Head-to-head · Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles vs Black Diamond Trail Back

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about generalist backpackers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

4.8

5 sources$144.88as of Jul 31

Black Diamond's Pursuit poles earned their reputation on durability and comfort, with reviewers reporting they survived demanding 2,000-mile routes like the Continental Divide. The cork grips draw praise for comfort and for how they adapt to the hand, and an integrated hex tool keeps maintenance simple. Two gripes recur: the measurement markings rub off fast, and the FlickLock+ mechanism can pop open mid-hike. Generalist hikers and backpackers who want reliable, comfortable poles are the right fit. Gram-counters chasing minimum weight are not.

Strengths

— Comfortable cork grips with ergonomic shape that mold to hands over time
— Durable aluminum construction that survived over 2,000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail
— Integrated hex tool for in-field adjustments without carrying a separate tool

Watch-outs

— Measurement markings on the pole wear out quickly
— Locking mechanisms can catch on clothing and tree limbs, and may unlatch during use

$144.88 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Trail Back

4.3

3 sources

Black Diamond's Trail Back poles do the job without costing much. Reviewers called them a budget-friendly workhorse, pointing to solid build quality and FlickLock adjustments that are easy to work. The trade-off shows in the grips: rough foam that lacks the hand-feel of higher-end cork and doesn't wick moisture. Durability is still good for the money, and both trekking and snow baskets come in the box for varied terrain. Casual hikers and weekend backpackers who care more about function than premium features are the audience.

Strengths

— Affordable and practical build
— More durable than lighter carbon offerings
— BD's Flicklocks make adjusting length a breeze

Watch-outs

— Rough grips that don’t wick moisture very well
— Relatively heavy at 1 lb. 2.8 oz. per pair

Buy at rei.com Full review →

How they stack up

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Pursuit poles surpass the Cascade Mountain Tech in durability and comfort, with their integrated hex tool and reliable FlickLock+ mechanism. While the MSR DynaLock Ascent offers better packability and the Leki Black Series provides more ergonomic design, the Pursuit poles excel in all-around reliability and comfort, especially on long trails. The Alpine Carbon poles are more durable but significantly more expensive, while the Trail Back model is more affordable but lacks the comfort and adjustability of the Pursuit.

Black Diamond Trail Back

The Black Diamond Trail Back offers a more affordable alternative to the Leki Black Series and Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles, but lacks the comfort and ergonomic design of the Pursuit and Alpine models. While it's more durable than the Cascade Mountain Tech, it's heavier and has rougher grips compared to the Black Diamond Pursuit and Leki Black Series. The MSR DynaLock Ascent offers better packability, but the Trail Back provides a solid budget-friendly option for casual hikers who don't need premium features.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles	Black Diamond Trail Back
Shaft Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Grip Material	Cork with foam extension	EVA foam
Weight	1 lb. 1.4 oz.	1 lb. 2.8 oz.
Pole Length	49.2 in.	55.1 in.
Collapsed Length	24.4 in	24.2 in
Type	Telescoping	Telescoping Shaft
Locking Mechanism	FlickLock+	FlickLock
Dimensions	62 x 100-125 cm	16 x 13 x 2 inches

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