Let me start by saying there’s no single “right” way to do this. Everyone’s needs are different, and travel styles vary widely—from the person who tosses everything into a box to the minimalist who keeps things ultra-organized.
This post is simply a look at how I personally like to organize and travel with my fly tying equipment. Hopefully, it gives you some ideas or inspiration for your own setup.

The bag I use: Fishpond Tailwater Fly Tying Kit

The Fishpond Tailwater Fly Tying Kit is a thoughtfully designed travel bag built for both beginner and experienced fly tyers who value portability and organization. It offers a ton of space and well-organized interior. The outer structure is soft yet rigid and won’t collapse or look messy like some other bags.

The bag is made from high-quality materials that are built to stand the test of time. Everything feels premium—from the zippers to the handle straps and all the other thoughtful features, which I’ll go into more detail about below.

Overall, this bag is the perfect fit and function for my fly tying. It’s like Goldilocks—not too big, not too small—just right.

The Way I Do It: Baggin’ and Taggin’

After countless late-night tying sessions, random spur-of-the-moment tying, fishing trips, and long weekends away, I’ve found that having my own “material kits” is the way to go. Each kit is a labeled bag with everything I need to tie a specific fly. These are usually my go-to patterns—the ones I know will get fished and won’t just sit in a box.

Tying on the road can be a funny thing. If you’re always scrambling to gather materials for a pattern, you’re almost guaranteed to forget one or two key items. That’s why I keep around 15–20 kits ready to roll. Each one includes hooks (usually a dozen), eyes, thread, and all the materials needed for a specific pattern.

This system not only helps when I’m traveling but also makes tying at home way easier. It’s grab-and-go—perfect for cranking out a few flies quickly without digging through piles of materials.

There are definitely pros and cons to this method, but for me, it makes things more efficient and actually helps me sit down and tie—whether I’m on the road or just relaxing at home. The biggest downside is ending up with duplicate materials if you build multiple kits that use the same stuff. But honestly, who doesn’t love buying more fly tying materials? So it’s not much of a problem for me.

The tool page, which has a 14 Hypalon-backed slots along with a pouch for long tools like, UV lights, brushes, or resin. It keeps your tools organized, easy to find, and helps prevent damage—especially to scissor blades. This really is one of the nicest things about the bag. Tools at the ready, safe, and very organized.

The well-designed thread spool tray, which holds up to 20 spools, keeping them neatly organized, tangle-free, and ready to use at a quick glance. Along with the pedestal base tray with velcro straps. No more carrying the base separately. The base won’t rattle around and has a designated place. It will fits bases up to 6.5” x 7.5”

The bag includes four removable TPU clear zip wallets, perfect for organizing your materials—whether you use them as I do with kits or in a way that suits your workflow. I can easily fit 12 of my material kits into this bag, making it ideal for any tying event or staycation. With 12 different patterns neatly stored in these folders, everything stays organized and ready to go at a moments notice.

For all your traveling or heck, even you main storage system if you’re just starting out and don’t have a designated “man cave” yet. Fishpond hit it out of the park with this bag. Hopefully this gives you a little idea, help on traveling with tying gear

– Capt Mike Pass Bird Dog Fly Fishing