Built for maximum stow-ability, the completely redesigned Traverse Compactor is a versatile Z-Pole that packs down into an ultra-compact package.
We trust what we make because we use what we make. All Black Diamond products are covered by a two year warranty policy.
From clean climbing, to conservation, Black Diamond is committed to protecting the people and places we love.
Learn More
At Black Diamond, we're committed to going deep, whether that's into the mountains, the design process, or the community we love. Our fall/winter collection of equipment and apparel is built for the experience of casting off, and diving into the deep end of adventure.
Overall rating: 4.45 / 5 from 20 reviews.
Review topics: ["poles","baskets","light","use"].
"Very poor product. Requires extreme force to deploy or collapse. The baskets wont screw and fit to place, you need to develop extreme force to snap them in. Poorly operational outdoors as it is impossible to deploy or collapse in cold weather and precipitation. Slows transitions from ascending to split boarding significantly - it increases time in avalanche zones therefore not safe! Women completely unfriendly, unless you are a woman body builder and have massive upper body and grip strength. Not recommended."
"These are my favorite poles that I own. They’re super compact, but also quick to setup. The snow baskets on these did have an issue of spinning freely and fell off during my first climb with them. I used glue on the replacement baskets and haven’t had any problems since."
"Got these poles for splitboarding and are great. Collapses into 3 sections and they fit perfect in my backpack. Strong and light. The snow baskets are hard to put on but they will never fall off and disappear."
"Overall, these poles are great. They are generally easy to use and so far have had no issues with the locking mechanisms failing. The cord could use some more slack so they fold together a bit more smoothly and snap into the holding spots on the powder baskets a little easier."
"I had Leki's and they were good, but these feel even better quality for a bit less $ plus you have a useful Philips screw driver (haven't checked if its possible but might want to change the small Allen for a 3 or 4mm one)"
"Just used these over the weekend for the approach to ice climbing and then the next day splitboarding. These are so easy to lengthen and compact, saves me time when I transition while splitboarding (which is very important to me!) Would highly recommend. Now to see how many seasons they'll last without accidentally whacking them into trees. . . I'll come back to that ;)"
"Bought these to hike/tour and fly with. Clamp works well to extend. They break down easy and fit in my pack. I like the no catch baskets for touring. They are slightly heavier that I would hope, but I knew what I signed up for. I slipped on the skin track this morning and saw them bow a pretty large amount. I am worried about them snapping, but they havent yet. They seem to have a large tolerance!"
"Perfect poles for a split boarder. Sturdy and stable for the ups. Safely stow away nice and light in the pack for the way down. (Tip) drill out a couple wine corks to sleeve over the tips on the decent to protect yourself from a possible impalement if you biff the down…"
"Took them out today for their first tour and they exceeded my expectations! Functions perfect in terms of convenience and performance. Was able to stuff it into my 15L BD pack just fine! Even helped me push through some snow while stuck on a flat section on my board. 10/10 recommend!"
"Used these four or five times touring, and they've been great. The snow baskets and the length help them fit inside my pack on the descent."
| 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.
