What are the Leki Makalu FX Carbon Compact Poles?
The Leki Makalu FX Carbon Compact are lightweight, foldable trekking poles created for demanding treks and alpine routes. With a reduced adjustable length of 100–120 cm and a compact 41 cm pack size, these poles are ideal for users who need a shorter fit without sacrificing performance. At just 241 g per pole, they combine minimal weight with excellent stability. Whether tackling multi-day hut-to-hut tours, long alpine ascents, or challenging terrain, the Compact version delivers the same premium features as the Makalu FX Carbon but in a smaller format, ensuring a perfect fit for users with shorter reach.
What are they made of?
Full Carbon Shaft
Crafted from PRC 1000 carbon fibre, the Makalu FX Carbon Compact delivers the ultimate balance of lightweight construction and high durability. Carbon fibre offers exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio and natural vibration damping, reducing strain on wrists and joints while improving comfort on rocky or uneven terrain. The result is a pole that feels stable, responsive, and efficient over long mountain days.
Matt Metallic Finish
The matte metallic coating provides enhanced durability and a premium aesthetic. It resists scratches and abrasions while concealing marks from regular use, ensuring the poles maintain their technical, high-quality appearance even after extended adventures.
Aergon Air Grip
The Aergon Air grip is designed for optimal comfort on long treks. Its hollow-core construction reduces unnecessary weight, while the rounded, edgeless top supports multiple hand positions for climbing, descending, or traversing. Textured grip zones improve traction in wet or gloved conditions, and the ergonomic design minimises hotspots and fatigue.
Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
The Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 uses breathable, soft-touch material to ensure comfort during extended use. Its mesh-like structure enhances airflow and reduces sweat buildup, while its durable construction resists wear and fraying. The adjustable design allows for a secure, efficient wrist connection.
Carbide Flex Tips
The Flex Tip Short (carbide) ensures precise planting and excellent durability. Carbide tips maintain long-lasting sharpness and traction on rock, gravel, or icy ground, while the compact design improves swing efficiency and protects the shaft from impact.
What are their features?
Foldable FX Construction
The four-section FX folding system collapses the poles to a compact 41 cm, making them extremely portable for travel or pack storage. The External Locking Device (ELD) secures the sections with a single click, enabling fast, reliable deployment on the trail.
Adjustable Length
The Compact model offers an adjustable range of 100–120 cm, ideal for smaller users or anyone needing a shorter pole. Length adjustments are managed by the Speed Lock 2 Plus external clamp, which allows quick, secure, and glove-friendly fine-tuning with maximum holding force even under heavy loads.
Precision Design
The shaft diameters (Ø18|16|14|14 mm) provide a strong balance of rigidity and low weight. Combined with the ELD folding mechanism, the design ensures stability and responsiveness on technical, uneven, or steep terrain.
Trekking 2.0 Basket
The mid-sized Trekking 2.0 basket delivers reliable support on soft terrain while avoiding snagging on narrow or rocky trails. The threaded design allows for easy replacement or switching to larger snow baskets when needed.
Durable Tips
The carbide Flex Tip Short offers long-lasting grip and precision across all surfaces, from rocky ridges to icy paths. Its compact profile improves efficiency and protects the lower shaft from direct impacts.
Features:
- PRC 1000 carbon fibre shaft
- Lightweight: 241 g per pole
- Compact 41 cm pack size
- Ergonomic Aergon Air grip
- Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
- Speed Lock 2 Plus external adjustment
- Four-section FX foldable design
- Trekking 2.0 baskets included
- Carbide Flex Tip Short for precision