Kit Focus – Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trail Running Poles

Earlier this year, I travelled to one of my favourite spots – the Dolomites. These Italian mountains are one of the best locations in the world for road cycling, mountain biking, hiking and trail running. I was there for hiking this time, but I saw dozens of super fit individuals training for mountain ultra-marathons, such as the UTMB, and every one of them was using poles. That got me thinking, and researching... 

Lightweight carbon fibre poles have been popular with hikers for a decade or more, but it is only in recent years that they have really taken hold in the trail running world. In the mountains, running with poles, particularly uphill, can have several advantages: it can help to increase your speed, decrease the strain on your joints, and help support you on unstable terrain.

Are there any disadvantages to running with poles? There is a small weight penalty, and a possible increased trip hazard, but on the whole poles can be a great benefit. The video below shows you how to use them correctly. 

 

Eager to try out the revolution of running with poles myself, I took delivery of a set of Leki Ultratrail FX.One poles to test out…

Review - Leki Ultratrail FX.One Trail Running Poles 

The super light Leki Ultratrail FX.One poles are specifically designed for trail running; with a featherweight construction, compact stowage size, vibration absorbing characteristics, and a unique grip-strap system made for trail running.

Out on the trails, the Leki Ultratrail took a few kilometres to get used to; mainly to understand the optimum placement of the pole in front of you, in order to get forward momentum, support, and avoid any risk of tripping on the pole. Once I nailed this usage lesson though, the Ultratrail poles were an impressive asset. See the above video for some guidance on pole usage.

Running uphill, the poles provide a strong and stable platform to push off from, enabling a lower impact stride and a greater use of your upper body to push forward and aid speed. Running downhill, the poles can be used as support on unstable ground.

The Trail Shark grip-strap hand loops on the Leki Ultratrail FX.One are a clear advantage over competitor models that have just basic webbing straps; these hand holders keep the poles securely attached to your hands, even when you are working hard in the running movement; they also allow you to put more pressure onto the poles through the support strap. I was also impressed by how quickly I could pay down the Leki Ultratrail poles, and how small the pack size; letting you stow them quickly and safely.

The Leki Ultratrail FX.One are the first set of trail running poles that I have used, and they have fully converted me. Running on steep inclines is easier and faster, with noticeably less strain on your knees and feet. They will certainly be in my luggage on my next trip to the mountains, as well as supporting me on hilly and slippery trail runs at home.

>> Find out more about the Leki Ultratrail FX.One at Leki.co.uk

Disclaimer: Leki UK provided a set of Leki Ultratrail FX Pro Poles for test and review here on The Expedition Journals.