"Tom" wrote in message
hlink.net...
I would like to purchase a good 5wt backpackable rod and have been looking
at the Orvis Frequent Flyer and the Cabela Stowaway."

While I have no experience with the Orvis FF, I do own several 4pc. Orvis
rods. Excellent product, fairly priced when compared with the alternatives
(Silver Lable rods are about $325 average - mid priced) and they offer
outstanding customer service support. The one caveat is that turn-around on
rod repairs tends to run 6 or 7 weeks, so plan on owning a back up!

I own a Cabela's Stow-away 4wt. 7 foot rod. For under $100 it is really
quite a nice rod. Soft and slow, it won't win you any casting prizes. I
have found it is best for inside of 40 feet and small flies. I also like to
use a "pocket water" line with it - the quick taper tends to highlight the
loading of the rod at the close ranges I fish it. The Stow-away isn't the
prettiest rod out there, and many derate them as a KPOS. Be that as it may,
it is a functional fishing tool at a price point where there aren't many
other valid choices. If you can spend two or three times the price of the
Cabela's, you can easily get two or three times the quality. The question
is "will that help you catch two or three times the fish?"

My $0.02

Joe C.