Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles

One of the lightest poles here, built for fast hiking, long-distance trails and trail running. Three carbon fiber sections snap together with a pull of the speed cone and fold to about 36 cm, small enough to stow on a running vest, at around 150 g a pole in the 120 cm size. The catch is that the length is fixed, so you must choose the right size before buying and cannot shorten them for climbs or lengthen them for descents. Testers also found the tips less durable than on Black Diamond's Pursuit poles, and they are not the choice for pitching a shelter or carrying heavy loads. For quick days on good trails, few poles are faster to deploy.