MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles (Large) – Ultralight & Adjustable

Meet the MSR DynaLock Ascent Foldable Carbon Backcountry Trekking Poles, Large. Built from Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber, these ultralight poles deliver a sturdy, responsive feel without weighing you down. They’re designed for backcountry adventures—whether you’re chasing fast ascents on sunlit ridgelines, gliding through powder on a snowshoe mission, or navigating mixed terrain on a splitboard‑approach. The three‑piece design deploys swiftly and folds compactly to slide into alpine packs or travel bags, helping you keep your kit lean and ready for changing conditions.

Key benefits

• Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber construction provides ultralight strength and durability for backcountry activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in variable conditions.
• Three-piece design deploys quickly and folds small, making stash in smaller packs effortless.
• DynaLock mechanism delivers 20 cm of length adjustability and tool-free tension control for a secure grip on the fly.
• EVA foam grips are lightweight and comfortable, with an extended lower grip for multiple hand placements on long climbs.
• Winter and summer baskets are included, enabling year-round usability across snow, rock, and trail.
• Large size covers 120–140 cm (47–55 in) with a collapsed length of 44.5 cm (17.5 in); weight 18 oz (0.50 kg).
• Two sizes exist for broad compatibility: Small 100–120 cm (collapses to 36.2 cm) and Large 120–140 cm (collapses to 44.5 cm).

Year-round versatility

• The included winter and summer baskets let you adjust performance for snow, ice, gravel, or dry trails, adapting to seasonal conditions.
• Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber delivers a tough yet lightweight platform suitable for extended backcountry days and fast ascents.
• The foldable, compact form fits inside most alpine packs and travel bags, supporting multi-day trips and offbeat routes.

So what does this mean on the trail?

In practice, you can expect a balance of stiffness and flexibility that helps you maintain rhythm on exposed climbs, set a steady cadence on long passages, and switch grip positions with ease when terrain shifts. The 20 cm adjustability lets you tailor reach and stability as you encounter steeper pitches or uneven surfaces, while the on-demand clamping force keeps the pole secure without slowing you down. The Large size is particularly well-suited for taller riders or roomsier terrain, pairing with protective gear for confident descents or traverses.

Technical specs

• Material: Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber
• Length range (Large): 120–140 cm (47–55 in)
• Collapsed size (Large): 44.5 cm (17.5 in)
• Weight: 18 oz (0.50 kg) per pair
• Grips: EVA foam with extended lower grip
• Baskets: Winter and summer baskets included
• Lock system: DynaLock with 20 cm adjustment
• Sizes: Small 100–120 cm (collapsed 36.2 cm); Large 120–140 cm (collapsed 44.5 cm)