Black Diamond’s Carbon Compactor Pole Review: Height of Performance and Convenience

There are times when we need to pack up our poles. For example, we pack them when traveling to our snowshoe destination by airplane.  Or we pack them when we’re touring the backcountry, camping along the way, or touring across a variety of terrain where some terrain requires poles and some of which does not.  Finally, we pack our poles when our elbows and arms are tired or sore, and we want to rest them.

All the rest of the time, we pack up our snowshoeing polls for convenience or better storage. In fact, for some snowshoers, packability and convenience are critical features when choosing poles. It’s for all these occasions and the need for convenience and storage that Black Diamond has invented its Z-Pole technology. This technology and the pole’s durability and resilience are why we enjoyed these ski poles.

man snowshoeing in green jacket with poles in trees

Black Diamond poles help us get out in the wilderness. Photo: Nicole Walker.

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Convenience

Everything Black Diamond makes with Z-Pole tech, including their Carbon Compactor Ski Poles, is highly compact and usable when trekking.

You can fold your poles down into three sections with a single push of a button. So, any time you’ll feel more comfortable snowshoeing with poles, you can deploy them with a snap of your hand and just as quickly lock them into place.  Fitting easily into a pack, they could not be more convenient. See the ski pole full instructions for more information.

Black Diamond has also updated the deployment with improvements for durability and ease of use.

Ultralight

The Black Diamond Carbon Compactor is also an ultralight pole that is strong and resilient. These poles will give you the support you need in the backcountry, in steep terrain, or on a slope.

Engineering for ski touring, the Carbon Compactor is constructed out of extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Per pair, these poles weigh 500-534 g (1 lb 1.6 oz/ 1 lb 2.5 oz), depending on the size.

Read More: Are Two Poles Better Than One? Tips for Using and Choosing Your Pole

Snowshoeing with Black Diamond poles at Snow King resort in Jackson, Wyoming. (Photo by Frank Meek.)

Snowshoeing with Black Diamond poles at Snow King resort in Jackson, Wyoming. Photo: by Frank Meek

Other Details

In addition to the Z-pole technology and ultralight materials, the grip is a soft-touch rubber with a touring strap. These poles also include Compact Powder Baskets, which are needed when snowshoeing.

You can purchase Black Diamond’s Carbon Compactor Ski Poles on Amazon.

If you have a defective product, you can submit a warranty claim to Black Diamond to see if you’re eligible for a repair or a replacement.

Have you used Black Diamond’s Carbon Compactor Ski Poles while trekking? What has your experience been? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

This article was first published on December 8, 2014, and was most recently updated on August 8, 2022. 

Read Next: What To Bring When Snowshoeing: Top Accessories for the Day Hiker

man looking into the distance in open snowy field

Take a stroll in the Tetons with Black Diamond poles. Photo: Nicole Walker

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