Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles Review: Superlight! 8 Day Trek Tested

Article by Sam Winebaum

Durston Gear Iceline Trekking Poles ($169, at the moment offered out restocking in fall 2024)

Introduction

Ultralight backpacking tent and pack specialist Durston Gear provides to its portfolio of modern gear with the brand new Iceline trekking pole, a superlight (126g) adjustable size 2 part 100% carbon shaft pole.

I examined them throughout an 8 day trek in Queyras area of France which featured a variety of terrain together with a number of steep delicate snow fields (utilizing non-compulsory snow baskets in two sizes), steep shale slopes, many raging torrent crossings and smoother trails.

Durston got down to simplify the trekking pole to its essence whereas specializing in sturdiness, reliability and the lightest attainable weight. They succeed!

At 125g per pole (with out non-compulsory baskets), this adjustable pole (95mm-127mm) is in 2 sections with out the same old cable twine connecting sections.

They arrive in a really mild sailcloth bag

A easy button push simply releases the decrease part’s superbly machined snap in tip. No inside cords, no fuss.

The 100% excessive modulus carbon decrease shafts are 16mm in diameter, most poles are 12mm at their decrease shafts, and this bigger diameter tubing will increase the poles decrease sturdiness and rigidity.

This for certain this was famous, in comparison with standard carbon poles whereas additionally being tremendous light-weight. So mild I by no means felt a must disconnect and stow the poles in 8 days of climbing, simply put them in hand immediately as wanted.

Uncommon for a trekking pole, there isn’t a wrist/hand strap with the grip reminding extra of an alpine ski pole with the overlaying a reasonably agency non slip neoprene materials. A model with a wrist strap is deliberate for the autumn of 2024. Extra on how no strap labored in observe beneath

The poles are made to Durston’s specs by well-known trekking, alpine, and nordic pole provider Komperdell.

No Strap, No Drawback?

Pole straps on trekking and working poles serve two functions: to retain them so they don’t seem to be dropped and to derive extra energy by pushing down. The Iceline has no strap however one is deliberate for a fall launch.

Whereas each of the above benefits of straps are not in play on the go together with the Iceline, no strap additionally had massive benefits for me. It’s so simple to seize the shafts when not wanted and given the sunshine weight it is like shifting from a brilliant secure propulsive instrument to a feather, and that is carried out instantly.

I believed I’d miss the propulsive impact of straps however actually didn’t at trekking paces.

We crossed many torrents the place shifting poles rapidly, be it for size or place was vital. This was rapidly and simply carried out without having to first take away the strap.

I did fear at occasions about shedding them on steep slopes down the slope with no chance of retrieving them however once more the light-weight and simple shifting from hand at hand to deal with the terrain turned out to be a suitable benefit.

All of this mentioned a easy detachable cloth strap could be a superb add and even only a gap so as to add a twine in that case desired.

Changeable Baskets

Sam: The Iceline takes a variety of Komperdell’s snap on baskets. It doesn’t take Leki’s screw on sort baskets. The pole comes with no baskets.

I have a tendency to love a reasonably substantial basket whereas trekking to forestall the pole from going to far between boulders and snapping. It is occurred to me twice with minimal race sort baskets on carbon poles within the very rocky mountains of New Hampshire.

Not proud, and with snow fields nearly every day, I went all however the final day with a largish however not the most important snow basket. Taking it off for the final day on smoother terrain made the pole noticeably lighter with a faster decrease swing weight. I feel I’ll go together with a considerably smaller basket than proven above for normal use.

Grip

The grip is extra akin to an alpine pole’s than what I’m used to in trekking poles. The overlaying is a neoprene like materials with a bit give.

The fabric is a bit sticky aiding in grip in dry, and as I examined additionally in very moist situations. Your hand is not going to slip on this grip it doesn’t matter what. I do assume the grip may very well be considerably friendlier to the contact, it’s all enterprise. An extended grip would add to weight however is useful for shifting hand positions on the go down the pole with out altering its adjustable size and would particularly simple right here to shift hand positions with no strap.

Efficiency and Conclusions

Completely different from the same old trekking/working pole that’s for certain, the Durston Iceline simplifies and focuses on the necessities: a inflexible sturdy 100% carbon shaft you may depend on, 2 piece building with out cables, simple extension as much as 127mm by way of the aluminum clip and all seasons basket interchangeability.

Efficiency was wonderful.

The sunshine weight mixed with a very inflexible shaft had them feeling mild as a feather, a “metal powerful’ completely dependable feather that’s.

Uphills have been robust though I generally wished for a strap to push more durable at quicker paces and a bit extra comfy grip though for certain the present grip by no means ever slipped in my hand even in torrential chilly rain with very chilly fingers. At 127 mm totally prolonged I feel a bit extra size to say 135mm would prolong their utility for taller hikers but additionally for extra lively quick nordic snowboarding. Downhills have been tremendous effectively supported even on the roughest of terrain with pack.

I might depend on the Iceline and can proceed to take action for climbing, trekking, path working, snowshoeing and nordic snowboarding.

The Iceline Pole will restock Fall 2024 at Durston Gear

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