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You’re halfway up a switchback, breathing hard, and your trekking poles slip down two inches. Again. You tighten the lock, take three steps, and they slip again. Or maybe you’ve been carrying poles that feel like tent stakes because the locking mechanism is so overbuilt you need pliers to adjust them. Either way, you’re stuck choosing between poles that won’t stay put and poles that weigh as much as your pack. The Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles try to fix that with a simple FlickLock adjustment and a three-section collapsible design that packs down small.
I’ve used a couple of Black Diamond poles for hiking and backpacking over the years, and I really like how light they are, and how simple they are to pull out and use or stash when I’m not on them. I also like that the tips swap across the lineup. I upgraded from one pole to another and reused the same tips, which is a small thing that saves you money.
Who these poles are for
The Trail Back poles work well if you want a lightweight option that collapses fast for approach hikes or multi-pitch routes where you’ll clip them to your harness for part of the day. The three-section design folds down shorter than two-section poles, so they fit inside or strap to a pack without sticking out like an antenna. The FlickLock system lets you adjust length fast without twisting or fighting a cam lock. If you’re building out your approach setup, they pair naturally with a good pair of approach shoes for the hike in.
If you’ve had poles that wouldn’t lock in place after a couple of uses, the FlickLock mechanism is the part worth looking at. It seems reliable and simple, so going from storage to trail is easy and dependable. You can see whether the lever is open or closed at a glance, and tightening the tension screw takes about ten seconds if it starts to slip over time.
What you need to know before you buy the Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles
Check these before you buy:
- Length range: These come in one size, so confirm the collapsed and extended lengths match your height and the terrain you hike most. If you’re over six feet or under five foot two, double-check the specs with the shop.
- Tip compatibility: Black Diamond uses the same tip system across most of their pole lineup, so if you already own BD poles you can swap tips between them. If you’re starting fresh, grab a set of rubber tips for pavement or rock and carbide tips for dirt and snow.
- Weight vs. durability trade-off: Lighter poles flex more on steep descents or uneven ground. If you’re hauling a 40-pound pack across talus, you may want something with thicker shafts. It’s the same call you make with the rest of the gear that’s worth the weight in your pack.
- Grip material: The foam grips work well in most conditions, but if your hands sweat a lot or you hike in wet climates, cork grips (found on other models) wick moisture better.
Who should skip these
If you mostly hike flat trails or rarely adjust pole length mid-hike, a simpler fixed-length or twist-lock pole will cost less and weigh about the same. The FlickLock system adds a little weight compared to ultralight twist locks, so if you’re counting every gram for fastpacking or long approaches, compare the specs carefully.
Also, if you’ve never used trekking poles before, rent or borrow a pair first. Some climbers love them for knee relief on descents. Others find them awkward on technical scrambles or when you need your hands free for route-finding.
Decision checklist
Use this to figure out whether the Trail Back poles fit your setup:
- Measure your height and typical pack weight. Confirm the pole length range and shaft diameter match.
- Check the return policy with the shop. If the grips feel wrong or the length doesn’t work, you want an easy swap.
- Look at your existing gear. If you already own Black Diamond poles, you can reuse tips and baskets. If not, budget for an extra set of tips for different terrain.
- Think about where you’ll store them. Three-section poles collapse shorter but have one more joint to maintain than two-section models, so they slot easily into most climbing gear storage setups.
- Test the FlickLock before your first long hike. Tighten the tension screw if needed so the poles don’t slip under load.
If those five points line up, the Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles are worth trying. If you’re not sure about length or grip style, call the shop and ask before you order.
What to do next
Confirm the specs with Backcountry (or your preferred shop) match your height and pack weight. Order a size up if you’re between ranges. Grab an extra set of carbide tips if you hike on dirt or snow more than pavement. When the poles arrive, adjust them to the right length, lock them, and load them with about ten pounds of weight to make sure the FlickLocks hold before you head out.
And if you’ve had poles slip on you before, check the tension screw every few hikes. A quarter-turn clockwise usually fixes any slop that develops over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Are the Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles good for climbers?
They work best for climbers who want a light pole for approach hikes or multi-pitch days where you stash them on your harness. The three-section design folds down short enough to fit inside or strap to a pack, and the FlickLock adjusts fast without twisting a cam lock.
How do I stop my trekking poles from slipping?
On a FlickLock pole, tighten the small tension screw at the lever. It takes about ten seconds, and a quarter-turn clockwise usually fixes any slop that develops over time. Check it every few hikes if you carry a heavy pack.
Can I swap tips between Black Diamond poles?
Yes. Black Diamond uses the same tip system across most of their pole lineup, so if you already own BD poles you can reuse tips and baskets. Keep rubber tips for pavement or rock and carbide tips for dirt and snow.
Are three-section poles better than two-section poles?
Three-section poles collapse shorter, so they pack down smaller for climbing and travel. The trade-off is one more joint to keep clean and maintain. If packed size matters most, go three-section. If you want fewer parts, two-section poles are simpler.
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