How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

A lightweight choice for any journey, the Leki Khumbu Lite trekking poles feature comfortable Aergon Cor-Tec grips and Speed Lock+ levers for quick, secure adjustment between 100 and 135 cm.
Imported.
View all Leki Trekking PolesBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Shaft Construction | Aluminum |
Grip Material | Cork / Rubber |
Adjustable | Yes |
Maximum Length (in.) | 53 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 39 inches |
Collapsed Length (in.) | 26 inches |
Maximum Length (cm) | 135 centimeters |
Minimum Length (cm) | 100 centimeters |
Collapsed Length (cm) | 67 centimeters |
Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
Basket Type | Trekking |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1.4 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
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These arrived just in time for our SHT backpacking trip. We did 14 miles in and out, and these poles saw all sorts of terrain. Trails consisted of various elevation changes, rocky paths, compacted and root exposed dirt, clay mud slides, board walks, marshes, and through the falls. These poles helped with traction and stability through all of it. The cork hand grips have a fairly smooth finish, the ergonomic shape and wrist straps keep your hands locked in place and I had no issues with rubbing or blisters. The metal tips got good traction on rocks and board walks. The baskets kept the poles from sinking in the mud and marsh. The quick adust clips are shaped well enough that they would be easy to adjust even with gloves on, but small enough to not get caught on anything. Poles collapse to easily be strapped to a pack and are super light. All in all this is a great set of Trekking poles for anyone looking for multipurpose poles.
I had another pair of Leki trekking poles that I've used for 20 years. While hiking through the swamp near Pochuck Mountain on the AT, I didn't realize I had lost a lower section of the pole. So after 15 years of additional use, my wife decided to get me a new pair for Christmas. The new poles are about 1.5 oz lighter - may not sound like much, but it is very noticeable when hiking. The only thing I don't like about the new poles is the plastic clip used to hold the poles together. With the old set, the clip could fold back on itself and the snap to the same pole. I can't do this with a new set of poles and I'm concerned that the clip is going to get snagged on something and pulled off.
I finally had a chance to put these poles through their paces. I took a 6+ mile hike today in the muddiest terrain I've ever been in. Every step was an exercise in trying to keep my feet from sliding out from under me. These poles were invaluable for providing stability to keep from landing on my face. There were several times in the mud and a couple of water crossings, that the poles bore a significant amount of my weight (I'm 305# without gear). They never slipped out or telescoped down once. For those that may have had issues with poles closing up or collapsing while using them, try adjusting the knob on the clamp so that the clamp takes a bit of force to latch. You don't want to have to bear down on it, but it should take some pressure to latch it. This will prevent the telescoping sections from collapsing under weight.
I used these on a hike recently with complete snow and ice coverage and a 70% grade on some of the ascent/descent. My old worn down micro spikes were not up to the task for traction and these poles were often bearing the entirety of my weight to keep me from sliding back down the mountain. The locking mechanisms never slipped or released under strain but were easy to extend and collapse while walking as they were/were not needed throughout the hike. They were equally useful on the descent, as I sustained a knee injury and I was again using them to bear almost my entire weight. I would not have finished the hike without them. My body may not have been prepared but these poles were.
I just turned 80 and my balance has been changing. I used to hike some nearby trails with rocks, tree roots, mud - nothing very challenging. But in the last year, I had 3 falls, once nearly hitting my head on a rock. I gave up the hikes until a physical therapist suggested trekking poles, and I picked up a pair of Leki Khumbi Lites at REI. They make all the difference! I can hike again, feel steady, comfortable, and safe. What a gift.
These poles held up over my entire AT thru hike with no issues after tightening the knobs. One tip has lasted me a total of 2500 miles and has a lotta life left. I lost one tip after bending it in an accident and had trouble finding a replacement from Leki at outfitters along the trail. They use a proprietary design so only Leki tips are compatible, but they will not allow their products to be sold in stores that carry any products from a competitor. This was endlessly frustrating, so when I need a replacement I will be buying from Black Diamond, whose poles are just as durable but have more easily replaceable tips.
I used these recently while trekking on Kilimanjaro and they held up very well to my abuse. I put my full weight on them (I weigh 240lbs/110kgs) while going down ridge slopes and/or large steps in order to save energy as well saving my knees. Very helpful in every situation i needed 3 or 4pts of contact for stability. Light and easy to carry and very simple to collapse back up for stowage. I've seen complaints about collapsing while hiking, but that's just a matter of how tight you screw in the levers. I had this problem with the initial factory settings but once I pulled out my screw driver and tightened them up, I never once had this issue. (In fact it's the reason I made this review to confirm not a problem). The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is I don't use the grips in the grip style and rest my hand on top instead because that's more comfortable for me, so I'm not sure how that feels for people that do use them. They sure feel comfortable, though.
I wanted to love these but I was truly disappointed when, not once, not twice, but three times in about 8 usages, they collapsed while in use. I plan to return them, and I don't want to rate them even lower until I find out if this pair is an anomaly. I don't think I put an unusual amount of force on them (140 lbs, 5'8") so I don't think I "caused" this problem. I like everything about them, but this is a deal-breaker!
Durable, lightweight and they're super easy to adjust.
I bought these to replace older Lekis, at first they slipped but remember the salesperson at REI said they might need tightening. Once I tightened screw they work fine. I have used on dirt, crossing streams. And in rocky terrain up hill.