Black Diamond Trail
Ranked #9 for its durable aluminum construction, good price-to-value ratio, and personal favourite status among experts, though its heavier weight keeps it from higher positions.
Consolidated from 3 independent outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 2 positive sources
3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
An older aluminum model that remains on shelves while the line’s honors have shifted to the Trail Ergo Cork, making it a less-featured option compared to its newer sibling.
Flagged 23 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Durable aluminum construction
- ✓ Good price for durability
- ✓ Personal favourite of expert tester
- ✓ Price listed as a pro
- ✓ Reference aluminum pole in the lineup
- ✗ Heavier than carbon alternatives
- ✗ Heavy compared with the lighter aluminum and carbon picks
- ✗ Older sibling with honors moved to Trail Ergo Cork
- ✗ Superseded within its own family by the Trail Ergo Cork, which experts now recommend first
- ✗ Coasts on a decade-old reputation
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
2 positive sources
Thegreatoutdoorsmag Article I never use pole straps, but should you choose to this one has some basic padding and is comfortable. In use, the pole is weighted slightly to the tip, which gives a slight swing in forward motion. The aluminium shafts are strong and do not bend or wobble when under strain. This new version of the classic Black Diamond trail design is a few centimetres longer when collapsed than my originals, but otherwise this is a tried and true trekking pole whose strength lies in its simplicity. In combination with a reasonable price, the BD Trail gets my Best Buy recommendation.Read T
The Big Outside Nate Lanza · reviewer · Jul 2026 I found Black Diamond’s Trail Vista 28 nearly perfect for these scenarios: Testing it over many long run-hikes in the Wasatch mountains, including a couple with over 7,000 feet of elevation gain and one half-marathon, it provided everything I could want out of a hiking daypack while still being stable enough to jog in with light loads.Read
1 stance not read source
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #16 of 17 on our trekking poles tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 3 independent outlets.
Heavier than carbon alternatives. Heavy compared with the lighter aluminum and carbon picks. Older sibling with honors moved to Trail Ergo Cork. Superseded within its own family by the Trail Ergo Cork, which experts now recommend first. Coasts on a decade-old reputation.
Ranked nearby in Trekking Poles
S tier #1 Black Diamond Pursuit
A tier #2 2 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ
A tier #3 1 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL
B tier #4 2 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick-Lock Trekking Poles
C tier #11 Gossamer Gear FT3
C tier #12 Komperdell Cloud Compact
C tier #13 1 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
D tier #14 2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Retrospec Solstice
F tier #15 2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Leki Cressida FX Carbon AS
F tier #17 8 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.