When you’re tackling long hikes, steep climbs, or technical trails, a good set of trekking poles can be the difference between an enjoyable day out and a painful slog. The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles have earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and lightweight folding trekking poles available. Whether you’re a dedicated trail runner, a fastpacker, or a weekend hiker, these poles promise durability, comfort, and lightning-fast deployment. In this review, we’ll explore their design, performance, and value to help you decide if they’re the right poles for you.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Black Diamond Distance Z poles impress with their minimalist design. The matte black shaft, accented with subtle branding, looks sleek and professional. At first lift, the ultralight build is immediately noticeable — these poles barely tip the scales, making them an ideal companion for those who count every gram in their pack.
The three-section foldable design is immediately intriguing. Instead of the traditional telescoping adjustment, the Distance Z poles fold like tent poles, snapping into place with a concealed internal cord. This makes them incredibly fast to deploy and easy to pack away in a small daypack or running vest.
Key Specifications
- Type: Fixed-length, foldable trekking poles
- Weight: Approx. 354 g (per pair, depending on size)
- Material: Aluminum shaft
- Grip: EVA foam handle with moisture-wicking properties
- Strap: Adjustable and breathable
- Sections: 3-section foldable design
- Collapsed Length: Around 33–43 cm depending on size
- Sizes Available: Multiple fixed lengths from 100 cm to 130 cm
These specs alone make it clear that the Distance Z is aimed at hikers and runners who value speed, portability, and weight savings over adjustable length.
Build Quality and Materials
The shaft is constructed from high-strength aluminum, providing a great balance between weight and durability. While carbon fiber poles are lighter, they can be brittle — aluminum offers more resilience in rocky terrain or when caught between roots.
The EVA foam grips are soft to the touch and slightly contoured for a comfortable hand position. The foam extends lower down the shaft, allowing for grip changes without readjusting the strap — useful for sudden changes in incline. The straps themselves are breathable, adjustable, and lightly padded for reduced chafing on long days.
The folding mechanism feels precise and sturdy. Black Diamond has a history of making reliable z-pole technology, and the internal cord tension system works smoothly. In the field, we found that deployment takes just a couple of seconds — perfect when you need stability fast.
Comfort and Ergonomics
One of the standout features of the Distance Z is the EVA foam grip. Unlike cork, which can feel great but gets slippery when wet, EVA foam remains grippy even in rain or sweaty conditions. The grip texture wicks away moisture and feels comfortable even on long treks without gloves.
The poles have a natural swing weight, making them easy to plant without feeling cumbersome. Their fixed-length design means there’s no twisting or slipping of adjustable sections, which can be a concern on cheaper poles.
Performance on the Trail
We tested the Distance Z on varied terrain — from rocky mountain paths to muddy woodland trails — and they performed exceptionally.
Steep Climbs
The ultralight build made lifting and planting the poles effortless. The foam grip extension allowed for quick hand placement changes when encountering steep inclines.
Technical Descents
The sturdy aluminum shaft inspired confidence when navigating loose rock and uneven steps. The fixed-length design meant no wobbling or flexing mid-descent.
Flat Sections
While you might not always need poles on flat ground, the Distance Z’s lightness means they’re not a burden to carry. Folding them away is fast, and they fit neatly into side compression straps or even small packs.
Portability
One of the main selling points is how small these poles pack down. At around 40 cm collapsed, they’re perfect for fastpacking, trail running, or travel where every bit of space matters. They slide easily into running vest pole sleeves or can be lashed to the outside of a daypack without sticking out awkwardly.
Who Are They For?
The Black Diamond Distance Z poles are ideal for:
- Trail runners needing fast deployment and a lightweight carry.
- Ultralight backpackers who want reliability without extra grams.
- Day hikers looking for high-quality poles that won’t take up space.
- Travelers who need trekking poles that fit in carry-on luggage.
However, they’re not adjustable, so those who hike varied terrain or share poles between users may prefer the adjustable Distance Z FLZ model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Fast, reliable folding mechanism
- Comfortable, moisture-wicking foam grip
- Durable aluminum construction
- Compact when collapsed
- Multiple sizes to suit different users
Cons
- Fixed length means less versatility
- Not as light as carbon fiber poles
- No shock absorption (may matter for those with joint issues)
Durability
After extended testing, the Distance Z shows minimal wear. The aluminum shaft resists dents and scratches well, and the foam grip retains its shape. The folding joints stay tight and secure after repeated deployment.
However, like all trekking poles, they’re not indestructible — wedging them between rocks and applying sideways force could cause damage.
Value for Money
These poles sit at a mid-to-high price point, reflecting Black Diamond’s premium build quality and innovative folding design. While you can find cheaper poles, few match the Distance Z in portability and lightweight performance. For serious hikers and runners, they’re worth the investment.
Final Verdict
The Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles deliver outstanding performance for anyone who values speed, lightness, and packability. They’re not for those who need adjustable poles for varied activities, but for dedicated hikers, ultralight backpackers, and trail runners, they’re a near-perfect choice. With durable aluminum construction, a comfortable grip, and a proven folding mechanism, they offer reliability and performance in a small, easy-to-carry package.
If you’re ready to upgrade your trekking gear and want poles that disappear in your pack until you need them, the Distance Z should be on your shortlist.
