Which poles for trail and ultra running?
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Published August 1, 2026
Poles aren't on the UTMB's base mandatory-gear list, but they're allowed and very widely used on long climbs. The criterion that matters most in ultra: being able to fold and stow them in your vest in a few seconds.
Folding or telescopic?
The folding system (so-called 'Z' system, with an internal cable) stows in a trail vest pocket in a few seconds, versus several steps to pull out and stow a classic telescopic pole mid-race. On a course that alternates climbs with poles and runnable sections without, folding is clearly more practical.
Carbon or aluminium?
Carbon saves 30 to 50 g per pole compared to aluminium — a difference that matters over several hours — but breaks more easily under a lateral impact (a fall, getting wedged between two rocks). Aluminium remains the most durable choice for a first ultra or very technical terrain.
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Folding (Z-system) rather than classic telescopic | Quick stowage in a trail vest pocket |
| Material | Carbon for lightness, aluminium for durability | Weight/strength trade-off depending on terrain |
| Grip | Foam or cork, extended grip | Variable hand position on climbs without changing the pole length |
| Strap | Strapless system (integrated glove-strap) | Drop and pick the pole back up without losing time at aid stations |
| Weight | 180 to 250 g per pair | Doesn't add extra load to your stride over a long format |
Editorial selection
Top 5 recommended poles for trail and ultra running
Five folding models, from the ultralight competition model to the durable model for technical terrain.
Black Diamond — Distance Carbon Z
The benchmark ultralight folding pole, widely used in competition.
Leki — Ultratrail FX.One Superlite
Strapless glove system, extended grip for uphill hand positioning.
Komperdell — Carbon FXP
Austrian brand specialising in technical poles, good lightness/durability trade-off.
Mountain King — Trail Blaze Carbon
Trail-focused brand, folding, geared toward long-distance competition.
Decathlon (Forclaz) — Folding trail range
Recognised value for money for a first set of folding poles.
Independent editorial selection, with no commercial link or partnership.
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FAQ
Are poles mandatory at the UTMB?
They're not on the base mandatory-gear list, but they're allowed and very widely used on long climbs — check your race's exact rules before the start.
Folding or telescopic poles for ultra-trail?
Folding (Z-system) stows much faster in a trail vest, a real advantage on a course that alternates sections with and without poles.
Carbon or aluminium?
Carbon is lighter (30 to 50 g less per pole) but more fragile under lateral impact. Aluminium is recommended for a first ultra or very technical terrain.
Do you need a classic strap or a strapless system?
An integrated glove-strap system lets you drop and pick the pole back up quickly, especially at aid stations, without losing time readjusting a strap.
What weight should you aim for on a pair of trail poles?
180 to 250 g per pair for a carbon folding model. Above 300 g, the comfort gap with a lighter model becomes noticeable over a multi-hour format.