How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

Whether you're running a trail race, chasing an FKT (fastest known time) or enjoying the scenery on a long trail run, the Leki Ultratrail FX.One trekking poles will help you accomplish your goals.
Imported.
View all Leki Trekking PolesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Shaft Construction | Carbon (HRC) |
Grip Material | Cork |
Adjustable | No |
Ultralight | Yes |
Maximum Length (in.) | 110 CM: 43 inches 115 CM: 45 inches 120 CM: 47 inches 125 CM: 49 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 110 CM: 43 inches 115 CM: 45 inches 120 CM: 47 inches 125 CM: 49 inches |
Collapsed Length (in.) | 110 CM: 13 inches 115 CM: 14 inches 120 CM: 14 inches 125 CM: 15 inches |
Maximum Length (cm) | 110 CM: 110 centimeters 115 CM: 115 centimeters 120 CM: 120 centimeters 125 CM: 125 centimeters |
Minimum Length (cm) | 110 CM: 110 centimeters 115 CM: 115 centimeters 120 CM: 120 centimeters 125 CM: 125 centimeters |
Collapsed Length (cm) | 110 CM: 33 centimeters 115 CM: 36 centimeters 120 CM: 36 centimeters 125 CM: 38 centimeters |
Locking Mechanism | Push-button Lock |
Basket Type | Trekking |
Weight (Pair) | 110 CM: 12.4 ounces 115 CM: 12.6 ounces 120 CM: 12.8 ounces 125 CM: 13 ounces |
Gender | Unisex |
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I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Don’t be deceived by the light weight of this pair trekking poles, once extended locked in place and your wrist straps are cinched they are stable with no flex. I am impressed and skeptical with the wrist strap design. Impressed by how secure the wrist wraps are and how fast with a press of the thumb on the latch you can release the poles from the wrist strap. Skeptical because if there is a weak point it is the sewn loop that secures the wrist strap to the poles, only time and usage will tell. While hiking I actually preferred to hike with the poles unsecured to the wrist straps until I came to a sketchy section of trail then I attached as to not drop them. As cool, innovative and light as they are I still am more comfortable with my basic stick I’ve used for 19 years and thousands of miles.
These trekking poles are amazing! They are extremely light, have straps to lock in you hands to the grips, are very stable, and the design looks awesome. I was hesitant at first because they felt so light and because I always get worried about poles that breakdown into pieces but all of my worries were washed away when I used these poles. The three piece breakdown and mesh bag make storing them easy as well. Highly recommend.
I used these for trail hiking, not trail running, but the Leki website recommended the same length for both activities at my height (5’4”). I have used hiking poles previously, but these are superior for light and fast movement. The z-folding is convenient, easy to disassemble while moving, and small/light enough to hold in one hand if you need to collapse for a short stint. Though these poles are not height adjustable, I find that to be a feature: unlike my other poles, they don’t collapse as you walk or require tightening. The hand straps are also great. Unlike the common wrist straps on most hiking poles, the hand straps are more secure, comfortable, and breathable. The loop that attaches the hand straps is also perfectly positioned to grip the cork handle in the right place.
I hike and run the trails of nearby Valley Forge and Evansburg parks and had the pleasure of taking these Lekis out in muddy conditions due to recent flooding. They are very strong and I used them to catch myself while slipping in mud on more than one occasion. I love the corn grip and how incredibly lightweight they are! Although unadjustable, the recommended length to height is perfect to get just the right angle to propel you forward. I love the way the poles click and lock into place without the need of twisting, although the instructions are very unclear. The one downfall of these poles is the little gloves that do not allow for grip adjustment. More importantly, I would like to be able to let go of the pole and not have them drop altogether which would be what would happen if I used the release button. I much prefer to have a strap around my wrist so that I could still have them on my arms while freeing up my hands for something like a photo op, to grab a water bottle, or even more importantly to catch myself in the event of a trip and fall. I often have to cross steep boulders and would rather not have to remove the poles and fold/stash them away each time, which isn’t necessary with the traditional wrist strap.
Weak and expensive product. Snapped after 3 runs. Contacted Leki 3 times and never responded. Save your money and get the BD carbon
I did not realize that running poles are different until using these to trail run on Mount Baldy. They held up in the excess water from the snow melt; muddy and dry dirt; rocks and packed trail; and few remaining snow patches. They fold up so compactly and fit into my minimal trail run bag that can mainly hold a small water bladder, a couple snacks, and sunblock. Fortunately, the snow melted so the little snow that i used them on were okay without baskets. I will purchase baskets if i bring these into winter conditions. These poles might be my go-to for all mountains: running and hiking.
This is the best trekking pole for trail running . I bring this on every run that includes significant elevation change. I use them for propulsion on uphill and shock absorption on downhill. I can get an upper body workout while running. They are light enough to run with without hurting your form when you are not using them. Annoying to bring on mass transit but the function you get far outweighs that.
I bought these because of hte straps. They keep my hands closer to the pole grip so I can let go and still maintain control of the pole. The straps cradle my hands, distributing force broadly--important due to rheumatoid arthritis. I was concerned that the lightweight would make them fragile, but I've given them a couple of rough stumbles while backpacking, and watched as the poles flexed under my weight (250lb + pack) and sprang back to normal after I recovered.
Not everyone who needs the longer pole needs the larger gloves. They are way too big for me. Going to have to see about getting the other size which means more money spent :(. Should really offer option of glove size as well as pole size.
These are the BEST poles I've ever used! I'm a walker and casual hiker. Some might call these overkill for my use but worth every penny to me