BLACK DIAMOND Distance Carbon Z Poles, Z-Folding, Desert Sky, 110 cm

Why it's worth it

The Distance Carbon Z is a fixed-length, Z-folding carbon pole that deploys with one pull and folds into a bundle short enough to stash almost anywhere. At roughly 170 grams per pole it's the lightest thing here, aimed squarely at runners and gram-counters.

For trail running and fastpacking, nothing else here is close. The Z-fold design collapses to about 15 inches and weighs roughly 170 grams per pole — among the lightest adjustable-capable poles in Outdoor Gear Lab's multi-year comparisons. You can carry these strapped to a vest for miles and forget they're there, then deploy them with a single pull when the grade kicks up.

Fixed length is the trade, and it's a real one. There's no adjustment collar, no lever, nothing to slip — which is exactly why they're so rigid and so light. But you buy your size once, and you can't shorten them for a long climb or lengthen them for a descent. Before you order, size yourself carefully: on flat ground, your elbow should sit at roughly 90 degrees with the tip planted.

From our review of 6 hiking poles, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +For trail running and fastpacking, nothing else here is close
• +Fixed length is the trade, and it's a real one
• +The EVA foam grips make more sense here than cork would
• +Owners who came from cheaper folding poles after breaking a few tend to stay with these

What to know

• –Carbon plus a folding joint is the least forgiving construction for lateral impact
• –Fixed length also means the poles don't shrink for travel beyond their folded state, and they can't be shared with someone of a…
• –Swapping the tips is harder than it should be