MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles – Lightweight, Adjustable and Awesome

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles are adjustable and made for use backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and splitboarding.

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

These poles have become my favorite for splitboarding.  They are lightweight – thanks to the carbon-graphite build.  Adjustable to suit all kinds of users (the model I was using went from 120-140cm). Collapsible to fit inside your backpack, or on the side of it (how I carry them).  The handles are comfortable and they feel good on the skin track.  What else could you want?

Carbon vs Aluminum

There are benefits to both, as anyone will tell you.  I prefer carbon poles as they are lighter and I feel that they do a better job of absorbing shock.  Not that I load them up too much, but it seems like they just feel a tad better on my arms during long tours.

Carbon can break, and I have broken many poles before.  Aluminum can bend and can take a little more abuse (in my opinion). So, weigh (puny!) out what is important to you and determine if carbon is best for your tours.

Kevlar Reinforced Carbon

This is the first set of poles that I have used to feature this.  So, I have not broken them yet 🙂 Kevlar is as tuff as it gets.  You probably have some of the pants you wear when touring.  Heck, I took a pit bull bite to my calf on a tour, years ago.  Thank goodness for the kevlar reinforced panels on those pants!  Remarkably, the dog bite did not puncture the material (though it did mechanically puncture my skin).  Bottom line – Kevlar is tuff!


DynaLock™ Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles | Ascent Series | MSRVerified BuyerVerified Buyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




Adjustable height

I love this feature as it allows me to adjust the poles to suit my preferences on a tour.  It also allows for use with tarps and camping. Bonus – you can lend the poles to others and they can dial in the fit to suit their needs.  I was using the large model and it covered 120-140cm. The small covers 100-120cm.

Winter and Summer Use

The poles come with both summer and winter baskets.  I have not used them in the summer, yet, so I will skip that in this review.  I do like the powder baskets the come with these.  The poles rest nicely in the baskets when packed up for travel.

Eric Larsen approved

Eric Larsen was on the Engearment Podcast for our Winter Solstice episode.  Check it out here.  In that episode, we talked about his love for these poles.  He does some extreme adventures – the first person to suit Everest and both the North and South Pole, in one year.  If he swears by these poles, then they should be good for us backcountry skiers and splitboarders!

 

 

Final Review of the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

If a lightweight, adjustable pole that is strengthened with Kevlar and can collapse down for easy travel is something you are looking for, then this is it!  They have become my favorite splitboard poles, they are tested in crazy conditions by Eric Larsen, and they are fairly priced at $149.  


DynaLock™ Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles | Ascent Series | MSRVerified BuyerVerified Buyer