Backside Line
The Black Diamond Path Again trekking poles make a implausible alternative for hikers on a finances or who don’t want any frills. These trekking poles carried out in addition to we anticipated, given their price ticket.
Whereas packability, weight, and ease of use take a slight hit to maintain their value down, sturdiness is the place these poles really shine. They’re one in every of our top-performing trekking poles on this space. We belief them for taking the influence of downhill snowboarding in Colorado. They held up exceptionally properly to moguls and pushing on flat stretches. Their sturdiness, paired with the included winter baskets, means these poles are comparatively versatile.
We additionally use them for various terrain hikes in the summertime and for different winter actions, similar to snowshoeing. General, we respect that these poles provide an inexpensive possibility for individuals to get out. See how they examine to our different favorites in our greatest trekking poles gear information.
Fast Specs

Black Diamond Path Again
Finest Fundamental Trekking Pole
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$100
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 2.8 oz.
Shaft Materials:
Aluminium
Grip Materials:
Foam
Collapsed Size:
24 in.
Execs
- Value
- Sturdy
- Versatile
- Included winter baskets
Cons
- Heavy
- Lengthy collapsed size
Sturdiness
The Black Diamond Path Again is without doubt one of the most sturdy trekking poles we examined. Throughout side-by-side testing, we threw them, dropped them on a boulder, and leaned on them to match them to the opposite poles in our lineup. The Path Again poles sustained a small quantity of beauty scratching, however we by no means made a dent structurally. We had been particularly impressed with their efficiency in our stress take a look at. Whereas they did bend, they felt sturdy and troublesome to snap.
Along with side-by-side testing, we additionally used these poles for downhill snowboarding. We particularly selected to make use of these poles attributable to their aluminum construct. Aluminum tends to be extra sturdy than carbon fiber. On the ski hill, we went down a number of black runs coated in a number of inches of recent powder. We skied with whole confidence with these poles in hand. We had been capable of put stress on them when planting to make turns and push ourselves to the ski raise simply tremendous.
Weight
Ultralight just isn’t a spotlight space for the Path Again. It was one of many heaviest fashions we examined at 9.7 ounces for one pole. That is additionally barely heavier than the load listed on Black Diamond’s web site (probably because of the basket).
Positive, it’s a bummer that this pole is a bit heavier. However it isn’t a big quantity in comparison with most different poles (we’re speaking a few ounces). Plus, these few additional ounces are a matter of about $100 in financial savings, so for many, it’s a worthy compromise.
Consolation
The Path Again performs properly within the consolation class because of gentle wrist straps and easy-to-hold grips. Whereas it could be good to have some padding on the wrist strap, no less than a cloth liner is inside. This makes it extra snug to make use of than a few of the extra simplistic designs in the marketplace.
The grip is primary, however we favor it over overly advanced types. Our greatest grievance is the shortage of cork. This mannequin has a foam grip that doesn’t give your sweat a spot to go. In our expertise, this results in sweaty arms, which in flip change into soiled.
Ease of Use
To check all of the poles we examined side-by-side, we timed how lengthy it could take to develop every pole to the identical top.
The Path Again Poles had one of many longest set extension instances, in order that they earned one of many lowest scores. That is primarily because of the design of the flick locks and poles. The flick locks are very flush with the poles, and the quantity of floor space out there is proscribed. Whereas this makes the locking mechanism safer, it additionally signifies that changes are more durable, particularly with gloves or mittens.
The opposite most important concern with this mannequin is that the pole segments are too shut in dimension. There may be friction between the poles whereas extending them, which requires extra effort to finagle.
On the intense facet, there are measurement markers on each of the extending poles. We favor having measurements because it makes it simpler to set the poles to the identical size each time.
Packability
Packability is one other space of enchancment for the Black Diamond Path Again. These poles have the second-longest collapsed size of the group we examined.
At 24 inches when absolutely collapsed, they’re a couple of foot longer than some folding poles we examined.
This could make a big distinction when making an attempt to stow away poles on a pack when not in use or whereas touring. One factor to recollect is that telescoping poles will usually have an extended collapsed size than most folding poles. Nonetheless, it could be good if this pole might compete extra with different telescoping poles in our lineup.
Options
The Path Again has a lot of the baseline options we usually search for in a trekking pole, similar to additional baskets, wrist straps, and replaceable carbide ideas. After scoring the poles primarily based on the variety of options they provide, we discovered that the Path Again poles scored above common.
One notable function of this pole is its grip extension. We respect that they permit for the pole to be held decrease whereas climbing up a hill. Nonetheless, we want the grip extension was longer; the one on this mannequin is comparatively quick in comparison with most different poles.
We additionally respect that these poles include each summer time and winter baskets. This is without doubt one of the most important causes we use these poles for downhill snowboarding. One factor to notice is that altering the hampers could be troublesome on this mannequin. Whereas the hampers are threaded, it took a good quantity of drive to take away the summer time baskets and put the winter replacements on.
General, these poles cowl all the primary options of a trekking pole, however some bonus options, similar to tip covers and adjustable flick locks, could be good additions.
Ought to You Purchase The Black Diamond Path again Trekking Poles?
Whereas the Path Again’s efficiency just isn’t as robust as the opposite trekking poles we examined, we nonetheless suppose it is a superb possibility for rookies or these on a finances. These poles are far more inexpensive than most different trekking poles we examined. They’re additionally extremely sturdy, making them an exquisite alternative for hikers and skiers who need an all-in-one setup. We might not advocate these poles for gear nerds who need the newest and best, however they work simply tremendous for the common hiker.
What Different Trekking Poles Ought to You Take into account?
Are the next poles not fairly what you might be searching for? They share many similarities with the Path Again trekking poles.
Nonetheless caught? Our trekking pole gear information affords much more choices price exploring.
Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Evaluation: If finances is the most important concern, then we advocate trying out the Trek-Z poles. These poles are heavier and fewer sturdy than the Path Backs, however they’ve many constructive attributes as properly. We love that these poles collapse right down to a really small dimension because of their folding design. Additionally they include many add-ons and options, offering a ton of worth for the worth.
Black Diamond Pursuit Evaluation: Considered one of our favourite trekking poles, the Black Diamond Pursuit is tied with the Path Backs for our most sturdy mannequin. We love that these poles are light-weight for aluminum poles. They’re additionally shorter and extra snug to make use of. Principally, these poles are Black Diamond’s upgraded model of the Path Again for many who can afford to pay a bit additional.
MSR DynaLock Discover Evaluation: The MSR DynaLock Explorers price a bit bit extra but additionally carry out a bit higher than the Path Backs total. For instance, they’re simpler to make use of, extra compact, and provide barely extra options. Each fashions have very related weights and luxury scores. Aspect-by-side, they even have similar-looking grips. It can simply come down to non-public choice when selecting one.