I fish mostly with a 5 piece 6'9" 3 wt Winston LT. I know you don't
care about flying, but it does fit right in my carry on. I check one
or two backup rods, and I'm glad I don't have to lug a big rod tube
around the airport, and that the little rod tube I do carry hides in
my carry on. Like most everyone else is saying, it also fits
completely into a small day pack. For some reason, I like being able
to put all my fishing stuff into a daypack and look just like a
dayhiker as I'm getting to brookie streams. I'm happy not advertising
that I'm fishing. For longer backcountry excursions, I'd rather have
a smaller rod tube completely inside my backpack than a larger rod
tube stuck in a sleeve and poking way above the top of my pack. And
even packing the rod into a gear bag to throw in the vehicle, and
getting it in and out of the front door at home is easier. What's not
to like? You can even hide it in your house, if getting it by SWMBO
is a factor. Kidding.