All Telemark-Backcountry Ski Gear Help for Cross Country Skis Bindings Boots Poles

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M. Boyle asks - I do backcountry touring and backwoods cross country skiing on Catamount trail tours that can encounter all kinds of variable terrain and snow conditions. I also go backcountry skiing here in the wilds of western Connecticut when we get good storms. I also hike in the woods and on old logging roads here and will be doing 15-day trip in northern Spain in later March. I am 6' tall and weight 210 pounds. I am not an elegant skier or hiker and will put some weight on the poles. My current ski poles, which I need to replace, are about 150 cm, Lekki extendable trekking poles that extend to about about 140 cm. My backpack, a Deuter Cruise 30, has loops for securing poles about 13" apart, and is about 23" tall overall. I would like strong extendable poles, ideally good for both skiing and trekking, and that I can load on the pack. Light is good, but I am more concerned about strength and durability. I don't know the relative merits of 2 vs. 3 section poles. And if plain old aluminum one-piece ski poles are a lot stronger, and I should just get some for skiing, please say so.

ORS Crew (David) answers - Without any hesitations whatsover I absolutely recommend the 2-piece Black Diamond Traverse poles for a great all around ski pole that suits your needs perfectly. You can’t beat the optimal blend of lightweight construction and bomber strength that will hold up well to whatever you throw at it. The affordable price is a nice feature as well. The proprietary Flicklock cam always works, making it easy to quickly adjust the height of the poles to match whatever terrain and conditions you encounter. Also packs nice and compact for attaching to your backpack, carrying in luggage etc. They come in two sizes, so I’d suggest for your height that you go with the longer poles that can extend to 155cm. They will also perform well as summer hiking poles.