With the arrival of spring, longer days and better weather on the horizon, this April is the perfect time to refresh your hiking wardrobe.
Whether you're setting out on crisp early-morning mountain hikes in the Lake District or making the most of golden-hour trails in North Wales, having the right gear makes all the difference.
Enter Black Diamond, an American brand synonymous with hardcore mountain pursuits – think technical climbing, back-country skiing and serious alpinism.
Founded by climbers and built on decades of innovation, Black Diamond has earned a reputation for precision-engineered gear that performs in the world’s harshest environments.
But while its name is legendary in the climbing and mountaineering world, it’s less well known that Black Diamond also makes top-tier hiking apparel - designed with the same no-nonsense approach to performance, durability and fit.
This spring and summer 2025, Black Diamond’s latest hiking range brings that technical expertise to the trail, offering lightweight, breathable and weather-ready gear that’s built for big days out.
Whether you’re tackling a rugged mountain route or covering long miles on lower trails, their new collection blends innovative materials with practical design – so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
The Utah-based brand says “adventure isn’t just something we design for - it's something we live”, and promises that its 30 years of product design experience have been poured into the new 2025 hike collection.
Engineered to help you “hike further” and “explore the wildest places on earth”, here are five of the standout products from the new range.
Top 5: Black Diamond’s new hike collection
1. Black Diamond Trail Vista 20 Backpack – £140
A technical daypack with an innovative and adjustable fit system, the Trail Vista 20L strikes the “ideal balance of functionality and weight”, making it perfect for day hikers who like to carry everything they need and nothing they don’t.
The Slide-Fit adjustment system enables a fine-tuned fit to your body shape, while the pack’s lightweight frame distributes loads evenly for a comfortable carrying experience.
Features include a ventilated EVA back panel, soft mesh hipbelt, shoulder strap pockets, trekking pole attachment straps, stretch pockets and a stow-away rain cover.
View the Trail Vista 20 here.
2. Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Poles – £170
Featuring “cutting-edge technology” for “performance-driven backpackers and hikers”, the Pursuit Carbon Z is a premium hiking pole with some excellent features and an impressive design.
It has a fixed-length (available in five lengths from 110 to 130cm), with a Z-shaped design, which delivers an incredibly compact package just 40cm long. Erecting and collapsing the poles is quick and easy, via a quick pull or click of a button.
The shafts are made from carbon, the comfy hand grips are half-cork half-foam, the airy leashes are perforated mesh and the pole tips are made from carbide.
View the Carbon Z Poles here or find out what we thought in our full review.
3. Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell – Men’s/Women’s - £140
Whether you’re caught in a brutal squall atop Ben Nevis or simply facing a downpour on the commute to work in London, the Fineline Stretch Shell can handle it all.
Featuring Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry waterproof, breathable and windproof technology, which is “engineered to shield you from whatever the weather holds”, the Fineline is a fully featured rain shell.
With DWR sealed pit zip vents, two zippered hand pockets and a waterproof centre front zipper, the Fineline comes prepared for the wettest conditions but quickly adapts for milder weather too.
View the Fineline Stretch Shell here.
4. Black Diamond Pursuit Pants – Women’s / Men's – £95
Available in both men’s and women’s specific cuts, the Black Diamond Pursuit Pants are versatile outdoor trousers suitable for a range of activities, whether you’re hiking up Blencathra, chilling at Great Langdale campsite or bouldering in Kentmere.
Made from a two-way stretch nylon with an eco-friendly, PFC-free DWR treatment, the pants are designed for long-term durability, all-day comfort and unrestricted freedom of movement.
Features include a gusseted inseam, articulated knees, straight leg, two front drop-in pockets, two rear pockets and a zippered thigh pocket.
View the Women's Pursuit Pants here or see the Men's Pursuit Pants here.
5. Black Diamond Distance LT Hat – £40
Suitable for runners and fast-hikers alike, the unisex Black Diamond Distance LT Hat not only looks stylish and on-trend, but it also delivers excellent on-the-hill functionality.
The five-panel construction with a short brim features mesh side panels for maximum ventilation, thus ensuring the cap is a lightweight, breathable option for high-output activities.
Available in three colourways, the 100% polyester cap weighs 51g and features a rear strap for size adjustment.
View the Distance LT Hat here.