Gabel Sports Group Multigrip F.L.

The magazine you hold in your hands weighs more than twice as much as one of these airy poles. When our staff passed the sticks around, the most common response was a wide-eyed “Holy #!&!” We were equally awestruck by its smart, avalanche-probe-inspired design that, when broken down, allows the pole to fold into an unusually short, 13-inch-long bundle.

“It’s small enough to stash in a hip pocket for short, scrambly sections,” says one tester. A concealed Kevlar cord runs inside the pole from grip to tip. Push the release button to collapse the pole. To snap the pole back into place, simply hold the first shaft section and pull the molded-foam grip—the inner cord pulls taut, and plastic cones guide the shaft segments together until the release button locks back into place. Length isn’t adjustable, but that means fewer parts that can break, and as another tester notes, “Deploying the Z-Pole is faster than traditional twist or clamp locks.” The Z-Pole series has three poles, ranging from $100 (aluminum, adjustable length) to $150 (carbon, fixed length).

Our favorite is the crazy-light Ultra Distance. Swing weight is nil, and it easily tackled terrain that literally snapped another pole in half during our cross-country traverse of Capitol Reef National Park. Interchangeable tips (carbide and rubber) gripped on hardpack as well as slickrock. Note: Since the Ultra Distances are not adjustable, be sure to get your size (comes in four lengths, from 100 to 130cm). $150; 8.4oz. (100cm, pair); blackdiamondequipment.comThe Multi Grip offers versatility as well as reliability. Can be used for Trekking, Snowshoeing as well as Alpine Touring. Featuring the Dual Lite Foam grip with Touring foam along the upper shaft provides comfort and durability and allows for easy grip during traverse. Composed of Alu 7075 Aircraft aluminum the Multi Grip provides the ultimate in comfort for the most experienced and demanding Sportsman. The patented Click System allows for a quick release of the hand and strap with one simple click.Carbide tips provides the best stability in all terrains and climate conditions. Fast lock system locks tubes through an external lever and it is really fast and reliable, even in extreme conditions of low temperatures or when wearing gloves. Interchangeable baskets include the Trekking Lite as well as the S.S. Power Snow Basket.