Leki Makalu Cork FX TA

The LEKI Makalu Cork FX TA is a five-section folding aluminium trekking pole pair built for adults who want the packability of a folding pole and the natural comfort of a real cork grip. Folding to just 41 cm, it travels in a rucksack lid or carry-on bag without difficulty, yet extends to full length via the Speed Lock plus system in seconds.

Built on the Makalu FX TA platform — LEKI’s flagship folding aluminium trekking pole for the season — the Makalu Cork FX TA is an SS26 introduction that replaces the Khumbu FX TA from SS25 but steps up in specification. Where the Khumbu FX TA was offered at a similar price point, this model delivers the broader, more ergonomic Makalu Aergon Air grip body in real cork, a full grip extension for comfortable uphill carry, and the same reliable five-section HTS 6.5 aluminium construction used across the Makalu family. Real cork naturally absorbs moisture, remains comfortable bare-handed in warm conditions, and develops a light custom fit over time — qualities that make it a preferred choice for long-distance mountain hiking.

All five FX folding sections on this SS26 model are individually replaceable, an important improvement introduced across the entire LEKI FX range for 2026. Previous generations allowed only lower and middle section 3 replacement; from SS26 every folding section can be swapped, making long-term servicing straightforward.

What’s new for SS26: New model. The Makalu Cork FX TA (LE65620761S) is replacing the Khumbu FX TA at a similar price but on the higher-specified Makalu FX TA platform. Key upgrade over the Khumbu FX TA: Aergon Air Real Cork grip (replacing Aergon), grip extension included, all sections now individually replaceable. A Compact version (90–120 cm) is available separately as the Makalu Cork FX TA Compact (LE65620762C).

• Folds to 41 cm — packs into a rucksack lid, daysack front pocket, or carry-on luggage with ease
• Real cork grip absorbs moisture and is comfortable bare-handed, day after day on the hill
• Grip extension provides a higher hold point on steep ascents without shortening the pole
• All folding sections individually replaceable for SS26 — the most serviceable LEKI folding trekking pole to date

KEY FEATURES

HIGHLIGHTS

Grip ▼

Aergon Air Real Cork, Standard size. The Aergon Air body delivers a broad, ergonomic grip surface with a rubberised back panel for confident control on descents. The real cork facing naturally absorbs perspiration, stays comfortable in warm conditions, and moulds lightly to the hand over time. The grip extension extends the usable hold area upward, providing a higher grip point on ascents without needing to shorten the pole — a practical feature on prolonged mountain climbs.

Strap ▼

Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 — one size, continuously adjustable. Skin-touch material for comfort across extended mountain days.

Locking system ▼

Speed Lock plus external lever for fast, precise length adjustment between 110 cm and 130 cm. Operable with gloves on. The FX folding construction uses an internal bungee cord system to hold the folded sections in alignment; once extended to the desired length, the Speed Lock plus lever locks the pole securely in position.

Section construction ▼

Five-section FX folding Vario construction. Aluminium (HTS 6.5) throughout. Section diameters: 18|16|14|14|14 mm. Pack size 41 cm when folded. For SS26, all five folding sections are individually replaceable — a significant advance over previous LEKI FX folding trekking pole generations. Replacement sections are black and carry an ‘FX Original Exchange Part’ label. The internal cord on this generation also no longer connects to the grip section, simplifying field servicing.

Tip and basket ▼

Flex Tip Short (Carbide) for durable, reliable performance on rocky and mixed mountain ground. Trekking 2.0 basket included for mixed trail and mountain conditions. 

ALL PROPERTIES

COMPATIBILITY

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH

• LEKI Trigger or Shark click-in glove systems — the Makalu Cork FX TA uses an Aergon Air grip with standard strap, not a Trigger interface.
• Telescopic/Vario pole sections from standard three-section trekking poles — this is a five-section FX folding pole with a different section architecture. Sections are not interchangeable.
• FX folding sections from other diameter families — the Makalu Cork FX TA uses 18|16|14|14|14 mm. Compatibility with sections from other FX folding models must be confirmed by model code before ordering.
• DSS antishock tips — the Makalu Cork FX TA does not incorporate a DSS system.