Gear Review: Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles By LEKI
Looking for lightweight, anti-shock trekking poles designed for smaller hands? Check out our review of the LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS poles—perfect for women hikers and backpackers who want top-tier support and packability.
LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles: Lightweight Support Built for Women
If you're looking for a set of trekking poles that check all the boxes! Lightweight, packable, built for comfort, and strong enough for big mountain days—the LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles are an awesome pick. Designed specifically for women (and anyone with smaller hands or a shorter frame), these poles combine ultralight carbon construction with LEKI’s signature durability and smooth swing.
Whether you're thru-hiking, backpacking off-trail, or just want to keep pressure off your knees during a steep descent, these poles have your back and your joints. The “AS” stands for Anti-Shock, which is built right into the shaft to soften impacts and reduce fatigue over time. That’s especially clutch on rocky terrain, hardpack trails, and alpine scrambles.
What Makes Them Special
LEKI is no stranger to making some of the best trekking poles in the game, but the Cressida FX Carbon AS poles go a step further by tailoring the design for female hikers and backpackers. They feature a slimmer Aergon Air grip, which fits smaller hands more comfortably, and the external locking system is quick and secure.
These poles fold down to just under 16 inches, so they’re super easy to stash in your pack when you don’t need them. At 254 grams per pole (just under 9 oz), they won’t weigh you down on long days. And the carbon fiber build adds noticeable stiffness without feeling fragile.
I find that these poles fit very comfortably in hand and do a great job absorbing ground impacts. They're quite thin, but very strong. I like how easy they are to break down and set up. It makes stashing them away for portions of time very simple and quick.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if they’re the right poles for your next adventure:
LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS Trekking Poles: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and strong carbon fiber construction | More expensive than aluminum models |
| Excellent anti-shock system helps reduce fatigue | Anti-shock adds a tiny bit of bulk/weight compared to ultralight non-AS models |
| Folds down small for travel and storage | Not ideal for tall users over 5'9” |
| Great fit for women or smaller hands | Grip size may be too narrow for larger hands |
| Reliable locking mechanism and intuitive design | Some users prefer twist locks over external clamps |
Packing It Out
The LEKI Cressida FX Carbon AS trekking poles are a premium option, but they absolutely earn their spot in your pack if you want something light, compact, and built to reduce wear and tear on your joints. They’re especially ideal for women hikers, backpackers, and anyone with smaller hands or shorter height who struggles with oversized poles.
If you're ready to invest in a high-quality pair that’ll support you on everything from local hikes to big multi-day treks, these are a killer pick.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
