What are the best lightweight Black Diamond trekking poles for wild camping?

For wild camping in the UK, the best lightweight Black Diamond trekking poles depend on your priorities: the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is the top choice for ultralight backpackers who prioritise minimal weight and packability, while the Black Diamond Trail Back is a better option for those who need adjustable length, greater durability on rocky terrain, and replaceable tips. The Distance Carbon Z is ideal for long approaches on well‑maintained trails, but the Trail Back offers superior versatility for rugged wild camping. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the right pole for your specific needs.

Understanding the Black Diamond lightweight range

Black Diamond offers two main lightweight pole families suitable for wild camping:

1. Distance series – Folding, ultralight poles designed for fastpacking and trail running. Available in carbon (Distance Carbon Z) and aluminium (Distance Aluminium Z). They are fixed length, pack small, and deploy quickly.
2. Trail series – Telescoping poles with lever locks, offering adjustable length and greater durability. The Trail Back is a popular aluminium model with replaceable tips.

There is also the Alpine Carbon Cork – a telescoping carbon pole with cork grips – but it is more expensive and less common for wild camping.

1. Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z – the ultralight champion

The Distance Carbon Z is Black Diamond's lightest folding pole, weighing approximately 280 g per pair. Key features:

• Carbon fibre shafts – extremely lightweight, dampen vibration well.
• Folding design – collapses to around 35 cm, perfect for packing inside a backpack.
• Quick deployment – simple flick extends the pole; push‑button locks secure it.
• Replaceable carbide tips – tips can be replaced when worn.
• Fixed length – available in 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 cm. No on‑trail adjustment.

Best for:

• Ultralight backpackers who count every gram.
• Long approaches on well‑maintained trails.
• Wild camping on gentle terrain (e.g., forest tracks, coastal paths).
• Runners and fastpackers.

Downsides:

• Fragile – carbon can splinter on rocky side impacts. Not suited to the Lake District fells or Scottish peaks.
• Fixed length – you cannot shorten for steep ascents or lengthen for descents.
• Push‑button joints – can jam with grit or mud.
• Spare parts limited – lower sections are harder to source in the UK.

2. Black Diamond Distance Aluminium Z – the budget ultralight

The aluminium version of the Distance Z is heavier (around 340 g per pair) but cheaper (£120–140) and more durable than carbon. It shares the same folding design and fixed length. For wild camping, it offers a middle ground – lighter than telescoping poles but more robust than carbon.

Best for:

• Budget‑conscious ultralight walkers.
• Walkers who want packability without the fragility of carbon.

Downsides:

• Still not as durable as telescoping aluminium on rocky ground.
• No length adjustability.

3. Black Diamond Trail Back – the versatile telescoping pole

The Trail Back is Black Diamond's workhorse aluminium telescoping pole, weighing around 530 g per pair. Key features:

• 7075 aluminium shafts – strong and durable.
• FlickLock – Black Diamond's reliable lever‑lock system, field‑adjustable.
• Adjustable length – 110–135 cm, perfect for steep ascents and descents.
• Replaceable carbide tips – available in the UK.
• Cork or foam grips – comfortable in wet conditions.
• Basket compatibility – accepts mud baskets for boggy ground.

Best for:

• Wild camping on rugged UK terrain (Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor).
• Multi‑day backpacking where reliability and repairability matter.
• Walkers who prefer adjustable length for varied gradients.

Downsides:

• Heavier than Distance series (but weight is less critical on shorter camping trips).
• Not as packable – telescopes to ~65 cm, which is larger than folding poles.

4. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork – the premium lightweight

The Alpine Carbon Cork is a telescoping carbon pole with cork grips and FlickLock, weighing around 430 g per pair. It offers the adjustability of the Trail Back with the weight saving of carbon. However, it is expensive (£160–180) and carbon is still more fragile than aluminium on rocky ground.

Best for:

• Walkers who want adjustable length and lightweight for long approaches.
• Those who are careful on rocky terrain.

Downsides:

• Expensive.
• Carbon fragility on rocky ground.

Comparison table

Which one should you choose for wild camping?

• Choose Distance Carbon Z if: You are an ultralight backpacker walking on well‑maintained trails, you prioritise packability and weight saving, and you are willing to handle them carefully. They are ideal for long approaches where every gram counts.
• Choose Distance Aluminium Z if: You want packability and light weight but are concerned about carbon's fragility. They are a good compromise for moderate terrain.
• Choose Trail Back if: You are wild camping on rugged UK terrain (rocky fells, muddy moors), you need adjustable length for ascents and descents, and you want reliable, field‑repairable poles. They are the most versatile choice for wild camping.
• Choose Alpine Carbon Cork if: You want the adjustability of the Trail Back with a lighter weight, and you are confident you can avoid side impacts on rocks.

Practical tips for wild camping with Black Diamond poles

• Carry spare tips – For Trail Back users, tips are widely available in the UK.
• Use mud baskets – On boggy moorland, baskets prevent sinking.
• Adjust length for camping – Use poles as tent supports if your shelter allows.
• Clean after each day – Mud and grit can damage locks; rinse with fresh water.
• Check FlickLock tension – Tighten with a hex key if needed.

Final verdict

For most wild camping in the UK, the Black Diamond Trail Back is the best overall choice – it offers the durability, adjustability, and repairability needed for rugged terrain, at a reasonable price. If you are an ultralight walker on gentle trails, the Distance Carbon Z is a superb ultralight option. For a budget compromise, the Distance Aluminium Z offers packability without carbon's fragility. Choose based on where you camp and how much weight you are willing to carry – but for classic UK wild camping, the Trail Back is the safest, most versatile bet.