The Distance Carbon Z is one of the lightest trekking poles you can find, built for people who want to travel ultralight and fast. With 100% carbon construction, the Distance Carbon Z features a three-section foldable design that allows for quick and easy deconstruction and packability.
Product Overview
✅ Ultralight
✅ Collapsible / Packable
✅ Extremely Durable
✅ Tips are easy to replace
❌ Fixed height
❌ Will likely have to replace the tips at some point
❌ Expensive
KEY SPECS
- 100% carbon fiber shafts
- Z-pole fixed length construction with speed-cone deployment
- Lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension with breathable, moisture wicking strap made from recycled materials
- Optimized joint support and stiffness for increased durability
- Interchangeable tech tip compatible with both carbide and rubber tech tips included
- Removable low-profile baskets for versatility
- Z-Pole Snow Basket compatible
- Unisex available in 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130 cm lengths
- Weight per pair: 264g - 296g (depending on the size)
I bushwhacked my way through an overgrowth of ferns and shrubs, slashing my way through the thick brush with my black diamond distance carbon z trekking poles like a wild woman trapped in the jungles of Jumanni.
I was already soaked from the waste down thanks to the morning dew that seems to coat every surface in the North Cascades. I cursed myself for making the decision to go southbound as I dug my trekking poles into the ground and hauled myself upwards towards the top of Fire Creek Pass. What a way to begin the day, a straight up climb to the start of one of the toughest sections on the Pacific Crest Trail…
Glacier Peak Wilderness. This was not going to be easy considering the fact that this is only the beginning of week 2 of my attempted SOBO PCT thru-hike. But I’ve had my trusty sticks to carry me through so many difficult times on the numerous trails I’ve hiked and I knew I was capable…
To see reviews on other trekking poles, check out our 12 Best Trekking Poles post.
Similar Products: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Gossamer Gear LT5, Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec
Performance Test Results
What I Tested:
How I Tested:
I am what I consider a “heavyweight trekking pole user”. As someone who has had to bail on a thru-hike due to a knee injury, I rely 100% on my poles to get me up and down steep climbs safely. I push these poles to the limit.
These bad boys have supported me for well over 3,500 miles. Through the many trails I’ve hiked back home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, through the Colorado Trail, Uinta Highline Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and the two attempts of thru-hiking the PCT. The first attempt in 2021 going northbound which was unsuccessful due to my knee injury and then my second attempt when my husband and I hiked southbound in 2023 where we finally achieved our thru-hiking goal.
Weight
What initially sold me on the Carbon Z Trekking poles back in 2020 was the fact that they weighed only 264 grams (I ordered the 110cm). They are impeccably designed with lightweight and recycled materials. Made with hollow carbon shafts,equipped with very comfortable wrist straps and EVA foam grips for the handles, I found using these poles such an enjoyable experience.
Price
The Distance Carbon Z poles are some of the more expensive options when it comes to trekking pole options. They are about double the price of a standard trekking pole but in my opinion, it is SO worth the investment due to the longevity and durability of these poles.
Replacement tips cost about $15 and I will say, I’ve had to replace the tips of my poles at least 4 times which adds up overtime. But overall, I will happily pay that amount in order to continue the use of such a sturdy trekking pole.
Functionality / Design
The Carbon Z’s have been by my side(s) since 2019 now, and they have not only served as my trekking poles but they have also been my baton twirlers as I entertain myself for days upon days of walking.
They have served as my kickstand when I could barely keep myself upright, they have acted as my clothes line as I attempt to dry my soaked socks outside my tent, and they have been my protector as they have saved me from many slips, trips, and falls…and even helped me warn off a bear once after I nearly ran into him on the trail.
They have also acted as my “tent” poles for the guylines at the head and foot of our tent (we use the zpacks duplex) and have worked perfectly to give us plenty of space to keep the condensation off of us.
More than trekking poles—Black Diamond Carbon Z is a multitool for the trail.
Packability
Another characteristic that drew me to the Carbon Z’s was the impeccable design and ability for them to collapse in on themselves. They pack down to 13-17 inches (depending on what size you get) and can easily slide into the side of almost any pack. Since I was ALWAYS using my poles, the only time I used this feature was when I would get a hitch into town or if one of my tips broke and I could no longer use it.
Collapsible, compact, and always trail-ready.
Material / Durability
These little trekking poles of mine have been through every type of terrain and have withstood through it all. I chalk it up to the fact that these poles are constructed with 100% carbon.
I’ve had to replace the rubber tech tips at least four times (thank God for replacement parts), usually after scrambling through talus or scree fields where the tip gets wedged between two rocks and then snaps off at the end. Luckily they are super quick and easy to replace!
Replaceable tips, durable design—ready for any terrain.
I’ve also had to solder the wrist strap back together using my bear-hang rope and a lighter after it snapped one day. Not too shabby after almost 3,000 miles of heavy use.
Black Diamond Carbon Z: For 3,000 miles heavy use
In Conclusion
There is a reason why I have never considered any other type of trekking pole in the past five years, it’s because they truly have never disappointed me…except on the last day of finishing the PTC after tagging the border.
I got to my best friend's house in San Diego and set them outside her apartment door for a few hours and those poles had the audacity to walk off with someone else. If only that person knew all those adventures we've been on together…
I hope the person who swiped them finds as much joy as I have with those carbon z’s. Don’t worry, I immediately ordered another pair as soon as I got home.
650-Calorie Fuel
