Review: Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles
Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL
$220, 12.6 oz./357g (per pair)
One size, adjustable 110-130cm/43.3-51.2 ins.
lekiusa.com

Poles are one of the most important pieces of gear to save weight on: held in your hands all day, a few extra ounces will be infinitely more noticeable than the same weight on your back. Leki’s Skytera FX Carbon poles weigh in impressively light compared to most poles while still retaining many of the features I prefer in a pair of trekking poles, like adjustability and construction that holds up. From a very rugged five-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon to numerous runs and hikes on the steep and rocky trails above my home in Salt Lake City—such as Mount Olympus, which rises a blistering 4,000 feet in 3 miles—I’ve been convinced that these poles offer a good balance of weight, features, and durability.

Weighing in at a mere 12.6 ounces/357 grams, these poles are some of the lightest we’ve reviewed due to their all-carbon construction. More importantly, that weight is mostly concentrated in the grip and wider upper segment of the pole, so the swing weight feels as low as the lightest poles on the market. I found running with these poles quite comfortable; I could swing them around fast enough to make effective pole plants even while chasing friends who are faster than me down steep trails.

These four-section, foldable poles come in only one size, adjustable from 110 to 130 centimeters/43.3 to 51.2 inches, and this comprises a strict range; they cannot adjust to shorter than the minimum setting, as you can do with telescoping poles. While narrow, this range proved sufficient for my needs—including adjusting pole length based on trail incline, which I like to do—and will work for most people, but unusually tall or short folks should look for a pole with more adjustability. I found the SpeedLock Plus length adjustment mechanism quick and easy to use even while running, with no slippage once locked down, even on the very long, steep descent of the Grand Canyon’s Tanner Trail and very loose rock on the canyon’s Escalante Route.

These Skyteras fold down to 15.5 inches/39.4 centimeters, short enough to only poke slightly out of the top of my running vest and fit comfortably inside a small daypack. They use a core locking device to lock into their extended/usable form; toggling the lock requires simply pulling the third segment out of the grip segment until it clicks. This mechanism makes unfolding and locking the pole very quick: simply drop the two folded segments and pull the third segment out of the top (grip segment) until the pole assembles and the click is heard. I haven’t had any issues with reliability in this mechanism, and I’ll update this review if I do.

The FX Carbon is capped with a Verticon Grip, which Leki claims reduces weight and provides extra ergonomic comfort. I wouldn’t classify the ergonomics as game-changing, but the foam grip works as it should and provides plenty of friction, and I appreciate that it extends a few extra inches down the shaft so the pole remains grippable in off-camber situations where grabbing a pole below the top can be helpful. I’m not a huge fan of the pommel atop the grip; I like to press down on the top of a pole with my palm for extra power during steep descents, and having a slightly longer pommel than on these poles helps to hold on when descending this way. I had a few instances where moist, sticky soil pulled the pole out of my hand because I couldn’t grip it well while palming the top. Fortunately, I found the Mesh Lock Security Strap easy to adjust and very breathable, and it saved me from actually dropping the pole in these situations.

While these are very lightweight carbon poles, I haven’t had any durability issues with them—you’ll see a notice at the top of this review if I encounter any serious issues. Users concerned with durability should note that lightweight poles won’t be as durable as heavier, thicker poles, especially against impacts and shearing forces. Both of us here at The Big Outside have experience with lightweight carbon poles shearing in situations that did not seem to put unusual force on the poles. Given their weight, I’m not sure I’d want to pitch an ultralight tent in a storm with these poles—though they held up to light wind when I did test their ability to hold up a tent for a night.

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You can support our work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the Leki Skytera FX Carbon Trekking Poles at lekiusa.com, backcountry.com or rei.com.

See our picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles,” and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss our popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

—Nate Lanza

Note from Michael Lanza: An avid climber, backpacker, dayhiker, and backcountry and resort skier, Nate Lanza has been doing all of these since he was a preschooler; and as my son, he has nearly 20 years of experience on wilderness adventures. I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, we review only what we consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips.