Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Review

The race to design the lightest tent and backpack is hot. The race for the lightest trekking pole? Decidedly not. Most poles are distinguished by their features rather than their weight. Durston Gear’s first entry into the trekking pole category is a surprisingly light, but still well featured, product dubbed the Iceline.

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles At a Glance

  • Price: $169 without hand straps, $179 with
  • Weight: 9.4 ounces/pair* (poles, no baskets, no hand straps). The storage bag is +0.2 ounces
  • Materials: Carbon fiber shafts, EVA foam grip, standard carbide tip
  • Construction: 3 sections, one telescoping joint and one quick-disconnect joint
  • Usable Length: 95cm to 127cm
  • Collapsed/packed Length: 49cm
  • Section Diameters: 18mm (top) 16mm (middle), 16mm tapered to point (bottom)

*I tested the previous version of the Icelines, which have just been updated for 2025. My poles weighed 9.6 ounces on my personal scale, matching Durston’s published weight for the old version. 9.4 ounces is the published weight for the new version.

Making miles with the Icelines, wet weather be damned.

Intended Use

The lightweight but sturdy design of the Iceline makes them great for long-distance and off-trail hiking alike. Those who frequently collapse their poles on the move may be better suited looking elsewhere.

Circumstance of Review

I got a hold of these poles while in transit to Europe and abused them for over 800 miles on the Haute Route Pyrenees (HRP), Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), and Walker’s Haute Route (WHR). This included miles on pavement, sand, snow, and all manners of dirt and rock. A new version of the Iceline trekking poles just dropped; I tested the previous version, which was a few grams heavier and lacked a hand-strap option.

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Features

Super Lightweight Design

Like many of Durston’s new products, the Icelines vie to be the lightest in category while remaining durable and functional for trail use. Weight-saving design choices include an integrated carbide-only tip instead of a standard plastic cap, fixed-position lower joint, and skipping hand straps. Altogether, these incremental changes bring a pair down to just 9.4 ounces without baskets.

Large Diameter Sections

The shaft comprises most of the material on any pair of trekking poles, so adjusting its length, diameter, and material all have an outsized effect on overall weight. At the same time, these parameters are also the determining factors for how stiff and sturdy the pole is.

Despite the featherweight design, there is no compromise in pole diameter here. The top section measures 18mm in diameter, while the middle and lower are both 16mm. The lowest section does taper to a thin point for the carbide tip, as all poles do.

The strong, large-diameter sections are good for getting through those high-impact snow-sliding and rock-hopping sections that often snap skinnier poles.

No Hand Straps (Optional)

Some may call this a feature, some may call this an unforgivable design flaw. The omission of hand straps from the first version of the Iceline was extremely controversial online — the newly updated version can now be ordered with or without straps, rendering this a non-issue.

Many hikers use hand straps to transfer force to poles, rather than relying on grip strength and friction. Others find them useless or annoying and cut off hand straps immediately after purchase. 

I’m willing to call the no-straps option a feature, whether it is for better or worse. There aren’t any other off-the-shelf trekking poles free of hand straps that I am aware of, which quickly distinguishes them from the competition. Sure, you can cut off the strap from anything, but there is always some hardware or frayed end left behind, and an accompanying hole.

Fixed-Position Lower Connection, Flick Lock Upper Connection

Joints between pole sections usually come in three overall styles: fixed, twist lock, and flick lock.

Fixed connections don’t allow any adjustability to the length of the pole. Sometimes this is a simple overlap between the sections with a cap. Other times it’s a more complicated hardware piece (as it is for the Iceline). Fixed joints tend to be the lightest because no adjustable hardware needs to be involved. They also allow for adjacent sections to have the same diameter, since they don’t need to slide into each other.

Twist locks are adjustable connectors between sections. Typically the lower of the two pole sections is just small enough to slide into the upper, and a small hardware piece locks them in place when the shafts are twisted in opposite directions. These are typically lighter than flick locks but are not as reliable since they slip under higher loads and are harder to adjust or repair. The Iceline does not use twist locks due to this drawback.

Flick locks are similar to twist lock locks in that the lower section telescopes into the larger top section. Instead of twisting the shafts, however, there is an external lever that clamps the two pieces together. Each brand will have slightly different-looking flick locks, but generally they wrap around the shaft in the closed position to avoid being caught accidentally.

The upper joint on the Iceline uses a standard Komperdell flick lock, while the lower joint is fixed via a quick-disconnect hardware piece.

EVA Foam vs Cork Handle

This pole uses a foam handle instead of cork. Foam is lighter, rot-free, and is a less attractive snack to wandering porcupines. Cork, however, is favored by many hikers for its tactile comfort. It also molds to the shape of your hand over time (assuming it is sufficiently thick) and can absorb sweat, which improves grip and comfort.

The absence of cork, like hand straps, is another controversial design decision. Realistically, cork handles can’t be weight-competitive with foam due to their significantly higher density and wouldn’t make sense for a product in this segment of the market. 

To Basket or Not to Basket

The Iceline trekking poles do not come with a basket, nor does Durston Gear sell them separately. It is still possible to get them, as there is an attachment ring for Komperdell-brand baskets. The question Dan is posing by taking this approach is: Do you even need them?

In his opinion, most hikers do not need baskets on trail and are only slowed down by the added swing weight and propensity for snagging. Including them when they might not be used is also a source of plastic waste.

I’m not sure I agree. Pretty much any thru-hiker of the PCT, CDT, or early-season AT is going to run into snow, where I consider baskets mandatory. I also find them useful for sand, certain types of scree, and to prevent lodging the tip between rocks. On a packed dirt trail, however, it can be joyous to take them off.

This is another area that comes down to personal preference and trail terrain. If you don’t agree with Dan’s position for your personal needs, you’ll need to shop third party to modify your Icelines.

My typical low-angle snow setup: one pole WITH baskets, microspikes, and a UL ice axe.

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Pros

Lightest in Category

At just 9.6 ounces, the Icelines are the lightest pole out there, with two important qualifiers: three sections, and adjustable length. 

You will be able to find lighter two section poles, since they have less hardware and overlapping shaft sections required. These are often impractical for hikers since they don’t pack well, especially on scrambles or hitches where they will stick up above your pack height.

You can also find lighter fixed-length (one-section or folding two-to-three-section) poles, because the long overlap required in the adjustable section is effectively dead weight, and the fixed connections can be lighter (as mentioned above). Many hikers prefer an adjustable pole to accommodate steep uphills and downhills, as well as setting up trekking pole tents effectively.

I was skeptical that using a lighter pair of poles would feel any different than the 15- to 18-ounce pairs I have used historically. After an initial adjustment period, I think I would have a hard time switching back.

When carried, the difference is a very real quarter- to half-pound, just like any other savings in your base weight. When actively used, the absence of weight, especially around the tip, means that I don’t have to perfectly time or fight against the natural swing forward to get a precise pole plant. I can instead flick the wrist to point exactly at my next target and stab at it.

This may sound a little hokey, but I felt this was a significant difference on rocky and technical terrain. When getting the tip perfectly onto that little ledge of a boulder can be the difference between a fall and a successful big step, I want to make sure it’s easy to do.

9.7 ounces per pair on my parent’s kitchen scale. My personal scale said 9.6 oz, which matches Durston Gear’s claims for the previous version. The new Icelines weigh 9.4 oz/pair.

Strong and Stable

The 18mm/16mm/16mm sections make for extremely strong, low-deflection poles. They are less likely to snap and can better support body weight when needed. My affinity for steep, technical trails means I put a lot more force through my poles than the average hiker, and I don’t want them to bend out of the way when I need them most.

Besides a broken tip (more on that below), I felt these were significantly stiffer and stronger than pretty much any other adjustable-length pole I have tried. Combined with the no-slip joint on the bottom and the reliable flick lock on the top, I trusted these poles often and was not let down.

Now Has a Hand-Strap Option

Using a hand strap on trekking poles is very individual. Some are hopelessly reliant on it, while others would rather tear them off than have the fabric flop around. Personally, I skip the hand straps about 90 percent of the time, although I like to have them on certain steep terrains where putting most of my body weight on the poles can be extremely helpful. While I occasionally missed their presence, I ultimately got used to it.

Although I got the Icelines before a hand-strap version was offered, you now have the option to upgrade to a hand-strap version for an extra $10 and 0.8 oz.

Packs Well for a 3-Section

Most three-section poles are going to pack to a similar length, since they have a similar max height that is evenly distributed across the sections. On a telescoping pole, however, the tip is too large to nestle into the section above, leaving a roughly three-inch inefficiency.

The Iceline design avoids this thanks to the non-tethered bottom section that “folds” next to the upper parts. Combined with a slightly lower-than-average max height, these will pack down more like a four-piece than a three-piece.

It’s worth noting that a telescoping three-section pole can also be dismantled for a similar effect. I know from experience, as I once did this on an international flight to fit them inside a checked bag. The result, in that case, was a lost pole section on arrival. More on this potential drawback below.

Four sets of poles collapsed. Left to Right: Leki Black Series FX Carbon (4-section, 105-130cm), Durston Gear Iceline (3-section, 105-127cm), Gossamer Gear LT5 (3 section, 70-130cm), Komperdell C3 Carbon Pro (old model, 3-section, 80-140cm)

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Cons

No Replaceable Tip Is an Obvious Point of Failure

My biggest concern about these poles before arrival was that the exposed carbon fiber at the tip would be overly prone to snapping. On just about every other trekking pole on the market, there is a semi-standardized plastic cap that protects the shaft and hosts the carbide tip and the basket attachment system. On the Iceline, that carbide tip is stuck directly onto the shaft. The basket attachment is a simple ring glued on a few inches above the carbide. In between the two is an exposed carbon fiber shaft.

The plastic cap usually serves as a sacrificial piece. If the carbide tip breaks or becomes dislodged, a new cap can be removed and replaced with parts at any outdoor store. If the tip is wedged between rocks, it has enough pliability to deform rather than outright fail.

With the no plastic tip option, significant damage to the carbide could cause cracking in the shaft it is attached to, and any levering of the lowest few inches that is typically covered is likely to cause a fracture in the carbon. The material is simply too rigid to allow deformation or bending.

While my concerns were theoretical to start, they became a reality after just 650 miles. I snapped the carbide tip and about a half inch of carbon fiber midway through a trail in Europe. Over the remaining 150 miles of that trip, I slowly chipped down the blunt stump another half inch or so.

Note on Replacement Parts

Since the tip is not standard, to get an in-kind replacement, you have to get a new whole lowest section. Durston Gear has very few (if any) retailers, so you might naturally turn to their web store.

When I needed a replacement section, I was unable to order one directly from the site and had to email customer service. Durston has since added Iceline pole replacement parts in the online store, simplifying life significantly for thru-hikers.

(Your other option is to add on a standard plastic tip from another brand. Theoretically, the shape of a mostly intact tip will fit the tapered shape of the Iceline and can simply be glued in place. This is more akin to the repair process for most other brands, but it will add weight and change the nature of the product. If you are in the US, you will likely only find Leki tips at retailers and will need to buy new baskets to match.)

As predicted, I snapped the tip between the carbide and the basket ring. This was on the day of breakage. The next 150 miles of trail shortened it another half to three-quarter inches.

Baskets Are Hard to Come By

Speaking of baskets, the Iceline poles are manufactured by Komperdell in Austria and use their proprietary attachment system. Pretty much every other manufacturer is using LEKI’s screw-on basket system, whether they openly admit it or not.

Durston does not include or resell any compatible baskets, and Komperdell baskets are significantly harder to find in North America. Your best bet is a specialty online retailer or from Komperdell directly. I thankfully already owned a pair of compatible Komperdell-brand poles and baskets. If I didn’t, I might have had to go without given the short turnaround time on my delivery before a trip.

Pro Tip: REI’s Carbon flash poles used to be manufactured by Komperdell as well. The deadstock of baskets from this old version is still for sale from REI, although they are no longer typically stocked in stores.

Height Markers Fade Quickly

I hold my poles and adjust their height frequently. This means lots of rubbing on all the exposed sections. I first noticed the height markers were getting hard to read just 250 miles into my trip and were unusable by mile 400. The labels nestled into the section above still survive to provide a little guidance, but I wish I could still use the shorter markings.

Ed. note: Durston acknowledges that this was a shortcoming of the previous version of the Iceline poles, “but one of the updates for the second batch is that we do now add lacquer over these markers to improve durability.” So the fading markers thing hopefully will not be an issue going forward.

Limited Adjustability Range and Max Height

The increased reliability of a fixed lower joint has the tradeoff of limiting the adjustability range. These poles can only be set between 95cm and 127cm. This is within range for 95 percent of hikers but limits the options for use with certain shelters. For instance, the Gossamer Gear Whisper requires poles at 59cm and 130.5 cm, outside both ends of their range. You’ll have a similar conundrum on pretty much any single-pole pyramid or on shelters with a lower foot side.

The Iceline “postholing” in deep grass (and possibly a snake hole). This is less likely to happen with a basket installed.

Two-Piece Packing Is Prone to Loss

The quick-release lowest section is not tethered to the other parts by a cord like most folding or ”Z” style poles are. This improves packing flexibility but also makes the lower segments much easier to lose. I actually have lost a pole section this way when dismantling a telescoping set to fit into luggage. It was a doozy to replace after landing and is not something I would like to repeat.

If you are worried about the separate sections getting lost while stored, you will have to bring along the 0.2oz storage sack.

Limited Warranty Coverage

Trekking pole warranties are very hit or miss. Some are almost comically unsympathetic, as is the case with the competing Gossamer Gear LT5s. Others, such as the OEM for the Icelines, are unbelievably generous.

The Durston policy falls somewhere in the middle. When I reached out for a replacement section, they made it clear that this type of damage is not typically covered under warranty, but they sent a free section anyway. The Durston team has usually been easygoing about repairs before (I’ve gotten advice and free patches from them on multiple occasions), but it’s hard to say if this will last forever, especially given their new written policy.

Value

The Icelines are quite unique in their sub-10 ounce total weight and high strength. Despite a few obvious Achilles heels, they still make a great pair of poles for the weight-conscious hiker. 

At $169, they fall in the middle of the pack for premium carbon poles, although still much more expensive than heavier aluminum options or poorly made budget carbon poles.

Shop the Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles

A Few Comparison Items

Gossamer Gear LT5

  • MSRP: $195
  • Weight: 9.8 oz/pair

Black Diamond Carbon FLZ Series

  • MSRP: $210
  • Weight: 11 to 13 oz/pair depending on size

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

  • MSRP: $80 for a two-pack (four poles)
  • Weight: 16 oz/pair

The Durston Gear Iceline trekking poles were donated for purpose of review

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Comments 4

  • Dan Durston : Dec 11th

    Thanks for putting this together. Glad you liked the poles and appreciated the really low weight. Yeah it’s hard to go back to the weight of a typical trekking pole after using poles this light 🙂

    Regarding tip replacement, there are some options here that I think could have worked well. The Iceline lower shaft has a standard tapered shape that a normal plastic tip can slide onto, but instead of gluing on a plastic tip over that end, we use a lighter integrated tip (a few other poles do this as well). If someone is worried about this, then can simply add a normal plastic tip right away, but we are seeing good results with the integrated tip (e.g. very few breaks) and it saves a nice bit of swing weight.

    If someone has an issue with this tip like breaking it or losing the carbide bit, they can add an aftermarket tip over top. Many brands will work. So in the case of the break here, a quick fix would have been to just add on aftermarket tip. That could be done to both poles to match. In someone ways this makes the Iceline poles more easily serviceable because you can immediately add a new tip without the difficulty of removing the original tip. It is true that there is less protection against breaks near the tip, but losing the carbide bit is the more common issue and that is more easily serviced here.

    Also, we do have replacement sections posted on our website., So we recommend aftermarket tips as a temporary or permanent fix for issues near the tip, and then someone can also order a replacement section if they want to avoid those grams.

    We also have made a variety of other updates for the new batch, including more durable graphics.

    Cheers,
    Dan Durston

    Reply
  • Dan Durston : Dec 11th

    Also with regard to not having a tether on the lower section, this is something I’ve debated and continue to debate. I do see the value of a tether in keeping the pole more connected, but also don’t like how it affects repairability. With normal Z-Style poles you are buying new poles if you break a section, whereas here the tip is easily replaceable. We could have a tether that someone simply cuts if they need to. It is an interesting option and I appreciate the feedback. We will continue to consider this.

    Reply
    • Alex "GPS" Brown : Dec 11th

      Thanks Dan, it looks like you’ve already incrementally updated the poles to address some of the minor issues I experienced. The lacquer on markers and webstore parts-availability in particular should be a big help.

      I knew I could have found some add-on tips in a town, but honestly I kind of wanted to see what would happen if I went raw for the last 150 miles. It shortened slower than I was expecting, and didn’t splinter too much.

      As for Z style poles, I’ve been thinking about this a fair bit recently too. I think the runner focused poles have got the necessary use case nailed: fast deployment and stashing, on the move, frequently, without taking off a pack. To make the tether worthwhile to enhance this ability, I think there are too many other adjustments that need to be made (like 4 sections instead of 3 for better packed length, lower profile handles and sections, etc). For a backpacking use case, I don’t think the 1 or 2 minutes spent putting them away is a huge deal. Most people are either going to have them out, or putting them away to prepare for snow or scrambling, which would require packs off time anyways.

      Reply
      • Dan : Dec 11th

        That is interesting to know how fast they work down after the tip break. I would have expected it faster myself. I did something similar back on the PCT where I lost a carbide bit and just had the aluminum collar, which I thought would be trashed in a matter of days but it got hammered into a new end cap and actually lasted a long time.

        For the tether, you make some good points. I think normally people are going to use these like a 2 section pole and then the tip release is more just for travel or days of bushwhacking where the poles get packed away for long periods. So not that high frequency of deploy/stow that you have with running. Of course it is still possible to lose the tip during those less common changeovers, so we could add a little tether just for the tip section. It adds about 2g which is minor. The argument for it is that it does increase security for barely any weight, while the worry is that people might be unwilling to snip it if they need to replace the tip, so there could be a sentiment of less repairability even though it would be easy to snip. If enough people want the tether I will add it. We love user feedback and reviews to inform improvements.

        Regarding the graphics, this was a bit ‘stupid light’ on the first run. We intentionally didn’t use lacquer on the graphics to save weight, but the actual lacquer weight was about 0.5g – almost nothing. So we added it for batch 2 and it didn’t really affect the weight at all. If a first batch person wants to protect the numbers, a bit of clear nail polish would do something similar.

        Reply

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