Innovation is what drives everything at Black Diamond.
This month their  talked with Pole Category Director Thomas Laakso to get the scoop on the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Pole, a super-compactible, 4-season pole for everything from day hikes to ski tours.
What was the design goal in creating the Ultra Mountain Carbon Z-Pole?
They introduced our original Z-Pole technology on a 3-season ultralight pole designed more for trail running and fast-and-light backpacking. However the innovation with super compactability grabbed the attention of users with much wider intentions. From split-boarders to snowshoers to hikers that were out in the snow or early spring hikes but where the trekking-specific baskets and ultralight construction were not intended to go. So we created a 4-season version of these poles that were stiffer and more robust and that had a more year-round tip and basket design. They gain a bit in weight, but they gain a 4th season of utility.

Keep on reading at Black Diamonds website