Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles vs MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Black Diamond's Pursuit poles earned their reputation on durability and comfort, with reviewers reporting they survived demanding 2,000-mile routes like the Continental Divide. The cork grips draw praise for comfort and for how they adapt to the hand, and an integrated hex tool keeps maintenance simple. Two gripes recur: the measurement markings rub off fast, and the FlickLock+ mechanism can pop open mid-hike. Generalist hikers and backpackers who want reliable, comfortable poles are the right fit. Gram-counters chasing minimum weight are not.

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles come close to the right balance of toughness, comfort, and packability, and they work across four seasons and a range of activities. Reviewers credited the Kevlar-reinforced carbon shafts for surviving heavy use with no breaks or cracks. A button-controlled folding mechanism gets them down to a compact packed size, and the EVA foam grips are comfortable. Testers did note they weigh more than most folding poles and pick up scratches quickly. Serious backcountry users who rank durability above ultralight weight will be happy.