Find your perfect fit: comparing LEKI's top-selling poles
LEKI makes a pole for almost every way of moving through the hills, which is great once you know what you need and confusing before you do. The trick is to start with your activity, not the spec sheet. Here is how the most popular LEKI poles compare, and how to land on the right pair for the walking or running you actually do.
How do I choose the right LEKI walking pole? Match the pole to your main activity and terrain. Trekking and hillwalking poles such as the Makalu and Khumbu prioritise durability and adjustability; trail running poles such as the Ultratrail FX.One are ultralight and fast to deploy; Nordic walking poles use a glove-release grip for power on flatter ground.
Start with your activity
Almost everything follows from what you are doing. General hillwalking and trekking rewards a durable, adjustable pole you can lengthen and shorten all day. Fast hiking and fastpacking want low weight and a small pack size. Trail running needs an ultralight pole that folds into a vest and deploys in seconds. Nordic walking calls for a glove-release grip that lets you push and let go with each stride. Pick the activity first, and the shortlist gets short fast.
The comparison at a glance
Use this table to jump straight to the right family, then fine-tune on material and length below.
| Your activity | LEKI range to look at | Type | Why it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillwalking & trekking | Makalu, Khumbu, Legacy | Folding or telescopic | Durable and adjustable for varied UK terrain |
| Fast hiking & fastpacking | Cross Trail FX Superlite | Folding carbon | Light, packs small, still adjustable |
| Trail running | Ultratrail FX.One, Neotrail Pro | Folding, fixed carbon | Ultralight, fast to deploy, vest-friendly |
| Nordic walking | Traveller, Flash | Telescopic or fixed | Glove-release Shark grip for power on the flat |
| Travel & mixed use | Makalu FX, Cross Trail FX | Folding | Packs into cabin luggage, adjusts for terrain |
Match the material to your use
Once you have the family, material splits it further. Carbon is the lightest and stiffest, ideal for racing, fast days and anyone chasing low weight. Aluminium is heavier but tougher and better value, and it bends rather than cracks on a sharp knock, which suits rocky UK ground and heavier use. Many walkers happily run aluminium for training and everyday hills, and keep carbon for the big days.
Get the length right
Whatever you choose, size it properly. Hold the grip with the tip beside your foot; your elbow should bend at a right angle. As a starting figure, multiply your height in centimetres by 0.68 for trekking poles, then shorten for climbs and lengthen for descents. The video shows the method.
Still not sure? Let the Pole Finder decide
If you would rather answer a few quick questions than compare spec sheets, the LEKI Pole Finder matches you to the right pole by activity, terrain and height in a couple of clicks. It is the fastest way to go from browsing to the right pair.
Frequently asked questions
Which LEKI pole is best for general hillwalking?+
The Makalu range for a folding, adjustable all-rounder, or the Khumbu for a tough telescopic pole. Both are durable and adjust across the range you need for UK hills. The Legacy Lite is the value choice.
What is the difference between trekking and trail running poles?+
Trekking poles prioritise durability and adjustability; trail running poles prioritise low weight and fast folding. A trekking pole like the Makalu suits all-day hillwalking, while an Ultratrail FX.One packs into a running vest and deploys in seconds.
Can I use one pole for several activities?+
To a point. An adjustable folding pole like the Cross Trail FX bridges fast hiking and trekking well. But a dedicated trail running pole is much lighter, and Nordic walking needs its own glove-release grip, so serious use of each is better served by the right tool.
How do I choose between carbon and aluminium?+
Choose carbon for the lightest weight and stiffest feel, aluminium for toughness and value. Aluminium bends rather than cracks, which suits rocky ground and heavier use; carbon rewards those who want minimal weight and will look after it.
The bottom line
Start with your activity, choose the material that fits how you treat your kit, then size the pole to your height and terrain. Do that and you will land on a pair you actually enjoy using. To skip straight to the answer, run the LEKI Pole Finder.
