Last updated on January 9th, 2024.
- Hands on with the Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit - April 23, 2024
- On the Water with the New Simms G3 Guide Wading Boots - April 15, 2024
- On the Water: Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit Review - January 6, 2024
Fly rod cases come in many styles and sizes today but none is as stylish as this one.
The L.L. Bean Maine Waxed Canvas Four-Piece Rod Case might be a good choice for you if you’re a traditionalist and want to look like Brad Pitt in “A River Runs Through It” when heading out to the water. We’ve put this fly rod case to the test and tell you what we think of it.
First Impression
Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on one of them and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we believe in ourselves and would recommend to our friends and family. Learn more here.
The facts:
Colors: Brown
Material: Waxed Canvas
Capacity: Can hold 3 rod tubes of 4 piece rods (there a larger version as well)
Size: 33¼”L x 8½”W x 2½”D.
Price: $129
Build Quality
Right out of the box you realise that the L.L. Bean Maine Guide Waxed-Canvas Rod Case is all about vintage style. Main from a very sturdy canvas fabric, it features leather applications for the main handle and the two large front pockets. Even the zippers for the main compartment have little leather handles – very stylish.
Style
The two outside pockets that open and close with an additional zipper offer easy and quick access to important gear such as your fly reel or a pair of pliers. The main compartment is also protected by a zipper that opens to the left and right.
Lots of Space on the Inside
On the inside you’ll realise that the L.L.Bean takes a different approach than other rod cases such as the Patagonia Black Hole or the Fishpond Dakota (but the L.L.Bean is also almost only half the price). Whereas these two feature adjustable compartments to create your customised interior, the L.L.Bean comes only with one big (nicely padded) compartment. That compartment is meant to store your fly rods.
Tube Protection
Due to its softer build, the L.L.Bean is a great rod case to use as a carry on when travelling by plane. If you’re considering to check in your bag, I’d definitely recommend protecting your rods by leaving them in their tubes since the shell of the Maine Guide does not offer enough impact protection.
PROS:
- Very stylish and vintage looking
- Waxed canvas has a great look and feel
- Easy access thanks to outside pockets
CONS:
- Impact protection is not enough to use the back as check in luggage
- The inside only features one big padded compartment and no option to customise
Final Thoughts: The Best Canvas Rod Case
As you would expect from a brand such as L.L.Bean, the quality and craftsmanship on the Maine Guide Rod Case are flawless. In my eyes, this bag is the ideal companion as a carry-on on a plane trip or to keep your gear organised and ready in a truck. It does not offer ultimate impact protection and versatility on the inside. Its style and charm are definitely unmatched.
FAQs: L.L.Bean Canvas Rod Case
How many rods can the Maine Guide Waxed-Canvas Four-Piece Rod Case hold?
The Four-Piece version of the Maine Guide rod case can hold three four piece rods in their tubes easily. We managed to fit even four.
Is the Maine Guide rod case waterproof?
Although the waxed canvas material is very sturdy and water-repellant, it’s not fully waterproof.
Is the shoulder strap detachable?
Yes, the shoulder strap can easily be detached.
Does the Maine Guide Waxed-Canvas Four-Piece Rod Case come in multiple colors?
No, there’s only one colorway for the Maine Guide rod case.
