Hemp is finding its way into all sorts of products, including sporting goods such as trekking poles.
Leki, a manufacturer of skiing, trekking, and trail running poles, has announced the limited release of the Hemp One Vario, a trekking pole constructed predominantly from – you guessed it – hemp. And not just any industrial hemp, but a locally grown variant from the Swabian Alb region, not far from Leki’s headquarters in Kirchheim, Germany.
Manufactured in Leki’s factory in the Czech Republic, the Hemp One Vario features a shaft made of 100% hemp fibers with resin and a core of 25% hemp fiber covered with a CorTec surface of natural cork content. The strap is crafted from linen flax fibers, sourced and produced in Germany. Even the basket of the pole contains 25% hemp fibers.
Weighing in at a mere 10 ounces (283 grams), the pole is a lightweight testament to the versatility of industrial hemp. But lightweight doesn’t mean a product that isn’t robust. Leki says hemp fibers are twice as strong as steel and have a bending and mending capacity approximately six times superior to steel.
While the Hemp One Vario weighs slightly more than traditional carbon and aluminum poles, the balance of its strength-to-weight ratio and the environmental benefits offer a compelling case for industrial hemp’s viability and versatility in manufacturing hard goods.
Among the environmental benefits of using industrial hemp is the crop grows quickly, and requires minimal water, pesticide and land – and hemp waste can be used to enrich the soil.
“The Hemp One Vario is the first pole that consistently pursues the use of organic materials as a replacement for aluminum and carbon,” said Leki CEO Matthias Hatt. “With this project, we have taken a big step forward in developing sustainable technologies through fundamental research, and we see a lot of development potential for the future.”
The Hemp One Vario won a prestigious ISPO Award 2023, which honors the most innovative products and services in the sports industry. The jury praised Leki’s “consistent, sustainable approach, incorporating regionally renewable raw materials” as a flagship project that enriches the outdoor market in its journey towards a more sustainable future.
The Hemp One Vario is expected to be available for purchase later this year through Globetrotter stores in Europe, with plans to expand distribution to the U.S. in the summer of 2024.
