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Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair) vs Leki Makalu Lite

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair) is the lighter option — 170 g lighter than the Leki Makalu Lite (38% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
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Spec Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair) Leki Makalu Lite
Weight 280 g · 0.280 kg · 0.62 lb 450 g · 0.450 kg · 0.99 lb
Brand Black Diamond Leki
Category Trekking Poles Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair)
280 g

Collapsible Z-pole design in full carbon at 9.9 oz per pair (120cm). Folds to 38cm for pack attachment. FlickLock mechanism and ergonomic cork handles.

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Leki Makalu Lite
450 g

Lightweight aluminium trekking poles for long-distance hiking.

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Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair) vs Leki Makalu Lite: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair) wins — at 280 g it is 170 g (38%) lighter than the Leki Makalu Lite (450 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest trekking poles page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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