When I’m deep in the backcountry, every ounce of gear matters — but so does having the right tools to catch fish in wild, remote waters. In my latest video, I break down the two ultralight conventional fly fishing kits I personally carry when backpacking. Both systems are compact, efficient, and tailored for different types of water, but they share one goal: maximum capability at minimum weight.

Whether I’m fishing tight mountain streams or throwing bigger flies into wider water, these kits have helped me catch fish from Pennsylvania all the way to California.

Kit 1: Ultralight Setup for Small, Tight Streams

This kit is built for small waters, small flies, and stealthy presentations — perfect for high‑gradient mountain creeks.

Gear Includes:

• Rod: 7.5′ 3‑weight Orvis Superfine fiberglass rod (4.2 oz with cloth case)

• Reel: Orvis Battenkill I with 3‑wt floating line and tapered leader (4.2 oz with case)

• Total weight: 17.6 oz (includes 9.2 oz accessory kit)

If you hike to remote brook trout water, this setup is an absolute dream.

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Kit 2: Versatile Setup for Bigger Waters

When I expect deeper runs, larger flies, or fish with more power, this is the system I trust.

Gear Includes:

• Rod: 9′ 5‑weight Orvis Clearwater travel rod (5.7 oz with case)

• Reel: Orvis Clearwater II with 5‑wt floating line and leader (7 oz with case)

• Total weight: 21.9 oz (includes 9.2 oz accessory kit)

It handles streamers, nymph rigs, and dries with ease.

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Shared Ultralight Accessory Kit (9.2 oz)

Both rods pair with the same minimalist accessory kit I’ve refined over hundreds of trail miles. It includes:

• X‑Pac chest pack (3.5 oz)

• Forceps and line clippers

• Extra tapered leaders

• 5x fluorocarbon + monofilament tippet (or tippet cards to save space)

• Floatants (gel + shake)

• Strike indicators

• Minimal split shot in a Ziploc

• A lightweight foam fly box loaded with dries, nymphs, streamers, ants, and beetles

Despite its small size, this kit gives me everything I need to fish multiple styles without weighing down my pack.

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Why You Should Watch the Video

In the video, I walk through every piece of gear in detail: weights, cases, why I chose each item, and how I optimize each kit for the biggest capability‑to‑weight ratio possible. If you backpack and fly fish — or want to start — this breakdown gives you a clear blueprint for a proven, ultralight system.

🎥 Check out the video! You’ll see the gear up close and learn how these kits perform on real backcountry trips.