What are the Leki Makalu Lite Trekking Poles?
The Leki Makalu Lite Poles take the proven durability and stability of the Makalu series and refine them into a lighter, more compact package. At just 248 g per pole with a pack size of 67 cm, these poles are built for trekkers who want dependable aluminium strength but in a sleeker design. With an adjustable range of 100–135 cm, they are ideal for users with shorter reach or for those who prefer a pole that packs smaller without sacrificing reliability.
What are they made of?
High-Strength Aluminium (HTS 6.5)
Constructed from HTS 6.5 aluminium, the Makalu Lite delivers excellent durability and impact resistance while shedding weight compared to the standard Makalu. Aluminium remains the go-to choice for trekkers who value resilience against dents, bends, and hard knocks, making it ideal for rocky alpine terrain or rugged multi-day use. By using slimmer diameters than the standard Makalu, the Lite reduces overall swing weight while maintaining enough strength to support long treks with heavy loads.
Matt Metallic Finish
The matte metallic coating provides a sleek, premium appearance while protecting the shaft from scratches and abrasions during demanding use. Unlike glossy finishes, the matte texture disguises wear more effectively, so the poles continue looking professional and technical even after heavy use on rocky trails or in challenging environments.
Aergon Air Grip
The Aergon Air grip is a hallmark of Leki's ergonomic design, delivering superior comfort and control. Its hollow-core structure reduces unnecessary weight, while the rounded, edgeless top supports multiple hand positions — perfect for descending, traversing, or powering uphill. Textured grip zones improve handling in wet conditions or when wearing gloves, ensuring reliable performance in various environments. By distributing pressure evenly across the palm, the grip helps reduce fatigue and hotspots over long distances.
Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
The Skin Strap 5.0 provides softness, breathability, and durability. Its skin-friendly construction prevents chafing during extended use, while its mesh-like structure promotes airflow to reduce sweat build-up on hot days or high-output climbs. The strap is fully adjustable for a secure fit, ensuring efficient energy transfer into the pole without requiring a tight grip. Built tough, it resists fraying even under heavy, repeated use.
Carbide Flex Tips
At the base, the Flex Tip Short (carbide) ensures precise pole planting and long-lasting wear resistance. Carbide tips maintain their sharpness and traction across years of use, offering grip on everything from gravel tracks to alpine rock and icy trails. Their compact size improves swing efficiency while protecting the shaft from ground impact.
What are their features?
Telescopic Vario Design
The Makalu Lite features a three-section telescopic design with a generous adjustment range of 100–135 cm. This design makes them versatile for varied terrain — shorten them on steep ascents, lengthen them for descents, or fine-tune them for a comfortable stride length on flat trails. When collapsed, they pack down to 67 cm, making them compact enough for side-carry on a pack or storage in larger travel bags.
Speed Lock Plus Adjustment
Pole adjustment is quick and effortless thanks to the Speed Lock Plus external clamp. Lightweight yet secure, it allows fast changes on the move — even when wearing gloves — and locks firmly to ensure no slippage, even under load. Its robust design gives confidence in demanding conditions where stability is crucial.
Precision Build
The shaft diameters of Ø16, 14, and 12 mm strike a balance between reduced weight and sufficient rigidity. The slimmer profile compared to the standard Makalu contributes to a lighter overall feel while maintaining the reliability aluminium is known for. This design makes the Lite especially well-suited for users with smaller frames or those seeking a lower swing weight.
Trekking 2.0 Basket
Equipped with Trekking 2.0 baskets, the poles provide dependable float on soft terrain while staying compact enough to avoid snagging in tight spots or rocky trails. Their threaded design makes it easy to replace or swap baskets for snow-specific models when venturing into winter conditions.
Features:
- HTS 6.5 aluminium construction
- Lightweight: 248 g per pole
- Compact 67 cm pack size
- Ergonomic Aergon Air 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 durability