Iceline Trekking Poles
Updated for 2025 to be even stronger, even lighter, more durable graphics, and a much requested new strap version. Both versions are currently sold out due to high interest but can be pre-ordered for poles shipping in late May or early June.
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, strength of a heavier pole, and the reliability of an external adjuster, while shaving unnecessary 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 quite durable for a lightweight 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 right where they are most exposed to potential damage. The 16 mm tubing here substantially reduces the risk of breakage.
The Iceline poles are a sturdy pole that can hold more weight in a horizontal load test than comparable poles while having about half the flex. This low flex and high strength provide a more confident experience and lower risk of breakage.
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.
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 new high-water mark.
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 multi-week traverse of Alaska's Brooks Range.
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.
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.
For 2025 we have added a much requested strap version. Additionally, we have added a matte lacquer finish over the graphics to improve their durability, found further ways to save weight so the strapless version is slightly lighter yet at 134g, and we substantially increased the strength of the quick connect mechanism so the poles are over 30% higher in breaking strength.
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 Iceline poles are the world's lightest adjustable three piece poles. There are lighter poles that are a fixed length, non-adjustable, or 2 piece adjustable, 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 134 g for the strapless version, 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.
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.
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.
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
I’m disappointed to be writing a negative review of the Iceline trekking poles, but after using them for 300 miles on the Hayduke, I feel I need to warn other thru hikers of their lack of durability in desert conditions.
The major problem with these poles is that the tips up until the carbide inserts are carbon fiber. After 300 miles of desert use, the carbon fiber was so worn down that the inserts easily broke through the thinned walls, rendering the poles useless.
While the carbon fiber is thin throughout, and the poles are definitely more breakable than others I’ve used, they are super light and stiff, and an absolute pleasure to walk with. Dan very generously replaced a section of one of the poles that I broke early in my hike. The grips are well shaped, and the single adjustment point is really nice. I found the straps to be uncomfortable compared to other trekking poles I’ve used with dedicated left and right straps, but the poles are so light it doesn’t really matter.
Dan, if you redesign the tips so that they last 1000 miles, I’d definitely consider buying these again because they get so much right, but I am disappointed that mine are unusable after just a few weeks, especially at this price point.
Thanks for sharing your experience Evan. Regarding the tip design, as you mention we are using a lighter integrated tip design where the carbide tip is inserted directly into the carbon instead of into a plastic housing that slides over top. The carbon is fairly thick and we don't see many reports of it getting damaged, but I can see how 300 miles on the Hayduke with a lot of off-trail, rocks etc would be pretty hard on the tip area of the poles and lead to this wear/damage in the tip area.
If you do want more durable tips, you can simply just add normal tips. The carbon tubing here is a standard size where it would be easy to add traditional plastic tips. We opt for the lighter design, but it is easy to pick up aftermarket tips and slide them right on over top. Reports of damage to the tip area is uncommon, so for most people I think it is a good tradeoff to save weight (especially swing weight) but for rocky offtrail conditions it probably is wise to add more tip protection. In your case, your tips are obviously quite worn/damaged where we are happy to replace the tip sections, but just adding some regular tips over top might be a better solution as it gives you the extra protection you're looking for.
For the straps, I like these thinner ones with the mesh that breathes, but if you do prefer another type it is fairly simple to swap on straps from a different pole model.
Hope that helps and good luck on the rest of the Hayduke,
Dan Durston
I was skeptical about these poles for a while since I loved my LT5s. Then the LT5s started having issues, the twist lock acting up starting and I was not able to lock or unlock reliably. Turns out you need to maintain the LT5 internal mechanism by oiling (I use bike chain lube) and letting it dry if you use the poles for any water crossing.
Then one of the LT5 section broke when I was doing the JMT so that's that.
Getting the Iceline poles has been a revelation, I really love the slide lock. Really it's quite an upgrade to the LT5s. I feel way more secure knowing it won't collapse on me is great. Also it makes pitching the XMid pro 2 a breeze (LT5s would twist the bath floor every time, very annoying).
And thank you for adding the straps option. My only criticism is that the straps feel a little stiff compared to LT5s. Time will tell if they last for a few more years but I have high hope.
Glad you're liking the poles. Yes the external adjusters are really nice. I have used a few other brands of ultralight poles and several of them are very nice, but the thicker shafts and external adjusters here are quite nice.
It is possible to swap the straps if you prefer another type, but I do quite like the straps we have here because the mesh lets the sweat evaporate, and they do soften up with some use.
Cheers,
Dan