Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles 125 cm Desert Sky

2025-07-19T20:00:00

I have been using these lightweight poles for three years, mostly backpacking in the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Love their lightweight and ease of use. They fold very compact and are easy to store in my pack when necessary. Finally one of the poles snapped when I took a very mild fall. Just my weight for a second was enough to snap the pole. I was able to jury rig a solution for the rest of the Sierra High Route, but learned that I need to take a sturdier pole for off trail conditions.

Michael M.

Originally posted at

2025-07-17T20:00:00

These poles are very light and easy to use.

Sarah A.

Originally posted at

2025-07-08T20:00:00

I love their weight, but on my first hike they bent wonky and never recovered to the straight position, any advice? They might be light, but I question there durability.

Donald K.

Originally posted at

2025-06-26T20:00:00

I've been using the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles primarily for trail running, and after putting over 400 miles on them, including a couple of 100-mile races, I can confidently say they're worth every ounce (or lack thereof). These poles are incredibly lightweight, so much so that you barely notice them when they're stowed or in hand. The EVA grip contours perfectly to the hand, offering just the right amount of comfort without slipping, even during long efforts. What's impressed me most is their durability. Despite being jammed between rocks, bent under pressure, and generally put through serious abuse, the carbon construction has held strong without fail. The three-section foldable design makes deployment and stowing seamless while on the move, no fumbling around mid-run. The Distance Carbon Z poles are clearly engineered with thoughtful detail, from the breathable, moisture-wicking strap to the quick-swap Tech Tips. If you're looking for an ultralight, durable, and reliable pole for high-output days on the trail, I absolutely recommend these.

Jarrett P.

Originally posted at

2025-06-16T20:00:00

More than I expected. Not only are the poles super light and fit in a camelback (small) inside, the straps made them super comfortable to hold and really helped me over some snowfields in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area along with the boggy areas balacing on logs!

NATALIE D.

Originally posted at

2025-06-10T20:00:00

Love how these break down and fit in my tiny pack and basically weigh nothing. On top of that they are super easy to snap together. Can't live without them.

Gena W.

Originally posted at

2025-06-09T20:00:00

I had my first pair of Distance Carbon Z poles for 14 years. I had to get a new pair because I lost one. I love these poles. As an adult, I became visually impaired and before I had the poles I could only walk on easy trails. After I got them I could walk on all trails. I've done 2 Caminos (Spain 500 mi, Portugal 400mi) 3 trails in Japan, one very mountainous with no switchbacks and I use them regularly hiking on home trails. I was the envy of other hikers when they see how light these poles are and how small they fold. When I travel to sightsee new cities and rural areas I use them on uneven walkways, just using one pole. They help me to see what's around me rather than looking down at the uneven surfaces. I think I should get commissions for each pair I've "sold" to others. I've introduced them to other visually impaired people and also to students in my Tai Chi class. It helps keep up good posture, it works the upper body muscles, it prevents falls, and it helps extend hiking miles. I've also gotten them through TSA security at the airports as the carbon fiber poles don't show in the x-ray. But just in case, I've had my doctor write a prescription for the poles as a "mobility device". A visually impaired friend said it made her feel like a sportster instead of disabled. These poles definitely give me freedom to hike everywhere.

Laura C.

Originally posted at

2025-06-08T20:00:00

I used it for a 10 mile hike last weekend and loved how lightweight and sturdy it was. Fast shipping and excellent customer service - definitely lives up to its name

AARTI A.

Originally posted at

2025-06-08T20:00:00

These a great hiking poles for those looking for light and fast. Durability may come into question because carbon can be a bit brittle. I recommend them for fast and light.

Brian G.

Originally posted at

2025-06-07T20:00:00

Immediately used them for two 10hr+ trips in snow and trail after purchase and they worked great. Wish the snow baskets were a bit larger.

Tiancheng X.

Originally posted at

2025-06-06T20:00:00

It was made very sturdy and easy to use, and it was lightweight so I was able to use it comfortably.

BYUNG C.

Originally posted at

2025-06-05T20:00:00

Light and fast! Pretty miuch amazed at how much I like these poles! Did Palmer Trail in the Garden of the Gods, and felt fresh at the top of the uphill sections because the boost the poles/straps provide is remarkable. Have been using 'normal' poles, and switched to these when getting serious about ultras, and man, what a difference! Literally felt 20-25% fresher.

Rob B.

Originally posted at

2025-05-23T20:00:00

TL;DR These poles are amazing. They are light weight, so I don't think about them when on my back. They are sturdy so they do the job very well when in my hands. The z fold is amazing and fits perfectly in my pack sheath. They are comfortable in my hands and a great price. The full thing: I have been using poles for about a year now. Before I didn't think they were too useful. I hadn't tried them. I started with an old pair and it was nice, but they slipped smaller because the joints were not solid. I tried a set of black diamond telescoping poles and they have been great. The joints are solid and they worked awesome. I still use these in the winter for snow shoeing. But I didn't like that they were a little heavy, and hard to pack away when not in use. I have a trail running pack, but couldn't find a good place for them. So if I brought them I had to have them out all the time. So I decided to try these carbon Z poles. They are amazing. They are the perfect height and so comfortable. They are so light weight I don't have to debate if I should bring them. I have a nice sheath for them that fits perfectly with my running pack. They are so lightweight I don't really feel them when in my pack. And they are easy to setup when I want them for climbs or descents. They are solid when I put them down on the ground. I can really rely on them and not just kinda use them. A few times I have slipped and ended up with a lot of weight on the poles, would have gotten hurt without them, and there was no give or worry about breaking. They just did their thing without complaining and kept me from getting hurt. Awesome poles!

Colt P.

Originally posted at

2025-05-22T20:00:00

Super compact, easy to deploy, and ultra light!

John C.

Originally posted at

2025-05-22T20:00:00

Whether you are days on a backpacking trip or on a short day hike, these are the best poles to have. Compact, light as a feather, and sturdy, these poles will help you navigate through trails ! You cannot find a better set of poles for the money!

Cesar N.

Originally posted at

2025-05-19T20:00:00

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Dan B.

Originally posted at

2025-05-17T20:00:00

Very sturdy/strong, and very lightweight. They fold up and assemble very quickly and easily.

Kenneth K.

Originally posted at

2025-05-16T20:00:00

Exactly as described - solid though light, easily collapsible (much easier to fit in my carry on than my last pair), quiet

Rebecca B.

Originally posted at

2025-05-16T20:00:00

So far so good! The weight, portability, and the durability thus far have been exactly what I hoped for. Plus, when I ordered the wrong size I made an easy swap at a local location and had my return credit back in just a couple days. Can't wait to use these more.

Zach M.

Originally posted at

2025-05-16T20:00:00

I enjoying a lot this ultra-lightweight, durable poles. They fold down quickly and can be easily attached to the front of a hiking pack for convenient access. Comfortable grips and fast deployment make them perfect for me

Gil S.

Originally posted at

2025-05-16T20:00:00

If you're looking for light running poles, easily foldable and foldable, this is what you need.

Florian S.

Originally posted at

2025-05-16T20:00:00

I really enjoy these poles. I use them for trail running. They are great for the uphills and then pack away nicely for the downhills and flats. They are so light and compact that I don't notice them in my running pack. I like that they don't stick up above my shoulders when packed away, which helps prevent them catching branches or hitting my head on occasions when I trip and fall. As usual, these have the usual high quality that Black Diamond produces. I use other Black Diamond trekking poles for hiking that adjust in height but love these Carbon Z poles for trail running.

Richard D.

Originally posted at

2025-05-15T20:00:00

Had a big ultra coming up and have had my current poles for about 2 years with no issue. Bought a second pair in case I broke them on race day. Super light and durable.

John R.

Originally posted at

2025-05-15T20:00:00

Training for an upcoming Ultramarathon and loving these poles! Easy to assemble and put away fast when the terrain changes. Great buy!

Katherine E.

Originally posted at

2025-05-15T20:00:00

So loghtweight and easy to use. I love these poles.

Stephanie Z.

Originally posted at

2025-02-12T19:00:00

This is my second set of Carbon Z Poles. My first pair lasted 14 years but was showing a little wear between the joints so I decided to replace them. I anticipate these will last just as long and will serve me well on all my backpacking adventures. Very light weight and compact!

Michael F.

Originally posted at

2025-02-06T19:00:00

Couldn't believe how lightweight these were when ai picked them up. They feel very nice, can't wait to put lots of miles on them!

Luke A.

Originally posted at

2025-02-05T19:00:00

Light, packable and ergonomic.

Francois M.

Originally posted at

2025-02-02T19:00:00

My wife has had a set of Black Diamond walking poles for over 10 years and loves them. I had bought a cheaper pair and they did not hold up. This new pair from Black Diamond are wonderful! So easy to assemble and collapse . They are going to Alaska with me in a few weeks , and to Greece this fall.

Marion H.

Originally posted at

2025-01-30T19:00:00

I have the Distance 4 Vest and the Distance Z Carbon Poles. Checked out the video on how to quickly put the poles into a carry mode and get them out. THIS is great equipment! Top notch. New to the trail scene, but I am ready now.

David M.

Originally posted at