Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Pole Review
JUMP TO: SPECS | PROS & CONS | HOW IT PERFORMED | FEATURES | ACCESSORIES | SUMMARY
Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Jan 20, 2024
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The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are designed primarily with hiking in mind, but they are capable of so much more. Comfortable cork grips, swappable baskets, and adjustable, durable, and lightweight carbon fiber shafts make these trekking poles a standout out choice for snowshoeing, trail running, splitboarding, alpine trekking, and even some light backcountry skiing.
This versatility is why they landed on our best trekking poles list as the top choice for snow and winter. But even that classification undersells the versatile capabilities of the Alpine Cork poles. Although their winter-ready design means they are more expensive than poles like the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon, and heavier and bulkier than ultralight folding poles like the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, their exceptional build quality and performance make these poles one of the best “do it all” trekking poles money can buy.
SPECS
MEASURED WEIGHT: 17.2 oz / 488 g (pair)
SHAFT MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
HANDLE MATERIAL: Cork
POLE DESIGN: Telescoping shaft with lever locks
COLLAPSED LENGTH: 24 in / 61 cm
MAX LENGTH: 51 in / 130 cm
PROS
Cork grips and foam extensions are comfortable and durable in all conditions
FlickLock levers are effective and easy to manipulate, even in gloves
Strong enough for demanding treks and snowshoeing, light enough for trail running and thru-hiking
CONS
Heavier and less packable than some carbon fiber poles
On the expensive side
Snow baskets not included
HOW IT PERFORMED
COMFORT: I love the cork handles of the Alpine Carbon poles. Unlike foam or rubber alternatives, the cork is moisture-wicking and will mold to your hand shape, like a leather baseball glove, only getting more comfortable with time. The shafts are also well constructed, keeping shaking and vibrations to a minimum.
The cork handles are comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking.
DURABILITY: Not just more comfortable, cork handles can also be more durable. Thanks to their moisture-wicking properties, the Alpine Carbon handles can endure years of sweat, snow, and rain.
The carbon fiber poles strive to balance durability and weight. They are not as durable as aluminum shafts, the shafts in the Alpine Carbon are considerably thicker than many other 100% carbon fiber shafts.
Cork handles, metal levers, and thick carbon fiber shafts all score well for durability.
VERSATILITY: You can get better performance from sport-specific poles, but there are very few situations where the Alpine Carbon poles feel out of place, from long treks, trail runs, and technical alpine approaches to snowshoeing and light ski touring. To be sure, they’re no replacement for ski poles if you’re charging down steep couloirs, but you can definitely count on them for mellower days on low-angle terrain.
These poles are adjustable up to 130 cm, which maximizes versatility further: they can be adjusted for hikers of any height and to suit any terrain. This also makes them compatible with most trekking pole shelters.
The Alpine Carbons extend long enough to reliably work alongside your trekking pole shelter.
WEIGHT: At 17 ounces per pair, the Alpine Carbons are noticeably heavier than lightweight carbon fiber alternatives, like Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Z poles or the budget-friendly CMT Carbon poles. The additional weight comes with considerable benefits, though: the thicker carbon shafts and metal lever add durability while heavier cork handles and padded wrist straps add comfort and dampen vibrations.
PACKABILITY: The 24-inch collapsed length is average for telescoping trekking poles, but bulky compared to folding poles. I find them too long for trail running, where I prefer the option for easily stowing away poles in a hydration vest. But in larger packs, as you’d likely use for splitboarding, backpacking, or snowshoeing, the packed size of the poles feels far more manageable.
Though not nearly as packable as folding poles, The Alpine Carbons (middle) do pack down smaller than many other telescoping poles.
NOTABLE FEATURES
LOCKING SYSTEM: Black Diamond’s FlickLock levers are one of the Alpine Carbon’s standout design features. The metal levers lock securely, are easy to manipulate, and are impressively well-built.
Unfortunately, while the levers themselves are excellent, the screw fastening system that secures them to the shafts leaves something to be desired. The screws determine the lever locking width, so occasionally they will need to be tightened to ensure the levers lock into place securely. This requires a 1/16 size hex key. The poles do come with one included, but you’ll need to pack it (and not lose it immediately, as I did) to make any adjustments in the backcountry.
The chunky metal FlickLock levers are durable, lock effectively, and are easy to manipulate.
CORK HANDLES: The ergonomically-shaped cork handles are comfortable from the get-go, and only get more comfortable with time. The handles are complemented by a foam grip extended down the upper shaft of the poles, allowing you to choke up your grip for steep and technical terrain without stopping to adjust the pole length.
Foam grip extensions complement the cork handles and are super helpful on steep technical terrain.
100% CARBON FIBER SHAFTS: The carbon fiber shafts are burlier than what you find on other lightweight carbon fiber trekking poles, so the Alpine Carbon poles are heavier, but considerably more durable, which is a worthy tradeoff for reliable four-season performance in alpine terrain.
ADJUSTABLE WRIST STRAPS: The padded wrist straps stay comfortable for long days on the trail. They adjust via a cinch strap and open wide enough to accommodate bulky winter gloves.
The adjustable wrist straps are large enough to comfortably fit around large winter gloves.
INTERCHANGEABLE BASKETS/TIPS: The poles come with interchangeable carbide tech tips and 38mm trekking baskets installed. The ferrules are compatible with 100mm powder baskets for deep snow, which are unfortunately not included. Rubber tip protectors, which can be better on rocky and environmentally sensitive alpine terrain, are also not included but are relatively inexpensive.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
SNOW BASKETS: The pre-installed baskets are excellent for almost anything other than deep, powdery snow. For snowshoeing, skiing, and splitboarding, you will want to install a pair of Black Diamond Powder Baskets for better float.
RUBBER TIPS: Rubber tips are quiet and grippier on hard surfaces, like alpine scree. Using them will also extend the lifespan of the carbide tips that are included with the Alpine Carbon poles. You can remove the carbide tips entirely and replace them with rubber tips, or simply cover them with tip protectors to switch between the two.
SUMMARY
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles are an all-around option for almost every two-footed pursuit, including hiking, backpacking, trail running, alpine mountaineering approaches, snowshoeing, splitboarding, and light backcountry skiing.
There are lighter, more packable trekking poles better suited to running and fastpacking. And there are heavier poles with the ruggedness for backcountry skiing and winter mountaineering. But not many boast the versatility and smart design of the Alpine Carbon poles.
While certainly not the cheapest option, these poles offer excellent value, especially for anyone who partakes in many different mountain sports.
DISCLOSURE
Black Diamond provided me with a free sample for this review – but the views expressed here are all my own. The review might also contain affiliate links, which help us keep churning out more content.
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for more information on hiking and backpacking? Be sure to check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:
Or check out our entire Gear Reviews Page, our Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, and outdoors related content.
Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!