Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL and Carbon Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL and Carbon Trekking Pole Review It’s taken me years to realize that it’s worth paying the price tag for a good set of trekking/hiking poles. After years spent as a ski bum I became accustomed to using second-hand equipment, (while patching up my worn out clothing with duct tape). I am happy to say that I have grown up into an outdoor enthusiast that appreciates the merits of well-designed gear.

As well as reducing the impact on your knees trekking poles have a multitude of uses: you can use them to pitch tents; they are a fantastic aid when crossing rivers; you can use them to splint legs and arms; they are a great tool in building emergency stretchers; they can be used to scare away bears (honest) and fend off stray dogs; they relieve the pain of a blister; they offer great balance when crossing slopes and hiking up and down mountains…the best ones can be used in winter as an essential item for skiers. Point made?

The bottom line is that if you spend a lot of time trekking and skiing in the mountains this is an essential piece of gear. Black Diamond, with nine styles of ski poles and twenty-one trekking poles to choose from, are a good choice if you want to accessorize with the highest quality gear.

So let’s take a look at three of the latest on offer.

Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Trekking Pole

This is a trekking pole with a smart design that combines lightweight carbon fiber construction with Z-Pole compactability. And the Ultra Mountain Carbon offers a little ‘wow’ factor for the uninitiated in recent outdoor tech innovation.

The three-piece Z-pole design means that the pole can store easily into your pack while the impressive speed cone technology allows rapid deployment on the trail. As you extend the pole the three pieces slot together and then retract the handle to allow a locking system to snap into place. When you need to collapse and pack the pole away, simply press the small button to release the locking mechanism and voila, the pole collapses.

With lightweight carbon fiber and speed cone technology allowing deployment in seconds, this is the ultimate 4 season trekking pole. It’s the ideal choice for storing in your backpack on extended overseas adventures while offering the extra support needed for carrying a heavy pack on a multi day treks. In winter, simply switch the 60mm trekking basket for a more substantial powder basket and you are ready for some knee-deep ski touring!

Ideal use:
This is a multi use tool that can be used for trekking, backpacking, day hiking, ski touring, split boarding. After trekking through the mountains in summer switch the 60mm basket for a powder basket and you are ready for winter.

Ultra-compact when not in use.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Trekking Pole Review

The Z-pole trechnology is pretty slick.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Trekking Pole Review

Small width makes for easy storage on the side of your pack, or in it.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Trekking Pole Review

Features:

- 100% lightweight carbon construction
- Z-Pole three piece folding design with speed cone assembly
- Lightweight EVA foam grip with breathable, moisture-wicking strap
- Flex Tech Tips with carbide installed, rubber tips
- 60 mm Trek Baskets and Powder Baskets include

SPECS:

Price: $169 US
Size: 100, 110, 120, 130 cm
Collapsible weight: 100 cm - 35cm / 14in; 110 cm - 38cm / 15in; 120 cm - 42cm / 17in; 130 cm - 45cm / 18in
Weight Per Pair: 505g / 1lb 2oz [120 cm]

PROS:

Super light and very easy to collapse and pack away. Long foam grip provides several hand hold options.

CONS:

The pole is a fixed length, so you cannot adjust going up and down the slopes and traversing but you can down grip. Also carbon is strong and light but can still break with heavy-handed use.

Rating: 8.5/10

Sturdiness 1.5/2
Features 2/2
Function 2/2
Weight 2/2
Quality / Price 1/2

Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL

Another great 4 season pole design for the trekker, hiker, backpacker or skier, wanting some extra support traversing slopes and steep climbs. The Ultra Mountain FL has an aluminum shaft, which adds a few more grams compared to the carbon poles. If you are heavy handed with your equipment then this might be a good thing!

As well as the Z-Pole compactability, the Flicklock adjustable system offers an advantage over the fixed carbon poles if you like to adjust depending on the trail conditions. Personally I like to adjust my trekking pole depending if I am ascending or descending and also when traversing slopes, so this feature is key for this reviewer.

The Z-Pole technology comes from Black Diamond’s background in designing fast assembly three-piece avalanche probes. It’s a user friendly design that uses a coated inner Kevlar cord and speed cone technology so the pole can snap into place and lock with a single pull. It’s a robust design for even the most heavy handed of users. When the pole is not in use you can simply push a concealed button underneath the handle and the pole will release for compact storage.

The FlickLock Pro adjustment mechanism is now made of metal and provides up to 20 cm of adjustability. This secure locking system is similar to the locking mechanisms on other Black Diamond poles with great holding power and sleek design.

Ideal use:
Another multi use tool that can be used for trekking, backpacking, day hiking, ski touring, split boarding. After trekking through the mountains in summer switch the 60mm basket for a powder basket and you are ready for winter.

The metal FlickLock Pro is sturdier than last years plastic FlickLock mechanism.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Pole Review

FlickLock Pro in the open position and ready for pole height adjustment.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Pole Review

The length locking mechanism close up.
Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Pole Review