Trekking poles are one of those pieces of gear where the weight savings are immediately, physically noticeable on the trail. Every ounce you’re swinging with your arms gets multiplied over thousands of steps. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles at 9.6 oz per pair are among the lightest functional poles available. Three seasons of high-mileage use — including a section of the PCT and multiple Sierra passes — here’s the honest take.
The Numbers
- Weight: 9.6 oz / pair (110cm)
- Construction: Carbon fiber shaft, Z-pole folding design
- Grip: EVA foam
- Adjustment: Fixed length (order your size) or FlickLock adjustment on some models
- Packed length: 15.4" (folds into thirds)
- Price: $170
What It Does Right
The weight is genuinely noticeable. Coming from aluminum poles in the 18-20 oz range, dropping to 9.6 oz is not subtle. Long descent days in particular — where you’re planting poles constantly — become measurably less fatiguing.
Packed size is outstanding. Folding to 15.4" means they strap to the outside of a pack easily, fit inside a bag if needed, and work brilliantly for air travel without checking a bag. The Z-fold deploys and collapses in seconds.
Carbon dampens vibration. On rocky terrain, aluminum poles transmit every impact up into your wrists and elbows. Carbon absorbs it. After a long day on talus, that difference adds up.
The EVA foam grips are comfortable and moisture-wicking. Better than rubber in warm conditions. In cold conditions, foam stays warmer than cork.
Where It Falls Short
Carbon is not bomb-proof. Hit a pole at the wrong angle against a rock — particularly a sharp lateral impact — and carbon can crack or splinter where aluminum would bend and survive. This is a real-world risk on technical terrain. If you’re doing a lot of off-trail scrambling, aluminum is more durable.
Fixed length requires knowing your size. The standard Distance Carbon Z comes in fixed lengths. Measure correctly before ordering — you want poles that let your elbows reach 90° when the tip is planted on flat ground.
The basket selection is minimal. Stock baskets work for most conditions but aren’t ideal for deep snow. Not a deal-breaker for three-season use.
Tips wear faster than expected. The carbide tips are replaceable, but they wear down quicker than competitors. Budget for replacement tips annually on high-mileage use.
Who They’re For
The Distance Carbon Z is the right pole if:
- You’re doing long-mileage days (10+ miles) where weight fatigue compounds
- You travel frequently and need poles that pack small
- You primarily hike maintained trails rather than technical scrambles
- You prioritize weight above all else
If durability in technical terrain is more important, look at the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork (aluminum, more forgiving).
Bottom Line
The best ultralight trekking poles available at this price point. The weight savings are real and meaningful over long days. Treat them with appropriate care on technical terrain and they’ll log serious miles.
Rating: 8.5/10 — Carbon fragility and tip wear prevent a perfect score. For high-mileage trail use, they’re unmatched.