The lightest fixed-length trekking pole for fast packing and trail running

If you want the lightest weight, simplest trekking poles, we recommend the Black Diamond Carbon Distance Running Poles. And you can use them just as well for trekking as you can for running.

• Price: $170
• Weight: 6.3 oz
• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Adjustability: None
• Off-Trail Compatible: No
• Pros: Super ultralight. Easy to hike or run with.
• Cons: Not adjustable. Not suitable for off trail. No extended grip.

Features

Hiking with a 3 oz Black Diamond Distance Carbon Running pole in each hand is a complete joy. You barely feel the weight, but still reap all of the mechanical advantages trekking poles offer.

These are the best trekking poles when it comes to minimizing weight, and they are incredibly easy to swing and accurate to plant. However, the low weight is also indicative of a thinner carbon fiber shaft construction, meaning we aren’t comfortable taking this one off trail.

This is a non-adjustable, fixed length pole. Make sure to grok the size guide! This comes with upsides and downsides. For starters, there are fewer mechanical failure points, no locking mechanisms to break or wiggle loose.

But the lack of adjustability makes this difficult to use with trekking pole supported structures. Unless the trekking pole height that your ultralight tent requires to pitch happens to be a near-exact match with your fixed length trekking pole size, then you’re out of luck.

Lastly, they’re much more difficult to transport and stow. This is a minor annoyance at home or on the way to the trail. But it can be outright obnoxious when you need your hands for class three terrain and can’t collapse them to stash in your backpack.

Verdict

These are the lightest, fastest, most freeing trekking poles you can use. That said, they aren’t the sturdiness and the lack of adjustability is not user-friendly. But if you know what you’re signing up for, these are great!

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Compare these poles to more great options in our guide to the best trekking poles of the year.