BLACK DIAMOND HIKING POLES FOR EVERY HIKE
Black Diamond
are among the most established names in climbing and outdoor gear, producing technical equipment for climbers, hikers, and adventurers for over three decades. Their trekking poles are built with the same philosophy: reliable materials, thoughtful mechanics, and durability for demanding terrain. At RunningXpert, you can find Black Diamond's range of hiking poles for everything from day hikes to multi-day mountain treks.
WHY USE HIKING POLES?
Hiking poles
distribute the load from the legs to the upper body, significantly relieving knees, hips, and ankles. The effect is most noticeable on long descents, where knees otherwise absorb most of the impact, and on steep ascents, where poles provide extra propulsion and balance. Many hikers find they can walk further, with better balance and less pain, when using poles. On uneven trails and slippery surfaces, they also help maintain balance.
TELESCOPIC VS. FOLDABLE POLES
Black Diamond offers both telescopic and foldable trekking poles, and the choice depends on how you use them.
Telescopic poles can be adjusted continuously in length and are the classic choice. They adapt to your height and terrain: shorter for ascents, longer for descents. The locking mechanism varies: Black Diamond typically uses the FlickLock system, operable with one hand, even with gloves.
Foldable poles pack down into sections and are designed to take up minimal space in or on
the backpack
, when not in use. They are popular among trail runners and hikers who only use poles on parts of the route, and are quick to unfold and adjust.
ALUMINUM VS. CARBON
Black Diamond's hiking poles come in aluminum and carbon, each with clear strengths.
Aluminum is durable, withstands shocks and impacts well, and is the most budget-friendly choice. It's the material for hikers who prioritize durability and don't want to worry about hitting the pole against rocks and roots.
Carbon is lighter and absorbs vibrations better, reducing hand and arm fatigue on long trips. However, carbon is more vulnerable to hard, direct side impacts. Carbon is the natural choice when low weight and comfort on long distances are priorities.
FIND YOUR NEXT HIKING POLES AT RUNNINGXPERT
At RunningXpert, we gather Black Diamond's selection of trekking poles for day hikes, multi-day trips, and everything in between. Use the filter to sort by pole type, material, and price, and find the set that suits your hikes and terrain.
FAQ
What is FlickLock, and how does it work?
FlickLock is Black Diamond's locking mechanism for telescopic poles. It's a mechanical clamp that tightens over the pole's joint and locks the length. It can be operated with one hand, even with gloves, and the clamping force is adjustable with a screw.
Should I choose telescopic or foldable hiking poles?
Telescopic poles are the versatile standard choice with continuous length adjustment. Foldable poles are compact and easy to pack, ideal if you only use poles on parts of the trip, or if low packing volume is important.
When is aluminum the best choice, and when is carbon better?
Aluminum is most durable and budget-friendly and withstands hard impacts. Carbon is lighter and reduces vibrations in the hands, but is more vulnerable to side impacts. Choose aluminum for tough, technical terrain and carbon for long trips where low weight and comfort are priorities.
What length hiking pole should I choose?
Most manufacturers recommend that the elbow forms an angle of about 90 degrees when holding the pole with the tip on the ground. With adjustable poles, you can set the length precisely and adapt it to ascents and descents along the way.