Are there any German-made trekking poles besides Leki?

When hikers think of German trekking poles, Leki is the first name that comes to mind – and for good reason. The company, founded in 1948 in Bad Mergentheim, is a global leader. But are there other German manufacturers? The answer is nuanced: true German production has become rare, but a few alternatives exist.

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Leki – the undisputed giant

Leki still designs and engineers its poles in Germany, and many high‑end models are assembled in Germany using globally sourced components. Their SpeedLock system, cork grips, and aluminum shafts are legendary. However, like most outdoor brands, some entry‑level Leki poles are produced in Asia to remain competitive.

Other German brands (or European with German roots)

• Brasch – A lesser‑known German brand based in Lower Saxony. Brasch produces telescopic and foldable poles primarily for the European market. Their “Lector” series uses aluminum and lever locks. Manufacturing is partly in Germany, but many components are imported. Availability is limited to specialised shops or online.
• Tramp – Another German brand, part of the Schöffel group. Tramp offers trekking poles (e.g., Tramp Torsby) with cork grips and lever locks. Most production is outsourced to Asia, but design and quality control are German. They are a solid alternative to Leki, though not widely stocked.
• Sport Schuster (house brand) – The large German retailer Sport Schuster sells its own “S2” trekking poles. These are manufactured in Asia but designed in Germany. They offer good value (€30–50) but are not “made in Germany” in the traditional sense.

The Austrian neighbour: Komperdell

While not German, Komperdell is Austrian and shares a similar Alpine engineering heritage. Many Germans consider Austrian brands as “domestic” due to cultural and geographical proximity. Komperdell poles are often available alongside Leki in German stores like Globetrotter and Bergfreunde. Their carbon C4 Pro is a top‑tier product.

Why “made in Germany” is rare

Trekking pole production is labour‑intensive, especially for aluminum and carbon shafts. Most global brands – including Black Diamond (USA), Cascade Mountain Tech (USA/China), and Fizan (Italy) – manufacture in Asia to keep costs down. Even Leki produces some budget lines in China. True “made in Germany” would drive prices above €150 per pair, limiting market appeal.

Final verdict

If you insist on a trekking pole manufactured in Germany, Leki remains your best – and almost only – reliable option, particularly their higher‑end models like the Makalu series. Brasch and Tramp offer German‑designed poles, but production is largely Asian. For a similar European alternative, consider Austrian Komperdell. Ultimately, “made in Germany” matters less than build quality, locking mechanism, and after‑sales support. Leki delivers all three, which is why they dominate.