Iceline Trekking Poles

Yes. The Iceline trekking poles are designed to work perfectly with all models of our X-Mid tents. They have the appropriate ends and adjustment range to work seamlessly.

We say the Iceline poles are the worlds lightest adjustable three piece poles. There are lighter poles that are a fixed length or use a 2 piece design but hikers are best served by a pole that is three piece (so it can fit on the side of your backpack) and adjustable (so the length can be adjusted to suit the circumstances and to pitch your tent). At 135 g, the Iceline poles are the lightest poles we are aware of that are adjustable and pack conveniently.

There are other poles that are only slightly heavier (137-158 g) but the remarkable thing with the Iceline poles isn't the few extra grams saved but that they are lighter while being substantially sturdier and more reliable. The other poles near this weight are weaker and using less reliable twist lock adjusters. To get another pole with the sturdiness and external adjustment of the Iceline poles you have to look at poles about 50% heavier. Compared to those, the lighter weight of the Iceline's makes them noticeably nicer to hike with.

Our quick connect mechanism is more reliable than the lower adjusters it replaces. With this mechanism, it has no potential to slip under your weight because the middle and lower sections of the tubing are the same diameter. It is also more difficult to pull apart by accident than a traditional pole because instead of relying on friction there are aluminum parts that lock together and are only released by a flush mounted button.

Since the two sections butt together the mechanism itself is not under strain. The sole function of the quick connect mechanism is to prevent the lower section from dropping away when the pole is lifted, so the mechanism is simple, reliable and under minimal stress.

The mechanism is also well proven, as the core mechanism has been used previously in other applications (other running and folding poles). We uniquely created a lighter weight version that eliminates the internal cable and adds dampening to avoid rattle, but reliability of the core mechanism is well established.

For a hiking application we do not recommend using baskets, as they add swing weight, catch on brush, and are generally unnecessary. However, there are applications where baskets are needed, such as on soft terrain or snow.

If you would like baskets, the Iceline poles are compatible with the 'Vario' series of baskets from Komperdell. Those can be purchased at a wide range of outdoor retailers.

If you would like rubber boots for the tips, the 8mm size from Komperdell fits.

Not currently. We prefer not having straps because it is simpler, lighter, and makes the pole easier to release (to avoid breakage) in the event of a fall or snagging the pole. These poles are so light (roughly 2% of the weight of your arm) that they are almost effortless to hold.

In some activities like nordic skiing and running there will be high forces applied to the pole where a strap is helpful as this can push the limit of what is comfortable to grip, but for hiking these forces are generally less. Many lightweight hikers do not use straps and we think more will prefer this when they try it.

Still, we recognize that some hikers prefer to hike with straps. The current version of these poles is not for them, but we are listening to that feedback and may add a strap version in the future for these hikers.

We have replacement sections available. If you are in need of a replacement section, please contact us.

In the field, if you break a middle section of the pole you can reinsert the remaining portion into the upper external adjuster to restore functionality (at a lower maximum height).

If you break the tip section, the pole will no longer function as a trekking pole but can often still be used to pitch your tent by using the remaining pole in a handles up orientation. If the remaining length is too short, that is a risk with any trekking poles but can usually be overcome with some creativity, such as propping up the pole with a rock or log.

The word "Iceline" is a nod to our heritage here in the Canadian Rockies where there are trails called the Iceline, Skyline, Highline, and more. The Iceline Trail in particular runs through the alpine of Yoho National Park and inspires with rugged terrain and glaciers. It forms an alternate route on the Great Divide Trail.

These poles have a durable carbide tip which is almost impossible to wear out, but the carbide tip can fall out if the tip of the pole is damaged.

The Iceline poles use a lighter integrated tip, that instead of a heavy plastic housing the carbide is installed directly into the end of the carbon pole.

If you lose the carbide bit, you can still use the pole since there is also an aluminum cap but it should be replaced. To do that there are two options:
1) We will have replacement tips available for a low price.

2) You can buy almost any aftermarket tips and install them. Most types will slide right on so it is easier than most poles since there is no need to remove the old tip. You may need to remove the small plastic ring holding on the basket (depending on the length of the new tip). That can be done by boiling it in water and twisting it.