One of the lightest folding poles we’ve tested, this “tiny-when-collapsed” pole (16 inches / 41 cm long when collapsed), the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is a solid choice when light weight and collapsibility are your most important criteria.

Advantages:

  • Very short collapsed length
  • Light weight
  • Comfortable channel-cut foam grip
  • Extended grip

Disadvantages:

  • Length is not adjustable
  • Extended grip lacks a palm rest
  • Not the stiffest carbon pole
  • Unpadded nylon strap lacks some of the comfort niceties found in other poles, but is wide enough to prevent it from digging into your skin