Perfect poles for long hikes (Leki Makalu Compact Soft)

Member Name: apuskiduski

Product:	Leki Makalu Compact Soft
Date:	19/02/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, lightweight and good value for money

Disadvantages: They can't do the walking for you

Leki poles are, in my opinion, the best walking poles if you are covering long distances on your hikes. We tend to walk from one youth hostel to the next carrying everything so having these lightweight poles really helps. I have noticed a massive improvement in the impact on my knee and hip joints since I took up walking with leki poles. They are adjustable between 70 and about 140 cms so most people will be able to use them. I am 5 foot 5 and my husband is 6 foot 4 and we are both OK with them, our children can also use them as the straps are suitable for smaller hands. We often scramble up to our high point so being easy to retract and clip to your back pack helps. Because this is easy to do, you can also keep moving. Some poles I've used have been incredibly difficult to extend/collapse. Not so the leki! Perfect for everyone.

My husband paid about £30 for my Leki poles in Gaynor Sports, Ambleside. I can't remember the exact price as they were bought before I became a reviewer. The poles range in price according to how much anti-shock you need. I think it's probably best to shop around, use price-comparison sites and sign up to walking shops e-mail alerts to let you know when sales are on, though I can't imagine this brand will often be in a sale.

Further advice from a physio friend of mine. Always buy a pair of poles as walking with one can misallign your hips and cause problems in later life. Worth remembering I think.

Summary: Leki poles take a lot of beating