Head-to-head · Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Trail Back vs MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about serious backcountry explorers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Trail Back

4.5

The Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles offer reliable performance at an affordable price point. Reviewers noted its solid build quality and user-friendly FlickLock adjustments, calling it a budget-friendly workhorse. While it lacks the hand-feel of higher-end cork options and has rough foam grips that don't wick moisture well, it delivers good durability for its price. The inclusion of both trekking and snow baskets adds value for variable terrain use. It's best suited for casual hikers and weekend backpackers who prioritize function over premium features.

Strengths

— Affordable and practical build
— More durable than lighter carbon offerings
— BD's Flicklocks make adjusting length a breeze

Watch-outs

— Rough grips that don’t wick moisture very well
— Relatively heavy at 1 lb. 2.8 oz. per pair

Buy at rei.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Trekking Poles

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

4.7

$189.95as of Jul 6

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles offer a near-ideal blend of toughness, comfort, and packability, performing well across four seasons and various activities. Reviewers praised its Kevlar-reinforced carbon construction for durability, noting it withstood heavy use without breaking or cracking. The button-controlled folding mechanism delivers a compact packed size, and the EVA foam grips provide good comfort. However, testers noted the poles are heavier than typical folding designs and collect scratches quickly. This makes it a solid choice for serious backcountry users who value durability over ultralight weight.

Strengths

— Kevlar-reinforced carbon build makes it one of the most durable carbon poles on the market
— Adjustable length and grip extensions work well for steep terrain
— Folding design with button-controlled deployment offers small packed size (14.2 in collapsed)

Watch-outs

— Heavier than most folding designs (1 lb for small size)
— Scratches and scuffs accumulate quickly on the lower portion of the shaft

$189.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Black Diamond Trail Back

The Black Diamond Trail Back offers a more affordable alternative to the Leki Black Series and Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles, but lacks the comfort and ergonomic design of the Pursuit and Alpine models. While it's more durable than the Cascade Mountain Tech, it's heavier and has rougher grips compared to the Black Diamond Pursuit and Leki Black Series. The MSR DynaLock Ascent offers better packability, but the Trail Back provides a solid budget-friendly option for casual hikers who don't need premium features.

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

The MSR DynaLock Ascent stands out from the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles for its superior Kevlar-reinforced carbon construction, offering better durability than the more expensive carbon alternatives. While the Black Diamond Pursuit and Trail Back models offer more affordable options, the MSR poles excel in packability and toughness, making them ideal for backcountry use where reliability matters more than weight. Compared to the Leki Black Series, the MSR poles are heavier but offer more robust performance in demanding conditions.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black Diamond Trail Back	MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
Shaft Material	Aluminum	Carbon
Grip Material	EVA foam	Foam
Weight	1 lb. 2.8 oz.	1 lb
Pole Length	55.1 in.	47 in
Collapsed Length	24.2 in	14.2 in
Type	Telescoping Shaft	Folding/telescoping
Locking Mechanism	FlickLock	DynaLock

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