My wife has had a set of Leki trekking poles for many years. She even used them to climb Mt. Kili! Years later, the shock absorption stopped working. Leki customer support was absolutely SPECTACULAR. They helped fix the poles with fast turnaround by replacing the bad section. This is a Wonderful way to serve your customers..
I just bought a set of poles for myself knowing this is the kind of company I want to have in case I ever need help!
Hiking here we come.
THANK YOU LEKI AND THE WORKERS WHO MAKE YOUR PRODUCT EXCELLENT!

- Robert Lemke

This is a thank you to Gregg Fisher. I love my Leki poles but I was having some trouble with the shock absorber mechanism. Gregg fixed them up so nice. They got me up and down the Grand Canyon...down Hermit and up Boucher. Thanks GREGG

- Cindy

Little TyVeeJ is looking at my new Leki Carbonlite AERGON T635 2131 AERGON Grip SpeedLock Locking System Trekking poles. These poles have only been used so far for snowshoeing and I am glad to report they are much faster than the twist lock system I normally use. With just a flip of the lock one can change lengths so fast and easily they promote taking advantage of using the correct pole length for the conditions (thank you Jayah). I change pole lengths a lot so I was really interested in carbon poles with the Speed Locking System (light and fast). I was not disappointed. They do not have a suspension, I was a bit concerned about that. But in snow who needs a suspension� After the snow goes away I will be testing them under normal hiking conditions to see if these carbon poles absorb enough shock to make a suspension unnecessary. Congratulations Leki for this new SpeedLock Locking System. I have not been able to make it fail, it is very user friendly, and very light. oldron

- oldron

The first to use the leki climbing rod. Through many mountains, through many scenery, walking process is lonely and excited, because you never know what the next step your foot will trample on what the ground, will not be in danger and would have you wanted to see things.

Walking, is not only I, still have a lot of I love and love my friends in the heart of silent accompanied me, I choose to leki, in a certain sense, is to choose a relief to communicate the information, cared about me.

When I walk on the road, have them, have leki. Accompany me.

To be continued

- COLIN

Dear Jayah,
I wish to thank you for your great help with the physical therapy process of my shattered ankle. I originally contacted you after watching your training video, regarding the choices and use of trekking poles. Prior to my being evacuated to Germany after the injury, some of the hospital’s medical staff in Afghanistan had recommended using them for balance during recovery.
They didn’t believe however, that I’d be able to come back to work in the same capacity as before. Now, after months of guidance from you, I’ve returned to the theater of operation at 63 YO, keeping up with younger people. Of course, all the hardware in my ankle result in permanent reduced flexibility and the arthritis constantly reminds me of that fateful day in September 2009. But thanks to your help and those seemingly ordinary LEKI poles, I remain the oldest active member in my Company’s labor force of around 200 people.
You coached me in the proper breathing and position while walking, and also on the correct exercises afterward. You designed a stretching program specifically suited to the limited resources available here. It raised my endurance level which was noticed by coworkers upon my return to Kandahar this September.
At that time, I was informed that I’d be strictly doing assessments here in Kandahar, which has flat and relatively easy terrain. Nonetheless, I kept on using the poles around the base the way you instructed me to for the last 6 weeks. I’m now excited to inform you that the restriction as been lifted and I’ll be returning starting this week, to those small FOBs (Forward Operation Bases) for assessments like I used to.
Thanks to you, I’ll again be able to negotiate the rugged road-less mountainous areas along the Pakistan border (after being dropped off) with my 100 Pds or so backpack. Thanks to you, I feel alive and productive again. Thanks to you, I can continue to improve in a very minute way, the creature comfort of these brave young men and women who are handling the grueling front lines.
I’m scheduled to return home for a 2 weeks R & R in January 2011 and would appreciate the privilege to invite you and Bob (whose probably active again since his injury) to dinner. Of course, since I lack your incredible culinary talents, you’ll need to pick the restaurant…
I attached a few photos and a video of my work situation. Feel free to use this email and/or attachments if it can help anyone who feels like giving up, as I did, after a seemingly career-ending injury. Please continue to inspire people to “keep on Trucking”.
Gratefully, Pierre

- Pierre

I have the good fortune to own the first pair of LEKI Super Makalu poles (with shock absorbers) imported into the U. S. in the 1980s by LEKI USA. (This was prompted by me reading about famous alpinists that used the Super Makalu's for approaches to climbs, etc.) The Leki poles have served me well for countless miles of hiking over granite, ice, and other difficult surfaces. Several times they've saved me from injury where I momentarily lost my balance and would have landed on sharp rocks. The shock absorption feature has helped my knees over the years, and I wouldn't even think about going for a hike without them. When sections on the two poles finally gave way after 20+ years (due to my unintentional damage) LEKI USA was kind enough to replace those sections at no charge. In the 1980s when I first started using the LEKI Super Makalu's I would get the wise mouth statement of "where's the snow?" when I'd be hiking on decomposed granite. These days that rarely happens, which is a testament to the public becoming much more aware of the health and safety benefits of LEKI poles. This is an absolute five star product along with LEKI USA that backs up their product. I highly recommended these poles and LEKI USA to all.

- Ed

Leki poles are awesome! Here's my son, Cal Williams, backpacking in Sequoia National Park, California.

- Tim Williams

I am a Geology student at Utah State, so naturally I am constantly in the field. This last weekend we took a trip to Zion to look at some of the formations, and since I had never been there I decided to hike Angel's Landing at the end of the day after our work was done. At the first outcrop we studied I made the unfortunate decision to jump over the river. Upon landing on the other side my right decided it did not want to hold my weight. This resulted in a very bad sprained ankle.
Our group consisted of 20 people and among them was a 54 year old man, Mark. Luckily for me Mark happened to have some pain killer and a trekking pole. Now up until last weekend I considered trekking poles to be tools for the weak and inexperienced. I spent the rest of the weekend with that pole in my hand, and because of it I was able to do one of the park's hardest trails, Angel's Landing. Keep in mind that Angel's Landing is 5 miles round trip, and a 1200' ascent. I attribute my victory to the Leki pole. I am now saving money for a pair of my own, and once I have them I won't go into the field without them. For all of you who think trekking poles are pointless it is only because you haven't tried them.

Thank you Leki

Bryce Coy Logan, Utah

- Bryce Coy

I began using the Super Makalu's about 12 years ago when my knee started having issues. With them I was able to hike up Half Dome in Yosemite many, many times. Then I expanded my hiking to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains every summer, starting at Tuolumne Meadows and ending at at summit of Mt.Whitney,covering app. 80 miles. This continued for six summers until my knee finally gave out. Exactly 9 months after the surgery, I was once again standing on top of Whitney. I throughly like the ease of slipping my hands through the grips, and holding the cork handles for miles and miles. Both my wife and I have the Super Makalu's and wouldn't part with them or move to a different brand. Summits with my Makalu: Mt. Shasta, 14,200, Mt. Whitney, 14,595' (6times!)White Mt. 14,200' (7 times!) Half Dome 8,500' 14 times! Love 'em!! The picture is of me on the backside of Whitney at app. 14,000'!

Bob Dittman

- Bob Dittman

I took a walk with my Dad who will be 89 in a few weeks. He asked to use my poles, although I couldn't get him to put his hands through the straps.
He noticed the difference in his balance and security right away because we were walking where there were lots of tree roots and slopes.
I'm happy that I "taught an old dog new tricks" and that now I don't have to worry about him walking on uneven ground.
Thanks LEKI!

- L. Smith

My story is fairly short, and began with a purchase of leki poles about 3 years ago. I am a cxtry skier and it was an easy transition for trail climbing while running. have used them out west alot, and did a climb last winter up Harney Peak in the Black Hills SD. with my nephew Andy Bissell who is 23. I am 67 and he seems to like the trail runs.The poles really help with slipping and control on the runs. I push pretty hard with them, as it helps conditioning for xxtry in the winter. thanks leki-

- jeff bissell

As guidebook authors logging up to 1,000 miles each summer, we began using Leki trekking poles way back when poles were a rarity on North American trails. Having never seen poles, other hikers frequently commented on them. Each assumed his quip was oh so witty. But it was almost verbatim what everyone else said: "Hey, you forgot your skis!" We tolerated this tedious sarcasm for years. But eventually the fatuous comments slowly decreased, while the number of other hikers using poles increased. It was as if we were observing the evolution of the hiker, from cretinous bipeds to astute quadrupeds. What a relief. We could stop wincing. And our faith in the intelligence of our fellow hikers was gradually restored. So thank you, Leki, for refining trekking poles into precision instruments and for popularizing them. You've made hiking easier, safer, and more enjoyable for all of us. And you've saved some poor fool--the guy who would have said "Hey, you forgot your skis!" once more than we could endure--from getting whacked with a trekking pole.

Kathy & Craig Copeland
www.hikingcamping.com

- Kathy and Craig Copeland

I got hooked on your trekking poles on a trip to the Grand Canyon. Since then, I have taken your poles with me wherever I have been hiking. I recently got back from a 9 day backcountry hiking trip in Denali National Park in Alaska, so of course I took my Leki Super Makalus. I have put your poles through some pretty rough situations: river crossings, rocky terrain, snow, etc. But I have never been as tough on them as I had to be in Alaska!
They helped get me across endless river braids, cross the Muldrow glacier, hike the "foothills" of Mt. McKinley, and bushwack through stands of Willow and Alders. Once again I was impressed by the quality and performance of your product. I never had a pole malfunction or bend the entire trip (my hiking partner had plenty with his poles - not Lekis.) Thanks again for a great product.

- David Sundermann

Thank you LEKI!
Here is my 2009 Transrockies report

At age 70, I was the oldest runner at the 2009 Transrockies 6 day Endurance trail race. (www.Transrockies.com). This year Team California Old Goats beat their last year's total times (in the 5 of the 6 stages that were identical) by 13+ minutes. If my team mate Steve Harvey (65) & I can keep improving at this rate we will be on the winners podium when 100 years old! We have lots of pictures and the complete story on our website: www.CaliforniaOldGoats.com

I have to credit a lot of that improvement to my Leki Ultralite Series Thermolite Aergon poles with anti-shock. I noticed most runners using poles were more or less dangling them most of the time, while I was always pushing hard on the uphill climbs and on the level. My Leki�s were also very useful for stability and braking on the tricky downhills. I never fell, which also has a lot to do with the use of poles. The were also essential for stability while running through slippery creeks and all the root & rock loaded single track trails.

Last year on Day 6 (21.2 miles with 4,623' of climbs) I really bonked on the final 1,400' climb up from the aid station in Avon on up to the Beaver Creek Resort finish line and must have stopped to rest some 10 times. This year I stomped up the 1,400' climb with the help of arm power and my Leki poles and never had to stop to rest once! None of the young people leaving that final aid station with Steve & I ever passed me either! I had to wait for my team mate Steve for about 10 minutes near the finish line before crossing together.

Based on preliminary results it looks like 132 teams started and 15 dropped (injuries, giant blisters, pulled muscles, etc.). We came in 19th out of the 24 teams in the 80+ combined age group (our combined age was 135!). Our overall total 6 day time was better than 17 of the other teams that finished all 6 days. Means the GOATS did better than 24% of the starting teams.

Team California Old Goats Ultrarunner Doug

- Doug Malewicki

Notice the eyes of this wild Coyote. He is looking at my new LEKI AERGON Antishock T2150 Carbonlite Positive Angle AERGON Grip Trekking poles. After using these new poles the first time, I also had that wild look in my eyes. In fact after a few months of use I still get that look when using these new poles.

I upgraded from the Leki TO2150-08: CARBONLITE ANTISHOCK Trekking Poles that I thought were the best Trekking poles available on planet Earth. BUT after using these new LEKI AERGON Antishock T2150 Carbonlite's, I was surprised to have to change my mind. I now think the LEKI AERGON Antishock T2150 Carbonlite are the best trekking poles on planet earth.

I was very hesitant to upgrade to these new poles, but I was also intrigued by the addition of the AERGON Grips. I was told that you can palm these grips in descents, and that it was a good thing. I did not believe that. But after testing palming, I found it does work, in some situations. It's a nice option to have.

The ease of adjusting the AERGON grip straps is a Hugh advancement over last year's trekking pole models. I would upgrade from any of the older Leki poles just to get these new Carbone poles with the AERGON grip. The new AERGON grip with easy strap adjustment is that good!

In My opinion Carbon trekking poles are so much better than metal trekking poles that I would find it very difficult to go back to the metal trekking poles, even as good as they are. By the way I still think Leki makes the best metal trekking poles available. But as said, I am now spoiled by the Leki Carbon poles especially the AERGON Antishock T2150 CARBONLITE. Just imagine having a set of trekking poles that only way 14 oz/pair that will expand from 65 cm (just right to fit in a pack) to 135 cm.

No wonder I get that Wild Coyote look in my eyes when using the Leki TO2150-08: CARBONLITE ANTISHOCK Trekking Poles. oldron

- oldron

I am a lifelong hiker, snowshoer, skier. Without a doubt, the most challenging hikes for me are in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In the Whites, trails go (pretty much) straight up and down and a fundamental law of the trail is "don't walk and look around you at the same time;" you have to watch where you put your foot on just about every step. I started using hiking poles about 5 years ago. Foolishly, I had always disdained their use. A friend let me use his for a section of a hike and I was converted. Using poles has made an big difference in ease of hiking uphill, crossing streams, and especially downhill. Leki poles have been my choice since day 1. They've never let down.

A week ago I was on top of Mt. Jackson in the White Mountains. Descending Jackson calls for some scrambling over (on this day) slippery rocks. The poles were a big help until the tip of one pole got stuck in a crack. This crack was the perfect size to trap the entire pole tip and hold it fast. It was just one of those things. Usually, upon first feeling that a pole is stuck, I can stop or pull straight up while still going. Not this time. A bit too slippery, a bit too sudden, and a bit too steep. Hanging onto the pole was all that saved me from sliding down a rock face. However, by the time I regained my footing, (glad I don't have a picture of this) the middle section of the almost indestructible Leki pole broke. I could not find anywhere to order a new pole section and so emailed customer service at Leki. I would have been happy to buy the pole section (the Super Makalu was over a year old) but, without hesitation, the folks at Leki said they'd send me a new pole section. Pretty nice. My pole saved me on the mountain and then Leki stepped up to replace the pole section at no charge. Good people to do business with.

- Al Rudnitsky

I have been doing week long backpack trips annually in the Sierra's since 1982 and have been trail running since 1998. Poles are typically not allowed in our trail race events.

I never ran with poles until last year's Transrockies 6 day endurance run where poles were allowed. This race covered 106 miles with 19,000 feet of climbs - all between 8,000' and 12, 600' elevations. On the first day, my California Old Goat team Mate Steve Harvey offered me the use of one of his. The pole really helped, especially on all the tough climbs. I ended up using it on every single stage. And boy, oh boy - not having a pole for that crazy 1/2 mile long, 30 foot wide, 4' to 6" deep stream with all the slippery rocks would be just plain dangerous. In the 2008 race, at 69, I was 15 years older than the guys in the next oldest team. My team mate Steve Harvey was the younger half at a mere 64. Team California Old Goats beat them AND 25% of the entered teams. Take that young people! www.Transrockies.com

Steve is my team mate again for 2009, but he has already told me I have to get my own poles this time. So I did that and ended up picking a pair of LEKI Ultralite Series Thermolite Aergon with antishock. I love the cushion grip comfort and the adjustable strap set up. The poles even have "style" - the industrial designers have been at work! Most importantly, these feel about 2/3rds of the weight of what I remembered for that the loaner pole from my team mate Steve at last years Transrockies. Awesome!

I have a couple of favorite quotes: '70 is the new 50.' and 'Your muscles don't know how old they are - they just know the last time you exercised them'. In keeping with those thoughts, I decided to run 70 miles for my 70th birthday this past March. It involved 19,000' of climbs. It took me 3 days. www.CaliforniaOldGoats.com/70at70ResultsSummary.htm

Last month, on May 30th, I ran the Shadow of the Giants 34 mile long ultra with 5,923' of climbs. 145 runners started. I came in 110th. 22 dropped. As usual, no one older than me beat me (AS usual there weren't any such critters! Hah!). www.bigbaztrailraces.com/09/50K-Shadow-May30.htm

One week before the 2009 Transrockies I will also be using the Leki's for my 5th ascent to the summit of Mount Whitney (95, 99, 00 & 04). At 14,496' elevation it is the highest spot in the contiguous 48 states. We always take it easy and go the scenic back route. We spend 5 nights and 6 days, so no one has ever had any altitude sickness problems. This will also be my altitude acclimatization training for the Transrockies race in Colorado. I know my LEKI poles will make that trek easier too.

Thank you LEKI
Old Goat Ultrarunner Doug

- Doug Malewicki

Do you see anything Leki in this picture? Sure you do, the blue Leki Bandannas. But what the dogs are looking at is my CARBONLITE ANTISHOCK LEKI TREKKING POLES. They know I am trying real hard to see if I can break these carbon trekking poles hiking in cold weather. Someone said to me, "carbon poles might break in cold weather," I have not found that to be true, and I have now even used them snow shoeing, in very cold weather. I have banged them on rocks, and stepped on them, and seriously abused these carbon poles and they are still in fine shape and working perfectly. They are lighter, quieter, and easier to adjust than metal poles. In fact the CARBONLITE ANTISHOCK TREKKING POLES are better in cold weather than any other Trekking pole I have used. They cost a little more, but in the long run they are worth every cent, that is, if you want the very best Leki Trekking poles made.

- oldron

During my 24 years in the Navy I was able to travel through all 50 states, but had never spent much time in the national parks. When I retired after my second career my partner and I purchased an RV and spent 3 years traveling through national parks in the US and some in Canada.

Because I have arthritis and a balance problem I started using a cane, but found that it threw me to one side or the other. While we were in the Hoh Forest in Washington we found the Leki trekking poles I now use. They allow me to GO where and when I want. I am so thankful. They have elicited much interest and I always encourage those with walking difficulties to go to your website and purchase a pair.

- Susan Summers

I went on a Medicines Global trip and we used the trekking poles for the rugged terrain. Thank you LEKI!

- Lowie

Backpacking in Aspen was a great time hiking 4 peaks in 2 days in the Maroon Bells area. I used the LEKI Thermolite Antishock and they performed great! I performed many stream crossing and hiked up many scree fields, feeling very sturdy.

Thanks LEKI!

- Kevin Fonger

My original plan was to hike up 6 mountains in Vermont in 5 days, so I packed my backpack for the adventure.

Now my backpack weighed 47 pounds.

When I put my backpack in the passenger seat of my truck, it took up most of the space. When I closed my LEKI Carbonlite trekking poles, they were small and fit on the floor of my truck with no problem.

The weight of my pack took a little while to get use to. The Carbonlites helped keep my balance, plus they are so light that it almost feels like I'm not using poles.

So after I climbed up 4 summits in 2 days, I was pretty beat and I headed home.

Farmer Bob, Gear Tester
http://fbha.blogspot.com

- Bob Farrell

Almost one year ago my wife lost her eyesight due to a combination of pseudotumor cerebrei and a blood clot at the back of her brain. We both have a background in geology and love getting outdoors. When she first lost her eyesight I began to look into how I could help her get back to enjoying the great outdoors. With the input from other blind hikers and the input from and example of Erik Weihenmayer I learned that I could hike ahead of my wife and describe the terrain to her. I would also wear a bell that would give her a sound to follow as I walked ahead.

Without any prior mobility training (i.e., how to use a cane) and only the advice and ideas we had received my wife and I hiked the Yellow Rock trail at Devil's Den near Fayetteville, Arkansas earlier this year. Her LEKI Makalu Tour poles were her eyes. With them she felt her way along the trail as I chimed ahead of hear and gave her descriptions like ;steep drop off to your left, hug to the right a little more; or flat flagstones ahead - smooth sailing for the next ten meters.

While she can no longer enjoy the scenic vistas she has learned to enjoy new things about hiking. The sounds are different in a closed, wooded area than they are on an open overlook. The various smells and sounds fill her remaining senses. She delights in the gentle touch of the wind, rain, and snow on her face. She even commented once how she never realized how pretty the sound of thunder was rolling through a rocky valley. Hiking with her and helping her find ways to get outdoors is also helping me learn how to engage my own other senses when outdoors. Naturally the outdoors are visually beautiful, but those of us with sight should stop and take time to remember to take in the world with our other senses as well.

So who knows where our future adventures will take us? But one thing is for certain - whenever our adventures call for trekking poles our LEKIs will be our constant companions!

- Ethan Reese-Whiting

I just wanted to drop a line to you and thank you for your product sponsorship to The Earth Expedition. I have used the sticks for nearly all of the AT and love them to death. I am happy to use them long into the future. I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that The Expedition is going better than planned which have resulted in interviews with Men's Health, Outside Mag, Men's Fitness, WEND Mag, Newspapers and more.

Daren Wendell
www.TheEarthExpedition.com

- daren

I climbed Mount Shasta with the Breast Cancer Fund's Climb Against the Odds June 18. I live in Montana and hike a lot but had not hiked with poles before Climb Against the Odds. this was also my first 14,000 foot peak. I am now a convert. I trained with my Leki poles and love the spring loaded feature. thanks so much for your company's generous support of this worthwhile cause.

I will recommend LEKI whenever the opportunity arises.

Debra Parker
Missoula, Montana

- Debra Parker

As many of you know, LEKI has a Lifetime Shaft Breakage Warranty on their trekking poles. On Saturday, April 5 while I was hiking with Trail Trotter I managed to take a pretty good fall and break the upper shaft section of one of my LEKI poles in the process. (I lost a shoulder too - but that is covered elsewhere, and it will grow back.)

On April 7 I sent an email to LEKI telling them of the problem and asked if they thought this would fall under the terms of their Lifetime Shaft Breakage Warranty. Within minutes I had an automated response. A few minutes more and a live person was on the phone with me discussing the matter and apologizing for being unable to send a replacement upper shaft section for my poles since they were no longer in stock. The LEKI representative (Melanie) asked if it would be acceptable if they sent a replacement set of poles. Well, Ive got a new best friend! Of course it was acceptable.

This afternoon the UPS truck dropped off a new set of LEKI Thermolite XL AS poles.

LEKI products aren't the cheapest you can find. In fact, they're probably closer to the top of the price scale. One thing I have learned over the years is I have never been disappointed in a product when I purchased it based on quality, instead of price. In my view LEKI makes a quality product with a great warranty. Then, when something happens they stand behind their warranty 100%.

This kind of customer support is what causes customers for life. They can count on my business and recommendation.

LEKI, what a company!

The photo is from this past Saturday on the summit of Mount Madison, elev. 5366, the northern most peak in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire.

- Earl

These [Super Makalu Cor-Tec] are supposed to be replacements for my son. He has hiked the AT and PCT and next year we go to the CDT and he is only 13. he outgrew his kids sized ones that lasted him through the first 2 hikes. I managed to bend the lower section of this new set and then when i took it apart to try to fix it, i lost the the dang lower section. But REI doesn't carry parts apparently. And our favorite Hike was the PCT. My pair though battered is still holding up and will hopefully last for the CDT as well.

- Bill

Best place to hike: Mount Kilimanjaro

- Shawn aka Rambo

This pole has been to the Himalayas, Denali (This is where pole broke - at about 15200 feet, but was easily made workable with duct tape), Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, through most of the AT, The Rockies, The Sierras, The Tetons, The Bear Tooths, The Canyons of Arizona, The Caribean, The origin of the N. fork of the Wailua River in Kauai, and too many other places to mention. I've loved traveling in all of these places.

- David

Additional information: Love my Malaku Titanium Ultralite poles. Have defended them fanatically against jealous marmots (marmots ate the grips off my previous pair of poles--but that is my responsibility. No marmot has touched these poles. ;-) My favorite place to hike is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks--favorite trail, the Rae Lakes Loop.

- Richard

I live in Bellingham, WA and ski at Mt. Baker. LEKI trekking poles allow me to take full advantage of the abundant snow in the Northwest. From steep slopes to long climbs LEKI grips never get old.

- John

I live in Oregon and think Oregon and the gorge and the North Cascades are great places to hike. Nepal was very nice too. I spent 25 days there when these poles were new. New Zealand and Australia are nice but that was with my old single pole LEKI. Really, you guys should do articles called "Stories my Poles Could Tell"

- Jon

I've had great success in easing the pain in my left hip and thigh muscle, along with my lumbar spine. I have always loved to hike and so this gives me that feeling back again! :) Thanks!

- michele west

Victory! That is what my friends Patrice Dennis and Kate Nestner exclaimed after hiking to an incredible viewpoint on Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Our dream 'girlfriend hiking vacation' in Costa Rica in January 2008 included the use of our LEKI Trekking poles. With Kate battling knee issues and Patrice looking for a bit of stability, I recommended that they purchase Super Makalus and then train with them prior to the trip. As the attached photo depicts, we hiked on volcanic rock, walked on very uneven surfaces, gained and loss elevation and had a wonderful experience; an experience enhanced by our LEKI Super Makalu Trekking Poles.

- Christine Schnitzer

Its midnight and I am awake. I am rechecking my gear for what seems like the 20th time. Trekking poles check. Crampons...check. Harness check. I hope I have everything because its time to go. I am meeting the rest of the group at 1 a.m. Time flies and before I know it I am standing on the mountain. Its cold and dark, except the glow of our headlamps. The excitement of what lies ahead seems to warm my body. Our guides start to hike and we follow in single file. I place my feet in the tracks in front of me. We are starting to ascend the spectacular 11,249 foot Mt. Hood. The fear that had encompassed me has been replaced by anticipation, excitement and adrenaline. That was 2005, it was my first Summit for Someone (SFS) climb and it was my first mountaineering experience. We reached the summit that year. It was a defining moment in my life and the only thing to do was to sign up again. I am now registered for my 4th climb with SFS, Mt. Shuksan in the North Cascades, and I know that it will not disappoint.

Initially, I was attracted to the SFS benefit climbs because of Big City Mountaineers (BCM), their mission and the youth they served. I know the impact the outdoors has had on my life; I could only hope that given the opportunity it would do the same for them. Also, I cant praise the staff at BCM enough. Year after year, I am increasingly impressed by their organization and their kindness. I have been fortunate enough to meet some of them on the climbs. Lastly, SFS has given me the opportunity to go to some breathtaking places and meet some pretty extraordinary people. And I can not tell a lie, the gear package is pretty sweet as well.

There really aren't enough good things I can say about Big City Mountaineers, their staff, the sponsors and the guide services. They continue to grow the SFS climbs and make it a better event every year. This means more youth will benefit, therefore I never hesitate to recommend the SFS benefit climbs. And if you decide to take the chance, maybe I will see you on the mountain.

- Stephanie Smith

My Leki Malaku Titanium poles literally saved my life!!!

I am part of a group of ultra marathon runners called The Endurance Trust. We run all over the world in expedition style races to raise money and awareness for pediatric brain tumor research. At the end of October 2007 we completed the 150 mile run across the Western Sahara as the 2nd race in the 4 Deserts Races. The race was about 1/3 soft sand and average temperatures were between 110 and 115 degrees at the height of the day. We were self sufficient - carrying about 20-25 pounds of gear in our packs receiving only water resupply from the race coordinators. The first 4 days were averaging about 23 miles each and traversed some of the most beautiful and intriguing landscape that I have seen (The wind has carved up the landscape to create a number of vistas that challenge the beauty Monument Valley in Utah).

The 5th day was the "long" day at about 58 miles. The good news was that the wind kept the temperature down, the bad news was that the wind was a headwind for about 80% of the course and was a persistent 35-40mph. A long day for all of us, but we all made up some time and advanced up the standings as many people had the "wheels fall off their wagon" on this day.

Having our poles allowed my buddies, Jim and Brad, and I to keep our pace up - especially in the soft sand sections. Climbing the dunes and traversing the rockiest of terrain was made immensely easier. The poles also provided the offset on the knees and legs that allowed us to push through on the toughest days.

Our final day was a "ceremonial" 10k run through the streets of Cairo with a finish on the Giza Plateau with the Pyramids as a backdrop. We all started in the second group (at 11:30 am) and began dodging the cars and trucks, winding through the traffic and stables. I was about 2 miles from the finish with the Pyramids in sight when a small Toyota pickup truck approached from an access road on my right. The driver stopped about 20ft short of the intersection and turned to talk to his 2 passengers in the front seat. I was watching him as I crossed when, without even turning his head to look forward, he gunned the gas and POPPED me up into the air. The impact of the bumper snapped my right pole and impacted my right arm and hip. I landed about 4 feet away - thankfully on my pack (which absorbed the landing). After a few choice word - very loud and very animated - I made a quick assessment that the only thing broken was my hiking pole. But for my Titanium Malaku absorbing the impact, I truly believe my leg, not my LEKI, would have snapped in half!

I had a very deep hematoma in the forearm and bruised the tendons. I picked myself up, sucked up the pain, tucked my right arm in my pack strap as a sling and motored the last few miles to finish the race 17th. Jim finished 13th and Brad 10th.

Thank to a good chiropractor, and clear x-rays, I am back running and preparing for the next big race in the Atacama Desert in Chile at the end of March 2008.

I have already ordered another set and expect it to be here in the next day or so. I look forward to many more years of running around the world with my LEKI's!

Like I always say, the tougher the challenge the better story it makes later!

- Matt Nelson