rod. It’s a great rod for a lot of different species and lures in that 1/4 ounce to 3/4 ounce size. It breaks down to 25 inches so it will fit in almost all your bags and it comes in a nice hard case with a shoulder strap if you want to carry it on your back while you hike. It’s very well made and fished nicely with a variety of reels.

Spinning rod

Casting rod.

Buy at Tackle Warehouse

St. Croix Triumph Travel Rod

This work-horse travel rod serves a ton of different purposes. It’s 6-foot, 6-inch size makes it a great size for tight quarters. I loved fishing some small streams near the house with this rod. A fun little rod for wading creeks or winging around on bigger waters on your travels. It’s small form factor of 24 inches makes it a great pack rod to keep in your vehicle or throw in your bag on long trips. It’s a very nice blank divided into 4 pieces. It’s strong, sensitive and light. A great travel version of their very popular Triumph line.  

Wired2fish Travel Rod Comparison Chart

We review a ton of products and while they don’t always make the best of categories there are a lot of good rods to choose from that can get the job done. We try to give you as many options as possible while identifying some that we think stand out in the array of options. The goal with our guides is to help you be as informed and aggregate as much helpful information and personal experience into helping you with your fishing gear decisions.  

Here is a quick rundown of a lot of travel rod / telescoping rod options:

COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. Now he sets the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

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#5 TRAVEL FLY ROD 7 PIECE

Designed, assembled and tested on the Rugged West Coast of Canada.

Three years of testing went into our flagship line of Spey, Switch, and Fly rods.  Over those three years we learned that there is a delicate balance between weight,strength and functionality.  In the end, we feel that we acheived that balance perfectly by designing our rods with the right materials and tapers.  Our "Multi Modulus Layering" technique ensures our fly rods deliver unparalleled Strength and castability that novices and veterans alike will appreciate.

Whether you are targetting big steelhead or tiny rainbows these rods have both the backbone and the sensitivity to get the job done.  Quality   ALPS® Components ensure the rod will function at peak performance for years to come.

Our rods are all handbuilt to order by true craftsmen who live the fishing life and appreciate the importance of quality reliable gear to land their fish.

Length              9 foot Power               5 Weight Action               Mod-Fast Color                Slate

Guides are available in:

Black Chrome Titanium Chrome

Reel seats are available in the following:

Silver Black Titanium Chrome

After your order is placed, we will be in touch to discuss hardware options.

*All rods are built to order, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

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Shu-Fly Ultra-Travel Fly Rod Series 9 Ft 7 Piece 5 Wt.

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Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 ft, 5 wt, 7-piece Fly Rod

• HIGH QUALITY FLY ROD: The 9 foot, 5 weight, 7-piece fly rod is constructed from IM8 graphite. Each rod section is 17.25” long.
• AMAZING GRIP: The Western Style grip is made with high quality cork and compressed cork trim rings gives you an amazing grip on your rod.
• ALUMINUM REEL SEAT: The fly rod has an all -aluminum reel seat with double lock rings and CNC machined sliding hood, stripper guide has a stainless steel frame with Silicon Carbide ring, stainless steel single foot snake guides and stainless steel hook keeper.
• GREAT CASTING EXPERIENCE- The AX series fly rod is a great choice for anglers who want to have an amazing casting experience, thanks to its lightweight and medium fast action.
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Shop / Fly Rods / ZT Double Hand Travel Rod

ZT Double Hand Travel Rod

From: USD  820.00

In early 2020 the world of travel came to a standstill. But rather than wait out the disruption, we got to work creating the ultimate travel rod. Read more

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Product description.

In early 2020 the world of travel came to a standstill. But rather than wait out the disruption, we got to work – with the aim of creating the ultimate fly fishing travel rod.

After nearly two years of research, development and rigorous testing, the world started to open up again, and we we launched the LOOP ZT.

As a travelling angler you can never be fully sure what conditions you might face at your destination, but the majority of travel rods are usually a compromise between two parameters – fast sinking lines vs. floating lines with fine presentation. Or, they have been designed to heavily favour one or the other.

With this in mind, we felt an obligation to produce a series of multi-piece rods that perfectly combines strength and lightness, whilst also maintaining the progressive casting taper that has become synonymous with LOOP. Thanks to the unique incorporation of graphene particles into the nano resin, we firmly believe that we have achieved this perfect balance.

Made using 40-45 ton nano graphene carbon fibre of the highest specification available – ensuring the smoothest, most powerful action of any travel rod we’ve ever come across – the ZT series also features a AAA+ grade cork handle, specially designed lightweight reel seat, ceramic lined titanium stripping guides and titanium plated stainless steel snake guides.

Available in 5 unique models and a 6 piece format designed for easy and safe transportation no matter what the destination – the ZT series is simply the best fly fishing travel companion you’ll ever have.

Model Specs:

6122 – The 6122 is a smooth but still powerful rod that is perfect when stealth, delicacy and presentation is required. Bombers and hitch flies on this rod are amazing but of course it handles the smaller tubes or hook flies equally well. An absolute gem when fishing salmon, sea trout or migrating browns.

7130 – “Steelhead 101” but perfect for medium sized salmon rivers as well. A rod with a smooth, deep, powerful action that is perfect for the Skagit style angler. Although, a Scandi line is an absolute joy to pair this rod with.

8132 – If you are fishing medium to larger rivers the 8132 will cover most situations. The rod works equally well with Scandi style casting as with Skagit style, floating or sinking lines. If you are in need of distance there is certainly enough power in the rod to provide that.

9140 – The all year around rod for most salmon rivers. Just like the 8132, this rod covers most situations you might encounter. The 9140 has even more power to lift and cast sinking lines the way you like it. Still, the rod has very good accuracy and enough finesse to make fishing with floating line and small flies a real pleasure.

10150 – The big gun in the ZT series. Look no further if you are fishing bigger rivers and are in need of a rod that can lift those heavy sinking lines and send them straight over the river again. It is not only a sinking line rod though. If you want to fish floating lines, the rod performs exceptionally with both shooting heads and long belly lines.

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Best 7 Weight Fly Rods | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide (2023)

Page Contents

A Little Salt, A Little Salmon

7wt fly rods have numerous applications, and this fact is what makes them so appealing to own. In freshwater, a 7wt can handle most any bass , big bruiser brown trout, and even pike and muskie.

7wt rods are also popular for lighter saltwater applications, particularly at the 9’ and 10’ lengths.

These rods also possess enough muscle and finesse to be used in the pursuit of salmon and steelhead, while remaining light enough to be used all day with minimum arm discomfort later.

The fact that this type of rod can be used to great effect in all of these different conditions makes it almost a necessity to own, especially if you pursue multiple species in varying types of water.

In this review I’m doing a deep dive into some fantastic brand’s best offerings of the 7wt variety, so you can assess what rod might be right for you, and so that you can add this useful rod to your armory with confidence.

In this review we’ll cover:

• Best 7 Wt fly rods (overall)
• Best 7 Wt fly rods for the money
• What to look for in a 7 Wt fly rod
• 7 Wt fly rod uses
• Frequently asked questions about 7 Wt fly rods
• And much more!

Let’s get started!

Best 7 Weight Fly Rods (Overall)

These 4 rods are the top of the line when it comes to 7-weight rods. They will handle anything from stalking bass to swinging for salmon, and everything in between.

1. Hardy Zane PRO 7wt Fly Rod

The Specifications:

• 7wt 9’ Models Available, 4-Piece
• 3.7 oz Weight
• Sintrix Carbon/Fibre Matrix Blank
• Ceramic-lined Guides
• Selected Hardwood and Triaxial Carbon Spacers
• Fast Action

View on Trident Fly Fishing →

Hardy is a name that should need no introduction to the discerning fly fisher. Hailing from Alnwick, England, and in business for roughly 150 years, Hardy knows fly fishing and has taken rod building to a place that sits somewhere between art and masterfully talented modern engineering.

The proprietary Sintrix blank is super light, and it was exciting to read rave reviews about this rod coming from people who had undergone shoulder surgery and other such procedures.

Hardy knows their blank material intimately, and this rod loses none of the 7wt muscle in exchange for its minuscule total weight. The action on this rod is more than fast, which is what enables it to be laser accurate at long distances and through heavy winds.

All pieces of this rod are saltwater safe and resistant to harsh elements. The ceramic-lined guides reduce line friction for ultra-fast and smooth casting. The rod is also an aesthetic masterpiece, and the carbon fiber and resin combine to a stunning effect. Hardy knows rods, Hardy knows fly fishing, and it shows with this rod. 

• Super light and super powerful, suitable for big fish whether you’re in saltwater or not
• Multiple different lengths are available
• Accurate at staggering distances
• The action is so fast on this rod that the newly initiated novice will most likely find it difficult to use
• Hardy is expensive, but you do get what you pay for, and the Zane is a more affordable option than some of their higher-end rods.

2. Thomas & Thomas Zone 7wt Fly Rod

• 7wt 9’ and 10’ 4-Piece Fly Rod
• Titanium Frame Stripping Guides with Zirconium Inserts
• Clear Anodized Aluminum Hardware
• Natural Carbon Finish
• Rod Tube and Rock Solid Warranty

Thomas & Thomas have designed a powerful and precise 7wt with their Zone series of rods (the other line weights work great too!). If you’re looking for that bigger rod with muscle that is just as equipped for largemouth as it is for redfish, this rod may be the rod for you.

It is available in a 9’ and 10’, and Thomas & Thomas use titanium, aluminum, and clear resin in concert to create a rod that’s super durable and ready for everyday use right out of the box.

The reviews on this rod are stellar, and the price is much more reasonable than many of T & T’s other models, making this a great choice regardless of your skill level.

• Durable and functional, designed for heavy use
• More traditional fast action, not as fast as the Hardy rod, user friendly 
• It was difficult to find negative aspects to this rod outside of a few manufacturer’s errors (chipped blanks out of the box). T&T takes its customer service seriously and are stellar at remedying these problems.

3. Sage Pulse 7wt Fly Rod

• Graphite IIIe Blank
• Fuji Ceramic Stripper Guide
• Lichen Colored Blank with Olive Thread Wraps and Black Trim
• Chrome Snake Guides
• Uplocking Reel Seat
• Black Nylon Rod Tube with Divided Liner

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Sage’s commitment to quality and performance has created a loyal fanbase, and for good reason, because every product they produce is both affordably priced and relentlessly functional.

They promote this rod as a workhorse, and I couldn’t have described it any better. Available in both a 9’ and 10’ size, the Pulse series from Sage is effective in wind and rain, saltwater, or fresh, for those bigger predatory fish.

Its versatility and price are the main selling points here, and the longer version of this rod does have a butt section making it powerful enough for the biggest muskie as well as big reds on the flats. If you’re not familiar with Sage, this rod may make you a loyal devotee just like the rest. 

• Super durable, masterfully engineered
• Aesthetically pleasing while staying true to its workhorse label
• Sage’s reputation is built on listening to the needs of its customers, and they excel at this, making it hard to find any bad news about its products.

4. Temple Fork Outfitters Axiom II 7wt Fly Rod

• 7wt 9’ 4-Piece Fly Rod
• 3.4 Oz Weight
• Medium/Fast Action
• AAA Grade Cork Handle
• TFO Warranty

I am familiar with Temple Fork Outfitters because they make affordable products for the fly fisher on a budget (I am and forever will be ‘on a budget’). That being said, I was happy that a TFO product made it onto the initial part of my review because I can attest to the quality of their rods being a satisfied customer.

The Axiom II (A2) is a bruiser of a rod, designed so that the parabolic bend transfers directly into the butt section, making wrangling bigger fish easier.

At 3.4 Oz this rod is still light enough for a weekend of casting, and many local salmon enthusiasts in my area choose this as their go-to rod when they make that trip to Erie. Highly recommended!

• Everything you need if you’re looking for a streamer or multi-species rod
• Light but powerful
• There are more manufacturer’s errors with TFO than the aforementioned products, this is a fact. Carefully inspect and test your rod in the yard before you get out to the water to avoid disaster.
• The TFO warranty, while good, is sometimes complained about online due to long lapses of time in between emails, etc, but I have found the TFO team easy to work with personally. 

Check out our other Gear Related Articles:

• Best Fishing Coolers: Backpack, Kayak, Large & Small
• Best Fishing Pliers | Saltwater, Steel, titanium & more
• Best Fishing Hats (Angler’s Buyer’s Guide)
• The Best Fly Fishing Lanyards | Buyer’s Guide
• Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs | Top 9 Reviewed

Best 7wt Fly Rod for the Money | Reviews

Fly rod prices vary tremendously depending on several factors. These next 3 rod recommendations are on the lower end of that price spectrum, without sacrificing quality.

5. Echo Ion XL 7wt Fly Rod

• Oversized Stripping Guide
• Two Handle Options (Fighting Butt or Half Well)
• Medium/Fast–Fast Action
• Black Anodized Reel Seat
• Fabric Covered Rod Case and Sock

The Ion XL from Echo Fly Rod s is branded as a versatile workhorse rod, suitable for salt and freshwater applications. The reviews of this rod are filled with satisfied customers who pursue a variety of prey (pike, muskie, bass and permit just to name a few).

When a rod can be used to great effect in all these varying conditions, it is usually representative of good construction components and sound engineering. The price is good, the people love it and it is perfect for the newly initiated streamer-chucker.

• Currently $199 price tag
• User-friendly, light enough, and muscle to match
• Versatile and works regardless of the conditions you fish
• Read the warranty carefully, because many customers found the service and what is covered to be less than satisfactory.

6. Fenwick AETOS 7wt Fly Rod

• Nano Composite Blank
• Two-tone Anodized Aluminum Reel Seat and Woven Carbon Spacers
• Black Satin Blank Finish

Fenwick is a classic name in fly fishing, and their AETOS 7wt uses novel modern materials to combine power and precision for a great all-around rod.

The nanocomposite blank allows for great power at less weight, while remaining accurate enough to get those streamers where they need to be to elicit big strikes.

AAA cork handles are easy on the eyes, but this series of rods from Fenwick allows you to pick the handle you prefer, whether that be half wells, full wells, or a fighting butt for even longer casts. 

• Went down in price, currently under $200
• Classic Fenwick quality, and attention to detail
• The ability to mix and match what handle you get allows for a better, user-friendly rod that’s geared to the kind of fishing you like to do.
• Fenwick’s move to produce these rods out of the country has rubbed a lot of anglers the wrong way, but such is the way of the world, and I don’t think that it’s enough of a reason to disregard this great, affordable rod.

7. Moonlit Lunar S Glass 7wt Fly Rod

• 7wt 8’6” 4-Piece Fly Rod
• Anti-Dampening Tip
• Progressive Taper with Reserved Power
• Medium-Fast Action
• Fighting Butt
• Lifetime Warranty

This is an interesting rod to round this review, from a company I was previously unfamiliar with. This is a US company that uses S-Glass, a composite material that attempts to achieve the look and feel of old-time glass rods without the weight, and a bit snappier action.

This was great news to me since I frequently swing legitimate “vintage” rods that I’ve acquired at auctions when the price is right. The reviews of this rod are great, from veteran anglers that miss the old glass rods to guys my age and younger who like the action just as much as the price. This rod piqued my interest, so give it a look. 

• Currently under $200
• Powerful and gets the job done
• Great company that takes its products as seriously as you do
• The more moderate action of these rods will take some getting used to especially if you’re familiar with the standard fast actions of 7wt rods, but it’s worth learning.

Check out our Other Fly Rod Related Articles:

• Moonshine Rod Co. Fly Rod Reviews
• Top 7 Best Saltwater Fly Rods | Buyer’s Guide
• Best 2 weight Fly Rods (Top 6) | Buyer’s Guide
• Tenkara Fishing For Beginners & Best Tenkara Rods
• 3 Weight Fly Rods | Top 7, Overall, Budget & Combo

Uses for a 7wt Fly Rod

Many of the rods in this review have been branded by their respective companies as “workhorses,” and I think that’s the best way to look at a 7wt rod. They are versatile and can be used to great effect in a variety of different water conditions, for a laundry list of fish.

From stillwater to big rivers and flats, these rods have use in each category. 7wt rods also allow the angler to switch up their fly selection and excel at throwing heavy and less-than-aerodynamic flies.

Galloup-style streamers, heavily weighted jigs or bulky flesh flies all can be propelled to their target area with ease due to the power that these rods possess. They also allow a more solid and less nerve-wracking fight with that particularly aggressive fish that you’re after, and the fish will tire more quickly from putting that bend in these meatier rods. 

What to Look for in a 7wt Fly Rod?

One thing to look for in a 7wt rod is the material of the blank. Forty years ago rods like this were heavy and a challenge to swing all weekend without discomfort.

The new composite materials available now, coupled with better and more precise engineering have made them remarkably light for their overall length. The handle is another area that you’ll want to be discriminatory about.

A fighting butt-section will allow you to more easily get two hands on the rod and more effectively corral a feisty fish out of the weeds, away from undercuts, and far away from any debris.

Length is also something to be considered, as you can get more power and distance out of a longer rod, but they are a nightmare when you’re deep in the bush and have to finesse them around twigs and overhang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: can i use my 7wt in both salt and freshwater.

A: Yes, you can. Most of the rods in this review have both a Saltwater model and a Freshwater, and while there are some differences between the two (normally length and the choice of hardware used) most of these rods can be used in either.

Just make sure you always rinse and wipe down rods that come out of the salt, it’s hard on them.

Q: Can I use flies besides streamers on my 7wt?

A: Yes! I like throwing bigger foam patterns and jig-type streamers. While every 7wt can throw other flies, sizing down too much can complicate casting, especially at a distance.

Q: What type of line is best for my 7wt rod?

A: I am particularly fond of the Weight Forward 7wt Floating line, because of its versatility, but the sink-tip line works great as well for getting big streamers down into the strike zone. Fluorocarbon tippets and leaders help as well. 

Conclusion/Reeling it in

7wt rods are in my opinion, a necessary rod to have regardless of where you fish. Even in the trout realm, they excel where you know there will be big browns or bows and require some more muscle.

A 7wt opens the door to all sorts of different types of applications, and when you have the tools to fish different water, that usually means more time spent on the water, and it’s never a bad day to go fishing.

I hope this review has shed some light on these types of rods, and hopefully, you’ve found something worth your hard-earned dollars here. As always, tight lines.

Related Readings:

• Angler Conservation: An Interview With TU’s Senior Scientist
• Fly Fishing For Beginners
• Angler Conservation | Aaron Adams, PhD. of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
• Trout Stocking | Q&A With Vermont Fisheries Biologist, Lee Simard

1 thought on “Best 7 Weight Fly Rods | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide (2023)”

TY very much for the nice review and tips to consider when buying a 7 weight fly rod. I’m considering this fly rod weight which I’m hoping to use for salt and fresh water fishing.

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Helios™ F Fly Rod

The Helios F 9' 5-Weight Fly Rod offers all-around freshwater trout fishing performance with various flies.

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Helios™ F Fly Rod

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Your best is now 4x better with unprecedented accuracy following years of exhaustive field testing and relentless innovation. Built to satisfy those anglers chasing perfection through precision casts and performance that withstands the harshest conditions and hottest fish, the all-new Helios™ F series rods offer increased sensitivity, elevated tippet protection, and a design for game-of-inches feeding lane presentations and in-the-moment mends. With the world’s most accurate fly rod in your hands, anything is possible.

• All-around trout fishing performance
• Dries, nymphs, and streamers in freshwater rivers and lakes
• Smooth action for precision casting
• Responsive mending and line control
• Modified full wells grip
• Matte olive blank with olive thread wraps
• Aluminum rod tube
• Backed by 25-Year Guarantee
• Made in USA

Explore the various features and sizes of our Helios Rods.

Warranty & Repairs

Orvis 25-year guarantee.

What that means is, we’ll fix your broken fly rod, and if we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it, no questions asked. Step on it, close the door on it, run over it with the car—it doesn’t matter, we’ll fix it. Our exclusive interchangeable part program means if we have the parts in-stock, we'll get you back on the water in 5 business days. And if we can’t repair it, we’ll choose a newer model rod of at least equal value to replace it. Your investment is assured for a nominal shipping and handling charge.

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“Great anglers know, the ideal fly rod becomes an extension of your arm.

New helios is an extension of your mind..

After years in extensive development, I can say for certain there are zero compromises with these sticks. Just maximum performance that take the caster into complete flow-state accuracy, from eye to fly, picking targets and not just putting the shot in the box but putting it on the money. The only real excuse we all have left now is, well, fly selection.”

— Shawn Combs, Design & Development Director

The Most Accurate Fly Rod in the World

And we can prove it. With the most significant reduction in tip displacement ever measured, hit your target with laser precision.

Delivering Your Fly With Confidence—On Target, Every Time

Strategic reinforcement in the rod blank increases hoop strength and minimizes vibration, leading to a radical reduction in tip displacement.

Muscle & Mettle

Increased travel distance means more lifting power when a fish runs under the boat or thrashes at the net. Fight those last moments with confidence.

Distance & Finesse — A Quiver of Options in Two Series

Choose D for increased line speed and lifting power and F for ultimate sensitivity and delicate presentations with tippet protection.

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Flextec Nomad Traveller Fly Rod 7 Piece

Nomad Traveller 7 Piece Fly Rod – New for 2011

For the adventurous type who simply cannot travel without a rod.  The Nomad was designed to incorporate all of the best features of the Flextec technology into a 7 piece rod.  Simple you would think.  Well not so as we discovered…

However, with perseverance we did.  This rod is something else.  It has the power to cast a line an outstanding distance not only with accuracy but also finesse.

All of this packed into a rod that would fit in a briefcase!

• 7 piece construction
• Lifetime warranty (Conditions apply)
• Heavy duty cotton sock
• Padded Cordura Case
• Eyecatching anodized reel seat

Click here to view the webpage for this model.

The rod itself is finished in an attractive dark blue, glossy but not too flashy for those sunny days with simple but robust ‘O’ style rod rings whipped tight to the blank with a black thread and a keeper ring which is always nice to see as it is often mysteriously absent from some rods for reasons I can never fathom.

Using a 7 weight line I found the action to be quite soft to medium, causing me to slow down my stroke to get the best out of the rod. It did cast nice and accurately once I got used to it and the action was very useful in absorbing the powerful lunges of the carp I hooked handling them brilliantly. A 6 weight saw it stiffen up a little more as you would expect and if you want to snap a cast into tight places or get a tighter loop against the wind then I would opt for the lighter line. It would make a nice little light bonefish and trout rod given its nature as a travel rod and priced at just £49.99 (RRP from £259.99) on the Flextec site you can’t really argue at the value for money.

The other two rods available in the range are an 8′ 4/5# and an 8’6″ 5/6#.

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Eagle Claw Pack-It Spin-Fly Rod 4Pc 7'6, Glass, Model:PK601-7'6

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• O'SHAUGHNESSY TRAILER W/TUBING
• Durable glass construction makes these rods perfect for the trail, trunk or turbo-prop
• Aggressive actions in a small package can make a boring business trip, a trip to remember
• One year warranty

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On a slow fishing day in the 1920’s, Drew McGill encountered a bird of prey that caused him to rethink the shape of the common fishhook. Now over 90 years later, Eagle Claw continues to carry on a legacy of integrity, honesty, and American heritage. From its humble beginnings, Eagle Claw has grown into one of the widely recognized brands in the fishing industry. Today Eagle Claw provides anglers with numerous choices of hooks and terminal tackle for an array of species, spanning both fresh and saltwater fishing.

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O'SHAUGHNESSY TRAILER W/TUBING

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Customers like the quality, value, and portability of the fishing rod. For example, they mention it's an incredible fishing pole, works great, and is well worth the price. That said, some appreciate the portability.

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Customers like the quality of the fishing rod. They say it's an incredible fishing pole, and the absolute best rods for fishing alpine lakes. They also say it has an excellent action, and does a respectable job in casting. Customers also mention that it holds together well if it'd been taken care of.

"...It’s a bargain.These are the absolute best rods for fishing alpine lakes ...." Read more

"...They are great for back packing, but the action is good enough for an everyday pole as well...." Read more

"...Plus, it breaks down conveniently to four pieces and thus is great for camping trips ...." Read more

"...A very nice travel case for this rod can be easily made out of PVC water pipe...." Read more

Customers like the value of the fishing rod. They say it's well worth the price, an excellent product, and a great buy. Some customers also mention that it works great for backpacking and fishing.

"...it’s a bit heavier than the newer graphite models, but also less than half the price . It’s a bargain...." Read more

"...I would highly recommend this to all fishing people. Excellent price as well. I ordered 2 more today!" Read more

"... Worked great backpacking and fishing in the Hgh Uintas this year. Light weight, good feel...." Read more

"...The fit is too lose. Not as good a quality as my old one." Read more

Customers appreciate the portability of the fishing rod. They say it is easy to carry and fits the bill for travel or packing. Some mention that the rod is light to carry, and it fits in their suitcase. Overall, customers are satisfied with the port ability of the product.

"...what I wanted, not for large game fishing but great for backpacking into wilderness lakes ." Read more

"...Worked great backpacking and fishing in the Hgh Uintas this year. Light weight , good feel...." Read more

"...They are great for back packing , but the action is good enough for an everyday pole as well...." Read more

"...I'm giving it 3 STARS because of price and it's packable . I wouldn't recommend this rod to a friend unless they just wanted a cheap pack rod." Read more

Customers find the size of the fishing rod to be perfect. They say it's easy to use, doesn't take too much room, and gets the job done in a small, highly portable rod.

"...It's extremely sensitive, very flexible, and it's 7'6 which is the perfect size ! I would highly recommend this to all fishing people...." Read more

"...It is handy and low cost and gets the job done in a small , highly portable rod. It does a respectable job in casting either a fly or small lure." Read more

"...I bought this rod to take on a backpacking trip and it was a prefect fit for my pack ." Read more

"it is easy to carry and it is to easy to use it.it is not take too many room to take it." Read more

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What to See in Kyiv in One Day – Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents:

❗️Important to Know for Traveling to Kyiv

Kyiv in a day itinerary, main attractions of the kyiv old town:, afternoon itinerary: spiritual reflections, main attractions of the upper town kyiv:, how to get around kyiv – transportation, add kyiv to your bucket list right now.

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a city of rich cultural and historical diversity. Whether interested in museums, parks, beaches, nightlife, or food, you will find something to suit your taste in this vibrant metropolis. 

However, Kyiv is also a large city, covering an area of 839 km2. This means you must plan your trip carefully to ensure you see the places of interest in Kyiv. To help you with that, you can consult a Kyiv travel guide or use online resources to discover the most amazing sights and experiences that Kyiv has to offer.

Private tour guide in Kyiv – Victoria gives insider tips on what to do in Kyiv if you’re visiting for a short period. If you are visiting Kyiv quickly and want to see the most essential sights and local attractions, this article will certainly help you.

Kyiv city has three important historical areas :

• Old Town: This is the spiritual heart of Kyiv, where you can find ancient temples, monuments, and museums. It is also the downtown area where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment, perfect for those wondering what to do in Kyiv. Old Town Kyiv Tour with a private guide .
• Upper Town: This is Kyiv’s administrative and political centre, where you can see government buildings, the parliament, and the presidential palace. It is also home to some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens and the sacred Lavra monastery, a must-add to your things to do in Kyiv list.
• Lower Town: This is the oldest district of Kyiv , where you can experience the charm of the past. It is also known as Podil , famous for its cultural and artistic life and vibrant nightlife.

Start with the Old Town, which is full of ancient temples, if you want to experience the spiritual essence of Kyiv. These magnificent religious buildings are not only the city’s main attractions but also the whole country’s historical pride.

• Golden Gate
• Castle of Baron Steingel
• St.Sophia Cathedral
• National Opera House
• St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral
• St.Andrew’s Church
• Andriyivskyy Descent
• Kyiv Old Hill

Golden Gate (Volodymyrska St, 40A)

Standing as a majestic testament to the ancient city of Kyiv, the Golden Gate is a triumphal stone archway that once served as the main entrance to the city. Erected in the 11th century by Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise , this remarkable structure is a testament to the architectural prowess of Kyivan Rus and its admiration for Byzantine traditions, as exemplified by the Golden Gate of Constantinople.

Bearing witness to centuries of history, the Golden Gate endured the ravages of time, including a devastating attack by the Mongols in 1240. Despite its partial destruction, it remained in use as a vital passageway into Kyiv until the mid-16th century.

In the early 1980s, meticulous archaeological excavations brought the Golden Gate back to life, revealing its grandeur and historical significance. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a museum that houses artefacts and exhibits that chronicle the rich history of Kyiv and its iconic landmark.

Just a few meters away, you may see a red, gothic-style building in the form of a medieval castle.

Castle of Baron Steingel (Yaroslaviv Val St, 1)

Castle of Baron Steingel, Kyiv

One of Kyiv’s most intriguing and mysterious buildings is the Castle of Baron, a neo-Gothic mansion resembling a medieval fortress. 

Locals are captivated by the Golden Gate’s romantic allure, particularly the pair of sculptures adorning its façade. With their clawed hands and feet, these winged devils possess a bestial visage that casts a menacing gaze upon passersby. A baron never owned the castle, but a famous winemaker, Maxim Steingel, lived in a simpler house beside it. Why is it called the Castle of Baron, then? You may learn on a private tour with a local expert guide!

As you approach the Golden Gate, you will be greeted by a majestic Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise statue. In his hands, he holds a replica of St.Sophia Cathedral. The cathedral is a Byzantine and Ukrainian architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can walk to the cathedral from the Golden Gate in just 7 minutes and admire its stunning frescoes, mosaics, and domes.

Saint Sophia Cathedral (Volodymyrska St, 24)

St.Sophia Cathedral is a must-see attraction in Kyiv, as it is the oldest surviving Christian church in the East Slavic region. It dates back to the 11th century and boasts an impressive collection of original mosaics and frescoes covering over 3000 square meters.

These artworks are considered masterpieces of world art and reflect the Byzantine and Ukrainian styles and traditions. St.Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site , operating as a museum, not as a church.

You will be amazed by the beauty and spirituality of this place.

⭐️ Here is a tip from me: if you stand on the spot where you can see both the Mother of God – Oranta mosaic in the main altar and the Jesus Almighty image in the dome above you, you can make a wish, and it will come true.

Across Sofiyska Square, about 500 meters away, you will find another important and magnificent temple of Kyiv and Ukraine: St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery (Triokhsviatytelska St, 8)

The sky-blue cathedral with its golden domes is a replica of the 12th-century cathedral demolished by the Soviet regime. It is now a working monastery and the seat of the Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

To the right of St.Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery, you will see a massive grey building – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is where the diplomatic relations of Ukraine are conducted.

A short walk from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take you to St.Andrew’s Church , one of Kyiv’s most stunning and distinctive churches. This church is a masterpiece of Ukrainian baroque art created by the renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

St.Andrew’s Church (Andriivs’kyi descent, 23)

The church was built in the mid-18th century by the order of Empress Elizabeth, who planned to have a summer residence in Kyiv. The church stands on a hill overlooking the Dnipro River and the Podil district, the oldest part of the city. St.Andrew’s church has a fascinating history and legend. It survived wars, fires, and earthquakes and was never consecrated.

⭐️ You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the river, the city, and the sky from the observation deck around St.Andrew’s Church. 

Andriyivsky Descent 

At the bottom of the church sprawls a paradise for tourists – a souvenir and craftsmen market. The street, often called “Montmartre of Kyiv”, is a site of museums, galleries, art workshops, antique and souvenir shops.

This is where tourists can always buy Ukrainian souvenirs – figurines, pottery, embroidery, wooden caskets, and other things made by Ukrainian artisans and craftsmen.

At Andriyivskyy Descent, you can stop for lunch in a Ukrainian cuisine restaurant, a cafe, a beer pub, or a wine bar. In the afternoon, I suggest you move to the Upper Town area of Kyiv.

After a morning of exploring Kyiv’s historical and cultural attractions, you can spend the afternoon more contemplatively and peacefully. Visit the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most sacred places in Eastern Orthodoxy.

The Lavra, which means monastery, was founded in the 11th century by monks who dug caves and lived in them as hermits. You can enter these caves and see the mummified bodies of the saints, who are revered for their miracles and wisdom. 

The Lavra is not only a place of solitude but also a place of beauty and glory. The complex includes several stunning churches, such as the Dormition Cathedral, the Trinity Gate Church, and the Refectory Church. 

You can also see the Motherland Monument , a colossal statue commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazism in World War II. The view from the tower is breathtaking and serene, and it will make you appreciate the harmony between nature and human creation.

• Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery and Caves
• National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War

If you want to get from the Old Town to the Upper Town in a fast and fun way, you can take the metro. Just walk to the main street of Khreschatyk from any street in the Old Town and hop on the metro for one stop to Arsenalna station .

You will have the chance to experience the world’s deepest metro station, which is 105.5 meters (346 ft) below the ground. 

This is because Kyiv is located on the high bank of the Dnipro River, which rises above the rest of the city. The metro ride is an adventure in itself, and it will take you to the historical and spiritual centre of Kyiv.

Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery and Caves (Lavrska St, 15)

The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is a unique monastery complex that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and one of the seven wonders of Ukraine. It is the only sacred place in the Eastern Orthodox world that you can only find in Ukraine.

The first monks were true ascetics; they lived and died in the caves, dedicating their lives to praying for humanity. You can visit these caves and see the relics of the saints, who are believed to have miraculous powers.

If you want to see the whole complex, with all the cathedrals, monastery buildings, and the Grand Bell Tower, you must buy an entrance ticket for 80 UAH. For a better experience, book a private Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Tour .

You will be amazed by the beauty and splendour of these structures, which reflect the Eastern Orthodox faith and Ukrainian history.

If you only want to see the caves, you can do it for free. Just walk about 400 meters past the main entrance to the Lavra complex and look for the striped fence barrier on the left.

This is the way down to the caves. You will need a candle to light your way, as the caves are dark and narrow. You must also dress modestly and cover your head as a sign of respect.

Near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, you will see a striking contrast between Kyiv’s religious and military aspects. There is a memorial complex of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the WWII (Lavrska St, 24)

If you are fascinated by WWII history on the Eastern Front, you should not miss the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. This museum will give you a comprehensive and chronological overview of the war, from its causes to its consequences.

You will see the main battles on the Soviet-German front line, the heroism and suffering of the Ukrainian people, and the victory and liberation of the country.

The museum has 16 halls with various exhibits, such as documents, photos, weapons, uniforms, medals, and personal belongings of the soldiers and civilians.

The museum also has an impressive outdoor exhibition, where you can see different types of military equipment, such as tanks, helicopters, artillery guns, and rocket launchers.

You can also admire the sculptures that depict the spirit and courage of the Ukrainian people who fought against the Nazi invaders.

The most prominent feature of the museum is the Motherland Monument , a 102-meter statue of a female warrior holding a sword and a shield. This statue is a symbol of the motherland and its defenders.

⭐️ If you are adventurous, climb to the observation deck in the statue’s shield. You will have a stunning view of the city from above. Doing it is not very difficult if you wear comfortable sports clothes and shoes.

You will be accompanied by a guide, who will instruct you and lead you up to the deck. You must take two small elevators and two ladders to reach the top. It is a thrilling and rewarding experience.

Kyiv is an easy city to get around. For much of this itinerary, you can travel on foot, and then use Kyiv public transport to get to the Upper Town.

I would suggest a metro. The metro network is easy to use. It consists of red, green, and blue lines, 52 stations, and three interchange nodes. Kyiv subway is contactless. Your metro travel can be paid for with contactless payment bank cards.

You can also buy a Kyiv Smart Card, put in as much money as you need, and pay for travel on any public transport. In the cabin of land transport, you need to bring a card or ticket to the validator and pay for trip. 

Kyiv is big, diverse, and unspoiled by the tourist masses. Without a doubt, it can satisfy the most demanding travellers. Ancient history, authentic various architecture, vibrant food culture, friendly and hospitable citizens.

On top of that, Kyiv is a fabulously green city in spring and summer. You can’t walk far without passing through a park.

When peace returns to Ukraine, and it is safe to travel to Kyiv, prepare for an unforgettable trip. Whether you want to discover it with a private tour guide or alone, I guarantee you will not regret it!

Travelling to the capital of Ukraine can be a real offbeat European adventure like nowhere else.

About the Author:

Dear Reader! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv and fingers and lens behind this blog. If you feel for that, do not hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected]. You can also check out the blog on my website, www.bestkievguide.com, for more interesting posts.

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Kyiv Travel Guide: What You Want & Need to Know About Kyiv

I thought a lot about how to start my compact Kyiv travel guide, and decided to do so by describing the city itself at the beginning of this article, and I find myself re-typing and deleting words, and unable to do it justice no matter how hard I try!

So, I decided to just say this:

Kyiv is the most underrated, overlooked capital in the world, when it comes to tourism!

It is a treasure for all tourists and travelers. Kyiv is a place where you can walk the streets admiring 1000 years of marvelous architecture, experience wild nightlife to the fullest, enjoy sandy river beaches, socialize and make new friends, and even drive a tank among other things to enjoy an adrenaline rush!

Many mega-cities around the globe claim to have it all. Rarely does that prove to be the case. I’m proud that my city, falls within this rare category.

I know you have a lot of questions about it, how to get here, where to stay in Kyiv , what can you do in the city, about Kyiv nightlife … So. let’s start with the first question:

Table of Contents

Is it safe to travel to Kyiv?

The short answer is yes, it is safe for tourists!

Contrary to the bad 90’s actions movie made you think, the mafia is not roaming the streets in their long black leather coats, black shades, carrying AK-47 machine guns, robbing banks and shooting people randomly!

East Europe in general, and Kyiv in particular, are victims of negative stereotypes.

Just try mentioning your plans to fly to Ukraine to family and friends, who have never been here before, and they will be more than likely express worry and might try to discourage you from going on with your journey, and suggest you avoid this “dangerous” place!

The reality is that the capital of Ukraine is as safe as any other European capital.

Nothing testifies to that like the increasing number of tourists visiting Kyiv every day especially at its downtown, and other popular tourist attractions.

Of course, incidents and crimes do take place just like any other major city in Europe and the United States. Taking some normal caution should be enough.

One thing dominating the news, fueling doubts about the safety here, is the Ukrainian-Russian conflict .

Despite the situation in the eastern two regions of Luhansk and Donetsk , on the far east of Ukraine, no tanks are cruising the streets as the conflict is limited to a small area on the eastern border of Ukraine, about 700 km (~430 mi) from Kyiv.

The conflict zone is isolated with the extensive presence of various Ukrainian security units making the rest of the country safe to locals and visitors alike.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine (Kyiv) alone?

There is not much difference between traveling to Ukraine alone versus Paris, New York, London, or Rome alone.

The same common-sense rules apply to solo travelers as well as to couples and groups of friends traveling together. However, if you are traveling alone to Kyiv, take note of my five simple safety rules:

• Rent a good hotel/apartment in the center of Kiev
• Do not casually flash your money on the street
• Avoid late-night solo adventures in far areas
• Avoid walking alone in the dark streets late at night
• Hire me as your tour guide in Kyiv to plan and organize your visit to Kyiv from A to Z!

Simply treat Kyiv the same way you would treat your city, but with some extra caution.

Select a good area to stay, preferably at the city center, and ignore questionable characters who approach you on the street with strange offers!

I am a professional and friendly tour guide here, in Kyiv. Why don’t you allow me to help you to plan your visit and keep it safe and enjoyable? 

Do I need a Visa for Ukraine?

Needing a Visa to travel to Ukraine depends on the passport you are holding. To know if you need a Visa or not, please visit the Entry regime to Ukraine for foreign citizens on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine .

In general, citizens of the United States of America, Europe, the Persian Gulf, India, China, Australia, among others, enjoy Visa-free, online, or Visa on arrival entry.

However, the duration of stay is different for each category of entry and Visa type; for that, you should review the official Visa information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website .

If you find that you require a tourist Visa to visit Ukraine, then you should apply for it directly through the appropriate Ukrainian consular office in your country.

Acquiring tourist invitations can be helpful to ease the process. Try Googling tourist agencies offering this service.

If I can be of help, contact me and let me know !

What is the currency in Kyiv (Ukraine)?

Our currency here is the Ukrainian Hryvnia. Today, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 28 Hryvnia. However, it often changes. Check updated information displayed below;

How much money can I take to Ukraine?

You can cross the border with no more than the equivalent of 10,000 Euros in cash.

I do not recommend that you use this limit to the fullest; better keep the rest on your credit/debit card which are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and shops. And if you need cash, simply use any ATM in the city.

Are prices in Kyiv affordable?

Yes, it is very affordable for tourists. And I dare to say that the value you will get for your money in Kyiv is not even possible by any other capital on this planet.

Make no mistakes, Kyiv is a very fancy city. We, Ukrainians spare no luxury when it comes to clubs, bars, shopping malls, and entertainment.

Just experience the nightlife scene to get a hint of the glamourous city that Kyiv is.

Nevertheless, the costs of living, food, transport and even partying is among the lowest in Europe.

Kyiv was affordable before, however, the events of the revolution (2013-2014) had taken their toll on the Hryvnia (the local Ukrainian currency), and caused it to devalue three times in value.

Of course, prices followed and went up, but a 100 USD (or 100 Euro) can still go a long way.

A decent meal in a good restaurant with drinks and maybe some desert starts from $5 to $7 per person. A 10-15 minute Uber ride outside of rush hours tops $3 to $4.

Enjoy an entire evening drinking at a bar spending only $50!

Staying in a fancy one-room apartment at the very heart of the city can be $50-$80/night. Some museums are as cheap as 10 cents for entrance!

Want to know more about prices in Ukraine?

This is why spending a minute or two reading my article Kyiv Budget Guide   will give you a better idea about budgeting and how to better manage your finances when visiting Kyiv.

Read ⇒ Kyiv Budget Guide: Your Budget for Visiting Kiev

Do people speak English in Kyiv?

Yes and no.

The vast majority of Ukrainians do not speak English. A lot of people do understand English, however, speaking tends to be challenging.

Unlike native English speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and others), Ukraine is a post-soviet country in which the dominant language was Russian.

That is why you might struggle to find English speakers among mid-age and older people, while the younger generation is much savvier with English and other languages in general.

They may be a little hesitant out of shyness, but approaching people with a smile, using simple English words, and learning a few Ukrainian or Russian words will go a long way.

Regardless, the language won’t disturb your stay, entertainment, or food.

Ordering food at restaurants and cafés should be no problem as all of them have English menus and employ a couple of waiters who do speak English.

All decent hotels, including the ones I will recommend when you trust me to plan your visit to Kyiv , have English-speaking employees at the reception.

And if you need a good interrupter in Kyiv, just contact me !

How many airports are there in Kyiv?

Kyiv has two civilian airports that are open for international flights. Arriving at either of them is fine,  Boryspil Airport and  Zhuliany Airport .

Boryspil Airport

The first is Boryspil International Airport ; its international code is KBP.

This airport is the bigger and busier in Kyiv. It is 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Kyiv.

Transport options from Boryspil (besides taxi) include airport shuttle bus. It has two stops: Kharkivska metro station and the Kyiv central railway train station .

You can also take airport shuttle trains from Boryspil to the railway station.

It’s a good option if you are not planning to stay in Kyiv and need to proceed with your journey to another city.

My advice is to use Uber . It is reliable, safer, and cheaper than the average taxi.

Zhuliany Airport

The second airport is Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) , easily differentiated with its international code IEV.

It’s more compact than the first and also the nearest airport to Kyiv as its located within the city limits. Zhuliany is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Kyiv’s center.

So, transport is not an issue with even the tram line being not far from the airport.

Getting a taxi would be better than the tram, but forget about taxis, order an Uber !

Just in case you don’t want to hustle, I can arrange for your pickup .

Where to stay in Kyiv?

For you as a tourist, the best place to stay is around Kyiv’s city center, or an elite part of Podil historic district.

These are the best and safest areas in Kyiv, especially for foreigners.

I recommend the area around Arena City . It is a favorite among my tourists with many nightclubs, restaurants, and tourist attractions within walking distance from it.

There are three types of accommodations for tourists: hotels, apartments, and hostels .

Couchsurfing is not a wide practice here, so better stick to hostels if you are on a tight budget.

Should I rent a hotel or an apartment in Kyiv?

The last 5-10 years have been good for Kyiv’s hotel business. Both quantity and quality went up rapidly.

Today, there is a hotel in Kyiv for every taste and budget. Many luxury hotels have their spas, so you can take advantage of that while staying there.

In my opinion, Premier Palace , Aloft , and 11 mirrors will give the best value for your money.

Apartments are generally cheaper than hotels with an extra bounce of privacy. However, hotels are always safer.

Renting an apartment is not dangerous, on the contrary, they can be as safe, or even safer. It all depends on selecting the right area and the right apartment.

There are many websites and apps like Airbnb , offering hundreds of options all around the city. Nevertheless, they don’t guarantee to get the best possible option.

In case you prefer to rent an apartment, but hesitant about doing it online, you can trust my expertise and contact me to assist you with your choice.

I went through the pros and cons of a well-detailed article about How to find good accommodation for tourists in Kyiv ; you will find many interesting things inside. I highly recommend reading it!

Read ⇒   Where to Stay in Kyiv

What is there to do in Kyiv?

Kyiv is a modern, vibrant European megapolis with a rich history.

The city’s attractions are limitless, and you can spend an entire month in it, having every meal in a new restaurant/café without visiting any restaurant twice, partying in a new place every day, exploring and enjoying a new tourist attraction every time.

I am discovering new things to do and places to visit every day!

So let me share my opinion of the top things to do in Kyiv:

Descend into the world’s deepest metro station

Riding the never-ending escalators of Arsenalna metro station is something every tourist in Kyiv should experience.

The metro system was designed and constructed during the Soviet era. The Ukrainian capital desperately needed this addition to its transport network.

Taking into consideration Kyiv’s geology and geography, engineers were forced to go deep under building the tunnels. That resulted in Arsenalna, the deepest metro station in the world.

Arsenalna is 105.5 meters or 346 feet deep below the surface. To visualize it, the Statue of Liberty to the edge of the torch is 93 meters or 305 feet, and Big Ben is 96 meters or 315 feet.

The distance is so long, it takes two-stage mega escalators to connect the entrance with the train platform.

The journey from the entrance until you board the underground train takes 5-6 minutes on average.

Tour the golden-domed churches of Kiev

Kyiv is famous for its beautiful historic golden-domed churches and cathedrals.

The architecture and design of these sites were influenced by Byzantine architecture. They have been and still are major landmarks of Orthodox Christianity.

Among them are Saint Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv Monastery of the Caves) , both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites , which were built around 900 years ago.

The 1000-year-old Saint Sophia’s Cathedral is the oldest major orthodox cathedral in Ukraine, and one of the holiest sites in Eastern Europe.

Fun fact, the cathedral is illustrated on the two Hryvnia bill!

Besides the cathedral, the complex also includes Yaroslav tomb (Sarcophagus of Yaroslav the Wise) and the spectacular southern entrance tower.

If you are a fan of architecture, touring Pecherska Lavra will be an exciting experience. It is a large complex, with over 100 monks residing inside.

The complex is built on a system of narrow tunnels connecting underground caves that contain chapels and living quarters. You will get a chance to explore some of them during your tour.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery is another spectacular site deserving of your attention.

The monastery is a living example of resurrection and deep routed orthodoxy in Ukraine.

It underwent painful demolition by the Soviet regime between 1934-1936, then reconstructed and rebuilt from the ground up using many authentic parts of the historic monument, saved during demolition.

St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery opened its doors again in 1999 in an independent Ukraine. Also worth your attention when you visit Kyiv.

Other historic churches I suggest you also visit St Volodymyr’s Cathedral and St Andrew’s Church . Both are among the city’s top tourist attractions and are an illustration of Kyiv, and Eastern European art and architecture.

Explore Motherland Monument

It seems that many major projects that start as controversial transform into monumental landmarks.

Motherland Monument in Kyiv is one of the. It is one of 10 tallest statues in the world (7 th according to some sources), and an internationally recognized symbol of Ukraine.

The monument was built out of steel and designed to stand tall for more than 150 years.

With its base, Motherland is 102 meters or 335 feet tall. Meaning it is taller than the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York which is 93 meters or 305 feet.

There are observation decks at 36 meters (118 feet) and 91 meters (298 feet) height.

The statue itself is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

The massive memorial complex occupies over 27 acres, it also includes an exhibition of various Soviet area weapons and equipment, and I am not talking about guns and pistols, but tanks, heavy artillery, armored boats, fighter jets, attack helicopters, and even a mobile strategic missile unit for nuclear weaponry!

Don’t worry though, it is harmless and without any real warheads inside!

The complex itself is a masterpiece testament to Soviet-era art and architecture.

Before you reach Motherland Monument, you will pass through a tunnel.

There are various art exhibitions all around, the most exemplary ones are The Flame of Glory, Battle of the Dnieper Monument, and the breathtaking war panorama on the walls of the tunnel midway between the main entrance and Motherland Monument.

If history is your horse, you can easily spend half your day at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War.

Sounds interesting? Let me know to include it to your tour then!

Spend a day on the beach

Many of my tourists express their surprise when I introduce them to the beach life in Kyiv.

My city is located on the east and west banks of the Dnieper, one of Europe’s largest rivers.

The river beaches are wonderful, ideal for tanning, and relaxing after a long day of work.

Trukhanov Island is a great example of Kyiv beach life. You can meet people and socialize, rent a kayak, jet ski, or even go water skiing!

There are many beach nightclubs all around Kyiv, so why not stay after dark and join the party?

Go on an adventure

If you are looking for an adventure, you will find many!

There are limitless sources to make your adrenaline rush here. Some of them are exclusive to Kyiv and Ukraine.

The most famous among them is exploring the ghost town of Chernobyl. Surely, the name sounds familiar!

How about flying a plane?

Even better, jumping off one!

You can also ride a tank, and drive it after short instruction.

Extreme tourism is big here. I think we like it so much, that we unintentionally perfected it!

I wrote a detailed article about adventure tours in Kyiv , which I regularly update with new information.

I recommend you read it first for better orientation before requesting a tour so we can better plan your visit to Kyiv.

Read ⇒ Kyiv Amazing Adventures: Experience These Crazy Extreme Tours in Kiev

What to do in Kyiv at night?

You can start the evening at one of Kyiv’s best bars, or pre-party spots, then go clubbing, meet new people, and continue partying if you still have the energy as the city has many amazing after party clubs.

Kyiv nightlife is an amazing beast that tourists find themselves tempted to try to tame. It has developed to become a major industry with various outlets, attracting tourists from all around the world.

The nightlife scene in Kyiv has it all: a romantic atmosphere, stunning clubs, buzzing bars, and friendly partygoers!

Nightclubs dominate the nightlife and are its main component. Clubs here love to organize lavish themed parties and various events.

There are many good nightclubs in Kyiv ranging from elite glamourous to underground.

Bars are not a place to get hammered, but a vibrant cultural addition to the nights of Kyiv. Spending an evening in a bar can be for the drinks, spending time with friends, while enjoying live music performances.

They can also be pre-party and after-party spot. Many bars in Kyiv organize live DJ music performances on weekends.

Many bars can be described as mini clubs themselves.

I have heard it repeatedly from tourists who travel from the States, Europe, India, Australia, and others: Kyiv nightlife is amazing !

To summarize: the night scene is exciting, glamourous, wild, safe, and affordable.

Nightlife is my most requested tour. If you are a party fan, you will find my Kyiv Nightlife Guide very useful.

Where to eat out in Kyiv?

When it comes to food, my city has too much to offer for you to be punishing yourself with McDonald’s and KFC!

I always try to place my tourists in Kyiv downtown. This gives them the bonus of being in short walking distance from my favorite restaurant Koya .

It’s located within Arena City complex that also hosts a large number of the best food places like The Burger , where you can enjoy a specialty burger as the name hints, or get something light to eat and socialize as in Casual Food.

If you happen to be in a hurry, just grab a fast meal at Noodle Doodle .

When it comes to class, try Coin , which is another favorite of mine and my tourists. There you are guaranteed to enjoy every meal.

If you are looking for an outstanding dining experience, going on a date, or simply want to treat yourself, look no further than Veranda . It is an elite restaurant, with an outstanding menu, great service, and a warm atmosphere.

In many aspects, Ukraine is a melting pot for cultures. Our food and restaurant scene is one clear reflection of that.

There is one street at the heart of Kyiv where you can find within 200 meters walking distance restaurants specializing in Ukrainian, Japanese, Iranian, Vietnamese, and Italian cuisine! And a Mc Donald’s, too!

I hope you are better informed now about Kyiv than before. If there are any questions you have, or want to request a private tour , feel free to contact me .

Since you are here, you might also be interested in:

⇒   Kyiv Nightlife Guide and Party Tips

⇒   where to stay in kyiv: traveler guide to kyiv accommodation.