Iceline Trekking Poles
Updated for 2025 to be stronger, even lighter, more durable graphics, and a much requested new strap version.
The Iceline poles use a more weight efficient design to craft a trekking pole that is lighter, stronger, and more reliable. They offer the compactness of a 3 piece pole, the reliability of an external adjuster, and higher strength than other ultralight poles, while shaving weight to make the world's lightest three piece adjustable pole. At just 134 g (4.7 oz) they are a delight to use.
EFFICIENT DESIGN
Three piece trekking poles are the norm because they can stow conveniently on the side of your backpack, but other 3 piece poles contain a shortcoming: dual adjusters. Having dual adjusters is unnecessary (because a single adjuster gives ample adjustment range) and actually a negative because the second adjuster adds weight, complexity, potential to slip, and more hassle to set your poles to a specific length.
The Iceline poles use a fundamentally better approach: replacing the lower adjuster with a quick connect mechanism. This gives an even shorter packed size (comparable to 4 section poles) while making the pole lighter, simpler, and more reliable. In regular use they operate like a 2 section pole, but the tips can disconnect for a compact packed size when needed.
Additionally, we've obsessed over the rest of the pole to save unnecessary weight including a tighter fitting grip that requires less glue and a lighter integrated tip design. Even the matte finish has been carefully considered to look beautiful while saving grams over a glossy lacquer finish. As a result of its' weight efficient design, the Iceline poles are able to invest more weight into areas that matter (stronger tubing, a more reliable external adjuster) while also providing a lighter pole that is nicer to use.
STRONG
The Iceline poles are durable for an ultralight trekking pole because they use premium high strength carbon and larger diameter tubing that is more weight efficient (both stronger and lighter).
In particular, the non-telescoping nature of the lower connection enables thicker 16 mm tubing for the tip section. Other poles with telescoping lower connections have to use narrower tubing for the tip section (typically 12 mm) but this makes those poles weaker where they are most exposed to potential damage. The 16 mm tubing here reduces the risk of breakage.
The Iceline poles can hold more weight in a horizontal load test than comparable poles while having about half the flex, which gives a more confident and lower risk experience that other ultralight poles.
Premium Carbon
The Iceline poles are custom built for Durston in Austria by Komperdell who have over a century of experience building high quality poles. These poles use their highest grade carbon to achieve greater performance at a lower weight.
External Adjuster
Unlike other poles near this weight, the Iceline poles have external adjustment which is easier to adjust, simpler to maintain, and less likely to slip compared to internal 'twist' adjusters. The external adjuster allows for ample adjustment range of 95 - 127 cm.
Quick Connect
In regular use the Iceline poles operate like a 2 piece pole with the upper external adjuster, but if you want them to pack short you can disconnect the tips with the quick connect mechanism. This mechanism enables a short pack size that is more compact than even other 3 piece poles, while being lighter, simpler, quicker to adjust the pole length, and with no risk of slippage.
Larger Diameter Tubing
The Iceline poles use larger diameter tubing to increase strength and reduce flex. In particular, the lowest section (which is the most common section to break in other poles) uses larger 16 mm tubing compared to 12 mm in other lightweight poles, making the Iceline poles stronger where you need it most.
Matte Finish
The Iceline poles have a matte finish that gives the poles a premium look, but more importantly, is the result of our focus on weight efficiency as it saves several grams in lacquer compared to a glossy finish.
QUALITY & RELIABILITY
The Iceline poles are custom built for Durston in Austria by Komperdell (a well respected maker of high end poles for over 100 years). Even the stuff sack is high quality, as it re-purposes otherwise scrap Dyneema® fabric from our Pro series tents to provide a superlight (5g) way to store the poles.
A key goal with the Iceline poles was to improve reliability and ease of use, because other lightweight poles commonly use internal 'twist' adjusters that are prone to slippage, or when they use external adjusters they use plastic parts. Either way, having dual adjusters doubles their risk of issues. With the Iceline poles the single adjuster reduces risk and is a more reliable external style with premium aluminum parts. The lower quick connector is also highly reliable with aluminum parts and no potential for slippage.
Backpacker
High-Water Mark
The most durable ultralight trekking pole we’ve tested. If you’re after the best ultralight poles, the Iceline are, in our opinion, the high-water mark.
Better Trail
Masterclass in Engineering
The Durston Iceline offers impressive durability and adjustability, while being noticeably sturdier than other featherweight models. The result is impressive.
Adventure Alan
Stiff As All Get Out
No lightweight collapsible trekking poles are stronger and stiffer than the Durston Iceline. If you’re willing to splurge, it’s hard to beat the Durston Iceline.
Clever Hiker
Editors Pick: Most Innovative
A top choice for ultralight backpackers who prioritize weight savings and and simplicity. Incredible fast and easy to set up.
Road Trail Run
Brilliant
Durston set out to simplify the trekking pole to its essence while focusing on durability, reliability and the lightest possible weight. They succeeded.
Overall, the efficient and patent pending design of the Iceline poles sets a new standard for ultralight trekking poles. At 134 g they are the world's lightest trekking poles that can pack short and have length adjustment, while being sturdier and more reliable than other poles near this weight. This makes them a joy to use for everything from a Rim-to-Rim day hike of the Grand Canyon to a summer on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
Strapless Version
134 g (4.7 oz) per pole.
Strap Version
145 g (5.1 oz) per pole.
Dyneema Stuff Sack
5 g (0.2 oz)
Collapsed
49 cm (19.5")
Minimum
95 cm (37")
Maximum
127 cm (50")
Upper / Middle / Lower
18 / 16 / 16 mm
3
Shaft
High modulus carbon
Grip
EVA Foam
Tip
Carbide
External (upper) and click (lower)
Komperdell
Austria
Features
FEATURES
The Iceline poles are the world's lightest adjustable trekking poles at 134 g / 4.7 oz each (no strap version). This superlight weight makes them an effortless pleasure to use on the trail.
The upper adjuster on the Iceline is a proven external adjuster (commonly referred to as flick locks) which is more reliable, easier to repair, and easier to adjust compared to internal ("twist lock") adjusters. It also uses premium aluminum parts instead of a plastic lever.
A Dyneema stuff sack is included for secure storage of the poles. These sacks are build from scrap Dyneema fabric from our X-Mid Pro tents.
The Iceline poles use larger diameter carbon tubing because it is more weight efficient (stiffer and lighter). The upper section is 18 mm (compared with 14 - 16 mm for competing poles) while the middle and lower sections are 16 mm (compared with 12 - 14 mm). This larger diameter tubing makes the Iceline poles both sturdier and lighter, especially at the tip where trekking poles are most likely to break.
The Iceline poles collapse to just 49 cm (19.5") to easily stow on the side of a backpack. Other 3 piece poles typically pack to 22-25".
The lower connection uses a simple and reliable quick connect mechanism that is well proven and dampened to avoid rattles.
The Iceline poles use high modulus premium carbon fiber to create a stiffer trekking pole with less deflection under load.
The Iceline poles are custom made for Durston by Komperdell who are based in Austria and one of the world's foremost manufacturers of premium trekking poles.
FAQ
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 baskets from Komperdell. If you would like rubber boots for the tips, the 8mm size from Komperdell fits. We offer both of these in a bundle called an 'accessory kit' on our spare Iceline pole parts page.
We have replacement sections available here.
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.
Wrist straps are a topic of much debate. Hikers preferring no straps are often using the poles for balance and low to moderate propulsion while valuing the simplicity, easy release if the pole gets caught, and weight savings of no straps.
Other hikers prefer wrist straps - usually so they can provide more propulsion while gripping the handle with less effort (because the straps can transfer the load to the wrist).
We suggest that many hikers will be well served by poles without straps since hiking is a fairly low exertion activity, but if you prefer straps or aren't sure then we suggest opting for the strap version because the straps are easily removable so you can always go strapless later (although at a few gram weight penalty since there is still added hardware inside the grip). Straps can not be added later to the version without straps.
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. They will also work as optional supports in our X-Dome tents. They are slightly too short to work to anchor the door in the X-Dome tents since that is more angled.
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.
If you do lose or damage the tip, it is easy to add replacement tips over top. Unlike other poles, you can add aftermarket tips with no need to remove the original. Alternatively, you can order a replacement tip section from us on the spare parts page.
Customer Reviews
I own a Durston pack and a Durston Tent and now, Durston Trekking Poles. Why - the engineering - I have a passion for elegant designs and Dan’s products are beautifully designed. Is Dan the Steve Jobs of UL??
The poles are exactly as described. Light and robust. Minimalist and easy to use. The compactness of a 3 section pole and the simplicity of a single adjustor. The quick release is honestly brilliant. And they are just visually beautiful.
I am a no-strap guy and being able to order them without is much appreciated. It remains to be seen if I will miss the extended grip of my current poles but for a 2.5oz savings, I’ll figure it out.
Finally, I love the fact that these poles are made in Austria and not China.
It takes someone special to finally ask why has it always been done this way and why don’t we try something new? This is exactly what Dan Durston has done with these new Iceline trekking poles. I mean even the name is cool. The straps are a really light material and feel great on my wrists. I really like the locking mechanism for popping in the bottom half of the pole. It feels very solid. And to remove it pushing the release button is also solid so it looks and works great. I had other ultra light poles but they have two places that you have to twist and un-twist. This has one section that you can quickly lock and unlock. Setting up a tent I can set my preferred height and if it needs a little tweaking because of uneven ground I can quickly adjust that with the lock. Taking it down I can set it to my preferred length for trekking without having to fiddle with two twists. The grips feel fine in my hands. These collapse down into a smaller length than any other poles I’ve tried. On a scale of one to ten I would give these a ten although that’s what I give all the Durston Gear I have. Another innovative and outstanding product design from Durston Gear.
These are such a great example of Durston engineering.
Not a copy but a re invention of what works well.
So glad I got a pair before the first run sold out.
For those waiting to get their's, Like other Durston products. It will be worth the wait!
Thanks for the kind words David. Glad you're liking the poles :)
- Dan
Positives: Love the light weight! I've been a hiker/backpacker for over four decades, and really appreciate light and nimble equipment as I've gotten older. I also love the design of the pole. The way the two sections connect seems robust, and I do disconnect them after each use to store them in a compartment in my car. I really like that there is only one section to adjust, yet it collapses very short enabling easy storage and travel.
Minor negative: I don't like that the screw on the adjusting clamp requires a tool. It's not that it's a big deal carrying a small screwdriver, but I can sometimes be absent minded and take the screwdriver out of the pack to use for something, and them to forget to put it back, or I may venture out without a pack. I've seen other poles that have a small thumb screw, which would obviate the need to carry a screwdriver.
Major negative: The design of the grip. I find the combination of squishy material and lack of any significant protrusions (nubs?) makes for a slippery grip, especially with sweaty hands. I generally like to hold the pole with my index finger on the bottom nub, and the rest of my hand on the pole, but that doesn't work well with this pole since there is nothing much to keep my index finger from slipping down off the nub, unless I hold the grip very tightly, which is not comfortable for me, and even that doesn't work that well since the material squishes in and flattens allowing my hand to slip down. My old Leki poles have a much better grip, and hope that Durston can either redesign the grip, or offer one (preferable cork, even if it adds a slight bit of weight) as an option.
Thanks for sharing your experience. We haven't got many complaints about the grip, but I do agree that it would be nice to do a custom design a grip that could have some updated shaping, such as a more prominent 'trigger'. The current grip has some of that, but more could be an improvement. I appreciate the feedback.
For the slipperyness though, the actual material is pretty standard EVA foam that is used for a wide range of pole grips. I think it is about normal feel for an EVA grip, but yes a cork grip has a nice feel. The trouble with cork is how heavy it is. These are the world's lightest 3 piece adjustable poles, which a cork grip is usually 2-3x the weight of an EVA one. So it would really change the pole if we did that. For example, Diorite sells the same grip in cork and EVA and the cork is 22g while the EVA is 91g.
So for you, you could swap on the Diorite Cork grips by buying them as spare part from Diorite but it would add about 75 grams to the pole, which is a lot since the pole would go from about 140g to about 215g - a 50% increase. That's why we don't offer cork. Most grips that look like cork on lightweight poles are actually a similar EVA foam with cork coloring to be 'imitation cork'.
I just finished hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and had an excellent experience with the Iceline trekking poles. I strongly suggest getting the accessory pole baskets and rubber tips. The small baskets prevent the poles from getting stuck between rocks which could possibly snap a pole if you fell or cranked on the pole. They also decrease penetration in thick grass, scree, mud. I had never used rubber tip protectors before on any trekking pole, but found them great for the occasional use of the poles on asphalt roads, providing a slight cushioning effect, and decreasing the noise factor. The poles are amazingly light and nimble, a joy to use. I also used them for my Xmid pro 2 tent on this trip which also is an awesome product, along with my Kakwa 55. All 5 stars!
Nice hike Nick. Glad you liking the Iceline poles and other gear. Thanks for using our gear.
- Dan