Built for steep terrain that demands extra traction, the two-piece Carbon Whippet is the ultimate ski mountaineering tool. With its removable steel pick, the Whippet adds security for steep, icy bootpacks and no-fall descents, and can transition into an adjustable ski pole for backcountry turns.
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Learn MoreOverall rating: 4.387097 / 5 from 31 reviews.
The Carbon Whippet Pole is a well-balanced and comfortable tool, combining the features of a mountaineering axe and ski pole. It offers extra traction on steep terrain with a removable steel pick and a lightweight, rugged design. The FlickLock Pro adjustment is lighter, stronger, and easier to use with a durable, forged aluminum construction.
Review topics: ["weight","quality","feel","poles","equipment","whippet","tool","terrain","iteration","skis"].
"I know it’s designed for skiing, but I use it for steep winter hiking on terrain that doesn’t quite need full ice axes. Nice to be able to have an extra handhold if needed. Only downside is that it doesn’t collapse down as much as a normal hiking trekking pole would."
"This is my 5th Whippet pole purchase. Lost a pair at a trailhead last spring. I love this tool! I use it for steep skiing and skinning. On the up you can use it like an ice axe, hook rock and bushes etc. to assist the up. With the removable version I can quickly remove it and put it in my pack if I don't need it. I never travel in B/C terrain without. . . Thanks BD"
"Love it but it broke a shaft during first half season without much undue force. On the other hand, it gives me confidence in the steeps"
"The poles are super light but feel very sturdy. It was very quick and easy to take the ice axe head off and put the plug in for the descent"
"I have used many trekking poles. This carbon whippet is my favorite option. I used the last one so much i wore it out. . So i bought another one. . It lasted way more than i expect things too in todays day and age. This pole has gotten me out of many tight crevasse and to the summit of many a mountain. If your on the fence about your next trekking pole? Jump to black diamond!!!"
"I haven’t had a chance to use the Whippet pole in the field yet, but my first impressions are very positive. The build quality is excellent—materials feel solid and well-machined, and the overall construction gives a lot of confidence. I plan to use it for skiing steeper terrain where a self-arrest tool could be critical, and it seems like a well-thought-out hybrid between a mountaineering axe and a ski pole. Looking forward to testing it out in real conditions this winter."
"My husband and I each have this whippet and it’s is the most underrated piece of equipment out there. We mostly use it backcountry hunting when we climb in steep places. We’ve used it to dig trenches to divert water away from our tent sites. This is the Swiss Army knife of trekking poles. We’ve had ours for over 10 years. This particular purchase was for a high school graduation gift. This young man was being gifted gear to get started on his new adventures. He was stoked to receive it and plans to replace one of his ski poles with it,"
"Very useful engineering, but don't break the lower shaft. They have discontinued the replacement piece, so now I have two whippets but only one is useable as a pole."
"Feels safer to ski tour in a bit icy conditions"
"I’ve owned a Whippet since the 2010-ish period of my hiking the White Mountains. This one is a replacement, but a replacement for a Whippet that retired in full strength and is now resting easily in my front hall. This new iteration with its removable pick is amazing and significantly more comfortable than my old reliable."
| Height (A) | Suggested Length (CM) (B) |
|---|---|
| < 5'1" < 154 cm | 100 cm |
| 5'1" - 5'7" 154 - 171 cm | 110 cm |
| 5'8" - 5'11" 172 - 182 cm | 120 cm |
| 6'+ 183 cm + | 130 cm |
Stand straight and bend your elbow at 90°. Measure the distance from your fist to the ground, then add about 2 inches to account for the pole tip that extends beyond the powder basket.
