Background

Mac and I have been fans of LEKI trekking poles for the past nine years.  In fact, until Mac got the LEKI Cressida AS poles this year, she used her previous set of LEKI poles for all of those nine years and I am still using my original set, with the snow basket option, for snowshoeing.  Along the way, I also bought a set of LEKI’s lightweight carbon poles which I used until receiving the new LEKI Black Series Carbon poles.

When LEKI offered us the chance to try out their new line of poles, we jumped at the opportunity to see how their product has changed.  Because we prefer a collapsible pole to a folding pole due to how we store the poles on the fly when we climb, we decided to test the Cressida and Black Series collapsibles.

Overall Impressions

After numerous hikes with LEKI’s Black Series Carbon and Cressida AS trekking  poles, I can safely say we love these sticks!!  The poles are sturdy, a good weight for day hiking and backpacking, and, for you fashionistas, just plain pretty to look at.

LEKI Black Series Carbon Trekking Poles

The LEKI Black Series Carbon, with  100-135 cm of adjustability, provides a full range of adjustability whether you are climbing, descending, hiking a flat, crossing streams, or passing through a scree field.  The grip is beautifully designed to ensure comfort as well as control in pole placement.  The grip’s cork absorbs sweat preventing slippage and the nasty feeling of holding a rubberized grip with wet hands.  The design and rubber on the grip top keeps your hands steady when using the top of the poles on big step downs.  And, although I typically favor function over form if I have to choose, I got the best of both worlds with these sticks’ jet black appearance – the poles are just plain cool looking.

LEKI Cressida AS Trekking Poles

The LEKI Cressida AS, with its woman specific ergonomics, 90-125 cm adjustability, and antishock technology are an excellent choice for most woman.  Mac loves the design of the cork grip, as it is 12% smaller than the men’s grip to accommodate her smaller hands.  The grip is also ergonomically designed to provide support for the hands allowing for many hours of hiking without discomfort.  Mac also likes that the poles are “so pretty”  (hey, if you can look good while being a badass, why not?).

Additional Features the Black Series Carbon & the Cressida AS Share

Both sets of poles collapse quickly due to the beautifully redesigned SpeedLock 2 Plus pole locks and are easy to stow in pack loops without having to take off the pack.  Both sets also have straps that are comfortable and easy to adjust on the fly.  Of course, both sets also have hardened carbide steel tips and right-sized baskets for hiking.

Bottom-Line

We never recommend products we don’t like or use ourselves.  As I stated above, we have been fans of LEKI’s trekking poles since we began using them nine years ago.  The 2024 Black Series Carbon and the Cressida AS poles have made us even bigger LEKI fans.  We really love these poles and we think you will too.

Hike on!