Black Diamond Trail Back vs Trail Cork Trekking Poles
Two aluminum FlickLock poles with the same 100 to 140 cm range. The differences are the grip, the weight and the packed length.
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Black Diamond’s Trail series is a common first pair of trekking poles. These two models share an aluminum shaft, a FlickLock lever and a 100 to 140 cm adjustment range. Pick by grip and packed size.
| Spec | Top pickBlack DiamondTrail Cork Trekking Poles | Packs shorterBlack DiamondTrail Back Trekking Poles |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cork grips and lower weight | Shortest collapsed length |
| Usable length | 100-140 cm | 100-140 cm |
| Collapsed length | 64.8 cm | 61.5 cm |
| Weight | 494 g | 534 g (page also lists 560 g) |
| Grip | Cork, EVA foam | TPR with extension |
| Shaft | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Lock | FlickLock | FlickLock |
| Price | Check price | Check price |
Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.
Where they differ
Grip. The Trail Cork has cork and EVA foam grips. The Trail Back uses a TPR grip with an extension below it, so you can hold lower on steep climbs.
Weight. Black Diamond lists 494 g for the Trail Cork. The Trail Back page shows 534 g in its spec list and 560 g elsewhere.
Packed length. The Trail Back collapses to 61.5 cm and the Trail Cork to 64.8 cm. That 3.3 cm matters if you strap poles to a small daypack.
★Lighter, cork grip
Black DiamondTrail Cork Trekking Poles
Best for: Cork grips and lower weight
Aluminum FlickLock poles adjustable from 100 to 140 cm, with cork and EVA grips, a 494 g listed weight and a 64.8 cm collapsed length.
What we like
- Lighter listed weight (494 g)
- Cork and EVA grip
Watch out for
- Longer when collapsed (64.8 cm)
★Packs shorter
Black DiamondTrail Back Trekking Poles
Best for: Shortest collapsed length
Three-section aluminum poles with FlickLock adjustment from 100 to 140 cm, a TPR grip with extension and a 61.5 cm collapsed length.
What we like
- Collapses 3.3 cm shorter than the Trail Cork
- Grip extension for choking down on climbs
Watch out for
- Black Diamond lists two weights on the page
- Rubber-type grip, not cork
Verdict
Choose the Trail Cork for the grip material and lower listed weight. Choose the Trail Back if you want the shortest packed length and a grip extension. For a pack that carries poles well, see our best hiking daypacks.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my trekking poles be?
Black Diamond's size chart lists the 100 to 140 cm range for hikers up to about 6 ft 4 in and taller. Its sizing advice is to measure on flat ground with the pole handle in your hand. Both of these poles share that range.
Which pole is lighter?
Black Diamond lists 494 g for the Trail Cork. The Trail Back page shows both 534 g and 560 g.
