BUFFALO, NY (July 24, 2023) – Born in 1948 in the small village of Kirchheim Teck, Germany, LEKI is celebrating 75 years of innovation and family-owned history. From skiing to trekking to trail running, LEKI takes pride in making the best poles in the world for every adventure and has grown to be one of the most respected companies in the outdoor industry.
Karl Lenhart’s passion for improving the quality and design of ski poles back in the 50s era of heavy bamboo shafts with metal baskets has revolutionized the importance of lightweight durable poles we use for all outdoor adventures today. Some of his innovations are still used on LEKI poles to this day, and a variation of the first ever Makalu pole that Reinhold Messner stood on top of Everest with in 1978 is in the current trekking pole line.
To celebrate this very important anniversary, LEKI has created 75 Years of LEKI : A look back on the company history, the Lenhart family legacy, and 75 years of innovation and growth. A collection of 75 Years of Historical Photos also marks the occasion.
This year, 2023, marks another turning point in LEKI’s storied history with the introduction of the Hemp One Vario, the first ever trekking pole made of sustainable hemp as a replacement for aluminum and carbon. LEKI first introduced the Hemp One Vario at ISPO last month and won the ISPO Award 2023, quoting the ISPO Award Jury: “LEKI is embarking on an exciting new path with the Hemp One Vario. The consistent sustainable approach, incorporating regionally renewable raw materials, can be described as a flagship project. Such innovations enrich the outdoor market on its way towards a resource-efficient and more sustainable future.”
Today, LEKI’s mission is to make the best poles and gloves in the world for everybody. With more than 100 models of poles and 50 gloves in the annual collection, LEKI has come a long way since Karl Lenhart carved his first wooden letters in Kirchheim 75 years ago. LEKI will continue to thrive thanks in part to a ceaseless passion for excellence on one end and the most dedicated customers on the other.
