Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Rating
Rating: 8.4 / 10
Value for Money 2.2
Comfort 2.2
Weight 1.7
Durability 2.3
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles Review
The Black Diamond Trail trekking poles have been my main pole over the past two years and have replaced my Black Diamond Distance Z poles. While this seems to be a strange change going from an ultralight pole to one that is relatively heavy there is a method to my madness that revolves around pole use. I originally bought the Black Diamond Trail trekking poles for snow use as they come with removable snow baskets and at the time of purchase that was what I would be using them for.
On return from my snow trip I continued to use them long after and for me there are three main reasons for carrying a relatively heavy pole over an ultralight one.
The first is robustness of the poles. Over varying trips I have slipped and fallen only to be saved by my poles and on a number of occasions. I have dropped my whole 95 kg weight all on one pole with great force and they have survived without any complaint. While many poles will put up with this type of abuse I have been happy with the solid feel to these poles.
My second reason is the flick lock system that Black Diamond and others now use that allows for a huge range of size adjustment and a guaranteed locking mechanism (I have never had one fail yet). I mainly use my poles going down hills so I will always lengthen them to longer than normal to suit the terrain.
My third reason in choosing these over the smaller, lighter trifold poles is that they provide enough length to fit into my Osprey Exos 48 Pack ‘stow on the go’ system. I find that this allows me to deploy or store the poles without having to stop which means I will use the poles when I need to rather than just putting up with the conditions.
Price is another bonus on these poles and the features and robustness they come with provide exceptional value.
These poles do have negatives and the the most obvious one is weight. At 608 grams they are over 200 grams heavier than many lightweight competitors on the market.
Overall these are a great four season pole and unless you want to go ultralight these are a good choice for those that use hiking poles and don’t want to spend to much.
We Like
- One size fits all means that you pole length will always be what you need it to be and that they can be used by a range of people
- Hand grips made of EVA foam which wicks away moisture so your sweaty hands won’t slip off the grips
- Flick-lock technology ensures quick and easy adjustment, and secure locking
- Tough aluminium construction allows you to tackle the tough terrain without having to worry if the poles will support your weight
- Removable snow baskets included so you have the flexibility to cover different terrain when you need
We Don't Like
- Not light at 608 grams
- The foam on the handles is long. This is just extra weight that’s not needed in most circumstances
Best Uses
- Four seasons hiking
- Great for large hikers as they will support your weight confidently if you fall on them
Buy One
You can purchase the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles online from Wild Earth or Amazon
Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our gear reviews. If we don’t like something, you’ll be the first to know!
If you have used the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below
Investment
$85.00 AUD
Other Versions
Black Diamond makes a large range of trekking poles to suit your needs. Choose the activity you are planning on doing to help select the right poles
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by the reviewer
The Black Diamond Trail Trekking poles. This image shows the comparison between fully extended at 140 cm to fully retracted at 63.5 cm. You can choose the size anywhere in between
Trekking poles in the Osprey Stow ‘on the go’ system. These larger poles fit well in this system unlike the tri-fold poles
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