What are the Leki Makalu Trekking Poles?
The Leki Makalu Poles are the classic, durable choice for hikers and mountaineers who want maximum strength and reliability. They combine resilience with manageable weight, making them ideal for long-distance trekking, alpine tours, or challenging mountain expeditions.
What are they made of?
High-Strength Aluminium (HTS 6.5)
The shaft is crafted from HTS 6.5 aluminium, a high-tensile alloy known for its exceptional durability, toughness, and impact resistance. Aluminium poles can handle hard knocks, making them particularly well-suited to rocky alpine terrain and rugged environments where poles are frequently subjected to stress. Compared to carbon fibre, aluminium may be slightly heavier, but it provides unmatched reliability in extreme conditions and is more forgiving when exposed to bending forces.
Matt Metallic Finish
The matte metallic coating gives the Makalu Poles a refined, technical look while protecting them from scratches, abrasions, and wear. The finish resists scuffing during transport or use in rocky environments, helping the poles retain a clean, premium appearance over time. The matte texture also disguises minor cosmetic marks better than glossy coatings.
Aergon Air Grip
The Aergon Air grip provides ergonomic efficiency and long-distance comfort. Its hollow-core structure reduces weight, while the rounded, edgeless top allows multiple grip variations for descents, ascents, or traverses. Textured zones enhance control in wet weather or with gloves. The design distributes pressure evenly across the hand, reducing fatigue and hotspots during extended use.
Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
The Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 offers a breathable, skin-friendly strap that prevents discomfort on long days. Made from soft, lightweight material, it reduces friction and sweat build-up while remaining durable under heavy use. Fully adjustable, it ensures a secure fit that improves efficiency and reduces wrist strain.
Carbide Flex Tips
The Flex Tip Short (carbide) provides precise pole placement and long-term durability. Carbide is extremely hard and wear-resistant, offering dependable traction on gravel, rock, or icy terrain. Its compact design enhances swing efficiency and protects the shaft ends from direct impacts.
What are their features?
Telescopic Vario Design
The Makalu Poles use a three-section telescopic construction with an adjustment range of 110–145 cm. This versatility allows quick adaptation to varied terrain. Collapsed to 71 cm, they fit easily on a backpack or inside larger travel packs.
Speed Lock Plus Adjustment
The Speed Lock Plus external clamping system provides quick, tool-free length changes, even with gloves. Lightweight yet strong, it ensures the poles remain securely locked under high loads, essential for demanding treks or heavy packs.
Precision Build
With shaft diameters of Ø18, 16, and 14 mm, the Makalu Poles balance strength and weight reduction. The wider upper sections increase stability, while the tapered lower sections reduce swing weight for efficient handling.
Trekking 2.0 Basket
The Trekking 2.0 baskets offer reliable performance on soft ground while avoiding snagging on obstacles. Their threaded system allows quick replacement or swapping with snow baskets for winter trekking.
Features:
- HTS 6.5 aluminium construction
- Weight: 269 g per pole
- Pack size: 71 cm
- Aergon Air ergonomic grip
- Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
- Three-section telescopic design
- Speed Lock Plus external adjustment
- Trekking 2.0 baskets
- Carbide Flex Tip Short for precision and grip