What are the best lightweight Black Diamond trekking poles for wild camping?
Wild camping – whether in the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, or a remote woodland – demands gear that is lightweight, packable, and reliable. Your trekking poles not only support you on the trail but often serve as tent poles for ultralight shelters. Black Diamond offers some of the best lightweight poles on the market. After evaluating their lineup, the best choice for wild camping is the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z for ultralight enthusiasts, and the Black Diamond Trail Pro for those who prioritise durability. This article explains why.
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Why lightweight matters for wild camping
Wild camping often involves carrying all your gear for multiple days. Every gram counts. Heavy poles (over 500g per pair) add to your pack weight and cause arm fatigue on long walks. Lightweight poles (under 400g per pair) make a noticeable difference, especially when you are also carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and food.
Additionally, many wild campers rely on trekking‑pole tents (e.g., Zpacks, Tarptent, MLD). Your poles must be strong enough to support the shelter and of the correct length (typically 115‑130 cm). Packability is also key – you need to stow the poles easily when not in use.
The ultralight champion: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
The Distance Carbon Z is the go‑to pole for weight‑obsessed wild campers.
- Weight: 165g per pole (330g per pair) – incredibly light. You will barely notice them in your pack.
- Design: Folding (Z‑pole) with three sections connected by an internal cord. Collapses to just 38 cm – small enough to fit inside a side pocket or even a large pack’s main compartment.
- Material: High‑modulus carbon fibre – stiff and responsive, but more brittle than aluminium.
- Locking: Snap‑button mechanism – simple, reliable, and quick to deploy.
- Grip: EVA foam – comfortable, warm, and non‑slip.
- Tip: Carbide, replaceable.
- Lengths: Fixed – choose from 100‑130 cm in 5 cm increments. For most wild campers, 115‑125 cm is ideal.
Why it’s great for wild camping: Extreme low weight and packability. Perfect for fastpacking, thru‑hiking, or any trip where minimising pack weight is the top priority. They work beautifully with ultralight shelters like the Zpacks Duplex (which requires 120‑125 cm poles).
Downsides: Carbon is brittle – a hidden rock or a careless jam can snap the shaft. Also, fixed length means you cannot adjust them for steep ascents or descents. Not suitable for heavy loads (e.g., carrying a 15‑20 kg pack).
The durable alternative: Black Diamond Trail Pro (aluminium)
If you expect rocky terrain, carry a heavier pack, or simply want a pole that will survive years of abuse, the Trail Pro is the better choice.
- Weight: 275g per pole (550g per pair) – heavier but still reasonable.
- Design: Three‑section telescoping with external FlickLock Pro (metal cam) – bomb‑proof.
- Material: Thick‑wall 7075 aluminium – bends rather than snaps.
- Grip: Dual‑density foam with an extended “blade” – allows choked grips for steep slopes.
- Adjustability: 100‑140 cm – fully telescoping, so you can shorten for climbs and lengthen for descents.
- Tip: Carbide, replaceable.
- Baskets: Interchangeable; large powder baskets available for soft ground.
Why it’s great for wild camping: Unmatched durability and adjustability. The metal lock is the most reliable on the market. You can confidently lean on them with a heavy pack. The extended foam grip is excellent for side‑hilling on uneven wild camping pitches.
Downsides: Heavier and less packable (collapses to ~66 cm). Not as good for fastpacking or ultralight setups.
Which Black Diamond pole is best for your wild camping style?
| Feature | Distance Carbon Z | Trail Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (pair) | 330g | 550g |
| Packed length | 38 cm | 66 cm |
| Material | Carbon | Aluminium |
| Lock | Snap‑button | Metal FlickLock |
| Adjustable length | No (fixed) | Yes (100‑140 cm) |
| Durability on rock | Low (brittle) | High (bends) |
| Best for | Ultralight backpacking, fastpacking, gentle trails | Heavy packs, rocky terrain, winter wild camping |
| Price | ~£120‑150 | ~£90‑110 |
Using Black Diamond poles with trekking‑pole tents
Most ultralight shelters are designed for poles of a specific length. The Distance Carbon Z is ideal if your tent’s recommended length matches one of the fixed sizes (e.g., 115 cm, 120 cm, 125 cm). The Trail Pro offers flexibility – you can adjust it to any height, making it compatible with a wider range of shelters (e.g., mids that require different lengths for storm pitching).
For the popular Zpacks Duplex, a 120‑125 cm pole is standard – the Distance Carbon Z in 120 cm works perfectly. For a MLD Duomid, you might need 130‑140 cm; the Trail Pro can reach that.
Accessories for wild camping
- Large powder baskets – If you wild camp in early spring or on wet, boggy ground, swap the small baskets for larger ones (sold separately). This prevents the pole from sinking.
- Spare tips – Carry a pair of replacement carbide tips; rocky ground wears them faster.
- Ice grippers – For winter wild camping on snow or ice, add spiked tips.
Final verdict
- Choose the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z if you are an ultralight wild camper, fastpacker, or thru‑hiker who prioritises low weight and packability, and you hike on non‑rocky terrain (e.g., forest paths, moorland). It is a joy to carry and deploy.
- Choose the Black Diamond Trail Pro if you carry a heavy pack, hike on rocky Scottish or Welsh mountains, or want a single pair of poles that will last for years of abuse. The extra weight is a fair trade for durability and adjustability.
Both poles are excellent; your choice depends on your balance between weight savings and ruggedness. For most wild campers who encounter mixed terrain, the Trail Pro is the safer, more versatile bet. But for the gram‑conscious, the Distance Carbon Z is a true ultralight marvel. Whichever you pick, pair it with a suitable shelter and enjoy the freedom of wild camping.
