I’m hardly a hard-core backcountry skier. In fact, my tours barely qualify as backcountry lite, but the el-cheapo adjustable poles I was using for such outings turned out to be even wussier than I am.

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Looking to equip outdoor adventurers with a few survival-oriented tricks up their sleeves, Canadian startup Toporo has taken to Kickstarter with a trekking pole that does just that. From the outside ...

Black Diamond’s new Helio on the left, and the Black Crows Furtis. PHOTOS: Erme Catino For 13 years I’ve only used adjustable poles, various ones at that. From the early Life-Links, to Black Diamond ...

Most skiers use poles. These handy spears are key to a successful turn, and make balancing while skiing—and navigating flat areas—much easier. Like any part of the mountainous kit needed to go skiing, ...

Some still debate the merits of using trekking poles, but nowadays, most hikers won't leave home without them. Poles can help you power up steep climbs, support your weight on downhills, and provide ...