Model assessment · Black Diamond

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles (100–140 cm) review

Three-section adjustable poles with EVA grips, dual FlickLocks and trekking plus snow baskets included.

Sources checked 2026-10-28 · Our editorial approach

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Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles in Pine Smoke, shown upright against a white background.
Official Black Diamond manufacturer image of the Pine Smoke colorway; no performance testing is implied. Black Diamond Equipment manufacturer image
A useful fit for

A useful candidate for hikers who want a telescoping, lever-adjustable pole with EVA grip extensions and included trekking and snow baskets, provided the 100–140 cm adjustment interval and 64.6 cm collapsed length suit their use and pack.

The main tradeoff

Its collapsed length is relatively long for a short-pack requirement, and the manufacturer lists 480 g without stating whether that weight is per pole or for a set. Verify the exact package and weight basis rather than comparing it as a per-pole figure.

Your needs, this model

Does it fit your priorities?

Are snow baskets included with the Trail Trekking Poles?

Black Diamond lists both trekking and snow baskets as included. Check the exact seller package and model code because basket compatibility alone does not prove a basket is supplied.

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Will these collapse short enough for a compact pack?

The manufacturer lists a 64.6 cm collapsed length. If your maximum is 45 cm, the documented length is too long; compare the actual pack opening and pole dimensions before choosing a different design.

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Is the main grip made from EVA foam?

Yes. Black Diamond lists an EVA foam grip and a grip extension. Material and extension are documented features, not a guarantee that the handle will feel comfortable in every hand.

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Can the documented adjustment range reach a 140 cm setting?

The listed usable range ends at 140 cm. If your measured need is longer than that, this configuration is not a match; if you need 140 cm, check the range on the exact selected offer.

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This is an evidence-based assessment of Black Diamond's US product page, product data, instructions and warranty information—not a trail test. I have not handled or field-tested these poles. The reviewed model is the three-section Trail Trekking Poles listed for 100–140 cm adjustment. Its three observed US SKUs differ by color only: Pine Smoke (BD1100453060ALL1), Soft Lilac (BD1100455020ALL1) and Iron Red (BD1100456053ALL1).

Length adjustment for changing ground

The model uses two external FlickLocks on telescoping sections, with a listed usable range of 100–140 cm. That gives a buyer an on-trail adjustment route for changing slope or hand position, rather than forcing the choice of one fixed shaft length. It is not a fitting guarantee: check the lower and upper limits while wearing the footwear and pack you expect to use, and make sure your normal pole setting falls inside the stated range. The manufacturer instructions say to open the lever, set the desired length and close it firmly; if a lower shaft slips, the instructions describe correcting lever tension. That maintenance point matters more than a feature label: a lock that has not been set correctly should not be trusted just because it is an external lever.

Grip and hand positions

The grip is EVA foam with an extension below the main handle, and the listed strap is a lined Variwidth Comfort design. An extension can give a second hand position when a hiker wants to shorten the pole temporarily instead of adjusting both locks on a short rise. That is a practical use of the shape, not a promise that the handle or strap suits every hand. If you prefer cork, want a particular glove interface, or need to test grip shape for a hand condition, this model's foam description is not a substitute for trying the exact pole in person.

Baskets, tips and seasonal use

Black Diamond lists 4-season flex tips and both trekking and snow baskets as included. That is a useful documented package distinction: a spare basket that merely fits is not equivalent to one supplied in the box. Buyers should still confirm the exact SKU and package against the current seller offer. The basket hardware can matter in soft ground and snow, but the source does not establish that a pole is a substitute for traction equipment, an ice axe or technique training. Match the pole to the conditions and follow the relevant safety guidance.

Pack length and the ambiguous weight figure

At 64.6 cm collapsed, the Trail is not a short-folding option. That measurement is an immediate filter for hikers who need a pole to fit inside a small daypack or a specific luggage compartment; measure the actual opening rather than assuming a published pole length determines airline acceptance. The manufacturer page lists weight as 480 g but does not say whether that is per pole or for a pair. I would not compare that number with listings that clearly state “per pole” until Black Diamond or the seller confirms the basis. The product photograph shows the colorway and pole form, not an audited package count.

Important limitations before choosing

The current manufacturer page states that this item contains PFAS and cannot be shipped to California, New York or Colorado. Check the live product page and applicable seller terms if you are in one of those states; this assessment does not interpret changing state restrictions. A shock-absorption mechanism is not described in the sources reviewed, so shoppers who require one should compare an explicitly documented model rather than assume it is present. Price and stock are not reported: the visible product page and feed returned conflicting availability signals, and neither should be treated as a live offer. Check the current seller instead.

Setup, inspection and repair

Black Diamond's instructions call for checking poles before and after use for deformation or breakage, and for checking that adjustment mechanisms open, close and hold tension properly. The manual warns against oil or silicone on the shafts because slipping joints can result; it reserves lubricant for the lever pin if a FlickLock becomes difficult to operate. After wet use, allow sections to dry fully before storage. These are manufacturer instructions, not a claim that the poles are unusually fragile. Black Diamond currently lists a two-year warranty period for trekking and ski poles, with eligibility and remedies subject to the written policy and proof-of-purchase terms. The same company recall page was checked for this model on the research date; the page's listed notices did not include trekking poles, which is not a guarantee against later notices.

Who should keep it on the list

Keep this model in consideration if the 100–140 cm range suits your measured setting, you want an external lever mechanism and EVA grip, and you value snow baskets being listed in the package. Compare a shorter-packed folding model if 64.6 cm is too long, and compare a cork-grip design if material feel is a priority. Before ordering, confirm the Pine Smoke, Soft Lilac or Iron Red SKU, the number of poles included, the basket and tip package, the 480 g weight basis, seller returns and any regional shipping limits. Those checks are more useful than treating this one specification page as a performance ranking.
Key specifications

Key details at a glance

Minimum usable length100 cm
Maximum usable length140 cm
Collapsed length64.6 cm
Manufacturer-listed weight (basis shown in product notes)480 g
Adjustable working lengthYes
Shaft material7075 aluminum
Adjustment lockExternal lever clamp
Grip materialEVA foam
Shaft sections3
Included basketsTrekking / Snow
Extended grip sectionYes
Recycled aluminum in shaft material (manufacturer-validated)30%
Minimum recycled content by finished weight14%
Shaft storage designTelescoping

Use the exact model’s instructions for operating limits, supplied equipment and version differences.

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The finder compares only documented settings and supplied features. Unknown details are not treated as a match.

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