Gear Review: Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles
The Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles have comfortable grips and are made from a durable aluminum which makes it the perfect gear to have for your adventures. As an REI Product Advisor, I had the opportunity to review this product for free.
My old hiking poles were very affordable but they were not the most stable because the locking system would give out on me while hiking. The unexpected collapsing caused me to stop using them. After using the Leki trekking poles, I’ve seen a world of difference in why having a solid pair of poles is necessary while out on the trails.
Here is my in-depth review of the Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles!
About This Gear
Model: Leki Cressida Cork Trekking Poles
Collapsed Length: 25.1 inches
Minimum Length: 35 inches
Maximum Length: 49 inches
Locking Mechanism: External Lever Lock
Cost: ~$149.95
How the Leki Hiking Poles Perform
Adjustability: 3/5
Durability: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Versatility: 4/5
Weight: 3/5
Best Features of the Leki Hiking Poles
Weight: The pair together weighs 1lb 1oz which is not crazy heavy to travel with or to take backpacking.
Durability: These poles are made from heat-treated 6.5 aluminum which is sturdy. If damaged, these types of poles will bend/dent but not break like carbon poles.
Size: These poles can expand to a max of 49 inches and go down to a minimum length of 35 inches, which is ideal for a range of heights and to adjust while going up or downhill.
Versatility: Although the poles by themselves come with only the basket accessory, they can adapt to a variety of seasons and terrain with the right tips.
Grip & Straps: The cork grips with the rubber tops make it very easy to use these poles long-term. They absorb sweat easily and also have a secure strap system that is easy to adjust while you are on the trail.
Drawbacks to Leki Hiking Poles
Packability: These poles only collapse to 25.1 inches so they will need to be stored on the outside of a hiking backpack.
Accessories: These poles do not come with any accessories other than the baskets. In order to adapt these poles to different terrain, you will need to purchase the other feet separately. It would be nice to have at least rubber tips to protect the carbide tips.
Flight Friendliness: If you are traveling with a checked hiking backpack or larger backpacking pack, you will need to store these poles inside your packs. This was the only headache when traveling with these poles because they stuck out of my bag when fully deconstructed which put them at risk of damage. If the collapsed length was shorter, it would have been better.
Who Are These Trekking Poles Perfect For?
These Leki trekking poles are perfect for someone who is looking for a pair of durable poles that catch sweat, are easy to adjust on the trail, and give you the support you need to make it up to those summits.
Favorite Moment With This Gear
On my camping trip to Yosemite National Park, these trekking poles helped me make it up the mountains with ease compared to if I didn’t have them. I was suffering with a runner's knee on my left leg and was nervous going into this trip about if I was going to irritate it. I never really hike with poles, but using them on every hike there took so much pressure off my knees, which helped me go farther. They felt like an extension of my body.
I feel like there has been a stigma around younger folks using hiking poles because it seems like you’re “weak” for needing assistance. That is complete bull****. Hike your own hike. I was grateful to see my friends and other hikers out on the trail using them. Who wants to put unnecessary strain on their body when gear like this exists?
Final Verdict
I Would Recommend to a Friend
These are the best pair of trekking poles that I own. They are easily adjustable for all heights, the poles collapse into themselves with the external locks, making them perfect for travel, and they are very lightweight aluminum poles at about 240 g.
I wish that they came with rubber covers to protect the carbide tips. They do come with baskets which are excellent for muddy or snowy terrain. And as someone who lives in Texas, my hands are constantly sweating in the heat during summer hikes, so the cork grips are perfect for soaking up the moisture.
The wrist straps are made from a soft material that doesn't irritate my hands when they rub against them, and if I need to adjust the strap to my hands, it is easy to lift the strap compartment, pull the strap to my desired length, and lock it securely in place. I don't have to worry about it getting loose as I hike.
Overall, these are great hiking poles to add to your gear collection!
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