All Year Round Poles
What are all-year-round walking poles?
All-year-round walking poles are telescopic or folding trekking poles designed for use across every season and terrain type. They feature interchangeable baskets (small for summer trails, wide for winter snow), adjustable length systems for ascent and descent, and durable aluminium or carbon fibre shafts built to withstand year-round use in UK conditions from Snowdonia ridges to Highland winter paths.
LEKI All-Year-Round Poles: Built for Every Season
Why Choose All-Year-Round Walking Poles?
Most walkers buy poles for summer hillwalking — then leave them in the cupboard when the weather turns. LEKI's all-year-round poles are built to end that habit. Engineered to perform from March mud to December frost, they offer the grip, adjustability, and durability that changing conditions demand.
Whether you're a weekend rambler heading out in October drizzle or a dedicated trail runner who doesn't stop for the seasons, having the right pole for every month means you'll move better, feel less fatigued, and reduce injury risk year-round.
Key Features to Look For
Speed Lock 2 System: LEKI's signature external locking mechanism lets you adjust pole length in seconds with gloves on — essential when conditions change mid-walk. The SL2 applies consistent, measurable clamping force so you're never guessing whether it's locked.
Aergon Thermo Grip: In colder months, foam or rubber grips become the difference between a comfortable walk and numb hands. LEKI's Aergon Thermo grips are insulated and contoured for natural hand position, reducing fatigue on long days.
Carbide Flex Tips: Hard terrain in winter and soft ground in autumn require tips that bite and flex rather than slide. LEKI's Carbide Flex tips provide secure purchase on variable surfaces without transmitting harsh shock back through the shaft.
Adjustable Length Range: The ideal pole length changes depending on your activity — shorter for ascent, longer for descent, different again for Nordic walking or trail running. An all-year-round pole needs at least a 15cm adjustment range to cover all use cases.
LEKI's All-Year-Round Pole Range
LEKI's all-year-round poles span four distinct activity categories:
Trekking & Hillwalking Poles: The core of the range. Models like the Makalu Lite and Khumbu Lite are designed for sustained effort over rough terrain. Lightweight aluminium or carbon construction, wide grip range, and robust tips make these the go-to for anyone logging serious hill miles across all seasons. Browse the trekking & hillwalking poles range.
Cross Trail & Fast Hiking Poles: Sitting between traditional trekking and trail running, these poles are for those who move at pace on mixed terrain. More compact folding designs and lighter baskets suit fast-and-light mountain days. See cross trail and fast hiking poles.
Trail Running Poles: Collapsible and ultra-light, LEKI's trail running poles fold down to fit in a vest pocket and deploy instantly for technical climbs. Designed to be carried as much as used. Explore trail running poles.
Nordic Walking Poles: A genuinely year-round activity — especially popular in winter as a full-body, low-impact workout. LEKI's Nordic poles feature angled grips and strap systems designed specifically for the Nordic walking technique. View Nordic walking poles.
Sizing Your Poles for Different Seasons
The 90-degree rule is a reliable starting point: stand upright, bend your elbow to 90 degrees, and adjust the grip to meet your palm. That gives you a neutral trekking length. In practice, go shorter (5–10cm) for sustained ascent and longer for long descents when carrying a heavy pack.
In winter with thicker gloves and boots, many walkers need slightly longer poles than their summer setting to compensate for additional clothing bulk. The beauty of an adjustable pole is that you can dial this in precisely rather than compromising.
Baskets: Swapping for the Season
One overlooked advantage of LEKI's range is the interchangeable basket system. Summer trekking baskets are small — designed to avoid snagging on vegetation and provide minimal resistance on hard paths. Winter and soft-ground baskets are larger, preventing the tip sinking into mud, snow, or peat.
If you're serious about year-round use, keeping a spare set of baskets is worth the small additional investment. LEKI spare parts and baskets are available for all current pole models.
Maintaining Your Poles Between Seasons
After muddy autumn walks, rinse the locking sections with fresh water and allow to dry fully before storage — grit in the Speed Lock mechanism is the main cause of premature wear. At the start of each season, check the lock torque and tighten if necessary using the adjustment screw. Carbon shafts should be inspected for hairline cracks, particularly after any impact.
Proper care extends the life of a quality pole significantly. Many LEKI users report 8–10 years of regular use from a well-maintained pair.
What Walkers Say
UK hikers on UKHillwalking.com and r/UKhiking frequently recommend keeping one set of quality poles year-round rather than buying separate summer and winter pairs. The LEKI Makalu and Khumbu ranges are commonly cited for their interchangeable basket system and Speedlock+ adjustment — features that make a single pair genuinely versatile across seasons without compromising performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use trekking poles in winter? Yes — all-year-round poles are designed for exactly this. Fit larger winter baskets for snow and soft ground, and choose a model with an insulated grip if you're out in sub-zero temperatures.
Are LEKI poles suitable for Nordic walking? LEKI makes a dedicated Nordic walking pole range with the specific strap and grip angle that the technique requires. Standard trekking poles can be used for Nordic walking but are less efficient.
How long should my poles last? With proper care and seasonal maintenance, a quality LEKI pole should last 8–10 years of regular use. Wear items — tips, baskets, and straps — are all available as spare parts so you can keep a favourite pair going indefinitely.
Browse the Full Range
View the complete LEKI poles range, or jump directly to the category that matches your activity. Unsure which model suits you? Our best walking poles UK 2026 guide covers every key consideration in detail.
