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.
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
These are really great poles! For more than a decade I lived with Black Diamonds Distance FL (Aluminium) and thought they are quite good. But while shopping the Durston X-Mid 1 I discoverd these poles and was fascinated by their design, functionality and unbelievably small weight. When they arrived I took the new tent and the new poles to a testtour on an extraordinarily hot day and was so pleased with them. For the night I used them to pitch the tent. All perfect! The only thing I wonder about is which Komperdell baskets may fit the poles during winter time.
Nice to hear you are liking the poles. The 'vario' series of baskets from Komperdell will fit. We have some in our 'accessory kit' but you can also get them elsewhere.
Thanks for using our gear,
Dan
These featherweight poles feel sturdy, have clever design ideas, and are fun to use. That being said, be aware that lightweight carbon significantly sacrifices durability for the weight savings. (This is true of any pole on the market, not just Icelines.)
After 10 miles of using these poles I had an awkward step that levered a pole between rocks and the middle segment snapped like a twig. I reached out to Durston and they are kindly sending a replacement segment (props for making gear that is modular and easily repairable!) Personally, I can't trust lightweight carbon poles when backpacking and need them for both trekking and tent poles with my X-Mid. I'll limit these poles to day trips or running and go back to aluminum when needed for the tent.
Also, the lock on one of my poles was loose even though new from the factory. Discovered this within the first few miles in the backcountry when the pole started de-telescoping. Check the tightness on your locking mechanism screws, even on brand new equipment, and always carry a screwdriver tool when using Icelines.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Certainly there is a trade off between weight and durability, where the Icelines are stronger than comparable ultralight poles but still won't be as strong as much heavier pole. I personally really value the effortless feel of an ultralight pole and am willing to get creative if I have an accident where one breaks (e.g use a stick or tie the peak to a tree) but certainly other people will prefer a different tradeoff. We do support pole owners with free replacement sections, so breaking one isn't a costly problem but it is inconvenient.
For the lock, we try to set that to be about right from the factory but sometimes it may need some fine tuning. Usually you can do that in the field without tools if you open the latch and use a fingernail to turn.
Thanks for using our gear,
Dan Durston