Category Archives: News

Outdoor Informer Review: LEKI Micro Stick Trekking Poles

Out on the trail, having a good pair of hiking poles can make a big difference. For example, poles can make the difference between nimbly navigating a choppy talus field and limping back to the car with a swollen ankle. Or the difference between popping back up onto your snowshoes and wallowing hopelessly in fluffy unpacked powder like an overturned turtle.

When picking poles, a great choice is LEKI’s Micro Stick. Built from segmented aircraft aluminum, these trekking poles are LEKI’s premier option for climbers, day hikers, or long-distance hikers. They pack down to only 15 inches, so you can strap them to the outside of your pack with ease. Since they’re tremendously lightweight, you don’t even know you’re carrying them until you need them. Weighing in at a scant 250 grams—barely over half a pound—you won’t be able to tell whether you packed hiking poles or a few extra energy bars.

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Camping Gear TV Review: LEKI Corklite AERGON Speedlock

Leki is all about trekking poles, and they do a damn fine job at it. We got the opportunity to test out the Leki Corklite AERGON Speedlock AS poles, and they didn’t disappoint. The Speedlock locking system is super easy and quick, while the poles maintain very low weight at just 16 ounces. These aluminum bad boys have all the bells and whistles. Check out the review, and stop by Leki.com for even more!

Read More: Leki Corklite AERGON Speedlock AS Trekking Poles – Episode 260

Erik Weihenmayer: True Vision | Elevation Outdoors

Via Elevation Outdoors

Erik Weihenmayer, the first, and, as of yet, only blind person to climb Mount Everest, is the chair and a co-founder of No Barriers USA, an organization dedicated in part to “…inspire people with challenges to live full and active lives.” We talked with Erik about what he’s doing to accomplish that goal.

What is the philosophy behind No Barriers?
What I care about is for people to have the tools, the mindset, the knowledge and the empowerment to shatter the barriers in their lives. We’re building a community around this through problem solving, innovating and the human spirit. Sports, recreation, art, whatever their catalyst is, it doesn’t matter—they all represent innovation. Climbing was the thing that sparked me as a kid when I went blind. I hear people say “hey, scuba diving saved me” or “skiing saved me after I got hurt.” It’s different for everybody, but it’s all the same in that these things were the catalyst that taught them that they can control their life and that they have power over their future. And that, to me, is the real key.

Read More: Erik Weihenmayer: True Vision

Review: LEKI Cressida AERGON SpeedLock AS Trekking Poles

The Cressidas are part of Leki’s “Wildflower” line designed for women.

I wasn’t expecting to bond with the Leki Cressida AERGON SpeedLock AS trekking poles — not because the name is a mouthful or because I have anything against sleek European engineering, but because I had never actually used trekking poles.

It was love at first hike. First, adjusting the Cressidas is a snap. You simply flip out the two blaze-orange clips, extend the pole to your desired height (the range is 65-125 cm), and flip the clips back in place to lock it. Repeat with the other pole. It took about as much time as tying my shoes. This, I reasoned brilliantly, was why Leki named them SpeedLocks rather than SlowLocks.

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ActiveGearReview: LEKI Micro Stick Trekking Poles

The Leki Micro Stick Trekking Poles are geared for those that are weight conscious, or always looking to shave a few ounces from their gear to get to their destination faster. The Micro Sticks do this by adding a new spin on an old concept. The Micro Stick’s are not your standard telescoping trekking, rather these aluminum poles can be folded/collapsed down into 3 small segments. This feature makes it easy to find a place for your poles when they are not in use; strap them under your pack lid, bungee them the outside, packed inside, or place them along the side of your pack. They will fit just about anywhere because they pack down to about 15 inches and weigh a mere 8.8 ounces/pole, or a little over 1 lb for the set.

Read More: LEKI Micro Stick Trekking Poles Review

Lindsey Vonn goes Nordic Walking with LEKI poles

Lindsey Vonn uses LEKI Nordic Walking to cross train during the off season months.

Get Out More Tour: Backpacking Colorado’s Four Pass Loop

LEKI is a sponsor of this season’s Backpacker Magazine Get Out More Tour.

 “I’m turning back”, Caroline declared between her panting breaths.

Randy was walking behind Caroline, so both his point of view and the fact that he had just witnessed as Caroline conquered the extended climb, had allowed him to see Caroline’s witty grin and sense her sly sarcasm as she intentionally paused just below West Maroon Pass, the highest elevation of our entire route, to announce that she had had enough.

Sheri, on the other hand, had been sitting on top of the saddle below Belleview Mountain awaiting our arrival, so she was contently distracted by the unmatched beauty in her surrounding views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak as she dramatically replied, “No Caroline don’t stop now, you’re here, this is the top!”

The top Sheri was referring to was the top of 12,480 foot West Maroon Pass, the first of four passes on Colorado’s Four Pass Loop through the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness.  The Four Pass Loop was voted one of America’s Best Hikes in the Readers’ Choice Issue of Backpacker Magazine.

Read More: Four Pass Loop

Outdoor Informer: LEKI Carbon Speedlock Review

“The new LEKI Photo Carbon Speedlock doubles as a hiking stick and a monopod. Adjustable from 69 to 170 cm, the Photo Carbon Speedlock’s three clamps secure tightly. The clamps did not fail through heavy use in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the trails of Western Pennsylvania.

The versatile handle on the Carbon Speedlock allows for a few various way to use it. Adjust it to the traditional length to meet your arm bent at a 90 degree angle. Or shorten it so it fits under your palm, and use it like a cane.

The handle on the LEKI Photo Carbon Speedlock unlocks and twists off to expose a screw to mount a camera or camcorder. Instead of relying on the steadiness of your hand to capture some epic backcountry shots, let the camera mount do the heavy lifting.”

Read More: LEKI Photo Carbon Speedlock Review

Great Lakes Nordic Walkers: Heart of Summer 5k – July 23rd

"Women on the Move"

"Women on the Move"

“It is one of the most inspirational and unique events you’ll ever experience. It is a day of hope and accomplishment as we celebrate survivors, honor lives lost, and continue the mission to educate women about the role of health and fitness in the prevention of heart disease.  We’d love to have you join us on the walk.  Bring your poles or borrow a pair (free with ID) right at the start line.  It promises to be a beautiful morning walk around the lake.”

Heart of Summer Nordic Walking 5K is July 23

What’s Your “Trekking Pole Trail”?

Following the "trail" in Willow Canyon

Following the "trail" in Willow Canyon

It’s that time of year in the shop. Customers with backpacking equipment lists bound for adventure start their journey in your store. We know the drill. Start with the boot fit. Next the pack fit. Then with the boots on and the pack loaded help them with all the other essentials. One item that’s usually found on the “optional” part of that list is trekking poles.

It can be easy to dismiss that “optional” item. Trekking poles can seem gimmicky, only for wussies or backpacker nerds. Plus it can be a $100+ “optional” item on that list. But after a great clinic as a shop employee and some “Trekking Pole Trails” of my own I’ve changed my mind.

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