Best Folding Poles
BD Distance FLZ Carbon
$170
Weight17.0oz / 482g per pair
TypeZ-fold with adjustable section
Packed length13-16in
MaterialCarbon
LockingFlickLock Pro
Price$170
TrailCraft score 9.1/10
Read Full Review →Lightest Poles
Gossamer LT5 Carbon
$210
Weight4.5oz / 128g per pair
TypeFixed length or twist adjust
Packed lengthFull length
MaterialCarbon
LockingTwist
Price$210
TrailCraft score 9.5/10
Read Full Review →
Bottom line: The LT5 is extraordinarily light at 4.5oz per pair and correspondingly delicate — they are for hikers who use poles for rhythm and shelter support, not for leaning on. The FLZ is more than double the weight and far more robust, with a Z-fold that packs short and adjusts on the fly. Ultralight: LT5. Everything else: FLZ.
Head-to-head differences
Weight
BD Distance FLZ Carbon17oz per pair
Gossamer LT5 Carbon4.5oz per pair — roughly a quarter
LT5 wins by an extraordinary margin.
Durability
BD Distance FLZ CarbonRobust enough to lean on hard and catch a fall
Gossamer LT5 CarbonDelicate — they will snap under a hard sideways load
FLZ wins decisively.
Packing
BD Distance FLZ CarbonZ-folds to 13-16in, fits inside a pack
Gossamer LT5 CarbonDoes not fold — full length always
FLZ wins.
Adjustability
BD Distance FLZ CarbonFlickLock adjusts quickly mid-hike for climbs and descents
Gossamer LT5 CarbonTwist adjust is slower and less secure
FLZ wins.
Choose the BD Distance FLZ Carbon if:
- →You lean on poles hard, especially descending
- →You want poles that pack inside a pack for travel
- →Durability matters more than weight
Choose the Gossamer LT5 Carbon if:
- →Ultralight backpacking where every ounce counts
- →You use poles for rhythm and shelter support
- →You accept that they may break under a hard fall
See all Best Trekking Poles reviews
Full rankings, specs, and scores for every product in this category.
View Full Category →Common Questions
Do ultralight poles really break easily?
Under normal walking, no. Under a hard sideways load — catching a fall, wedging in rocks, a pole planted awkwardly — yes, meaningfully more often than a heavier pole.
Can I pitch a trekking pole tent with either?
Yes, both work as tent supports. Check the tip and handle geometry against your shelter's requirements.
Why does packed length matter?
Poles strapped outside a pack catch on branches and are awkward on public transport and flights. Folding poles fit inside.