Most Valuable Gear: Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Pole
Jake SnyderFly Up (And Float Down) the Mountain with the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles from Black Diamond!
On long treks through the backcountry, any upgrade to your balance and stability can keep trip-ending injuries at bay. An ultra compact, true 4-season trekking pole from Black Diamond, the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles are the perfect option for hikers who are not cowed by snowy terrain. Featuring a rugged and durable, yet lightweight carbon fiber construction, these poles boast a high-level of all-mountain performance in any weather. These light, compact trekking poles are the perfect choice for all of your 4-season hiking adventures, which is why we have given the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles our Most Valuable Gear award!
Here are 3 reasons why we love the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles :
1. Beefy Carbon Fiber Pole Construction
Often the dilemma that hikers face when cutting weight is sacrificing durability. With the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles, this is no longer the case. Black Diamond built the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles with a thicker grade of carbon fiber than their ultralight cousins, the Distance Carbon Z-Poles. The result is a über-durable shaft that can withstand the rigors of cold temperatures in the backcountry.
Shop the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles!
2. Compact and Packable, Z-Pole Design
In addition to weight savings, Black Diamond's innovative Z-Pole design is a minimalist backpackers dream. Utilizing a Kevlar core surrounded by a protective silicone sheath, as well as a clean 3-section folding design, the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles will take up so little space in your pack, you won't even realize that they are there. Based on the design of avalanche probes, these poles extend and snap into place by pulling the handle. At just 505 grams and a collapsed length of 17 inches (120 cm size) the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles are a featherlight addition to your backpacking gear chest.
3. Offers Balance and Stability on Technical Terrain
Here in the hills of Vermont, hiking is often a technical affair. Rocks, roots and the ever-present coating of slick mud on our trails warrant any extra help you can get concerning balance and stability. Trekking poles like the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Poles take the strain off of your ankles, hips and particularly your knees when hiking (and descending!) on uneven terrain.
