About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the trekking poles, which I tested for 14 days in August of 2022.

My Take

The Leki Legacy Lite is a great budget-friendly trekking pole that is tough as nails despite its price. It’s a very lightweight and reliable pole that was able to tackle several types of terrains.

About this gear

• Model: 2022 Leki Legacy Lite Trekking Poles
• Size: One Size

Test conditions

• When received on loan from Leki: August 2022
• Days tested: 14
• Where I’ve used them: Desolation Wilderness, Mt. Rose, Donner, and Great Basin National Park
• Average elevation change on hikes: 2,400ft
• Hiking boots/Trail Runners: Salomon Speedcross 6
• Terrain: Rocky, Dirt, Snow, Mud
• Types of treks used for: Day Hikes, Backpacking, Trail Running

About me

• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 200lbs/90kg
• Experience: 16 years of hiking/backpacking and founder of Tahoe Adventurers, a non-profit that brings people outdoors.

How they perform

What I was looking for

I’ve been looking for a pole that was budget friendly yet was able to withstand years and thousands of miles of abuse. A trekking pole that members from my non-profit can use for future events and lend to any friend I invite for a hike.

Why I chose this gear

Despite not being a carbon fiber pole, the weight on the Legacy was incredibly surprising. Knowing it would be an aluminum option, I knew durability would be its strong point. Another option I looked at was the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles, which are similar in material, weight, durability, and price.

What I love about them

• Weight: It is a very lightweight trekking pole at only 18.2oz (pair). It’s thanks to its Ultralite aluminum, the shaft diameter of 16/14/12mm, and COR-TEC grips that reduce the weight significantly.
• Adjustability: Easily adjustable due to the three section segments it uses and the easy locking mechanism “Speed Lock+.”
• Durability: The highlight of the Legacy Lite is the durability of the pole, which can tackle multiple miles of abuse and keep on going with no significant damage to it. Leki offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their aluminum poles.
• Baskets: It comes with a Leki Performance Basket, great for hardpack snow and mud. One can purchase a powder basket that would be better suited for fresh snow and easily replace the basket by twisting it off.
• Size: Coming in one size, it can fit multiple people, making it easy for anyone looking for a pole who isn’t sure what size to pick. It comes between 39.4-53.1in length.
• Packability: By using the Speed Lock+ mechanism, one can easily secure and adjust to its collapsable length of 39.4 inches.
• Versatility: A pole that can do it all and tackle any terrain. It’s a pole that can even be used for skiing/backcountry if one changes the basket.
• Day Hiking: A great option that will last several years, no matter the abuse someone puts it under. It comforts my heart to know I have reliable support on the trail.
• Backpacking: Indispensable when hiking long distances. The poles can be used to reduce fatigue and give someone extra stability as well. Its carbide metal tip will hold on to any type of slick surface.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Grip comfort: The grip wasn’t my personal favorite over a long period of time. It felt a bit uncomfortable due to the top of the pole being flat, making the hand placement difficult to place at certain angles. The cork material would also create more friction with my hand than other models.

My favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment was during a sunrise hike up Mt. Tallac, located near South Lake Tahoe, CA. To reach the summit, I needed to pass an area of loose rocks, and during the morning, it was a bit of wet terrain. The carbide tip at the end of the poles held strong on the slick rocks. There was no significant damage to the poles when they slipped off my hands or hit multiple rocks when scrambling up. It comforted me that my poles could take a beating without them breaking or bending on me.

Value for the money vs. other options

Black Diamond Trail Trekking poles are a good alternative if someone is looking for a similar price and quality. However, if they want the highest quality pole that is versatile and durable, I would highly consider the Makalu Carbon AS or normal Makalu Carbon, as well as the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles at a significant price hike.

Final verdict

I was pleased with the durability of the Legacy poles and ease of use. It’s a pole that takes on all adventurers and will have the ease of mind knowing the Leki will cover them in case the shaft breaks. Because it’s aluminum, one can use a vise to straighten them up without compromising the integrity of the pole. It’s reassuring that they will last for several years, and the price is unbeatable.