As with the Micro Vario Carbon poles, they come with only one fixed basket described as a Nordic Walking basket, although they are removable so you could use other baskets if they were similar internal diameter. For a pole of this quality, an extra wide wet ground or soft snow basket would have been nice. You can buy padded tip covers for solid ground but these are not included with the poles; given the price tag, all the extras should arguably have come as standard. Summary There’s a comfortable hold as well thanks to the anatomically shaped grip which has a good bit of softness to it. All-in-all, we’d say the Hikemaster is the ideal combination of size and weight for long treks into the mountains.

Skládací hole od LEKI vynikají minimálními rozměry po složení a ultra lehkostí. Ať už se chystáte na přístup k ferratě, na trail running nebo menší pěší túry. Although, like all carbon poles, careful placement is still necessary, because sudden impacts are more likely to shatter carbon fibre compared to aluminium alloy. The upside is vastly reduced weight, which reduces fatigue, particularly when covering longer mileages.Tough, fairly lightweight and with no fiddly bits, these durable aluminium poles from Austrian manufacturer Komperdell do exactly what you would expect from a walking pole. Here are some useful tips and advice on how to get the most of your walking and trekking poles so you can enjoy your adventures more, be safer and improve your fitness. The use of walking and trekking poles has become much more popular, and acceptable, and will provide huge benefits if they fit you properly and you understand the techniques required. More points in the versatility department is in the ability to change the baskets of these poles. Leki have made it possible for you to switch out the standard trekking basket with a wider snow basket, making the pole suitable for ski touring, snowshoeing and general winter hiking. The handles, called Aergon Thermo Long Grip by Leki, are super comfortable to use. I find cork handles, which are ubiquitous on a lot of brands these days, quite irritating and abrasive over time. The foam construction on the Vario Carbon allows use without gloves and the long section with added grips means you can vary the pole height instinctively depending on your body position, without the need to stop and adjust the length.

The ergonomic grips are made from cork, but there’s also a rubberised “extension” for added grip on steep terrain, so you get the best of both worlds. The padded wrist strap feels really secure, too. The poles come with two basket sets (including one for deep snow) and interchangeable carbide and rubber tips for when the going is soft and hard. These are technologically advanced poles that would be better suited to walkers who already understand the benefits of trekking poles and are accustomed to using them, particularly those seeking to minimise trail weight by upgrading from aluminium alloy poles to carbon fibre construction. Part of Leki’s specialist trekking range, the Micro Vario Carbon is suitable for particularly demanding tours. Once you give trekking poles a go for the first time, you’ll soon realise the difference they make. They’re ideal for helping you manage heavier loads, whilst also offering stability and balance over some of the more technical sections of a walk.

The best walking poles you can buy in 2023

Nordic walking poles: Poles designed specifically for Nordic walking tend to be fixed-length without folding mechanisms, and combine extreme lightness with super-strength to support your weight. Specialist walking pole maker Leki has a great guide to selecting the length of your Nordic walking pole. Leki decided to use a short Flex Tip results in precise pole placements and perfect grip in nearly and terrain. Selected for our Outdoor 100 2021/22. Read our full review of the Leki MCT 12 Vario Carbon trekking poles. BUY NOW: LEKI.CO.UK

Rychlé složení holí jedním tlačítkem ve speciální konstrukci zaručující vysokou stabilitu a bezpečnost. Velice lehké poutko s dobrou prodyšností, díky tomu nabízí maximální komfort při minimální hmotnosti.However, many walkers prefer to use just one. That way, you’ve got a free hand when you need it. But you don’t have as much stability as you would with two poles, so if you’re off to scramble up a fell, you’ll definitely be wanting two poles. What features should I look out for? Walkers can really benefit from a version of the skiing technique used by Nordic walkers and skiers; if you saw cross country skiing you’ll be aware of this technique. The simplest way to learn is to find a flat piece of ground large enough to walk comfortably, a football pitch or park is ideal.