Head to head
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z vs Fizan Compact 3 (2027)
Head-to-head: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z versus Fizan Compact 3, the two lightest poles in the guide compared.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Featherweight folding poles built for thru-hikers and runners.
- Weight (per pair, 120 cm): 10.5 oz (298 g)
- Lengths available: 100, 110, 120, 130 cm (fixed)
Fizan Compact 3
Italian-made aluminum poles that rival carbon on weight.
- Weight (per pair): 11.6 oz (330 g)
- Usable length: 59-132 cm
Our recommendation
Choose the Distance Carbon Z for the absolute lightest carry and instant deployment. Choose the Fizan Compact 3 if you need adjustability for shelters or terrain, or if aluminum's durability reassures you. Just 1 oz separates them; features, not weight, should decide.
Adjustment
The Distance Carbon Z is fixed-length: zero fiddling, zero shelter flexibility. The Compact 3 adjusts from 59 to 132 cm, pitching tents, adapting to climbs and descents, and fitting borrowers. For shelter users this difference ends the debate.
Packability and deployment
The Z folds to about 40 cm and deploys in seconds. The Fizan telescopes to 59 cm collapsed, longer in the pack but still compact. Runners stowing poles mid-run prefer the Z; backpackers are fine either way.
Material and failure mode
Carbon versus 7001 aluminum at nearly the same weight is Fizan's party trick. The Fizan bends and can be trail-straightened; the Black Diamond is marginally lighter and damps buzz better but can snap under lateral loads.
Choose Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z if…
- You know your exact pole length and never change it
- You run or fastpack and stow poles frequently
- Every ounce counts on thru-hikes
Choose Fizan Compact 3 if…
- You pitch a trekking-pole shelter
- You adjust length for climbs and descents
- You prefer aluminum's forgiving failure mode
Questions, answered
Which is lighter?
The Distance Carbon Z at 10.5 oz per pair versus the Fizan at 11.6 oz; a difference you will not feel in hand.
Which is better for a thru-hike?
Both finish thru-hikes regularly. Shelter users pick the Fizan; minimalists pick the Z.
Which packs smaller?
The Distance Carbon Z, folding to roughly 40 cm versus the Fizan's 59 cm collapsed length.