Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Trekking Poles
Recommended by Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner — Philadelphia, PA
Highlights: lightweight, durable
The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are expertly crafted for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lightweight, reliable support during their adventures. With a quick-collapse design, these poles offer convenience and stability for any trail run or hike. 1. Weighing only 1.2 pounds per pair, these trekking poles are designed for minimal bulk without sacrificing strength. 2. Constructed from durable aluminum, they provide exceptional stability and longevity for rugged terrain. 3. The innovative Z-fold design allows for rapid setup and breakdown, making them easy to store and transport. 4. Adjustable wrist straps ensure a secure grip, enhancing comfort during extended use. 5. Equipped with rubber tips and interchangeable baskets, these poles are versatile for various surfaces, from rocky paths to snowy trails. 6. The poles extend to a length of 100 cm, accommodating a wide range of user heights for optimal performance. 7. Sleek gray finish not only looks stylish but also resists scratches and wear, maintaining their appearance over time. These trekking poles are ideal for avid hikers, trail runners, and outdoor adventurers looking to enhance their stability and reduce fatigue on uneven terrain. They perform best in diverse environments, including mountainous trails, forest paths, and snowy landscapes. Suitable for users of all skill levels, these poles excel in both summer and winter conditions, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor gear collection.
Price: $179.95
- Who it's for
- Ultrarunners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability. Notes skew heavily toward race and endurance use, including 100-mile events.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the light weight, durability, and easy storage with no dissenting views across all five notes. Long-term users (5+ years, multiple major races) report no durability issues.
- Worth noting
- Fixed 120 cm length means no adjustability — buyers must confirm that length works for them before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles - Pair Gray 100 Cm for?
Ultrarunners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability. Notes skew heavily toward race and endurance use, including 100-mile events.
What do experts say about the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles - Pair Gray 100 Cm?
Hosts consistently praise the light weight, durability, and easy storage with no dissenting views across all five notes. Long-term users (5+ years, multiple major races) report no durability issues.
What should you know before buying the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles - Pair Gray 100 Cm?
Fixed 120 cm length means no adjustability — buyers must confirm that length works for them before purchasing.
More from Michael Murphy's Movement
View Michael Murphy's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
16 experts recommend the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles - Pair Gray 100 Cm.
Kilian Korth, Professional Trail Runner
I'm 5'9" and the 120cm poles work great for me. Light, durable, and easy to use, these practically live in the pole quiver of my running vest.
Recommended in Cocodona 250 Kit + Fuel
John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer
Another tried and true classic trail pole. Truly lightweight and very durable for a carbon pole. Carbide tips maintain grip on basically any surface. A great option if you don’t like wearing those Leki gloves.
Recommended in Trail running
Dreama Walton, Trail & Ultrarunner, Coach and Founder of DreamAdventures and Dreama Team Way
I've been using the Z poles for years and I love them. They are light, durable and dependable. I've used them at UTMB to High Lonesome 100 and they sure have handled the demand I put on them!
Recommended in My Trail Running List
Seth Burns, Mountain Guide, Avalanche Forecaster
Light weight poles that can be used on the approach but then disappear in a small climbing pack once on route.
Recommended in North Cascades Alpine Climbing
I've had my pair for 7 years. Everytime I pull them out i think it's surely time for new ones but they've stayed strong.
Recommended in Broken Arrow
Chrissy Goodbody, Bone Surgeon. Dog Mom. Ultrarunner.
Durable and lightweight, easy to store!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Jasmine Brown, Road Runner | Hiker| Trail Runner
Best hiking pole for long hikes without added weight. Super light and sturdy.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
These poles are awesome I have had them for over 7 years no issues!
Recommended in Allegheny Trail FKT Gear/Nutrition
Compact and easy to use. They provide that extra support on those big climbs when the legs are tired
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Miles Victors, Outdoor Enthusiast and Mountain Athlete
I use the 130cm variant, and they are bullet proof. Also check out the carbon model for a little more weight savings.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
My go to poles for long days in the mountains
Recommended in Mountain Lakes 100
I have used these poles for 5 years, and use them for every race. The quality is top tier, and they have lasted a very long time.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Allen Au, Exceptional Amateur
I think I'm annoyed that at the "lightest possible poles that perform well" tier, there's only this color wave and the red Leki ones. So at this point, choose the one you jive with.
Recommended in 2026 - Trail Season Kit
Troy Meadows, Ultra Runner | Host of the MidPacker Pod | Entrepreneur
What can I say, I'm a BD Pole guy;)
Recommended in My Trail Quiver
these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
Recommended in Ultrarunning Staples