My mentors have taught me that backcountry skiing or splitboarding is all about getting your kit dialed. What I mean by that is everything that you use or carry. This isn’t just the splitboard but EVERYTHING from the food in your pack to the jacket you use. It’s crucial to have each piece of equipment as light as possible, strong as possible, and simple as possible. You’re out there for hours and the littlest things either help or begin to piss you off. One of my latest upgrades to my arsenal are a pair of Leki Sherpa Poles that I’m using for my splitboard poles.
A Hate-Hate Relationship
Out of all the splitboarding gear I’ve owned, nothing has frustrated me more than my splitboard poles. I’ve tried countless pairs—from folding models to carbon fiber collapsible models—and every single one of them has let me down, sometimes even leaving me stranded on the side of a mountain, cutting my day short. That was until I found the loves of my life—the Leki Sherpa Poles.
Leki Sherpa Poles Specs
- Weight: 19.6 oz (per pair)
- 1 size
- Collapsed Length: 70 cm
- Usable Length: 110 cm – 145 cm
- Price: $160
- Buy from Backcountry.com or EVO
How I Got Turned On To Leki
A few years ago, our good friend Darin tried a pair of Spitfire 3D Poles for his downhill pursuits and loved them. Then why not try their backcountry touring poles. Nervous about my last confrontation with carbon, I decided to stick to aluminum instead and got a pair of Sherpas.
Engineering Marvel
I’ll admit I was initially hesitant since they weren’t specifically marketed for splitboarding or ski touring. However, after a full winter of touring, I’m now a convert. Every part of the pole is thoughtfully designed, from the locking mechanisms to the grip. The bright yellow ski baskets make them easy to spot in the snow and help them provide contrast when you accidentally drop something.
Took My Abuse
I may take care of all my outdoor equipment maintenance wise, but when I’m using it, I’m VERY rough with it. A lot of the issues are my own fault but that’s the type of person I am. And just like our 1995 Toyota 4Runner, I want it to take a beating and keep on ticking. And that’s what I got from the Leki Sherpa Poles. For example, when I was out ski touring, I ended up stepping on the bottom piece of the pole severely. Instead of it breaking at the attachment, the metal barely bent and months later I’m still using it!
Assemble/Disassemble
Aside from durability issues, one of the “features” I hated most on all my past splitboard poles was that I had to take off my gloves to assemble or disassemble. It always left my hands FREEZING. Leki’s speed lock system is a game-changer. With just a flick, the poles collapse or extend effortlessly. Even when ice built up to the point that I couldn’t collapse them, there’s a twist mechanism on each segment that allows you to loosen and collapse the poles without any hassle.
The Grip
The foam grip is contoured and feels luxurious. Whether you’re gripping it barehanded on a warm corn harvesting session or fully gloved during a storm, you’ll love the feel. Another big plus is the padding that extends far down the pole. This feature allows you to choke up confidently on the uphill side of the skin track when traversing steep slopes. It’s like the comfort of a Mercedes, but in your hands, no matter the conditions.
The Cons
Compared to other splitboard-specific poles, these don’t collapse as compactly (down to 70 cm), but as someone who’s 6’ 3”, I appreciate the maximum extended length of 145 cm that the others don’t offer. While they aren’t the lightest on the market at 19.6 oz, the weight is negligible when you spend 90% of your time climbing. I’ve tried the lightweight route before and ended up regretting it.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a solid, reliable pair of splitboard poles that can withstand a bit of clumsiness and don’t mind a few extra ounces, you’ll love these. And if you prefer something lighter, Leki also offers a Sherpa Lite version, which weighs in at 18 oz.
Check Prices & Buy From (comes in one size): Backcountry.com or EVO
