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Black Diamond Distance Z Review

Durable with a short collapsed length, this is a fantastic value for a lightweight pole
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Black Diamond Distance Z Review (The Distance z folds up tight and light when you need your hands and feet scrambling the "home stretch" to the summit...)
The Distance z folds up tight and light when you need your hands and feet scrambling the "home stretch" to the summit of Long's Peak.
Credit: Kate Pitts
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Black Diamond
Jeff Dobronyi
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  August 21, 2025
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 18
  • Comfort - 20% 6.0
  • Weight - 20% 8.1
  • Versatility - 20% 6.0
  • Locking and Adjustability - 15% 3.0
  • Packed Size - 15% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Black Diamond Distance Z is a lightweight and durable pole that packs down to a small size. It is also the most affordable of the lightweight poles that we tested. The Distance Z is geared towards the lightweight mountain running and technical climbing crowd. This is the aluminum version of the Distance Carbon Z, a carbon version that is two ounces lighter but costs almost twice as much. The Distance Z is a great choice for most hikers seeking a simple, lightweight pole that won't break the bank.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Short collapsed length
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
No length adjustability
Average grip comfort

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Distance Z scores in the middle of the pack amongst the best poles on the market. While it isn't adjustable, or nearly as comfortable or featured as other poles out there, it offers lightweight durability and packable strength at a reasonable price.

black diamond distance z - the black diamond distance z is a durable pole for fast hikes and...
The Black Diamond Distance Z is a durable pole for fast hikes and alpine climbs.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Comfort


The Distance Z features Black Diamond's ultralight trekking pole grip, which is constructed from soft, lightweight foam. It has a small amount of contouring to fit most hand sizes and easily compresses to fit the shape of each unique user. Ribbed cutouts shave weight, allow airflow to the palm, and provide some added friction.


In general, we prefer a cork grip. However, we understand the design of this handle because of the significant weight savings it provides. The thinner profile of the grip is exceptionally comfortable for people with smaller hands, making it a favorite of our female testers. Our lead female tester, Katie Pitts, commented, “The combination of the thin grip and low-weight pole makes this my top choice for fast and light pursuits, like peak bagging or fastpacking.

We love how quickly these snap together when we need them for the downhill after a technical section on Long's Peak.
Credit: Kate Pitts

When carrying a heavy backpack, this grip wasn't our favorite, but for most on-trail use, the comfort is just fine. There is a small secondary grip extension, but it isn't useful for choking up on the pole because it is only 2.5 inches long. The wrist strap is made of a thin fabric that is also comfortable. Overall, we find the comfort to be adequate for a pole that is designed with weight and affordability in mind.

black diamond distance z - the distance z's foam grips are lightly contoured, and we find their...
The Distance Z's foam grips are lightly contoured, and we find their comfort to be acceptable over long distances.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Weight


The 110 cm length that we tested weighs 11.9 ounces per pair on our scales, which is one of the lightest poles on the market and feels shockingly lightweight in hand. It's not quite as light as the carbon fiber version, but shaving that bit of extra weight will add significant price. Lighter poles have less swing weight, which is the effort required to swing the pole forward with each step. And over time, that extra weight adds up for mountain runners and speed hikers.


These are light enough for most uses, including long-distance thru-hiking — only alpine climbers or the fastest mountain runners will want to splurge for more weight savings. For 99 percent of users, these poles provide the best weight-per-dollar ratio of any pole we have ever tested.

We found the foam grip soft and comfortable, and our female testers appreciated how the lightweight poles reduced arm fatigue during long days summiting Continental Divide peaks in the Rocky Mountains.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Usually, lower weights and prices mean a sacrifice in durability was made somewhere along the line, but we didn't find that to be the case with the Distance Z. The only disadvantage is that the fixed length means they're not ideal for setting up tarps or tents as part of an ultralight backpacking system.

black diamond distance z - three narrow shaft sections and a minimalist foam grip help keep the...
Three narrow shaft sections and a minimalist foam grip help keep the Distance Z's weight to a minimum.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Versatility


The Distance Z is great for most uses, but trekkers on the gnarliest trails and carrying the most weight will want to use a slightly thicker and more durable pole. For everything else, the Distance Z is great. They come with a small snow basket that provides some floatation in summer snow, but these baskets are not wide enough for winter powder snow. The standard carbide tips are excellent, and the included rubber tips are perfect for gripping sandstone and pavement while leaving no trace on delicate sandstone trails.


Overall, we were surprised by the versatility of these poles. Upon first glance, it seems like they are designed purely for mountain running and lightweight hiking, but they are actually perfect for most applications. We prefer them over other poles for everything except heavy-duty backpacking and trekking to remote destinations.

black diamond distance z - the distance z comes with a dirt/mud basket already fastened to the...
The Distance Z comes with a dirt/mud basket already fastened to the pole, along with small snow baskets and rubber tips.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Locking and Adjustability


The Distance Z is a foldable pole with no possibility of length extension. The benefits of this design are weight savings and affordability, but it also requires users to size the pole correctly at the time of purchase. It comes in four different sizes in 4-inch (10 cm) increments. The pole is unfolded and locked into its extended configuration with a satisfying click, and to release this lock, an ergonomic spring-loaded button is pressed, releasing the extension lock. This button is easy to press, even with gloved hands.


A handful of users like to constantly adjust the length of their trekking poles to match the terrain. The majority of hikers and trekkers don't mind as much and just deal with the length of their poles as the terrain changes. If you're new to using trekking poles, you may not mind the lack of length adjustment found in these fixed-length poles. That said, if you want the option, look elsewhere.

black diamond distance z - the locking mechanism is a small metal button that is textured and...
The locking mechanism is a small metal button that is textured and easy to push, even while wearing gloves.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Packed Size


The foldable Distance Z outperforms traditional telescoping poles in the packed size category. These poles are great for any application when you might need to stow them on your backpack, such as moderate alpine climbing or technical scrambling. They also disappear into packed luggage when traveling. The Distance Z collapses down to a best-in-class 14.5 inches (35 cm) at the 110-centimeter length.


Foldable construction results in the smallest packed size but also eliminates any overlap in pole sections, increasing the tendency of a pole to wobble or bend when weighted. Considering that these poles are designed for lighter uses, they will serve most activities well, although larger folks and those carrying big backpacks might want to choose a heavier telescoping pole.

black diamond distance z - the distance z, top, packs smaller than other folding poles on the...
The Distance Z, top, packs smaller than other folding poles on the market.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Construction Quality


Despite the lightweight construction and noticeably lighter-than-average swing weight, our testers were surprised by the durability of the Distance Z. For its first field test, we took it on a six-day mountaineering adventure that was nearly entirely on cross-country terrain. Two other poles broke, but the Distance Z handled it fantastically. They're not as tough as many of the heavier aluminum telescoping poles, but we think they're plenty durable for all but the hardest users with the biggest backpacks.


Aluminum is more durable than carbon fiber because it can bend without snapping. It also resists chipping and cracking, problems that can plague carbon poles and cause catastrophic failures. The carbide tip and reinforced lower shaft above the mud basket reduces wear in the usual areas. The Distance Z aluminum poles have been durable enough for everything we've thrown at them thus far.

black diamond distance z - these metal shaft sections can take a beating, protecting your...
These metal shaft sections can take a beating, protecting your investment.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Distance Z?


The Distance Z earns our nod for the best value in a lightweight pole. These are excellent poles for most hikers, runners, and climbers, delivering lightweight performance, high-end features, and durability for an affordable price. There are some other affordable poles that offer better adjustability, but they weigh significantly more. Only the most specialized users will need a more specific pole — these are a great option for 90% of users looking for a high-performance pole at a great price.

This minimalist design is a favorite among our hiking guides for saving impact on her knees for quick and light alpine adventures.
Credit: Kate Pitts

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?


The lightweight, durable, and affordable Black Diamond Distance Z doesn't leave much room for improvement, but if you are enticed by the weight savings and want an even lighter trekking pole that will disappear into a pack while alpine climbing, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z shaves a few ounces per pair, and is very similar to the Distance Z, but costs more. If you like the lightweight and compressible features of this pole but want a little more versatility and adjustability, the best-in-class MSR Dynalock Ascent is a great option. Those looking for a women's-specific pole should check out the Leki Cressida FX Carbon. If you're looking for a more durable and adjustable alternative, the Black Diamond Pursuit is a great option. And finally, budget-minded users can save a few bucks by choosing the Trekology Trek-Z, but those poles don't perform nearly as well as the Distance Z.

black diamond distance z - we love how compactly this pole folds down so we can quickly stash...
We love how compactly this pole folds down so we can quickly stash it for an ascent of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Side-by-Side Comparison
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Jeff Dobronyi