Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles Review
Trekking poles split opinion among UK walkers more than almost any other bit of kit — some people won't set foot on a hill without them, others find them a faff. We've spent a season with Black Diamond's Trail poles, their entry-level aluminium pair, across boggy Pennine paths and steep Lakeland descents to see whether they're worth the extra weight in the pack.
What it is
The Trail poles are Black Diamond's standard aluminium trekking pole, built from three-section 7075 aluminium shafts and adjusted with the brand's FlickLock mechanism — a cam-lever clamp rather than a twist-lock, which is faster to operate with gloves on and far less prone to slipping under load, a real problem with cheaper twist-lock poles in the wet. A pair weighs a little over 500g depending on length, with a collapsed length of around 24 inches (61cm) that packs down small enough to strap to the outside of a rucksack or fit inside it for flights.
They come with foam grips, adjustable padded wrist straps, and interchangeable carbide Tech Tips with rubber trekking baskets included, plus swappable snow baskets for winter use. Black Diamond also sell a carbon-fibre range (Distance and Alpine Carbon models) that shave off weight at a higher price if that trade-off matters more to you.
Pros
- FlickLock adjustment is fast, secure, and doesn't slip the way twist-locks can once they've picked up trail grit
- Tough 7075 aluminium shafts shrug off knocks on rocky terrain far better than carbon
- Interchangeable tips and baskets mean one set of poles works across seasons and terrain types
- Collapsed length is compact enough for packing into a rucksack or travel bag
Cons
- Heavier than Black Diamond's own carbon options, noticeable on longer days
- Aluminium poles will bend under a hard enough fall rather than snapping cleanly, which can be harder to fix trailside than a carbon break with a repair sleeve
- Foam grips absorb water and take a while to dry out after a genuinely wet UK day
- FlickLock clamps need an occasional check and tighten as they wear in
Who it's for
These suit hikers and backpackers who want a durable, no-nonsense pole for regular UK trail use — Pennine bog, Lakeland scree, and everything in between — without paying a premium for grams saved. If you're counting every gram for a long-distance thru-hike, the carbon Distance or Alpine Carbon models are worth the extra spend; for most weekend and week-long trips the aluminium Trail poles are the more sensible buy.
Our verdict
The Black Diamond Trail poles do the fundamentals well — secure locking, durable construction, and a sensible weight-to-price ratio — without any unnecessary extras. They're a solid, dependable choice for anyone starting out with poles or replacing a pair that let them down on a wet trail.