What is the lightest pair of trekking poles available in the UK?

For weight‑conscious hikers, fastpackers, and trail runners, every gram matters. The lightest pair of trekking poles you can buy in the UK is the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, which weighs just 165g per pole – a mere 330g per pair. That’s lighter than a typical smartphone and less than half the weight of standard aluminium poles. This article explores the lightest options on the market, their trade‑offs, and whether such extreme lightweight poles are right for your hiking style.

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The lightest pole: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z

The Distance Carbon Z uses high‑modulus carbon fibre shafts and a simple folding (Z‑pole) design. There are no external levers or twist locks – the three sections snap together via an internal cord and a push‑button lock. This minimalist construction saves weight.

• Weight per pole: 165g (5.8 oz) for the standard version. (Note: shorter lengths may be slightly lighter; longer lengths up to 130 cm weight about 175g.)
• Collapsed length: 38 cm – small enough to fit in a running vest or side pocket.
• Lengths available: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 cm (choose fixed length based on your height).
• Grip: EVA foam – comfortable, moisture‑resistant, but not as long‑lasting as cork.
• Tip: Carbide, replaceable. Small baskets included.
• Price: Approximately £120‑150 at UK retailers like Cotswold Outdoor, Ellis Brigham, Trekitt.

Runners‑up: other ultralight contenders

While the Distance Carbon Z is the lightest commonly available, a few others are close:

• Leki Micro Vario Carbon – 190g per pole. Heavier because of the Trigger Shark quick‑release strap and a slightly more robust carbon layup. Still very light, and the quick‑release is a favourite among UK trail runners.
• Gossamer Gear LT5 – 155g per pole? Actually, the Gossamer Gear LT5 three‑piece carbon (white) weighs about 157g per pole, but it uses a twist‑lock (not ideal for muddy UK trails) and is less widely available in the UK (you may need to import). The LT5 is arguably lighter than the BD, but availability and reliability are concerns. Some sources list the LT5 at 152g per pole. However, for a truly off‑the‑shelf UK purchase, the BD remains the lightest.
• Alpkit Carbonlon – Alpkit’s own brand folding carbon pole weighs around 180g per pole. Slightly heavier, but more affordable (£80‑100) and still very light.

Important note: The lightest pair ever produced might be custom or discontinued models. For practical purposes, the BD Distance Carbon Z is the lightest pair you can walk into a UK shop and buy today.

The trade‑off: lightness vs. durability

Carbon fibre is light and stiff, but it is also brittle. The Distance Carbon Z poles are not designed for rocky, high‑impact terrain. A sharp blow – jamming the pole between boulders or dropping it onto a pointy rock – can cause a crack or complete snap. Aluminium poles, even lightweight ones like the Leki Khumbu Lite (240g per pole), will bend but rarely break. For UK trails that include rocky Lake District passes or scree slopes, the risk of breaking carbon poles is real. Many runners accept this risk because the weight saving is critical; they carry a spare pole or use them only on softer trails.

Who should buy the lightest poles?

• Trail runners and fastpackers – You move quickly, often on softer ground (forest trails, moorland paths). The low weight reduces arm fatigue over long distances.
• Ultralight backpackers – You count every gram and accept fragility in exchange for a lighter pack.
• Hikers with weak arms or arthritis – Lighter poles are easier to lift and plant repeatedly.
• Travelers – Folding poles pack tiny for flights (though they must go in checked luggage).

Who should avoid the lightest poles?

• Hikers who frequently walk on rocky, technical terrain – e.g., the Lake District fells, Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands. A bent aluminium pole can be straightened; a snapped carbon pole ends your hike.
• Heavier hikers or those carrying heavy backpacks – Extra weight increases the risk of snapping carbon.
• Beginners – You are more likely to mistreat poles (jamming, dropping). Start with a durable aluminium pair.

How to choose the correct fixed length

For folding poles, you cannot adjust length on the trail. Use the formula: Height (cm) × 0.68. Example:

• 170 cm → 115 cm pole
• 180 cm → 122 cm (choose 120 cm or 125 cm)
• 190 cm → 129 cm (choose 130 cm)

If between sizes, many runners size down for a quicker arm swing. Test by holding the pole with the tip on the ground; your elbow should be bent at about 90° (slightly more bent is fine for running).

Where to buy in the UK

• Cotswold Outdoor – Stock Black Diamond and Leki. Check stock online.
• Ellis Brigham – Good selection of ultralight poles.
• Trekitt – Specialises in lightweight gear.
• Alpkit – For the Carbonlon.
• Online: Amazon UK, Sportsshoes.com, Ultralight Outdoor Gear.

Final verdict

The lightest pair of trekking poles readily available in the UK is the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z at 165g per pole. They are perfect for fast, lightweight travel on non‑rocky trails. However, their fragility means they are not suitable for everyone. If you need a balance of low weight and durability, consider the Leki Micro Vario Carbon (190g) or an ultralight aluminium pole like the Gossamer Gear LT4 (twist‑lock, about 180g). For most UK hikers who encounter rocks and mud, a slightly heavier aluminium pole (240‑260g) is a more pragmatic choice. Choose based on your terrain, experience, and tolerance for risk. If you do buy the Distance Carbon Z, treat them with care, and they will serve you well on miles of gentle British trails.