I don't have a 3+ piece rod, but I do own 2 telescoping rods that I love and can take almost everywhere. One issue with a telescoping rod is that if you pull too hard when you're opening, the segments might get stuck like that (one of mine did, no big deal, but it does take some of the convenience away) Also, I would assume that a telescoping rod would be safer to transport and be less likely to break because all of the sections stay together.

I have a Diawa Executive Travel Pack, has a 6 or 7 piece rod and a spinning reel all in a plastic case, its pretty sweet get up and wasnt to
expensive if I remember, think I got it from Cabelas.

My travel/emergency rod is a telescoping Zebco spincast rig. While I am not much of a spincast fan it does store nicely in the trunk of the wife's car (no complaints from her) and is quick to set up with no missing pieces. The plastic case does a nice job of protecting it also. Tom

i believe for fishing purposes the telescoping rod is the better rod to use. because of the fact that there is not any furrels to take away the feel of the action from the rod.

both rods store nicely, both have storage packs
both rods work to hold line, cast and reel in line
both will catch fish when handle properly

the only thing that is lost is that sensitivity of one's rod. the more sections there is the less sensitive a rod is. each spot that a rod comes together is a stiff spot and you loss some of the sensitivity in those spots.

I got a 5'6" ultralight that used to be 6' til someone stepped on it on the boat. still works fine

I have a preference for the older Wright and Mgill ( eagle claw) pack rods. These came in aluminum rod tube that will fit nicely u=in a backpack or under your seat. The ones I have are both spin/fly combos. one is 6'6" and the other 7'6". these are more a medium action rod and they say for 7wt fly line. thats a bit heavy for the type of fishing I do but a 6 wt seems to load the rod pretty good. these do not have fast action tips. The work ok for fly fishing in a pinch. but I do enjoy the extra lenth when fishing some of the streams I go to.

Brian

I have a preference for the older Wright and Mgill ( eagle claw) pack rods. These came in aluminum rod tube that will fit nicely u=in a backpack or under your seat. The ones I have are both spin/fly combos. one is 6'6" and the other 7'6". these are more a medium action rod and they say for 7wt fly line. thats a bit heavy for the type of fishing I do but a 6 wt seems to load the rod pretty good. these do not have fast action tips. The work ok for fly fishing in a pinch. but I do enjoy the extra lenth when fishing some of the streams I go to.

Brian

I have a preference for the older Wright and Mgill ( eagle claw) pack rods. These came in aluminum rod tube that will fit nicely u=in a backpack or under your seat. The ones I have are both spin/fly combos. one is 6'6" and the other 7'6". these are more a medium action rod and they say for 7wt fly line. thats a bit heavy for the type of fishing I do but a 6 wt seems to load the rod pretty good. these do not have fast action tips. The work ok for fly fishing in a pinch. but I do enjoy the extra lenth when fishing some of the streams I go to.

Brian