Why we stock Leki at Crib Goch Outdoor
The question we get asked most often about trekking poles is whether they are worth buying at all. On the descent from Crib Goch, the Glyderau, or the Carneddau, the answer is usually yes. Poles reduce the load on your knees on long descents, improve balance on wet rock and technical ground, and add a meaningful margin of stability on exposed ridges. The question then becomes which poles to buy, and Leki's position in the market is straightforward: among the most technically refined poles available, with grip and locking systems developed from decades of ski racing engineering, and backed by a lifetime warranty on aluminium shafts and a one year warranty on carbon shafts when purchased from an authorised retailer, like Crib Goch Outdoor. Replacement parts are available for most models, which matters for a product you intend to use for years.
Leki also applies their engineering to trail running poles, an area where the weight, packability, and grip system matter as much as the pole itself. The Ultratrail FX.One and Neotrail Pro FX.One ranges are used by mountain runners and ultra athletes across the world, and the Trail Shark grip system, which connects the pole to a lightweight glove rather than a traditional strap, transfers energy more efficiently and allows you to drop the poles quickly without losing them. For anyone running in the mountains of North Wales, these are poles that earn their place in a race vest.
What we stock and why we chose it
For hiking, the Makalu range is Leki's most established trekking pole and the one most of our walking customers reach for first: robust, reliable, available in aluminium and carbon versions, with an ergonomic cork or foam grip and a secure locking system for adjusting length on the go. The Khumbu Lite sits alongside it as a strong all-round aluminium option with the AS locking system for quick adjustment. The Sherpa FX Carbon Strong is the most capable hiking pole we stock, a heavy-duty carbon option built for demanding terrain and heavy pack loads. The Legacy Lite Pro and Voyager cover the more accessible end of the hiking range for those who want reliable Leki quality at a lower entry point. The Skytera FX Carbon SL is available in both fixed and adjustable versions, suited to those who prefer a fixed length for consistency. For trail running, the Ultratrail FX.One and Ultratrail FX.One Superlite are the most popular in the running range, folding down small enough to carry in a vest when not needed and stiff enough to provide real propulsion on steep ascents. The Neotrail Pro FX.One SL and Evotrail FX.One cover different weight and price points within the running range. We also stock Trail Running Quiver vests and belts for carrying poles when running, the Shark Frame Strap and glove system, replacement tips, baskets, and a pole carry bag.
Leki Trekking Poles FAQs
Are Leki trekking poles worth the money? +
Yes, particularly for regular hill walkers. Leki's engineering comes from ski racing pole development, which means grip ergonomics, locking mechanisms, and shaft construction are all refined to a level above most mid-market alternatives. The lifetime warranty on aluminium shaft poles means that if the shaft breaks in normal use, Leki will replace it. Replacement tips and parts are available for most models, so you maintain rather than replace when components wear out. For anyone spending significant time in the hills each year, Leki poles represent a sound long-term investment rather than a product you cycle through every few seasons.
What length trekking pole do I need? +
The standard starting point is to adjust the pole so your elbow forms roughly a 90-degree angle when the tip rests on flat ground beside you. From there, shorten the pole by five to ten centimetres when climbing steeply, which keeps your grip comfortable and reduces shoulder strain on ascents, and lengthen slightly on descents to increase reach and stability. Adjustable poles allow you to make these changes on the go. If you are unsure, come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert and we will help you set the right length for your height and build before you head out.
Are trekking poles useful for walking in Snowdonia? +
Yes, particularly on the descents. Welsh mountain routes involve a lot of steep, wet, rocky ground where poles add meaningful balance and reduce the load on your knees over long days. On Yr Wyddfa, the Glyderau, and the Carneddau, the descents are often where poles prove their worth most clearly, especially on loose or wet rock where an unexpected slip is the most common cause of incidents. For anyone with existing knee issues, poles on descent are close to essential. For general walkers doing regular mountain days, they extend how far and how comfortably you can walk before fatigue sets in.
What is the difference between Leki hiking poles and trail running poles? +
Hiking poles are generally adjustable, heavier, and built for sustained stability over long days with a pack. Trail running poles are lighter, foldable rather than telescoping, and often fixed length for consistency and simplicity during fast movement. The FX.One folding system on Leki's running poles allows them to collapse to a size that fits inside a running vest or clips to the outside, so you carry them only when needed and deploy them quickly on steep climbs. The Trail Shark grip system used on Leki running poles connects the pole to a lightweight glove, which improves energy transfer and means you can open your hand without dropping the pole, which matters when moving quickly on technical terrain.
What is the Leki warranty and what does it cover? +
Leki offers a lifetime warranty on aluminium shaft poles and a one year warranty on carbon shaft poles, covering defects in materials and workmanship when purchased from an authorised retailer such as Crib Goch Outdoor. The warranty covers shaft breakage but does not cover wear and tear, accidental damage, bent poles, broken straps, worn tips or grips, or damage from misuse. Replacement parts including tips, baskets, and straps are available for most models, which allows you to maintain the poles over years of use rather than replacing them when components wear out.
Can I try Leki poles in store in North Wales? +
Yes. We stock Leki across our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. For trekking poles in particular, trying the grip and locking system in person makes a significant difference to finding the right model. Grip shape and size varies between models and between cork, foam, and rubber options, and the feel of the locking mechanism is something that is difficult to assess from a product page alone. Come in and we will help you find the right pole for your height, your planned use, and your budget.