Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Trekking Poles
Recommended by Sara Amato, vegan ultrarunner — Colorado
Highlights: lightweight, durable
The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are expertly crafted for avid outdoor enthusiasts, offering lightweight durability and quick collapsibility for effortless transport. Ideal for trail running, hiking, and mountain adventures, these poles enhance stability and support on any terrain. 1. Lightweight Design: Weighing just 1.2 pounds per pair, these poles minimize fatigue during long hikes and trail runs. 2. Quick Collapse Mechanism: The innovative Z-Pole technology allows for rapid setup and breakdown, making them easy to stow in a backpack. 3. Durable Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum, these poles provide reliable strength and stability for rugged outdoor conditions. 4. Ergonomic Grip: The comfortable foam grip ensures a secure hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. 5. Adjustable Wrist Straps: Designed for a customized fit, the straps enhance comfort and control while navigating diverse terrains. 6. Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, and trail running, across different skill levels. 7. Compact Storage: When collapsed, the poles measure just 15 inches, making them easy to carry and store without taking up significant space. The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles are perfect for outdoor adventurers seeking reliable support during trail runs, hikes, or mountain excursions. They excel in diverse environments, from rugged mountain trails to serene forest paths, making them ideal for both novice and experienced users. These poles are particularly beneficial in varying weather conditions and terrain types, ensuring stability and confidence in every step. Whether you're tackling steep inclines or navigating rocky descents, these poles are designed to enhance your outdoor experience year-round.
Price: $179.95
- Who it's for
- Trail runners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability, including those doing ultras or big mountain days. Also suits climbers who need poles on the approach that stow away compactly once on route.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the durability and light weight, with multiple noting 5–7 years of hard use with no failures. One host frames them as essentially tied with the red Leki poles at the "lightest-performing" tier, making it a preference call between the two.
- Worth noting
- One host (5'9") confirms 120 cm works well for their height. The magnetic strap system and carbide tips are called out as practical features; carbon construction is noted as genuinely durable for the material.
Sara Amato's review
these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
Recommended by Sara Amato, vegan ultrarunner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles for?
Trail runners and long-distance hikers who prioritize low weight and packability, including those doing ultras or big mountain days. Also suits climbers who need poles on the approach that stow away compactly once on route.
What do experts say about the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles?
Hosts consistently praise the durability and light weight, with multiple noting 5–7 years of hard use with no failures. One host frames them as essentially tied with the red Leki poles at the "lightest-performing" tier, making it a preference call between the two.
What should you know before buying the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles?
One host (5'9") confirms 120 cm works well for their height. The magnetic strap system and carbide tips are called out as practical features; carbon construction is noted as genuinely durable for the material.
What does Sara Amato say about the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles?
these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
Why does Sara Amato recommend Black Diamond?
Sara Amato recommends the Black Diamond Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles for trekking poles. these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
Is the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles a good trekking pole?
Yes — Sara Amato recommends the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles by Black Diamond as their trekking poles pick. these were lifesavers when doing rim to rim to rim at the grand canyon!
More from Sara Amato's Ultrarunning Staples
View Sara Amato's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
15 experts recommend the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles.
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
