What are the top trail and ultra poles, 2019?
- Poles can take the weight off your legs, so you can move longer and more efficiently throughout a trail race or ultra marathon
Hiking poles are a tool in the arsenal of many trail runners. They help distribute weight across your body so your knees are under less duress as you canter across the countryside. There is a range of products on the market, some built for practicality, with foldable shafts, while others are built for speed, with no bells or whistles to add to the weight.
Here are a few you should consider on your next shopping spree.
Salomon S LAB X Alp
These poles are very light. Everything about them is meant to keep the weight down, including the cork grip and carbon shaft. They are not foldable or retractable, presumably because that would make them heavier. They do not feel sturdy, so are not best for robust, long, tough hikes. In short, they work for the sport they were designed for – moving fast through the mountains – but are not suited to longer, more leisurely excursions.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles
The carbon pole is very light at 250g, designed for moving fast, but you can also fold the poles. The will bed down into a small zigzag (hence the Z in the name) shape so you can attach it to your bag. The manufacturers have added an aluminium ring to protect the lightweight carbon. They are strong enough to double up as a tent pole. The tip is very grippy so they are useful in a variety of terrains.