Walking Equipment and Accessories

Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL Poles | Review

A lightweight and very high-spec pole that we found to be ideal for ultralight hiking and also trail running.

From our experience testing countless sets of trekking poles over the years here at Outdoors Magic, Leki are without a doubt total pros at producing poles. I personally was blown away by the lightweight performance of one of their previous models, the Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon, when I first used it a few years ago, and actually liked that pole so much that I chose to use it for my record-breaking run over all the 189 mountains in Wales.

This, the Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL, seems to be an evolution of that pole I used, bringing many of the same qualities to the table but at an even lighter weight – just 178g per pole.

Our Top Line on the Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL

This is an exceptionally light pole that still delivers reliable performance. Crafted from high-spec materials, it’s easy to adjust and highly packable, making it ideal for those who value efficiency on the move. It’s designed primarily for hiking but, from what I’ve seen, it’s also excellent for running.

Users seeking a pole they can really muscle through rugged abuse might want to consider other options, however. As a carbon pole, this model prioritises lightweight agility, with just enough durability to handle the demands of the trail. I haven’t had any issues so far, but, being a carbon pole, it’s not going to have the same levels of durability that you’d get from an aluminium pole.

Buy The Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL Poles: £155 at Absolute-snow.co.uk

These are some easily adjustable, highly lightweight poles.

Key Features

Packable: This has a z-type four-pole design that allows it to break down to just 40cm in length – easily big enough to fit onto the side of a daypack or onto a running pack. Deployment and stashing away is quick and easy, though there is a knack to it.

Height adjustment: This can be adjusted from 110cm to 130cm so it should suit most people. A small lever allows you to make height adjustment quickly and easily on the go.

Comfortable grip: The grip is made from a new foam that Leki have developed. This is ergonomically-shaped, feels comfortable and I’ve found that it’s easy to grip with wet hands. The foam extends down the pole so you can make quick grip adjustments while on the move.

Lightweight strap: This is water resistant and quick drying. I found it to be comfortable and reliable. It can be adjusted, though not that easily.

Pole bag: These come in a small pole bag that I’ve found to be very handy. I found it was great for when I wanted to stash the poles in the stretch mesh of a backpack as it prevents any snagging from occurring.

Buy The Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL Poles: £155 at Absolute-snow.co.uk

How I Tested Them

On paper, this looked good enough for selection for our week-long Outdoor 100 test trip in Eryri and, after testing it out on some strenuous mountain hikes and runs, we deemed it worthy of our final Gear of the Year list. During the trip, we hiked into the mountains of the Moelwynion along the tricky slate paths there, and we also ventured into the Rhinogydd mountains where we had to negotiate the treacherous boulder fields there – a true test for any trekking pole! After the week, the poles remained with me in Eryri where I spent the Easter Weekend surveying routes for a guidebook I’m working on. During this trip, the poles were used by both of us throughout the course of three hikes, each of around 18 km in length. Hannah, my partner, had never used trekking poles before and these had her fully converted.

Jazz pictured here testing the Lekis in the Rhinogydd in some pretty wet conditions. Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

Are They Durable Enough?

Carbon poles, while very light, do tend to be seen as less durable than aluminium poles – particularly in cold weather. From my experience with these, they meet my requirements for a trekking pole and I’ve no concerns about their durability. There have been a few moments when I’ve got the pole caught in a gap between boulders and the pole has flexed, but it hasn’t bent or snapped. I’ve also used the pole as a prop for a tarp tent and it held well, even in very strong winds. That being said, I think if you really pushed it, there would be a breaking point, so you do need to take some care.

Related: Best Hiking Socks
Related: Best Walking Boots

Then there’s also the durability of the finish on the poles. I’ve tried a lot of products in the past that get scratched or dented very quickly, but I’ve been impressed by the resilience of the Skytera. It’s held up well against imperfections over the course of some fairly rugged use so far.

Deployment

Deploying these is simple, but there is a knack to it. Like all Z-pole designs, you need to open the lever, hold the handle in one hand and then use your other hand to pull downward on the first pole section beneath the handle. Do this and all the pole sections will snap together and you can then lock them by closing the pole lever.

What’s The Leki Skytera Best Suited To?

This is primarily a hiking pole and, from my experience, it works perfectly for that purpose. It’s stable, it hasn’t collapsed on me and all of the different functions work conveniently. I’ve also found I can easily fit the two poles onto the various different trekking pole attachment configurations that you find on hiking packs – whether that’s on the front of a pack, on the side, or on a harness.

I’ve also found the Skytera to be light and reliable enough for trail running too. In fact, it’s definitely coming with me on my next ultra marathon. The only downside to them when using them for running is that the basket at the base and the lever can both get caught when you’re trying to thread the poles through a bungee. Leki actually make poles designed to avoid this problem, so it might be worth checking them out if you want something that you can deploy and stash away quickly and without having to stop or even look.

Verdict

These are priced quite high at £185 for a pair. They are very high quality though, and the performance does reflect that price. Heavy but flimsy poles are cheap, light and durable poles are pricey – and there aren’t many exceptions to that rule. Harrier’s Catbells Pro V2 is one I can think of.

Leki also back their gear with solid aftercare, offering spare parts and repairs for up to 10 years after purchase. So if something does eventually wear out or get damaged, you’re not left high and dry. That kind of support adds extra reassurance to what is already a very polished and well-thought-out bit of kit.