Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles
Just thinking of these poles, and the story behind me using them still makes me smile.. more about this further down, but first..
What the folks at Black Diamond have to say about these poles.
With an ergonomic grip angle for maximum wrist comfort, a 100% natural cork grip, a fusion comfort strap, and double FlickLock® adjustability, the Trail Ergo Cork defines 4-season, on-trail versatility and comfort.
- 7075 Aluminum shafts
- Soft-touch ergonomic grip top with 100% natural cork grip and EVA foam grip extension
- Fusion comfort strap for premium support
- FlickLock® adjustability
- Interchangeable tech tip compatible with carbide tech tips included
- 4 season flex tips with trekking baskets (snow basket compatible)
And here is a breakdown of how the folks at “Outdoorgearlab” rated the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles
My and experience using the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles
In all honesty I had never used, and never wanted to use hiking poles.. I always thought and assumed only “Old” people needed them. Getting me to use hiking poles for the first time was not an easy task..
In 2015 I had a [ minor ] knee injury, but it lingered for more than a year. I had already committed to hike the GR11 in May 2016, and the last thing on my mind was to get myself some poles!!..
I was convinced by my hiking partner at the time, that they would be a game changer especially ‘cos of my knee issues. So I did my research and read some great reviews about the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles.. So I went ahead and purchased them..
For the first couple of days, all I did was bitch and moan about them.. They were a complete waste of money, and I was going to throw them away as soon as I found a rubbish skip to do so, I HATED them!!.. Then on day 4 in rained, and we had a steep and very slippery woodland downhill to hike.. The first half of the downhill, I was just slipping and sliding, and was actually worried I was going to hurt my ankles or knees, so I decided to give the trekking poles one last try.. The rest is history, the hiking poles became by far my best friends, and hiking without them became just un-imaginable..
I have now used them on 2x the GR11 and numerous times on other multi day hikes, and they have not faulted at all, after more than 2000 km of rocky mountain trails, even the replaceable spike tips are still in good shape. I use them walking, but they also get used as clothes line poles etc.
The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles are comfortable, very sturdy, and easy / quick to adjust, I myself am 6.2ft and weigh about +100 kg and they have numerous times taken my whole weight including my backpack, and stopped me from slipping / falling.. I would never go on another hike without my poles.. Now I see people on the trails without poles, and I can’t help but think they are crazy not using poles… knowing they look at me and think “another old man with his poles”..
Would I recommend the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles..
This is a no brainer.. 100% definitely!.. I can honestly say they saved my bacon numerous times.. Once you get used to walking with poles, they are un-miscible. The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Hiking Poles are a mid range price, I believe I paid just over 100 Euro back in 2016, but they are well worth the price.. After 4 years, and +2000 km of rocky mountain use, they look trail worn, but are still in excellent condition..
For anyone reading this, that do not use poles, just do yourself a favor, use poles, they really do make a massive difference..
