BBB, I am going to throw out some more Tenkara info especially if you want light, compact, for backpacking... I dove into Tenkara about 3 years ago and haven't touched by Western r/r stuff since--I was very attracted the "simplicity" of Tenkara--one rod, no reel, only 1 line/tippet to use for the most part, 5 or 6 fly patterns, and "your presentation skill"--that's it ... a couple of things to consider... good but inexpensive rods can be gotten for around $100... another fun fact is that 80% or more of the fish we catch are within 20' of where we are fishing... Tenkara line--up to 20' (w/ the popular 12' rod--easy)...most of my Tenkara use has been from a float tube--usually fishing shorelines(my 13' rod has managed a 26" monster trout in a few lakes--what a thrill--no reeling required just playing the fish back and forth to tire) ...what a treat...my stream fishing again only 15 to 20 feet with more attention paid to presentation...and guess what it only take 4 or 5 different Tenkara fly patterns to cover all (my monikor photo-to the left- is a Utah Killer Kebari--one of the most effective Tenkara flies and so simple to tie)... what a joy...as a fly tier, I love the ability to focus on 8 or 10 top flies that I will ever use... mostly wet but can easily tie dries ... I tie more flies for my wife who is still using Western flies--wooley buggers, griffith gnat, black gnats, etc. (I also use these as well--dealer's choice)
finally, when you have some time/interest, I direct you to 2 or 3 websites that will give you great info on a range of rods with first hand eval... first of all, hit Tenkara USA--Daniel kicked Tenkara off in this country with his company, info, and passion after spending years learning from masters in Japan...second, check out Tenkara Addict...Tristen has only Tenkara fished, loves to find "cheap rod deals" and "demos them on outings and from his shop...great source for inexpensive entry rods... a final website of Tom Davis, a former Oregonian who does meticulous videos and equipment reviews...his site is Teton Tenkara... good luck... would encourage you to p/u an inexpensive (under $100 if you can afford that) rod + a few bucks for line/tippet and you are set... enjoy however you dip your line... there is room for all...
Brad