The lightest sticks you’ll barely feel – until you do.
If you’ve ever done a long-distance hike – we’re talking Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or anything where your shoes disintegrate before you finish – you know one thing: every ounce matters.
Your tent? Lighter.
Your food? Lighter (unless you’re packing emergency chocolate).
Your trekking poles? Oh, you bet they need to be lighter.
That’s where ultralight trekking poles come in. They’re the quiet heroes of the long-distance hiking world – the gear you barely notice until you have to climb a steep pass, set up your shelter, or stop yourself from face-planting into a cactus.
For thru-hikers, ultralight isn’t just a preference – it’s a strategy. Less weight in your hands means less fatigue, faster miles, and more energy for that last push before camp. But here’s the catch: going ultralight often means trading away some durability. Carbon fiber poles can feel like magic wands on smooth trails, but they don’t always love rocky wipeouts or being used as improvised crowbars.
The good news? The right ultralight trekking poles can last thousands of miles if you treat them well. And today, we’re diving into the absolute best options for 2025 – tested, researched, and thru-hiker approved.
Whether you’re chasing an FKT (fastest known time), starting a life-changing thru-hike, or just want your pack to feel like a feather, we’ve got you covered.
How to Choose Ultralight Trekking Poles
Picking ultralight poles is a balancing act. You want the lowest possible weight – but not at the cost of comfort or reliability. Here’s what to focus on:
Weight
For ultralight status, aim for under 12 oz (340 g) per pair. The lightest models, like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, drop closer to 10 oz. That’s the sweet spot for thru-hikers.
Material
- Carbon fiber – Featherlight and stiff, great for long miles. But it can snap if you put too much side pressure on it.
- Aluminum – A bit heavier, but better at surviving accidents. Not as common in the ultralight category.
Adjustability
- Fixed-length – Slightly lighter and more rigid. Great if you know your ideal pole height.
- Folding/Z-fold – Compact, easy to stash in your pack.
- Telescoping – A touch heavier, but more versatile for changing terrain or shelter setups.
Grips
- EVA foam – Light, soft, and comfortable in hot weather.
- Cork – Molds to your hands over time, great at absorbing sweat.
Durability trade-off
Understand that the lighter you go, the more careful you need to be. Treat them well – avoid wedging them between rocks or using them to vault over streams – and they’ll reward you with effortless miles.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Quick Specs – Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
- Weight: 140 g per pole (120 cm length)
- Lengths available: 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 cm (fixed)
- Collapsed length: Varies by size (~33 cm / 13 in)
- Grip: EVA foam with extended lower grip
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Locking mechanism: Fixed-length, Z-pole folding system
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is basically the gold standard for ultralight trekking poles. At just 140 g per pole (120 cm length), you’ll barely notice them in your hands – which is exactly the point. Designed for speed, thru-hikes, and minimalist adventures, these poles skip anything unnecessary to keep weight low.
The Z-pole fixed-length construction means they fold into three short sections, making them incredibly compact when stashed. Deployment is instant thanks to the speed-cone system – no fiddling with clamps or twist locks.
The EVA foam grip is light, soft, and extends downward for varied hand positions on steep climbs. The moisture-wicking strap is made from recycled materials, a small but nice sustainability bonus.
These poles aren’t indestructible – carbon fiber never is – but for hikers who know how to treat their gear, they’re a dream. Perfect for thru-hikers, trail runners, and anyone who counts grams like they count miles.
Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole
Quick Specs – Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole
- Weight: 205 g (foam) / 217 g (cork) per pole
- Length: Adjustable up to 137 cm (hiking) / 142 cm (tent pitching)
- Collapsed length: 62 cm (24.5 in)
- Grip options: Foam or cork
- Material: Carbon fiber
The Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole is built for hikers who want the lightest gear possible without sacrificing functionality. At just 205 g per pole with foam grips (or 217 g with cork), these poles are among the lightest adjustable trekking poles you can buy. That’s per pole, including the wrist strap and basket – an impressive stat for something that still feels solid on the trail.
Unlike fixed-length ultralight poles, the Zpacks model is adjustable up to 137 cm for hiking and up to 142 cm if you need extra height for pitching a trekking-pole tent. That makes them a versatile choice for long-distance hikers who use their poles for more than just walking.
The grips come in two options – foam for minimal weight and softness in warm weather, or cork for better sweat management. The simple clamping mechanism is quick to use and doesn’t slip when locked properly.
While carbon fiber means you’ll want to avoid hard impacts, these poles hold up well under normal thru-hiking conditions. If you’re chasing ultralight perfection but still want the flexibility of adjustability, these are a top-tier pick.
REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact Trekking Poles
Quick Specs – REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact
- Weight: 12.9 oz per pair
- Length range: 90–120 cm (35–47 in)
- Collapsed length: 58 cm (23 in)
- Grip: EVA foam
- Material: Carbon composite
- Locking mechanism: External lever lock
Designed for hikers who want to go light without giving up adjustability, the REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact poles hit a sweet spot between weight, durability, and comfort. Weighing just 12.9 oz per pair, these poles are light enough for ultralight backpackers, yet still sturdy enough for rocky trails and long climbs.
The ergonomic EVA foam grips are designed to accommodate a variety of hand sizes and positions, making them comfortable for long days. Soft, adjustable wrist straps add extra comfort without chafing. The external lever locks are easy to adjust on the fly, even with gloves, and the 3-section carbon composite construction keeps things strong but featherlight.
These poles collapse down to 58 cm (23 in), making them easy to stash in a backpack or strap to the outside when not in use. While they may not be the absolute lightest carbon poles available, their balance of performance, comfort, and packability makes them an excellent all-round choice for ultralight hikers who still want adjustable poles.
Tips for Using Ultralight Trekking Poles on Long Trails
If you’ve invested in ultralight trekking poles, the last thing you want is to snap them halfway through the Pacific Crest Trail. Here are some practical tips to keep them in top shape:
- Avoid “lever” pressure. Never wedge your poles between rocks or use them to pry yourself up from the ground. Carbon fiber is strong for vertical loads but far less forgiving with sideways force.
- Check the locking mechanism daily. Whether it’s a twist lock, lever lock, or folding connection, give it a quick inspection every morning. Dust, mud, or simple vibration during the hike can loosen things.
- Carry spare tips and baskets. Ultralight tips wear down quickly on rocky trails, and baskets can pop off unexpectedly. A 20-gram spare set could save you from a very long, awkward hike without pole support.
- Replace worn wrist straps. Straps fray over time, especially if they’re exposed to sun, sweat, and repeated tension. Swap them out before they fail – a broken strap mid-climb can throw you off balance.
With these habits, you’ll not only extend the life of your poles but also make your ultralight setup far more reliable for those big miles.
Comparison Table – Best Ultralight Trekking Poles (2025)
| Model | Weight (pair) | Type | Grip | Price (approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | 9.8 oz | Fixed-length folding (Z-pole) | EVA foam | $190 | Extremely light, fast deployment | Not adjustable, less durable for rocky terrain |
| Zpacks Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole | 14.4 oz (foam grip) / 15.4 oz (cork grip) | Adjustable | Foam or cork | $200 | Ultralight yet adjustable, great for tent pitching | Higher price, less impact resistance |
| REI Co-op Flash Carbon Compact | 12.9 oz | Adjustable | EVA foam | $170 | Adjustable, ergonomic grip, climate-certified | Slightly heavier than top ultralights |
Final Take Away
Ultralight trekking poles aren’t just about saving a few ounces – they’re about reducing fatigue, increasing efficiency, and letting you cover more ground with less strain on your body. For thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers, shaving even half a pound can make a noticeable difference over thousands of steps.
That said, there’s always a trade-off. Ultralight models often mean less durability, especially if you’re trekking on rugged, rock-heavy trails or in extreme conditions. The key is finding a balance: choose poles that are light enough to keep your pack weight low, but strong enough to handle the type of terrain you’ll face.
If you’re planning a long-distance hike, consider a hybrid approach – ultralight construction with a slightly reinforced build or adjustable features for versatility. And remember, the best poles are the ones you can trust from mile one to the finish line.
