Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
We're working out what we think - we'll add our view here!
Durston says:
New for 2027, the Iceline RS poles are a more rugged version of our Iceline poles designed for off-trail use and all season conditions. Like the regular version, they offer the compactness of a 3 piece pole and the simple reliability of a single external adjuster, while using larger tubing to increase the strength and stiffness. Where the RS version differs is by using thick walled aluminum for the lower two sections. This further increases the strength and better handles rugged use like talus field crossing and shoulder season conditions, while remaining pleasantly light at just 185 g (6.5 oz).
STRONG
The Iceline RS poles start with the same core concept as our regular Iceline poles where the design uses larger diameter tubing for added strength and stiffness. In particular, the non-telescoping design allows us to use much thicker 16 mm tubing at the tip section (where it is the most exposed to stresses) rather than 12-14mm like most poles, which substantially lowers the risk of breakage.
With the RS version, we increase the strength by switching the middle and sections from ultralight carbon shafts to thicker walled aluminum. This adds weight but is substantially stronger - including being able to support over 75 lbs per pole in a highly stressful horizontal span test. In particular, the aluminum tubing holds up well to accidental impacts and point loads that can be encountered in off-trail conditions like talus fields.
EFFICIENT DESIGN
Three section poles are ideal because they can easily stow in your pack and luggage, but most 3 section poles also use dual adjusters which are inefficient because they are unnecessary yet add weight, potential to slip, and more hassle to set the pole length.
With our Iceline poles we use a simpler and more reliable approach, where a single upper external adjuster provides ample adjustment range, while a lower quick connect saves weight, complexity, and eliminates the potential to slip. In normal use they operate like a 2 section pole, while being able to pack up as short like a 3 section pole. The result is a pole that is simpler, lighter, and more reliable.
This focus on efficient extends throughout the pole - such as the custom designed lightweight polymer tip and the re-engineer strap attachment to save further grams. Everything is distilled into its' simplest form to invest more weight into the areas that matter.
QUALITY & RELIABILITY
The Iceline poles are built from premium carbon fiber and 7075 aluminum with a custom shaped grip, while uniquely incorporating O-rings into the joints for silent operation. Even the 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 decreases the reliability of the poles.
With the Iceline poles, we use a single adjuster and use the reliable external type to increase reliability and lower the risk of slippage. The second adjuster is replaced by a quick release connection that is simpler, impossible to slip, and has been further refined for the second generation with increased strength and reliability.
The result is a trekking pole with impressive strength and stiffness for all conditions. They remain light at 6.5 oz (185 g) each, while having strength similar to heavier poles - making them both highly capable and more pleasant to use. They are the ideal choice for demanding adventures from a traverse of Alaska's Brooks Range to a shoulder season trek on the Appalachian trail.
Our Verdict
We're working out what we think about Durston's Iceline RS Trekking Poles, we'll add our comments here in due course.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 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.
- Stronger Tip: The lowest section of a pole is the most common to break, so the Iceline poles use larger 16 mm tubing here (compared to 12 mm in other lightweight poles) - making the Iceline poles stronger where you need it most. Additionally, withe the RS version we change the lower and middle section to thicker walled aluminum to better handle accidents and impacts.
- 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.
Specifications
- Weight (Per Pole): 187g
- Collapsed length: 49 cm (19.5")
- Minimum length: 95 cm (37")
- Maximum length: 127 cm (50")
- Diameter: Upper - 18mm / Middle - 16mm / Lower - 16mm
- Adjuster types: External (upper) and click (lower)
- Handle straps: Included
Material & Construction
- Shaft: High Modulus Carbon + Aluminum
- Grip: EVA foam
- Tip: Polymer + Carbide
