G3 VIA Carbon Poles

G3’s new pole lineup includes three versions, similar to previous iterations: the VIA, FIXIE, and PIVOT. The VIA is also offered in a lighter Carbon version, while the PIVOT comes in a Trek option for hiking.

The PIVOT Poles are adjustable, folding models with impressive packability and strength—perfect for splitboarders. Their clever design features an internal cord that wraps around the handle, securing the pole segments in place when packed. The PIVOT Trek features a smaller basket refined for summer use.

The FIXIE Poles are one-piece aluminum models equally at home in-bounds or in the backcountry. They employ a sleek, minimalist design that keeps the price attractive without compromising strength.

The VIA Carbon Poles sit at the top of the lineup, blending adjustability with a lightweight build—ideal for dedicated ski tourers who demand performance without compromise.

All G3 poles feature an ergonomic dual-density plastic grip shaped for comfort. At the working end of the grip, the Quickflick Utility Tab lets you easily manipulate heel risers and boot buckles.

Each pole also has a removable strap that comes off tool-free—a must for backcountry skiers. If you’re unsure why removable straps matter, watch the video below.

At the other end of the VIA and FIXIE poles are G3’s All-Mountain Basket (85 mm), which is designed for a balance of float and stability on both powder and hardpack. The baskets are also rigid enough to adjust binding risers when needed. The pole baskets remain unchanged (previous version on the left, the new version on the right).

The major update for this year is G3’s new Ascent Grip. This soft, lightweight foam grip sits just below the main grip and extends down the upper shaft on the VIA and FIXIE poles. The ribbed texture provides more versatile hand positions—useful when climbing steep skin tracks, side-hilling, or breaking trail in deep snow.

The PIVOT and PIVOT Trek models feature a shorter version of the Ascent Grip made from the same material.

The old grip (on the left) was much more rigid and hard; the new Ascent Grip (on the right) is softer with a more pronounced ribbed texture for better grip with less effort.

You can see the pole grip remains the same on the new VIA Carbon Pole as it did on the previous version. The wear and tear is after 5 years and over 300 days of ski touring, but those previous VIA Poles still have plenty of mileage left on them.

The pole adjustment mechanisms are made of a metal alloy and securely fix the pole length to where it's set. They remain the same from the previous version on the left to the new version on the right.

• Ultralight control
• Purpose-built
• Light removable strap
• Ascent Grip for the climb
• Reliable connection
• All-mountain Baskets

I chose to test the VIA Carbon Poles because they’re the lightest in G3’s lineup and deliver every benefit of the other models with zero downsides. I've used the previous version of the VIA Carbon Ski Poles for five years with over 300 days of ski touring on them, as well as the previous version before those, which were introduced in 2015. This is a testament to how good the VIA Carbon Poles are. I receive a lot of touring poles to review each season, and none of them match the features and usability that G3 designed into the VIA Carbon Poles, as well as the others in the lineup. 

In my opinion, these are the most thoughtfully designed ski touring poles on the market. They’re durable, lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly functional. The main grip doubles as a handy tool for adjusting risers and boot buckles, and the new Ascent Grip adds even more versatility on the climb. Simply put, these poles are the best in their class.