Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review

Bottom Line

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking pole is a great mid-tier trekking pole for hiking and backpacking. We like that these poles are highly durable compared to other carbon fiber trekking poles we tested for our guide to the best trekking poles. Because of this, they are heavier than other carbon fiber poles in our lineup. And they have the carbon fiber price tag, which is a bummer.

While using these trekking poles in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona, we found them to be very comfortable, thanks to their cork handles and wide wrist straps. Overall, they have many features, such as summer baskets and replaceable carbide tips. Still, it would be nice if they also included flip-lock tensioners and extra baskets. They aren’t the smallest when collapsed, but that is less important for use on day hikes and backpacking trips where they are out all day.

How We Tested

We brought these poles into the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona. We also did a comparative analysis of their strength, weight, and features next to the other poles we tested.

Durability

The Alpine Cork trekking poles are the strongest carbon fiber model we tested, rivaling the strength of higher-end aluminum poles. Because durability is so important, we put each pole through several different tests:

1. We threw the Alpine Cork pole like a javelin approximately 10 feet on a dirt road.
2. We dropped it onto a boulder from two different heights, the second time being approximately 5 feet in the air.
3. We planted the pole into the ground and leaned on it to see how easily it would break.

While this model sustained many scratches from the drop tests and field use, the poles were surprisingly challenging to bend. The curve was smaller than the other carbon fiber poles we tested, and they felt like they would be difficult to snap. They felt very similar to the two highest-quality aluminum poles that we tested.

While using them on a backpacking trip in the Chiricahua Mountains, they held up well to off-trail use, especially in rocky washes. Even when a tester tripped on the poles and used them to catch themselves, they did not break.

One issue with cork is that over time, your sweat, oils, and salts penetrate the cork. It’s a delicious midnight trail snack for goats, mice, wood rats, and other critters. We recommend sleeping with them in your tent (just watch that the tips don’t tear your tent).

Overall, the Alpine Cork trekking poles are a great choice for durability, particularly if you’re looking for a carbon fiber option.

Weight

At 1 pound 1.1 ounces, the Black Diamond Alpine Cork trekking poles are not ultralight, despite being made with carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is known for being lighter than aluminum. However, these poles are heavier than one of the aluminum models we tested and ranked in the lower half of our lineup.

Some of the weight is due to comfort features like cork handles and thicker wrist straps. These are also pretty dang durable compared to other ultralight carbon poles. We would have no problem using these for skiing.

Comfort

These poles have above-average comfort thanks to their cork handles and thicker wrist straps, making them one of our go-to choices from our lineup. 

To evaluate the poles we tested for comfort, we looked at whether they had any comfort-specific features, such as cork handles or padded wrist straps. We also considered features that would make them less comfortable, such as oddly shaped handles. 

The Alpine Cork trekking poles have comfortably shaped handles made of cork, grip extenders, and wider wrist straps made of flexible material. We found the handle to have a comfortable design and a suitable diameter that was easy to hold. While backpacking with several models in Arizona, one of our gear testers consistently chose this model over others due to its comfort.

Ease of Use

The Alpine Cork trekking poles are average in terms of ease of use, thanks to their tensioned flip locks and telescoping design. 

The Alpine Cork poles have a telescoping design with height markings on both the middle and lower pole sections, which makes it easier to expand as there is no guesswork once a measurement has been determined. 

The flip locks on these poles have some tension to hold them in place, but are relatively easy to open for adjustments if you have the right tools (a 1.5 mm hex key), which not all carry on backpacking trips.

 Overall, these poles are easy enough to set up, and we had no significant problems with them.

Packability

The Black Diamond Alpine Cork Poles are longer than most other poles we tested when collapsed. We measured the length from the top of the handle to the tip when the pole was collapsed to its smallest size. The Alpine Cork poles measured 25.5 inches, over ten inches longer than the most packable model. That said, the length is more reasonable for telescoping poles, which do not tend to pack down as small as folding poles. 

We had no problems carrying these poles on our packs while backpacking through the Chiricahuas. Their longer collapsed length and thicker diameter make them less suitable for activities where they will be kept in the reserves for most of the day (like trail running or split-boarding).

Features

These trekking poles have some basic features but lack extras such as extra baskets or tip covers. We took a tally of all the bonus items included with each trekking pole to rank for features. We also included several features that aid in modifying the poles, such as replaceable carbide tips and tensioners on the flip locks. 

The Black Diamond Alpine Cork trekking poles come with wrist straps, one set of summer baskets, an extended grip, and the ability to replace the tips. It is also compatible with a Whippet Pick Ski-pole ice axe attachment. 

Some features it lacks include a second pair of larger baskets, tip covers, a storage bag, and the ability to tension or adjust the flip locks. We didn’t miss many of these features while backpacking with these poles, but in the long term, it limits their versatility. 

The tensioners, in particular, are a feature that many Black Diamond poles fall short on compared to other brands. Overall, they have the basics to get the job done, but some extras would help elevate these trekking poles’ value.

Should You Buy The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles?

The Alpine Cork trekking poles are a good trekking pole for the hiker or backpacker who wants a 4-season ready pole. 

These poles are higher quality than heavier and flimsier beginner trekking poles, but they are not as specialized as some of the other poles in our lineup. Due to their carbon fiber construction, we suggest being cautious on rocky ground, although their excellent durability suggests that the carbon fiber is ready for anything (including winter sports).

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?

Not quite sure if the Black Diamond Alpine Cork trekking poles are for you? Check out our guide to the 12 best trekking poles or our recommendations for similar models below.

MSR DynaLock Explore Review: The MSR DynaLock Explore trades durability and weight for better packability and ease of use. It is also made of carbon fiber but with a foam grip. It weighs about an ounce more than the Alpine Cork trekking poles per pole. We liked that this pole was extremely easy to set up, thanks to the DynaLock flip locks. Unlike the Alpine Cork poles, they include built-in tensioners. 

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Review: Another carbon fiber pole with cork grips, the Makalu is slightly easier to use than the Alpine Cork poles. The trade-off is that they are an inch longer when collapsed and are not as durable. Overall, though, there are many similarities between the two models, such as weight and features. 

Black Diamond Pursuit Review: One of our favorite trekking poles, the Pursuit, is also made by Black Diamond. It offers great durability at a reasonable weight. Its padded wrist straps and included snow baskets make it a very versatile model for use in a variety of situations.