Black Diamond Trail Back Review

The Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles are a budget-friendly, durable choice for hikers who want reliable support. The 7075 aluminum shaft construction holds up well to frequent use, even when shared between different people as heavily used group gear. They are a solid choice for those who prioritize practical, rugged gear that can take a beating with barely a scratch.

Comfort

At an affordable price, the Trail Back strikes a balance between simplicity, durability, and comfort. While there are lighter and more ergonomically designed poles, few are as durable and accommodating to different users as this one.

The grips are comfortable yet straightforward for most people. They offer an EVA foam grip that is both durable and compact, making it ideal for small hands, particularly those of women or younger users. Although the EVA foam doesn't absorb sweat like cork, the material is soft and fits nicely in the shape of the hand. Since they don't wick moisture, they can feel a little sticky if you are hiking in a hot and humid environment. The tradeoff is that the soft handles are durable and will last for years, striking an ideal balance of comfort and longevity. One of our testers, a hiking guide, tested it with over twenty people of mixed hand shapes and sizes, most of whom found the grip comfortable for longer day hikes and backpacking.

They have one of the highest adjustability rates in the range we tested and can be quickly adjusted to fit a wide range of heights. They can be sized to height for everyone in the family, from kids to parents. They match the highest expandable rate of any pole we tested, and even our reviewers over six feet tall found they could adjust them to the right fit for their body.

Weight

The Trail Back is heavier than many folding modern trekking poles. However, they achieve an exceptional balance between weight and durability, setting them apart from most other options. They are relatively lightweight for a telescoping aluminum pole, making them an excellent choice for hikers and backpackers seeking a dependable pole that is not only easy to carry but also built to last for years.

Surprisingly, they are relatively lightweight for their aluminum construction. In our tests, the measured weight put a pair at just over a pound. While not as light as modern carbon models, it scores them higher than other tri-fold poles and carbon fiber models in our lineup. We were impressed by this weight for a burly aluminum pole and found it quite comfortable for carrying on multi-day backpacking trips, although we preferred lighter options for long-distance thru-hiking or peak bagging when we were more likely to stash and carry our poles. Trail runners and ultralight enthusiasts should look at lighter-weight options in a situation where, as ounce-counters say, “Ounces make pounds and pounds make pain.”

Versatility

The Trail Back is one of the most versatile poles for most users. Its simplicity, ruggedness, and adjustability make it an excellent option for the entire family or group gear. This pole is a fantastic option for hiking and backpacking, although fastpackers may want something that is lighter weight.

The Trail Back is a good fit for most people in terms of comfort and durability, and they have earned a reputation as a durable workhorse in the field. We trust them in off-trail terrain and with heavy packs. The telescoping design makes it an ideal option for setting up a tarp or tent in the field because it is easy to adjust on the fly. They come with replaceable snow baskets and are easy to use with gloves, making them excellent for four-season use. Because they do not snap, we found they are a good option for higher impact winter use like side-hilling and snowshoeing.

Locking and Adjustability

We love a pole that won't budge under pressure, and the Trail Back stands out for its trustworthiness and ease of use. This is one of the best poles on the market for people who want a pole that is simple to adjust and dependable; it does not budge when weighted.

The dual FlickLock adjusters are easy to use and make length changes quick and secure. The FlickLocks are made from a heavyweight plastic and are flush with the poles, and we found this made them secure. Once we adjusted and set the locks, they never budged, even when loaded with the heavy weight of packs loaded with five days of backpacking supplies. We could easily flick the locks into place with or without gloves, making them easy to use in the winter when your hands are chilled. If the lock loosens over time, a quick turn of the small screw with a standard Phillips head tightens it up. We found that this could be done with a knife in the backcountry, where being able to fix gear on the fly is critical.

We found that the sliding buckle system of the straps is intuitive and no-hassle to adjust with or without gloves on. Pull the strap to tighten or loosen; when your hand rests in the strap cradle, it holds securely without slipping.

Packed Size

We measured the Trail Back at its smallest length, and it collapses down to 25 inches, which is fairly standard for telescoping poles.

Where the Trail Back sacrifices versatility is packability, because we could not fit them in a hydration vest or the svelte pockets of smaller daypacks. Since they only fold down to 25 inches, they are bulkier than we would like for stashing in the side of a pack for peak bagging. If you are flying, you might consider a set of folding poles that take up less room in your suitcase. Their adjustability is best suited for hiking and backpacking.

Construction Quality

One of the most durable poles in our lineup, the Trail Back poles are built to last for decades and are easily repaired. They can withstand the torsional stress of being caught and twisted between boulders or roots and hold the weight of larger users with heavy packs.

Black Diamond manufactures the Trail Back trekking poles using 7075 aluminum, a material originally developed for aircraft frames due to its strong yet lightweight properties. These trekking poles are made from the same high-quality materials that fighter pilots relied on during World War II. Over time, 7075 aluminum became a staple in aerospace applications, known for its ability to withstand high stress while being significantly lighter than steel. Needless to say, we don't foresee these poles leaving you stranded mid-hike with a snapped shaft.

The FlickLock system is made of durable plastic, which we have yet to see fail in our tests or discussions with hiking guides who have used them for years, even after years in high rotation outdoors. The lock wraps flush against the pole and doesn't slip like other poles in our test with twist locks.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Trail Back?

If you're looking for a pole that can handle rocky and rough terrain, can be used year-round, and can sustain abuse without breaking (or breaking the bank), the Trail Back is a solid pick. It's dependable, and that is why we recommend it for most people. There is a reason it is a favorite among guiding companies: it is a trustworthy and comfortable pole that is easily adjustable to fit most people for hiking, backpacking, or snowshoeing.

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?