Ever make a fly rod case?

[rockymtn eagle]

I'm looking to make my own fly rod case. I'm looking to make a lightweight rod case for backpacking. PVC is too heavy, so I'm looking for alternatives. Some light weight ridged plastic material would be ideal but I can't find anything at my local Home Depot.

Thanks for your advice!

[flatlander]

How about some thin cardboard tube with some tape on the ends? Or just put it into a sock and pack it so that it is protected in your pack. Other than that, I just use a long tube converted into a walking stick.

[Woodbutcher]

 Cardboard type paper products can easiy be treated with a mix of varnish and paint thinner, and the result is amazing. Did this in my model airplane building days, not a weight problem. 15 to 17 parts of cheap mineral spirits and the result is water proof and somewhat stronger. The surface can be painted if wanted.
 Mix it up and and use anything to slosh it on, rags, paper towels, whatever. 2 or three coats and you're ready. I have 3 tool boxes, a gun case and 4 rod cases, and all from the same can of varnish that was leftover to start with. And you will not recognize what they're made of. Quick, cheap, and lasts years!
                                                                                   Woodbutcher

[corbanzo]

you can make one out of thin bubble wrap.  It will be really light, but not protect against hard knocks.  you might be able to form some specialized plastics, like casting (medical) made with the holes in them which are lighter.  A piece that big might be a little expensive though.  I use them for holsters and fly tying.