Black Diamond Expedition Compactor

Thanks to the Z-pole design, the Expedition Compactor collapses into three segments, making them compact enough to fit inside most standard ski packs rather than needing to be strapped to the outside.

Yes, they are designed for essential backcountry maintenance. The shafts hide a PH3 screwdriver and a 1.5mm hex bit, which are the exact sizes needed to tighten most common binding screws or adjust splitboard hardware on the fly.

The FlickLock system is a proven external cam lock that remains reliable even when wet or icy. It is significantly easier to adjust with gloves on compared to internal twist-lock mechanisms.

While you can use them anywhere, they are specifically optimized for backcountry and splitboarding. The 100mm powder baskets are quite large for groomed resort runs, so you might find them cumbersome on hard-packed snow.

The extended EVA foam grip allows you to 'choke up' on the pole when traversing steep sidehills, saving you from having to constantly adjust the pole length. It also features a built-in scraper to clear ice and snow off your skins or bindings.

7075 aluminum is the industry standard for high-performance poles because it offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is stiff and durable, though like any aluminum pole, it can bend if subjected to extreme leverage or caught in a rock crevice.