Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ sits at the intersection of mountain running minimalism and long-distance backpacking utility. Built around a folding three-section Z-pole architecture paired with a FlickLock adjustability mechanism near the handle, it solves the primary drawback of fixed-length running poles by allowing roughly 15 to 20 centimeters of height tuning. This adjustability proves essential when contouring steep sidehills or pitching non-freestanding ultralight shelters, while still collapsing down small enough to disappear inside a running vest quiver or side water bottle pocket.

Constructed entirely from carbon fiber with reinforced joints, the swing weight is exceptionally low, allowing for a fast, rhythmic cadence over high-mileage days. The lightweight EVA foam grips feature non-slip mini extensions for quick choking down on punchy ascents, accompanied by breathable, wicking wrist straps that forgo heavy buckles. Deployment is rapid via a single pull-to-lock inner cord system that snaps cleanly into place, while aluminum sleeves protect the carbon shaft ends at the joint junctions from premature wear and splintering.

The trade-off for this featherweight packability is lateral shear strength. While vertical load-bearing capacity is solid, carbon folding shafts do not tolerate leverage traps between granite boulders or deep talus gaps the way thick-walled aluminum poles do. Against traditional telescoping poles like the Trail Pro, the Distance Carbon FLZ offers far superior packability and lower swing weight, but at the cost of narrower length range and decreased resilience in heavy off-trail bushwhacking or winter snow loading.