Iceline Trekking Poles
Updated for 2025 to be even 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, 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 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.
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 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.
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
First pole tip broke off at mile 300. Next pole tip broke off at mile 700. Not dependable. For the price I paid, I’m very disappointed!
Sorry about this Tom. A tip break is normally either from an accident (e.g. getting the tip caught between rocks) or it's not actually a break in the pole, but rather the metal tip has come loose and fallen out. We got some reports like that on early poles, so we have improved the glue on the tips to be more secure.
If this was from a defect, my apologies. We don't always get things perfect, but we passionately take care of our customers and have worked to improve this area. I see you emailed us about this and we offered to send out free upgraded parts. That offer is still open if you would like.
-Dan Durston
After 800km on the GDT, I can give a thru hikers perspective on these poles:
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3 star product
5 star warranty and customer service
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Overall these poles are fragile for thru hiking but workable due to excellent warranty. That is, if you can manage with a broken pole until next resupply, and plan to carry replacement tips. If you don't absolutely need adjustable poles, Black Diamond Distance Z are a bit lighter and may be more durable (sample size of 1). If you're not thru hiking, you will probably not have any of these durability issues, and I recommend these poles.
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I've gone through about 6 pairs of ultralight carbon poles over 10,000 km thru hiking. They seem to last 2,000 km on average with occasional tip replacements ($20 in most gear stores). For context, I weigh 140lbs at 5'9", so not an excessive load.
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I've experienced more failures than usual with these poles, but warranty and customer service is far superior to others:
* broke shaft on tip segment, bent aluminum connector on mid segment immediately by tapping side of tree. Replaced by warranty immediately to my great surprise. You need to be gentler with these poles than others (eg Black Diamond Z Distance Carbon). Do not flick sticks off trail for instance. They are vulnerable to lateral shock, but very strong longitudinally compared to other similar poles.
* Straps snapped at 300km and 400km. About 2x faster than BD poles, but repairable with sewing machine due to break location. Didn't ask for warranty.
* tips fell out at 380km and 500km. Replaceable with Black Diamond tip replacements (can grind off komperdell plastic basket mounts to reduce swing weight). UPDATE: apparently fixed with new poles?
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The functionality is comparable to other poles. Handles are comfortable for ascent and decent on the hoods. Foam can get greasy, but easy to clean, otherwise good grip in wet conditions and durable. Swing weight is a bit higher due to thicker shaft, but acceptable. Flick lock is bomber, no issues with collapsing or wear, but you need to tighten slot screw slightly every few hundred km. Length markers wear off after around 800km, but you could scratch a mark easily. Lower section attachment button jams open with mud, but it doesn't matter because section is friction fit and doesn't fall out. Section attachment hardware is pinned to carbon poles rather than just glued, so they don't fall off (a la Black Diamond).. But watch for pins wiggling out and tap back in when needed (only twice in 800km). Shafts are strong enough compressively to hold my whole weight (140lbs) without bowing (BD poles wobble sketchily) but as mentioned are fragile laterally (don't tap sides against rocks or trees).
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My biggest gripe is perhaps personal preference; excessive ground penetration. The poles stab 2 inches into soft or clayful soils and require a significant yank to pull out. This is annoying and may contribute to tips falling out. Other poles have a tiny basket 1" from tip which stops this. I find most people don't place much weight on their poles, hence this may not affect them. It's resolved by adding BD replacement tips once the native tips fall off, at cost of noticeably increased swing weight. Adding komperdell baskets would not help because attachment point is 2" up shaft, ideal for snow use but not summer trail use.
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I'd suggest changing design to move basket attachment down to 1" from tip. This would resolve ground penetration issues, as the basket attachment is wide enough to stop ground penetration on its own. It may reduce utility in snow, but I'd argue these are too fragile for heavy snow use anyways. Likely moot as komperdell probably wouldn't make a special basket mount piece just for durston, but worth a try.
Thanks for the detailed feedback from your extensive experience. Glad you are mostly liking the poles. We take reliability seriously, so for areas where we have gotten reports of issues we have made a variety of updates to improve. Here are some comments on that:
1) For the strength, we made the metal quick connect stronger for 2025 (which you have). It is now almost as strong as the shaft but you mention it still bent. We could make it a bit stronger but since it is close to the tubing in strength a bend often saves a break of the shaft. The tubing is wider compared to other poles, with some advantages (e.g. stronger/stiffer) but also disadvantages from thinner walls (e.g. if is leveraged off a sharp point it could break more easily). Overall we are seeing good results for such a light pole, but will keep tweaking the overall balance.
2) The main issue we’ve seen with the poles was on our second batch (early 2025) where sometimes parts weren’t glued solidly enough, which I think is why your tips eventually fell out. We have since improved this gluing on the tips and quick connects and are seeing good longevity in the tips now. The replacement tips you have should last longer if they are from the latest batch. The quick connect should also operate more reliably now.
3) That is interesting about the straps snapping. We don’t normally see that. It is possible there was something that contributed to that, like focused wear from a watch or gloves? We’d love to learn more about how that can happen.
That is an interesting point about the ground penetration. We haven’t had other people say this, but I can see how the narrower tip could cause that on soft ground. It is actually possible to add aftermarket tips right away (don’t have to wait until the originals fall off). We have some short Komperdell tips here can send out if someone wants to do this.
Overall, this is very helpful feedback. We are always working to improve and think we have already improved many of these areas, while other areas like strength are more of an unavoidable trade off with a pole this light, but also we will keep tinkering and working to improve further.
Congrats on your GDT hike.
- Dan