America’s Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures
By Michael Lanza One of the most immutable truisms about hiking is this: Backpackers, dayhikers, climbers, mountain runners, and others who start using trekking poles almost never hit the trail without them again. No matter how much weight you’re carrying—from an ultralight daypack to a godawful heavy monster backpack—you will lessen your chances of an accidental fall and your leg …
Trekking and Running Poles REI Flash Folding Trekking Poles $149, 14 oz. (115cm) Sizes: 105, 115, 125, and 135cm rei.com When I brought these poles and another pair that are collapsible (not folding)—and virtually the same weight—on a 12-mile trail run-hike in the Foothills, swapping poles with a partner, it quickly became clear that we both preferred these poles. A …
Trekking and Running Poles Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles $190, 12.7 oz. (105-125cm) Sizes: 95-110cm, 105-125cm, and 120-140cm backcountry.com Trekking poles vary widely in weight, packability, adjustability, and durability—and the balance between those competing attributes determines their recommended uses and versatility across activities. Then there’s Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon FLZ poles, which I’ve used for everything from dayhiking and …
Read onReview: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles
By Michael Lanza You want trekking poles for backpacking, dayhiking, running mountain trails, ski touring, or other backcountry activities, but the abundance of models and designs out there can seem overwhelming. Collapsible or folding, ultralight or heavier and sturdier, adjustable or not—which style is best for you? Save yourself a lot of time and the expense of making the wrong …
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles$170, 10 oz./pair (110 cm)Sizes: 110, 120, 130, and 140 cmbackcountry.com With gear, exceptionally low weight often means compromising functionality, durability, or both. With Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z Poles, though, there’s little compromise. On a mostly off-trail, two-day backpacking trip to Quiet Lake in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains; another mostly off-trail, roughly 14-mile …