When you’re hiking in the mountains or taking on long-distance treks, your trekking poles are more than just accessories – they’re essential pieces of gear that affect your comfort, efficiency, and safety. The Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles are designed for those who want a blend of strength, adjustability, and shock absorption without the extra weight. Built from high-quality aluminium and packed with clever ergonomic features, these poles are made to handle everything from weekend hill walks to multi-day alpine expeditions.
First Impressions – Quality You Can Feel
Right out of the box, the Leki Makalu Lite AS feels like a premium piece of kit. Leki has a reputation for engineering excellence, and these poles reinforce that image. The clean aluminium finish, smooth telescoping sections, and high-quality grips all speak to attention to detail. At just 258g per pole, they’re lightweight but still feel sturdy enough to trust on steep, uneven trails.
The colour scheme – typically a subtle combination of silver and muted tones – looks professional rather than flashy. You can tell these poles are designed for serious hiking rather than casual strolls in the park.
Build & Materials – Aluminium Strength with Reduced Weight
The Makalu Lite AS uses HTS 6.5 aluminium shafts, which offer excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminium poles tend to be more durable than carbon fibre in rocky or icy terrain, as they resist cracking from sudden impacts. While they’re slightly heavier than high-end carbon poles, the weight penalty is minimal and offset by the increased durability.
The three-section telescoping design means they can be adjusted for different heights or packed down for storage. The Speed Lock Plus system is smooth, easy to operate with gloves on, and locks securely without slipping – a common problem in lower-quality trekking poles.
Comfort & Ergonomics – Built for Long Days
One of the biggest selling points of the Leki Makalu Lite AS is the Aergon Air grips. These ergonomic handles are made from a combination of soft rubber and cork-like materials, designed to provide a natural grip while reducing hotspots and blisters.
The grips have a slight forward angle, which aligns your wrists in a more natural position, reducing fatigue over long distances. There’s also an extended foam grip below the handle, which is great for choking down when ascending steep inclines without adjusting pole length.
The straps are Lock Security Straps – wide, padded, and easily adjustable, giving you support without chafing. They’re also quick to release, which is a useful safety feature if your pole gets caught between rocks.
Anti-Shock System – Smoother on the Joints
The “AS” in Makalu Lite AS stands for Anti-Shock, and this system is built into the lower shaft. It reduces impact forces by up to 40%, which is particularly beneficial on descents or when carrying a heavy pack.
Some hikers worry that anti-shock poles feel bouncy or reduce stability, but Leki has tuned this system to be subtle. It absorbs enough vibration to protect your joints without feeling like you’re losing contact with the ground. For hikers with knee or ankle concerns, this is a game-changer.
Performance on the Trail
I tested the Leki Makalu Lite AS on varied terrain – rocky mountain trails, muddy forest paths, and long gravel descents. In every case, they provided reliable support and a comfortable grip.
On steep climbs, the lightweight build and ergonomic handles made them easy to plant and push off from without straining the wrists. On descents, the anti-shock system noticeably reduced jarring impacts. The Speed Lock Plus mechanism held firm, even when leaning heavily on the poles.
The included Trekking Baskets are ideal for most conditions, but they’re interchangeable, so you can fit snow baskets for winter hikes. The carbide tips provided secure traction on rock, ice, and dirt, though as with all tips, they will eventually wear and may need replacement after extended use.
Adjustability & Packability
The poles adjust from 100cm to 135cm, making them suitable for a wide range of user heights. The collapsed length of 67cm is compact enough to attach to the side of a backpack without sticking out too much, though not as short as some folding-style trekking poles.
For travel, they fit easily into most checked luggage, though you may need to angle them for smaller car boots.
Durability & Maintenance
After several hikes, the poles showed minimal signs of wear – just a few cosmetic scratches on the lower shafts. The aluminium construction is resilient, and the locking mechanisms don’t loosen with use.
Maintenance is straightforward: occasionally wipe down the shafts, keep the locking clamps free of dirt, and check tip wear. Leki offers spare parts for most components, so these poles could last for many years if cared for properly.
Who Are They For?
The Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles are ideal for:
- Long-distance hikers who want comfort and durability
- Trekking in mountainous or rocky terrain
- Hikers with sensitive knees or joints who will benefit from anti-shock technology
- People who value a balance between weight, strength, and adjustability
They may not be the lightest poles on the market, so ultralight purists might prefer carbon models. However, for most hikers, the durability and comfort more than make up for a small weight difference.
Value for Money
These aren’t budget poles – you’re paying for premium materials and engineering. But given their durability, comfort, and the anti-shock system, they represent excellent long-term value. A cheaper set may save you money up front but could cost more in replacements or repairs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight yet strong aluminium construction
- Effective anti-shock system
- Comfortable Aergon Air grips and padded straps
- Secure and easy-to-use Speed Lock Plus system
- Adjustable and durable
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some carbon fibre options
- Not as compact as folding trekking poles when collapsed
Final Verdict – Worth the Investment
The Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles are a smart investment for serious hikers who want durable, comfortable, and joint-friendly trekking poles. The combination of high-quality aluminium, ergonomic grips, and anti-shock technology makes them stand out in a crowded market. While they’re not the absolute lightest option, the trade-off in weight is worth it for the added stability and lifespan.
If you’re planning long treks, tackling challenging terrain, or simply want to protect your joints on descents, the Makalu Lite AS should be at the top of your list.
