Steep Pro Vario S3 26/27

The Steep Pro Vario S3 is Salomon's adjustable freeride and touring pole. It pairs a 16mm aluminium upper shaft with a 14mm carbon lower shaft reinforced with Kevlar, an easy lock length system, and a screwdriver built into the top of each lower shaft for adjusting bindings on the go. It weighs 11 oz per pole.

An adjustable pole adds a lock and a little complexity, and in return you get the right length for skinning, traversing and descending. The S3 premium strap releases automatically under excessive pull, a smart trade for anyone skiing near trees and rocks.

It is for touring skiers and freeriders who want one pole for everything. If you only ski inbounds groomers, a fixed-length pole is simpler.

An extended foam grip lets you choke down on steep traverses, a 95mm freeride basket adds lift in powder, and a carbide tip bites into ice and hard snow.

This is the pole we grab for every tour. Light, smart and ready for any terrain.