Gear Review: Skytera FX Carbon SL Trekking Poles by LEKI
Looking for ultralight trekking poles that pack down small and perform big? The LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL poles are trail-tested in alpine terrain and offer unbeatable comfort, weight, and durability for backpackers and fast hikers alike.
The LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL poles are some of the lightest and most trail-ready trekking poles I’ve ever used. We’ve taken them deep into the high alpine on long, demanding hikes this spring—through lingering snowfields, steep talus slopes, and rough ridgeline scrambles—and they’ve been rock solid every time. For any hiker or fast-moving mountain adventurer who wants minimal weight and maximum performance, these poles absolutely deliver.
Standout Features
One of the biggest things I appreciate about these poles is how streamlined and fast they are to use. The folding FX system is super intuitive—just snap them together in seconds when you're ready to move and collapse them down to just 15 inches when you’re not. They disappear into the side pocket of my pack when I don’t need them.
Made from carbon fiber, they’re incredibly strong but ultralight, weighing just 7.6 oz per pole. The cork grips feel great in hand and don’t get slick when I sweat or run into rain. I’ve also loved how stable and stiff they feel on steep terrain, especially above treeline when balance becomes everything.
Other features worth highlighting:
- Carbon fiber shaft for excellent weight savings and durability
- CoreLock FX folding system packs small and deploys fast
- Fixed lengths from 110 to 130 cm to suit your height and stride
- Real cork grips with breathable, adjustable straps
- Carbide tip that bites into scree, snow, and rock
- Reflective details for early morning or twilight hiking
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super light—just 7.6 oz per pole | Fixed length (make sure to choose the right size) |
| Folds down small for travel and packing | More expensive than standard aluminum poles |
| Cork grips are comfortable even on long hikes | Not adjustable on the fly |
| Fast and easy to deploy | May not suit folks who prefer adjustable trekking poles |
| Feels stable on snow, rock, and scree | Learning curve if you're new to folding poles |
Final Thoughts
The LEKI Skytera FX Carbon SL Trekking Poles have been an awesome addition to our alpine kit. I’ve used a lot of trekking poles over the years, and these feel like the sweet spot between ultralight performance and real-world reliability. If you like to move fast and light in rugged terrain, these are absolutely worth the investment.
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