LEKI Micro VARIO Carbon Poles review

LEKI Micro VARIO Carbon Poles

Editor: Cory McLaughlin

Just the Facts:
LEKI’s sophisticated, ultralite, super compact, yet FULLY functional answer to the growing “folding” pole category now features SpeedLock 2 for even more weight savings and secure performance. The push-button release mechanism allows for quick, easy assembly and knock-down to just 15.5″. The TÜV-certified Speed​​Lock 2 provides a 20cm adjustment range. With Aergon Thermo foam grips and super lightweight carbon shafts, these trekking poles will be your constant companion and one of your most useful tools on the trail and peaks. Includes travel/stow bag.

• 100% HM Carbon Shaft
• AERGON Thermo Extended Grip
• Air-textured strap wicks and dries quickly
• push button connector
• Speed Lock 2 for adjustment
• 110 – 130cm adjustment
• 14.6 oz per pair
• 15 inch pack size
• Includes red nylon carry bag
• Sold as a pair

My Story:
When I was a much younger man I made the decision to join the military. It was a very eye opening experience for me and it pushed me to limits I never imagined. My introduction to road marching was often times as overwhelmingly monotonous as it was physically exhausting. Walking with extra weight takes its toll on the body and this is only amplified by uneven terrain. Alas, my Army days are long behind me and the “Embrace the Suck” attitude that was beat into me is fading as well. I’ve earned my aches and pains I have today by holding far too long to the old idea of doing without. Hiking for any reason could be done without any silly poles or fancy packs. I mean, the Army taught me that.
While in pre deployment I was injured in an automobile accident. This injury would ultimately end my time in the military. My memories of this great period of my life will always be with me but so too are my injuries. I am not as nimble as I once was and getting around was pretty rough for the first few years. Hard work and that never quit attitude helped me get myself back to a level that made hiking a pleasure again but I had to make some serious modifications.

It was the cane that really did it for me. After using a cane for nearly a year I was used to holding something in my hand while I walked. I liked the support and that is what lead me to try my first set of trekking poles. My first thought was anger. I was so mad that I had not used these great tools at an earlier point in my life. My next thought was of the future. I would never be without poles again.
This year I fell into a great opportunity to test out a new pair of poles. The good people at LEKI agreed to send me a pair of LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles. One lesson learned by using that old army gear is that weight is important and if you can spare it you should. With that philosophy in mind carbon is the way to go. These poles come in at a very acceptable weight of 14.6 OZ per pair. They are also collapsible and can fold down as small as 15.5 inches. Light weight and small! What a combination.

Now, trekking poles are great, and I use them for everything from camera holders to tent poles. But sometimes they are not useful. There may come a time that the poles need to be stowed and this is where the folding feature of these poles is fantastic. Unlike many other poles I have tried these LEKI Vario’s are a dream to collapse. With the simple push of a button the poles will collapse and with the internal cable you can rest assured that all the pieces will stay together. This beats the heck out of having to twist and turn each section only to have to reset them every time. With the LEKI Micro Vario’s you only have one lock adjustment that needs to be reset after full takedown.

The foam hand grips are comfortable to the touch and seem to be very durable. LEKI implemented their AERGON grip which provides a very ergonomic fit for the hand. I also like the top of the grip as it is big enough to grip when going down very steep terrain or obstacles. The included wrist strap is adjustable and comfortable. The tips of the poles are set with a super strong carbide tip that will find traction on just about any surface.

If you are in the market for a lightweight compactable set of great trekking poles than you have found them. LEKI has done a great job of designing these great poles and I anticipate many great miles and adventures. Fine Job LEKI!

What could be done better?
I cannot speak to the long term durability of this product as only time will tell. I can say that I am very impressed with these poles thus far and can see no signs of that changing. I cannot find anything that calls for immediate attention or change. Keep up the great work LEKI!

I comfortably give this product a 5 star rating!