The race to design the lightest tent and backpack is scorching. The race for the lightest trekking pole? Decidedly not. Most poles are distinguished by their options moderately than their weight. Durston Gear’s first entry into the trekking pole class is a surprisingly gentle, however nonetheless effectively featured, product dubbed the Iceline.
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles At a Look
- Worth: $169 with out hand straps, $179 with
- Weight: 9.4 ounces/pair* (poles, no baskets, no hand straps). The storage bag is +0.2 ounces
- Supplies: Carbon fiber shafts, EVA foam grip, normal carbide tip
- Development: 3 sections, one telescoping joint and one quick-disconnect joint
- Usable Size: 95cm to 127cm
- Collapsed/packed Size: 49cm
- Part Diameters: 18mm (prime) 16mm (center), 16mm tapered to level (backside)
*I examined the earlier model of the Icelines, which have simply been up to date for 2025. My poles weighed 9.6 ounces on my private scale, matching Durston’s printed weight for the outdated model. 9.4 ounces is the printed weight for the brand new model.
Making miles with the Icelines, moist climate be damned.
Meant Use
The light-weight however sturdy design of the Iceline makes them nice for long-distance and off-trail climbing alike. Those that ceaselessly collapse their poles on the transfer could also be higher suited wanting elsewhere.
Circumstance of Overview
I acquired a maintain of those poles whereas in transit to Europe and abused them for over 800 miles on the Haute Route Pyrenees (HRP), Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), and Walker’s Haute Route (WHR). This included miles on pavement, sand, snow, and all manners of filth and rock. A brand new model of the Iceline trekking poles simply dropped; I examined the earlier model, which was just a few grams heavier and lacked a hand-strap possibility.
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Options
Tremendous Light-weight Design
Like lots of Durston’s new merchandise, the Icelines vie to be the lightest in class whereas remaining sturdy and purposeful for path use. Weight-saving design decisions embody an built-in carbide-only tip as an alternative of an ordinary plastic cap, fixed-position decrease joint, and skipping hand straps. Altogether, these incremental adjustments carry a pair down to only 9.4 ounces with out baskets.
Giant Diameter Sections
The shaft contains many of the materials on any pair of trekking poles, so adjusting its size, diameter, and materials all have an outsized impact on total weight. On the identical time, these parameters are additionally the figuring out elements for the way stiff and durable the pole is.
Regardless of the featherweight design, there is no such thing as a compromise in pole diameter right here. The highest part measures 18mm in diameter, whereas the center and decrease are each 16mm. The bottom part does taper to a skinny level for the carbide tip, as all poles do.
The sturdy, large-diameter sections are good for getting by means of these high-impact snow-sliding and rock-hopping sections that always snap skinnier poles.
No Hand Straps (Non-compulsory)
Some could name this a function, some could name this an unforgivable design flaw. The omission of hand straps from the primary model of the Iceline was extraordinarily controversial on-line — the newly up to date model can now be ordered with or with out straps, rendering this a non-issue.
Many hikers use hand straps to switch pressure to poles, moderately than counting on grip energy and friction. Others discover them ineffective or annoying and reduce off hand straps instantly after buy.
I’m prepared to name the no-straps possibility a function, whether or not it’s for higher or worse. There aren’t every other off-the-shelf trekking poles freed from hand straps that I’m conscious of, which shortly distinguishes them from the competitors. Certain, you’ll be able to reduce off the strap from something, however there’s at all times some {hardware} or frayed finish left behind, and an accompanying gap.
Mounted-Place Decrease Connection, Flick Lock Higher Connection
Joints between pole sections normally are available in three total types: fastened, twist lock, and flick lock.
Mounted connections don’t permit any adjustability to the size of the pole. Typically this can be a easy overlap between the sections with a cap. Different instances it’s a extra difficult {hardware} piece (as it’s for the Iceline). Mounted joints are usually the lightest as a result of no adjustable {hardware} must be concerned. Additionally they permit for adjoining sections to have the identical diameter, since they don’t want to slip into one another.
Twist locks are adjustable connectors between sections. Usually the decrease of the 2 pole sections is simply sufficiently small to slip into the higher, and a small {hardware} piece locks them in place when the shafts are twisted in reverse instructions. These are usually lighter than flick locks however are usually not as dependable since they slip beneath greater masses and are more durable to regulate or restore. The Iceline doesn’t use twist locks attributable to this downside.
Flick locks are just like twist lock locks in that the decrease part telescopes into the bigger prime part. As a substitute of twisting the shafts, nevertheless, there’s an exterior lever that clamps the 2 items collectively. Every model can have barely different-looking flick locks, however usually they wrap across the shaft within the closed place to keep away from being caught unintentionally.
The higher joint on the Iceline makes use of an ordinary Komperdell flick lock, whereas the decrease joint is fastened through a quick-disconnect {hardware} piece.
EVA Foam vs Cork Deal with
This pole makes use of a foam deal with as an alternative of cork. Foam is lighter, rot-free, and is a much less enticing snack to wandering porcupines. Cork, nevertheless, is favored by many hikers for its tactile consolation. It additionally molds to the form of your hand over time (assuming it’s sufficiently thick) and may take in sweat, which improves grip and luxury.
The absence of cork, like hand straps, is one other controversial design determination. Realistically, cork handles can’t be weight-competitive with foam attributable to their considerably greater density and wouldn’t make sense for a product on this phase of the market.
To Basket or To not Basket
The Iceline trekking poles don’t include a basket, nor does Durston Gear promote them individually. It’s nonetheless attainable to get them, as there’s an attachment ring for Komperdell-brand baskets. The query Dan is posing by taking this method is: Do you even want them?
In his opinion, most hikers don’t want baskets on path and are solely slowed down by the added swing weight and propensity for snagging. Together with them when they may not be used can also be a supply of plastic waste.
I’m undecided I agree. Just about any thru-hiker of the PCT, CDT, or early-season AT goes to run into snow, the place I take into account baskets obligatory. I additionally discover them helpful for sand, sure forms of scree, and to stop lodging the tip between rocks. On a packed filth path, nevertheless, it may be joyous to take them off.
That is one other space that comes down to non-public choice and path terrain. For those who don’t agree with Dan’s place on your private wants, you’ll want to buy third celebration to change your Icelines.
My typical low-angle snow setup: one pole WITH baskets, microspikes, and a UL ice axe.
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Execs
Lightest in Class
At simply 9.6 ounces, the Icelines are the lightest pole on the market, with two essential qualifiers: three sections, and adjustable size.
It is possible for you to to seek out lighter two part poles, since they’ve much less {hardware} and overlapping shaft sections required. These are sometimes impractical for hikers since they don’t pack effectively, particularly on scrambles or hitches the place they may stick up above your pack peak.
You may as well discover lighter fixed-length (one-section or folding two-to-three-section) poles, as a result of the lengthy overlap required within the adjustable part is successfully useless weight, and the fastened connections might be lighter (as talked about above). Many hikers favor an adjustable pole to accommodate steep uphills and downhills, in addition to organising trekking pole tents successfully.
I used to be skeptical that utilizing a lighter pair of poles would really feel any completely different than the 15- to 18-ounce pairs I’ve used traditionally. After an preliminary adjustment interval, I believe I might have a tough time switching again.
When carried, the distinction is a really actual quarter- to half-pound, identical to every other financial savings in your base weight. When actively used, the absence of weight, particularly across the tip, signifies that I don’t must completely time or struggle in opposition to the pure swing ahead to get a exact pole plant. I can as an alternative flick the wrist to level precisely at my subsequent goal and stab at it.
This may occasionally sound just a little hokey, however I felt this was a big distinction on rocky and technical terrain. When getting the tip completely onto that little ledge of a boulder might be the distinction between a fall and a profitable massive step, I need to be certain that it’s simple to do.
9.7 ounces per pair on my mother or father’s kitchen scale. My private scale mentioned 9.6 oz, which matches Durston Gear’s claims for the earlier model. The brand new Icelines weigh 9.4 ozpair.
Sturdy and Secure
The 18mm/16mm/16mm sections make for very sturdy, low-deflection poles. They’re much less more likely to snap and may higher help physique weight when wanted. My affinity for steep, technical trails means I put much more pressure by means of my poles than the common hiker, and I don’t need them to bend out of the best way once I want them most.
In addition to a damaged tip (extra on that beneath), I felt these have been considerably stiffer and stronger than just about every other adjustable-length pole I’ve tried. Mixed with the no-slip joint on the underside and the dependable flick lock on the highest, I trusted these poles usually and was not let down.
Now Has a Hand-Strap Choice
Utilizing a hand strap on trekking poles may be very particular person. Some are hopelessly reliant on it, whereas others would moderately tear them off than have the material flop round. Personally, I skip the hand straps about 90 p.c of the time, though I prefer to have them on sure steep terrains the place placing most of my physique weight on the poles might be extraordinarily useful. Whereas I often missed their presence, I in the end acquired used to it.
Though I acquired the Icelines earlier than a hand-strap model was provided, you now have the choice to improve to a hand-strap model for an additional $10 and 0.8 oz.
Packs Properly for a 3-Part
Most three-section poles are going to pack to an analogous size, since they’ve an analogous max peak that’s evenly distributed throughout the sections. On a telescoping pole, nevertheless, the tip is simply too giant to nestle into the part above, leaving a roughly three-inch inefficiency.
The Iceline design avoids this because of the non-tethered backside part that “folds” subsequent to the higher components. Mixed with a barely lower-than-average max peak, these will pack down extra like a four-piece than a three-piece.
It’s price noting {that a} telescoping three-section pole will also be dismantled for the same impact. I do know from expertise, as I as soon as did this on a world flight to suit them inside a checked bag. The outcome, in that case, was a misplaced pole part on arrival. Extra on this potential downside beneath.
4 units of poles collapsed. Left to Proper: Leki Black Sequence FX Carbon (4-section, 105-130cm), Durston Gear Iceline (3-section, 105-127cm), Gossamer Gear LT5 (3 part, 70-130cm), Komperdell C3 Carbon Professional (outdated mannequin, 3-section, 80-140cm)
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Cons
No Replaceable Tip Is an Apparent Level of Failure
My largest concern about these poles earlier than arrival was that the uncovered carbon fiber on the tip can be overly susceptible to snapping. On nearly each different trekking pole available on the market, there’s a semi-standardized plastic cap that protects the shaft and hosts the carbide tip and the basket attachment system. On the Iceline, that carbide tip is caught instantly onto the shaft. The basket attachment is a straightforward ring glued on just a few inches above the carbide. In between the 2 is an uncovered carbon fiber shaft.
The plastic cap normally serves as a sacrificial piece. If the carbide tip breaks or turns into dislodged, a brand new cap might be eliminated and changed with components at any outside retailer. If the tip is wedged between rocks, it has sufficient pliability to deform moderately than outright fail.
With the no plastic tip possibility, vital injury to the carbide may trigger cracking within the shaft it’s connected to, and any levering of the bottom few inches that’s usually lined is more likely to trigger a fracture within the carbon. The fabric is just too inflexible to permit deformation or bending.
Whereas my issues have been theoretical to begin, they turned a actuality after simply 650 miles. I snapped the carbide tip and a few half inch of carbon fiber halfway by means of a path in Europe. Over the remaining 150 miles of that journey, I slowly chipped down the blunt stump one other half inch or so.
Be aware on Substitute Components
For the reason that tip just isn’t normal, to get an in-kind alternative, it’s a must to get a brand new entire lowest part. Durston Gear has only a few (if any) retailers, so that you may naturally flip to their internet retailer.
After I wanted a alternative part, I used to be unable to order one instantly from the location and needed to e mail customer support. Durston has since added Iceline pole alternative components within the on-line retailer, simplifying life considerably for thru-hikers.
(Your different possibility is so as to add on an ordinary plastic tip from one other model. Theoretically, the form of a principally intact tip will match the tapered form of the Iceline and may merely be glued in place. That is extra akin to the restore course of for many different manufacturers, however it’s going to add weight and alter the character of the product. If you’re within the US, you’ll seemingly solely discover Leki ideas at retailers and might want to purchase new baskets to match.)
As predicted, I snapped the tip between the carbide and the basket ring. This was on the day of breakage. The subsequent 150 miles of path shortened it one other half to three-quarter inches.
Baskets Are Onerous to Come By
Talking of baskets, the Iceline poles are manufactured by Komperdell in Austria and use their proprietary attachment system. Just about each different producer is utilizing LEKI’s screw-on basket system, whether or not they brazenly admit it or not.
Durston doesn’t embody or resell any suitable baskets, and Komperdell baskets are considerably more durable to seek out in North America. Your greatest wager is a specialty on-line retailer or from Komperdell instantly. I fortunately already owned a pair of suitable Komperdell-brand poles and baskets. If I didn’t, I might need needed to go with out given the brief turnaround time on my supply earlier than a visit.
Professional Tip: REI’s Carbon flash poles was once manufactured by Komperdell as effectively. The deadstock of baskets from this outdated model is nonetheless on the market from REI, though they’re now not usually stocked in shops.
Top Markers Fade Shortly
I maintain my poles and modify their peak ceaselessly. This implies numerous rubbing on all of the uncovered sections. I first observed the peak markers have been getting laborious to learn simply 250 miles into my journey and have been unusable by mile 400. The labels nestled into the part above nonetheless survive to offer just a little steerage, however I want I may nonetheless use the shorter markings.
Ed. word: Durston acknowledges that this was a shortcoming of the earlier model of the Iceline poles, “however one of many updates for the second batch is that we do now add lacquer over these markers to enhance sturdiness.” So the fading markers factor hopefully is not going to be a difficulty going ahead.
Restricted Adjustability Vary and Max Top
The elevated reliability of a set decrease joint has the tradeoff of limiting the adjustability vary. These poles can solely be set between 95cm and 127cm. That is inside vary for 95 p.c of hikers however limits the choices to be used with sure shelters. For example, the Gossamer Gear Whisper requires poles at 59cm and 130.5 cm, exterior each ends of their vary. You’ll have an analogous conundrum on just about any single-pole pyramid or on shelters with a decrease foot aspect.
The Iceline “postholing” in deep grass (and presumably a snake gap). That is much less more likely to occur with a basket put in.
Two-Piece Packing Is Vulnerable to Loss
The fast-release lowest part just isn’t tethered to the opposite components by a wire like most folding or ”Z” fashion poles are. This improves packing flexibility but in addition makes the decrease segments a lot simpler to lose. I even have misplaced a pole part this manner when dismantling a telescoping set to suit into baggage. It was a doozy to exchange after touchdown and isn’t one thing I want to repeat.
If you’re apprehensive concerning the separate sections getting misplaced whereas saved, you’ll have to carry alongside the 0.2oz storage sack.
Restricted Guarantee Protection
Trekking pole warranties are very hit and miss. Some are nearly comically unsympathetic, as is the case with the competing Gossamer Gear LT5s. Others, such because the OEM for the Icelines, are unbelievably beneficiant.
The Durston coverage falls someplace within the center. After I reached out for a alternative part, they made it clear that any such injury just isn’t usually lined beneath guarantee, however they despatched a free part anyway. The Durston crew has normally been easygoing about repairs earlier than (I’ve gotten recommendation and free patches from them on a number of events), nevertheless it’s laborious to say if this may final endlessly, particularly given their new written coverage.
Worth
The Icelines are fairly distinctive of their sub-10 ounce complete weight and excessive energy. Regardless of just a few apparent Achilles heels, they nonetheless make an amazing pair of poles for the weight-conscious hiker.
At $169, they fall in the course of the pack for premium carbon poles, though nonetheless far more costly than heavier aluminum choices or poorly made finances carbon poles.
Store the Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles
A Few Comparability Objects
Gossamer Gear LT5
- MSRP: $195
- Weight: 9.8 ozpair
Black Diamond Carbon FLZ Sequence
- MSRP: $210
- Weight: 11 to 13 ozpair relying on dimension
Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles
- MSRP: $80 for a two-pack (4 poles)
- Weight: 16 ozpair
The Durston Gear Iceline trekking poles have been donated for function of evaluation
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