Article by Sam and Dominique Winebaum
Leki SkySolo / SkyTerra FX Carbon Trekking and Running Poles ($200/$220)
The new 100% carbon Leki Sky poles are designed for thru hikers and mountaineering where light weight and a solid yet ultra light build are in order.
They sit between heavier more traditional trekking poles and Leki’s ultralight yet more fragile popular running poles. Instead of Leki’s snap-in Trail Shark system of glove and clip they feature an easy to use and comfortable ventilated mesh strap.
Lengths:
The Sky Terra is infinitely adjustable between 110 and 130 cm while the Solo is fixed length with lengths between 110-130cm in 5 cm increments.
Weights:
Tera: 167 g / pole, Solo 181g at my 120cm. The difference in weight as one would think the adjustable Tera would be heavier is explained by the slightly (+2mm) greater shaft diameters of the Solo’s 3 sections.
Both accommodate a variety of baskets including for snow although neither is recommended for alpine or ski touring. I can use Tera can be used for some XC skiing with a larger basket as it can extend to 130cm. I am 5'9" /175cm
They fold down in 3 sections: 37cm for the Solo and 40 cm for the Terra, so about 16” long.
The Tera has a pull up to lock and unlock mechanism and the Solo a neat large easy to find metal push button switch to unlock (no tiny round push in button) and the same pull up to lock/unlock mechanism.
Both have the same long Verticon foam grip with some subtle ridges with the top of the pole angled at 8 degrees for a noticed more natural position of the wrist.
The foam grip is less sticky in heat and very comfortable over long hours as is the easy to adjust mesh strap
We extensively tested both on multi day treks and runs in the Alps as well as trail running in the Alps Utah. Both are notable for their light weight, stiffness, and comfortable long hours use. If you are considering a multi activity state of the art pole for the running and and all adventurer they are a top choice.
LEKI Sky Poles
LEKI
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Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:43 range. if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Park City, Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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