Article by Sam Winebaum
Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles ($169, currently sold out restocking in fall 2024)
Introduction
Ultralight backpacking tent and pack specialist Durston Gear adds to its portfolio of innovative gear with the new Iceline trekking pole, a superlight (126g) adjustable length 2 section 100% carbon shaft pole.
I tested them during an 8 day trek in Queyras region of France which featured a wide range of terrain including several steep soft snow fields (using optional snow baskets in two sizes), steep shale slopes, many raging torrent crossings and smoother trails.
Durston set out to simplify the trekking pole to its essence while focusing on durability, reliability and the lightest possible weight. They succeed!
At 125g per pole (without optional baskets), this adjustable pole (95mm-127mm) is in 2 sections without the usual cable cord connecting sections.
They come in a very light sailcloth bag
A simple button push easily releases the lower section’s beautifully machined snap in tip. No internal cords, no fuss.
The 100% high modulus carbon lower shafts are 16mm in diameter, most poles are 12mm at their lower shafts, and this larger diameter tubing increases the poles lower durability and rigidity.
This for sure this was noted, compared to conventional carbon poles while also being super lightweight. So light I never felt a need to disconnect and stow the poles in 8 days of hiking, just put them in hand instantly as needed.
Unusual for a trekking pole, there is no wrist/hand strap with the grip reminding more of an alpine ski pole with the covering a fairly firm non slip neoprene material. A version with a wrist strap is planned for the fall of 2024. More on how no strap worked in practice below
The poles are made to Durston’s specifications by well known trekking, alpine, and nordic pole supplier Komperdell.
No Strap, No Problem?
Pole straps on trekking and running poles serve two purposes: to retain them so they are not dropped and to derive more power by pushing down. The Iceline has no strap but one is planned for a fall release.
While both of the above advantages of straps are no longer in play on the go with the Iceline, no strap also had big advantages for me. It is so easy to grab the shafts when not needed and given the light weight it's like shifting from a super stable propulsive tool to a feather, and this is done in an instant.
I thought I would miss the propulsive effect of straps but really didn’t at trekking paces.
We crossed many torrents where shifting poles quickly, be it for length or position was critical. This was quickly and easily done with no need to first remove the strap.
I did worry at times about losing them on steep slopes down the slope with no possibility of retrieving them but again the lightweight and easy shifting from hand to hand to handle the terrain turned out to be an acceptable advantage.
All of this said a simple removable fabric strap would be a good add or even just a hole to add a cord if so desired.
Changeable Baskets
Sam: The Iceline takes a wide range of Komperdell’s snap on baskets. It does not take Leki’s screw on type baskets. The pole comes with no baskets.
I tend to like a fairly substantial basket while trekking to prevent the pole from going to far between boulders and snapping. It's happened to me twice with minimal race type baskets on carbon poles in the very rocky mountains of New Hampshire.
Not proud, and with snow fields almost daily, I went all but the last day with a largish but not the largest snow basket. Taking it off for the last day on smoother terrain made the pole noticeably lighter with a quicker lower swing weight. I think I will go with a somewhat smaller basket than shown above for regular use.
Grip
The grip is more akin to an alpine pole’s than what I am used to in trekking poles. The covering is a neoprene like material with a little give.
The material is a bit sticky aiding in grip in dry, and as I tested also in very wet conditions. Your hand will not slip on this grip no matter what. I do think the grip could be somewhat friendlier to the touch, it’s all business. A longer grip would add to weight but comes in handy for shifting hand positions on the go down the pole without changing its adjustable length and would especially easy here to shift hand positions with no strap.
Performance and Conclusions
Different from the usual trekking/running pole that is for sure, the Durston Iceline simplifies and focuses on the essentials: a rigid durable 100% carbon shaft you can count on, 2 piece construction without cables, easy extension up to 127mm via the aluminum clip and all seasons basket interchangeability.
Performance was excellent.
The light weight combined with a totally rigid shaft had them feeling light as a feather, a “steel tough’ totally reliable feather that is.
Uphills were strong although I sometimes wished for a strap to push harder at faster paces and a bit more comfortable grip although for sure the current grip never ever slipped in my hand even in torrential cold rain with very cold hands. At 127 mm fully extended I think a bit more length to say 135mm would extend their utility for taller hikers but also for more active fast nordic skiing. Downhills were super well supported even on the roughest of terrain with pack.
I could count on the Iceline and will continue to do so for hiking, trekking, trail running, snowshoeing and nordic skiing.
The Iceline Pole will restock Fall 2024 at Durston Gear
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