Leki Makalu

The LEKI Makalu is a classic three-section aluminium trekking pole that has earned its reputation as a reliable, well-specified companion for all-day mountain use. Built from HTS 6.5 aluminium throughout, it covers 110 to 145 cm of continuously adjustable length and collapses to a 71 cm pack size — a practical, no-compromise specification for serious trekking on varied terrain.

The Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam provides a lightweight, ergonomic hold with a fully rubberised grip head for maximum control on steep descents. The inclined grip angle encourages natural wrist position during pole placement. For SS26, the strap is upgraded to the Lock System Strap Skin 5.0, the latest generation of LEKI’s Skin series, combining a breathable, skin-friendly inner contact surface with refined adjustment geometry. Length is set via the Speed Lock plus external lever — fast and operable with gloves on. The Flex Tip Short (Carbide) and Trekking 2.0 basket combination covers everything from compacted mountain paths to loose, mixed ground.

The Makalu sits in the Performance Series as the go-to standard telescopic option for trekkers who want the full-size Aergon Air grip and the widest length range. It is the non-antishock counterpart to the Khumbu AS and Makalu Lite AS, and complements the lighter Makalu Lite (LE65621081S) for those who prioritise weight. 

What’s new for SS26: New colourway — Stone Blue Dark / Warm Grey Dark, replacing Bright Red / Black / Dark Anthracite. Strap upgraded from Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 to Lock System Strap Skin 5.0. Finish updated to Matt Metallic.

• Durable HTS 6.5 aluminium construction — 269 g per pole, 110 to 145 cm continuously adjustable
• Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam — rubberised grip head for confident control on steep descents
• Speed Lock plus — fast, glove-friendly length adjustment with positive lever engagement
• Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 — upgraded strap with skin-friendly contact surface and refined fit

KEY FEATURES

HIGHLIGHTS

Grip ▼

Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam, Standard size. The Aergon Air uses hollow core foam construction to combine a lightweight build with large, supportive contact surfaces that meet the ergonomic requirements of the hand during sustained trekking. The grip head is fully rubberised for maximum purchase and control when going downhill, and the inclined angle encourages natural wrist position and efficient pole placement. The Aergon Air is the same grip family used across the Makalu Lite (LE65621081S), Makalu Lite AS (LE65621801S), and Makalu Cork Lite (LE656210893S).

Strap ▼

Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 — upgraded from the Skin 4.0 used on the SS25 predecessor. The Skin series uses a breathable, skin-friendly contact material on the inner wrist surface, reducing friction and discomfort on long days. One Size, continuously adjustable. The updated 5.0 version refines the adjustment geometry and strap profile compared to the previous generation.

Locking system ▼

Speed Lock plus. The Speed Lock plus uses an external clamp lever to grip the inner section, providing fast and positive length adjustment across the 110 to 145 cm range. To adjust: open the lever, slide the section to the desired length, close the lever. No twisting or internal tightening required. Do not use oils or lubricants on the locking mechanism. Do not overtighten — the lever requires only firm hand pressure to engage securely.

Section construction ▼

Three sections. Section diameters 18 | 16 | 14 mm. Aluminium HTS 6.5 throughout. Vario construction allows continuous length adjustment across the full 110 to 145 cm range. Pack size 71 cm when collapsed. Sections are replaceable; spare section availability should be confirmed with LEKI for the SS26 code (LE65628491). The predecessor code (LE65228491) carried spare section data — confirm cross-compatibility before advising customers.

Tip and basket ▼

Flex Tip Short (Carbide) for trail and mountain terrain. Trekking 2.0 basket supplied. No antishock system on this model — for antishock in the Makalu family, see the Khumbu AS (LE65620261) and Khumbu Lite AS (LE65621561S).

ALL PROPERTIES

COMPATIBILITY

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH

• Speed Lock 2 or Speed Lock 2 plus levers — this pole uses Speed Lock plus, which is a different lever system.
• Trigger Shark or Shark Frame Strap Mesh straps — the Aergon Air grip uses the PAS strap interface, not a Trigger Shark click-in system.
• Sections from poles with different diameters or section counts — this pole uses 18|16|14 mm three-section telescopic construction. Sections from 16|14|12 mm poles such as the Makalu Lite are not interchangeable.
• DSS antishock tips — this model has no antishock system. DSS tips require the internal DSS mechanism to function correctly.
• FX folding or fixed-length pole sections — this is a Vario telescopic pole; FX folding sections are a distinct architecture and are not compatible.