TrailCadence

Best Running Poles for Trail and Ultra Running

Running poles were a niche tool five years ago; today they appear at every UTMB start and Western States cutoff line. Used correctly on long climbs and technical descents, poles reduce quad fatigue and extend the legs capacity late in a race. The key variables are weight (carbon vs aluminum), folding mechanism (Z-fold for compact packing, telescoping for fine height adjustment), and grip shape. We focus on the ultralight carbon-fiber poles used in competitive trail running rather than general trekking poles.

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Quick answer

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles are the best overall running poles for most trail and ultra runners, with a Z-fold design that collapses to 13 inches for vest packing, a 140g per pole weight that does not fatigue the arms on long efforts, and carbon shafts stiff enough for real climbing power. For heavier runners or technical alpine use, the Leki Ultratrail FX.One adds a more ergonomic grip.

Top Pick REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles Top Pick
4.7 / 5.0

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles

The 140g-per-pole Z-fold carbon standard: packs to 13 inches for vest carry, stiff carbon shafts, and an ergonomic foam grip.

Best for Competitive trail runners who need poles that pack into a race vest quickly during mandatory stow sections.
  • Z-fold design collapses to 13 inches for vest carry in pole-prohibited sections
  • Carbon shafts are stiff enough for real climbing power without flex
  • 140g per pole is among the lightest carbon Z-fold poles available
  • Z-fold fixed length cannot be adjusted for different terrain grades
Price $160-$185 Check price on Amazon
No. 02 Running Warehouse
Leki Ultratrail FX.One Poles
4.6 / 5.0

Leki Ultratrail FX.One Poles

A foldable carbon pole with Leki Shark skin foam grip and Speed Lock Plus for runners who want a more ergonomic handle than Black Diamond offers.

Best for Runners who find the Black Diamond grip shape uncomfortable on long climbs.
  • Shark skin foam grip has a more ergonomic shape for extended carry
  • Speed Lock Plus stow mechanism is faster to deploy and stow than competitor systems
  • Carbon construction keeps weight close to Black Diamond at 152g per pole
  • 152g is slightly heavier than Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Price $170-$190 Check price on Amazon
No. 03 Salomon (Awin)
Salomon MTN Carbon S/LAB Poles
4.5 / 5.0

Salomon MTN Carbon S/LAB Poles

The Salomon race pole with a tapered carbon shaft, competition-grade tip, and Salomon race vest integration for clean pole carry.

Best for Salomon vest owners who want a pole system designed to integrate with their kit.
  • Tapered carbon shaft reduces oscillation on steep climbs
  • Integrates with Salomon vest system for seamless stow
  • Used by Salomon elite athletes at UTMB and Skyrunner events
  • Most expensive pole option in the category
Price $185-$210 Check price on Amazon
No. 04 Amazon
CAMP Nanotech Carbon Trail Running Poles
4.4 / 5.0

CAMP Nanotech Carbon Trail Running Poles

An Italian-made foldable carbon pole at 119g per pole, making it the lightest option in the competitive Z-fold category.

Best for Weight-obsessed runners who track grams and want the lightest possible carbon pole.
  • 119g per pole is lighter than every major competitor in the Z-fold category
  • Italian carbon manufacturing with a proven competition track record
  • Compact pack size comparable to Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
  • Less widely distributed than Black Diamond or Leki in US retail
Price $175-$200 Check price on Amazon
The method

How we chose

We evaluated each option on feel, build quality, and value. Our top pick, Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles, earned the spot because the race-standard z-fold carbon pole: light, stiff, and packs small enough for any vest. The comparison above highlights exactly who each pick is best for.

FAQ

Best Running Poles for Trail and Ultra Running: FAQ

How do I size running poles correctly?+

The standard formula is your height in centimeters multiplied by 0.66. For a 175cm runner that gives approximately 115cm poles. Many trail runners go 5-10cm shorter than trekking-pole sizing because running poles are used primarily for climbing push and rhythm, not full-weight bearing on descents. Folding poles are sized at manufacture so measure before you buy.

Z-fold or telescoping poles for trail running?+

Z-fold poles pack smaller and faster, which is why they dominate race use where poles must be stowed in a vest for non-pole-allowed sections. The tradeoff is no length adjustment. Telescoping poles adjust to exact height and work for different terrain grades, but they are slower to deploy and slightly heavier. Most competitive trail runners use Z-fold carbon poles for races and reserve telescoping poles for fastpacking.

Are running poles allowed at UTMB and other major races?+

Poles are allowed at UTMB, Hardrock 100, Western States (after mile 55 traditionally), and most major ultramarathon races. A few shorter races with technical sections prohibit them for safety reasons on crowded trails. Always check the specific race rules. When poles are allowed in a race, they must be stowable in the vest without being a hazard to other runners.

Will poles make me a better trail runner?+

Poles provide measurable benefit on climbs over 1000 feet and on descents with significant quad load. Research on biomechanics in ultramarathon running shows poles reduce lower limb muscular load and delay fatigue. They require practice to use efficiently; awkward pole technique wastes more energy than it saves. Spend at least 10 training runs with poles before using them in a race to develop natural rhythm.