Alyssa Clark, Mountain Adventurer with An Ultra Running Problem
These are the best poles in the game, I'll be yaring hard on them on these uphills!
Recommended in Broken Arrow Triple Crown
Brand: LEKI
Category: Trekking Poles
Recommended by John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer — Aspen Colorado (:
Highlights: lightweight, grippy, durable
The LEKI Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles redefine lightweight performance for trail runners and adventurers. With an innovative design that prioritizes speed and control, these poles are engineered to enhance your outdoor experience without weighing you down. 1. Weighing under 5 ounces per pole, these are among the lightest trekking poles available, perfect for minimizing fatigue during long runs. 2. The Trail Shark grip system allows for quick and secure hand positioning, enhancing power transfer and control on varied terrain. 3. Constructed from HRC Max carbon, these poles offer exceptional stiffness and durability, ensuring reliability in challenging mountain conditions. 4. The minimalist design features a 30% reduced grip weight, optimizing performance without compromising comfort. 5. A push-button folding mechanism enables easy and rapid storage, making them convenient to pack in a running vest or belt. 6. Equipped with carbide Trail Running Tips for superior traction and a versatile Trail Running Basket, these poles adapt seamlessly to different surfaces. 7. An additional hand position provided by the small nose below the grip enhances versatility during steep climbs and technical descents. The Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles are designed for elite trail runners and fast-paced adventurers seeking efficiency and precision. Ideal for race days, long training runs, and fast-packing in mountainous terrains, these poles excel in environments where every ounce matters. Perfect for experienced users who demand high performance, they are suited for various conditions, from steep ascents to technical descents, ensuring you stay agile and in control throughout your journey.
Price: $249.95
Make legs go up more fast.
Recommended by John Bruno, Ultra trail-runner, ski mountaineer
Trail runners and ultramarathon racers tackling serious mountain climbing, especially on long or multi-day efforts where pole weight and transition speed matter. Notes also flag utility for those rehabbing lower-body injuries or seeking extra stability on technical terrain.
Near-universal praise for the weight, the Trail Shark glove/clip system, and fast fold-and-stow transitions; durability gets strong marks, with one host logging 5 years and another the full Cocodona 250 on a single pair. A couple of notes flag these are not the absolute lightest pole available, and one calls them "not the lightest in the world," though most hosts say the opposite — so expect some variation by model variant.
One host (5'3") runs a 115cm length, another (5'5") also uses 115cm; one note advises sizing up in length as skill level increases. Sunscreen can make the grip/setup slightly slippery per one host, and the shark glove system has a short learning curve.
Make legs go up more fast.
John Bruno recommends the LEKI Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles for trekking poles. Make legs go up more fast.
Yes — John Bruno recommends the Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles by LEKI as their trekking poles pick. Make legs go up more fast.
38 experts recommend the LEKI Ultratrail FX 1 Superlite Trekking Poles.
These are the best poles in the game, I'll be yaring hard on them on these uphills!
Recommended in Broken Arrow Triple Crown
While not their lightest pole, these carbon fiber beasts offer the perfect balance between weight and durability. I used these for every step of the Cocodona 250 and they held up great.
Recommended in Wyoming Range 100
For every mountain mile
Recommended in Trail Running
I got these to transfer load from my legs to my arms so I could run more while rehabbing a knee injury, but it turns out they also help you run faster up steep climbs! I really like the fact that the hand strap can be easily disconnected from the poles while running. This makes it easy to quickly transition from using poles to stowing them in your belt/vest (or vice versa) as the terrain changes.
Recommended in Trail Running
Super light, easily collapsed, clip-in gloves are great. Size up on the length if you're planning to use then for a while (more advanced = longer) and the customer service is great!
Recommended in CCC by UTMB
Super light weight. My go to for multi day trail runs. And the pink makes me happy :)
Recommended in Cocodona Gear
If you're looking for poles - big Leki is where it's at! No need to shop around elsewhere. Leki was started in 1948 in Germany and has been innovating in the space ever since. If you are curious about using poles - there is no argument that with practice and efficiency they're a game changer for climbing which can translate to going further and faster from reduced strain on your climbing legs. They have a few models, and after demoing each variety I find the UltraTrail FX.One to be the most optimal balance of all benefits - lightweight, durable, middle price tier, and added efficiency from the Trail Shark system.
Recommended in Long Run
My go to trail running poles! The carbon makes them super lite, easy to collapse, and cute colors!
Recommended in Trail Race Kit
Love these! Lightest poles in the game. Super easy to click in and out and the gloves are very comfy for long run and downhills not using them.
Recommended in Broken Arrow Triple Crown :)
The Leki Ultratrail FX.One trekking poles are the best out there in my opinion. They are collapsible, extremely lightweight, and the Trail Shark grip system is so nice! I highly recommend them! They can stow nicely on the Salomon ADV Skin 12 vest too! These poles will really help late in the race!
Recommended in No Business 100
Super light weight, compact poles. The design using force distribution through the gloves noticeably reduces upper extremity fatigue.
Recommended in Trail running
These were my first-ever poles, bought for the inaugural Cocodona 250. They quickly became an extension of me — I didn’t even want to put them down after the race. Obsessed.
Recommended in Trail Essentials
(I own two pair) These poles are one of the best investments you can make if your races or adventures involve serious climbing. They help take stress off your back and legs, improve efficiency on long ascents, and give you extra power when the terrain gets steep. As a foot and ankle specialist, I also appreciate the added stability they provide on technical trails. The extra points of contact can help improve balance, reduce fatigue-related missteps, and decrease the risk of rolling an ankle when the trail gets rough. They're incredibly lightweight, pack down easily, and have become a must-have piece of gear for my longer mountain races. Once you learn how to use poles effectively, it's hard to imagine tackling big climbs without them.
Recommended in Trail Gear You Didn't Think You Needed... But You're Wrong
The best, lightest poles for training and racing. These carried me through 80k through the Pyranees!
Recommended in Adventure Essentials
The FX.one Ultralight fixed-length poles have a great removable strap system and multi-purpose grip, with a simple folding system. Great for long runs where ounces and transition speed matter.
Recommended in Teton Crest in a Day
Best in the game for anything in the mountains. Easy to fold and stash so you can use them when you need and forget about them otherwise.
Recommended in Ultra Race Kit
super light poles to keep you upright and going the distance
Recommended in mountain running kit
Seriously if you are doing big mountain races and don't have these in your quiver i don't know what the fuck to tell you. buy some.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Incredible poles. Easy to use. A huge fan of the locking gloves. Super light and lifesavers for the tough climbs and the last miles.
Recommended in My Go-To Gear
Lightest poles on the market!
Recommended in Essentials for Ultra Running
Light and easy to fold and put away - the gloves are a game changer for uphill hiking.
Recommended in Race day kit
These poles are super light and easy to transition. I'm 5'5" barefoot and use size 115
Recommended in ✨CCC✨
Super light & quick to deploy. The perfect sidekick for when the climbing gets steep.
Recommended in tim's trailfest selects
I switched to these poles this season and will never go back to anything else. Leki’s innovative glove design makes their poles easy and efficient to use. Combined with the lightweight but strong construction they are ideal for even the toughest trails.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
My goto pole choice when the running gets steep and high.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
I’ve used the same Leki poles for 5 years and they are still going strong! The most durable and lightweight poles in the game.
Recommended in Cocodona 250
If you're going to run in the mountains, you're gonna want poles. The glove/pole sharkgrip attachment is so effective, efficient, and easy. Easy to unclip, fold up, and put in quiver. And re-deploys just as quickly! Also, the poles are so light, I unclip and run with them in hand on the flats most of the time. These poles are amazingly strong and sturdy. Plus the power transfer from arm to pole by way of the solid clip to the glove is unmatched! You'll love them!
Recommended in 15 Products I Actually Use
These poles come in clutch when the adventure calls for steep climbs and decents.
Recommended in Long Run Adventure Kit
My favorite poles
Recommended in My 200+ Mile List
The best poles to help me fly up the climbs at lightning speed ⚡️
Recommended in Accessories
These are responsible for a lot of my Strava segment PRs. They are super easy to set up and breakdown (setup can be a little tricky if you're covered in sunscreen like I am, but not hard). They are also *incredibly* light. Unbelievably light. Will be using them for a mountainous 50k coming up!
Recommended in Dirt Run Essentials
The only poles I've ever used! Light as a feather, collapsible, and I love the shark glove system.
Recommended in My Tried and True Favorites
Best running pole on the market IMO, never broken one and they've seen some serious front range talus. At 5'3" I run a 115 (10 cm shorter than my skimo pole).
Recommended in Trail Running
I love the hand harness system with these poles.
Recommended in Trail Running
Extra pair of legs to outsource the impact on your feet
Recommended in Trail Running Essentials
I am a pole gal, I just love using them in races. Super lightweight but sturdy! I've used the same pair for training, 2 100 mile mountain races, a few 50's, and have never feared they'd break.
Recommended in High Lonesome 100 Gear
The only trekking poles you will ever need.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
“Make legs go up more fast.”
“Make legs go up more fast.”
