America’s Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures
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 $200, 12 oz. (105-125cm) Sizes: men’s/unisex 95-110cm, 110-125cm, and 125-140cm, women’s 95-110cm and 110-125cm blackdiamondequipment.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 …
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles$180, 10 oz./pair (110 cm)Sizes: 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130cmbackcountry.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 …
Trekking Poles Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series $250, 15 oz./pair (with trekking baskets) One unisex size, adjustable backcountry.com List all the qualities you’d want in the perfect trekking poles and you may find yourself describing the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Black Series. From a three-day, 36-mile backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail to a steep, eight-mile, 5,200-vertical-foot dayhike …
All-Season Trekking Poles Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles $190, 1 lb. 1.5 oz. (with trekking baskets) One men’s and one women’s size, adjustable backcountry.com For backcountry users who need poles that can handle hard use and any and all activities around the calendar, from backpacking on good trails to scrambling off-trail up mountains and backcountry skiing, Black Diamond’s Alpine …