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From deep skintrack climbs after fresh powder dumps to late season treks for the last powder remnants, we kit up with our Backcountry Aluminum Ski Touring Pole. The redesigned powder baskets still flex to adapt to changing slope angles but now feature a stronger connection to the poles to ensure a stray branch doesn't steal them when we're charging down tight tree lines.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I’ve skied everything from firm groomers to deep pow days with these poles. The aluminum shaft is bombproof, and I love that they come with both powder and standard baskets right out of the box."From powder days to packed pistes, the Defiance Ski Poles are ready for all-mountain exploration. Designed for skiers who want reliability without breaking the bank, these poles feature a rugged 16mm aluminum shaft that holds strong through heavy use and variable snow. Ergonomic grips offer all-day comfort and control, while EVA-padded straps provide a secure, wrist-friendly fit. With both standard and powder baskets included, they’re versatile enough to adapt to changing conditions. Durable, comfortable, and built for performance, they’re a go-to tool for conquering the mountain.

Whether we're running hot laps down the mountain or practicing perfect turns, the SCOTT 540 Pro Ski Poles keep us charging. The lightweight S2 aluminum shaft is incredibly durable, giving us the power and control we're looking for as we dance our way back to the lift. The P-Lite grip is comfortable in our hands, and the wrist strap makes sure we never lose a pole, even if we lose an edge and take a spill. The poles are capped with a steel tip and 55mm alpine basket that thrive on piste, so we can ride all over the resort with confidence.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I’ve used the Triad BB poles for most of the season—they’re simple, sturdy, and get the job done without any bulk. The 6061 aluminum is lightweight but tough, and I really like the feel of the ergonomic grip, especially on longer days or tours." For everyday resort laps or sidecountry stashes, the Armada Triad BB Ski Poles are built to keep things simple and reliable. Crafted from 6061-series aluminum, they strike a solid balance between low weight and dependable durability—perfect for those of us who want gear that performs without overcomplicating things. We appreciate the 18mm shaft for its strong, consistent feel and the ergonomic TPR grip that keeps our hands comfortable and secure in all conditions. The 80mm AR powder basket floats through soft snow, while the steel tip adds bite when we're navigating hardpack or booting through crust. Whether we’re chasing powder turns or cruising frontside laps, the Triad BB is a go-to all-mountain companion.

Black Diamond isn't going to pair its brand-new touring and mountaineering ski collection with any old pole. New for this year, the Helio Fixed Length Carbon Ski Poles are just as lightweight and stiff as their namesake. An innovative inflation molding device makes these poles the lightest that Black Diamond has ever made. BD integrated an extended grip directly into the pole that helps you choke down on steeper ascents. Another new innovative to the Helio is a stiffened basket that has a hooking point for switching heel risers faster.

The LINE Wallischtick Ski Poles, designed in collaboration with a pro freestyler, are built to dominate the park. Equipped with a BMX Rubber grip, they ensure a reliable hold during big spins, grabs, and grinds. The screwdriver tip adds extra punch for pole plants in variable snow, while the smaller baskets stay streamlined and out of our way as we focus on throwing down our best moves. These poles are all about precision and performance for freestyle skiers pushing their limits in the park.

Whether staying inbounds to lap the mountain or heading deep into the backcountry to cut fresh tracks, we're bringing our Armada AK Adjustable Poles. The adjustable telescoping allows us to lengthen the poles as we head out of bounds and quickly shorten them if we head back to the resort for the afternoon. The strong aluminum construction is lightweight for long climbs up the skin track, and the rubber cork grips dampen big hits as we carve our way toward nirvana.

Whether staying inbounds to lap the mountain or heading deep into the backcountry to cut fresh tracks, we're bringing our Armada AK Adjustable Poles. The adjustable telescoping allows us to lengthen the poles as we head out of bounds and quickly shorten them if we head back to the resort for the afternoon. The strong aluminum construction is lightweight for long climbs up the skin track, and the rubber cork grips dampen big hits as we carve our way toward nirvana.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I’ve used the Triad poles as my daily driver because they’re simple, reliable, and super light. The EVA foam grip is surprisingly comfortable, and the 60mm basket is perfect for most conditions at the resort. It’s a solid all-mountain option without any unnecessary extras." The Armada Triad Ski Poles are proof that performance doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Designed as our best-value all-mountain pole, the Triad keeps things light and simple, giving us exactly what we need—nothing more, nothing less. Made with 6061 aluminum, it offers dependable strength with minimal weight, making it ideal for long days lapping the lifts or hiking for a few extra turns. The 18mm shaft gives the pole a strong and sturdy feel, while the EVA foam grip adds just enough comfort to keep our hands happy through variable conditions. A 60mm basket delivers reliable versatility for hardpack and light snow, while a steel tip provides bite and durability for technical terrain or icy approaches. When we want a reliable, affordable pole for every mountain mission, the Triad has our back.

When we are touring we prioritize performance over all else, second to performance is weight savings, so we make sure to use the Black Diamond Vapor Carbon 2 Ski Poles. These two-piece poles adjust to whatever length we want while keeping our arms fresh for yet another lap.

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:"These cork grip poles hit that sweet spot between comfort and value. I’ve used them on everything from groomers to light powder days—great swing weight, solid shaft, and the grip doesn’t get slick even when it’s snowing hard."When we're chasing laps in the resort or weaving through trees on a powder day, the L9 Sports Cork Grip Ski Poles give us the confident grip and dependable performance we need. The natural cork grip offers a warm, ergonomic feel, especially on colder days, and resists slippage even when damp. Defiance constructed these poles with a durable aluminum shaft that holds up to daily use and fast transitions. Adjustable straps help us dial in a secure fit, and the included snow baskets keep us pushing forward no matter the terrain. Simple, sturdy, and ready for the season—these poles are a reliable staple in any skier's setup.

Black Diamond's versatile Traverse Ski Poles are the trusty workhorses of backcountry ski touring. We like the bombproof construction, reliable feel, and peace of mind that these poles provide both uphill and downhill.