Durston Iceline

Efficient Design

Three-piece trekking poles are popular because they fit conveniently into a backpack side pocket and are easy to pack for travel. However, most three-piece poles have a significant drawback: two adjustment mechanisms.

Having two adjustment mechanisms is not only unnecessary—one provides sufficient adjustment range—but also disadvantageous. A second adjuster adds weight, complexity, potential for slippage, and makes length adjustment more cumbersome. The Iceline poles offer a superior solution: the lower adjuster is replaced with a quick-connect mechanism. This allows for a shorter packed size, comparable to a four-section pole, while making the pole lighter, simpler, and more reliable. In regular use, the Iceline functions like a two-section pole, but the tip sections can be detached for compact packing.

Every detail has been optimized to minimize weight. The grip fits more tightly, requiring less glue, and the lightweight tip design further reduces weight. Even the matte finish was carefully chosen—not only does it look sleek, but it also saves weight compared to a glossy lacquer finish.

Thanks to this efficient design, the Iceline poles allocate weight where it truly matters: a stronger shaft and a more reliable external adjustment mechanism, resulting in a pole that is both lighter and more enjoyable to use.

Strong and Durable

Despite their lightweight construction, Iceline poles are exceptionally durable. They are made from premium high-strength carbon fiber, and their larger diameter enhances strength without adding unnecessary weight.

The lower quick-connect mechanism allows for a 16 mm thick tip section, whereas traditional telescoping poles typically have a 12 mm tip section. A narrower tip makes poles more vulnerable to damage exactly where they experience the most stress. The Iceline’s thicker tip design significantly reduces the risk of breakage.

The result is a sturdy trekking pole that withstands higher horizontal loads than comparable poles while exhibiting only half the flex. This low flex and high strength provide a more stable and confidence-inspiring experience, reducing the risk of failure.

Quality and Reliability

Iceline poles are manufactured in Austria by Komperdell, a company with over 100 years of experience in crafting high-quality poles. Even the storage sack is thoughtfully designed—it repurposes Dyneema® fabric scraps from Durston’s Pro-series tents, making it an ultralight (only 5 g) and eco-friendly way to store the poles.

Ease of use and reliability were key design priorities. Many lightweight trekking poles use internal “twist” adjusters prone to slippage or external adjusters with plastic components that wear out quickly. The Iceline poles eliminate these risks. With a single adjuster, the likelihood of mechanical issues is reduced, while the high-quality aluminum external adjuster ensures durability. The lower quick-connect mechanism is also made entirely of metal and is slip-proof, ensuring maximum reliability even in demanding conditions.

Specifications

• Pole weight: 145 g
• Storage sack weight: 5 g
• Packed length: 49 cm
• Minimum length: 95 cm
• Maximum length: 127 cm
• Diameter: 18/16/16 mm

Materials

• Shaft: High Modulus carbon fiber
• Grip: EVA foam
• Tip: Carbide
• Basket type: Komperdell
• Manufacturing country: Austria