Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch vs Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

9.1/10 Excellent

4.7★ (4,200 owners)

Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch	Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles
247Verdict Score	8.9/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (6,100)	4.7★ (4,200)
Verdict	Great	Excellent

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard. That said, the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch is worth considering if Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners

Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

195g per pole — the lightest reviewed trekking pole at this quality level
Speed Lock 2 adjusts and locks length in 2 seconds with one hand — functional while moving
Carbon shaft absorbs vibration from rocky terrain — less arm fatigue on long descents
Foldable 3-section collapses to 38cm — fits in carry-on luggage for international hiking trips
Leki's 50-year German pole engineering heritage — the brand behind ski and trekking pole development

Premium pricing over aluminium alternatives — carbon costs significantly more for the weight saving
Speed Lock 2 lever adds a small protrusion vs smooth shaft alternatives
Carbon is more brittle than aluminium if poles are sat on or dropped heavily

FAQ

Which is better, Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS or Leki Micro Vario Carbon?

Is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS worth the extra cost?

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Who is the Leki Micro Vario Carbon best suited to?

Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard.

What are the main downsides of each?

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles: Premium pricing over aluminium alternatives — carbon costs significantly more for the weight saving; Speed Lock 2 lever adds a small protrusion vs smooth shaft alternatives.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch sits at 4.5★ from 6,100 verified Amazon owners, and Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles at 4.7★ from 4,200.

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