Durston Iceline VS Zpacks Carbon Fiber - Trekking Pole Comparison

[@durstongear]

Thanks for the kind words and putting this together.

[@SrslyJonSweet]

Whoa, really helpful comparison! I expect this to be the definitive video on the subject for a very long time. Really nice work!

[@lakorai2]

Thanks. Posted to Durston Gearheads!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Hope it helps someone!

[@Xhadp]

The biggest benefit of the Durston one is a metal flip lock. I'm trying to work through warranty to get my Leki trekking pole replaced because one of the plastic clip snapped right off. Having it be metal ensures it won't break as easily. I think it also important to note that the Zpacks one also comes with a Cork option for just a few extra ounces (and cheaper as well vs. the Iceline when it comes back in stock). It's been a long time since I've had a foam handle trekking pole but I vastly prefer the cork handles that I use now. 127cm max height for the Durston one? That is on the short end for a pole? I set mine at 120cm at 5ft 9in so it's not a problem for me. But for anyone over 6 ft tall and seems like a potential dealbreaker.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@Xhadp I also had Leki plastic flip locks break. Luckily they sent new hardware as a fix.

[@KrizAkoni]

Nice pole review - this video should do well.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

I tell you, these poles are just fun to walk with. Take care!

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

Hiking on sandals:-O. True warrior lol

[@themodularmodular]

Does the lack of strap and foam (?) handle bother you at all? Looks like they're pretty sturdy aside from those usual features. Also, do you think they're extended long/high enough for the X-Mid tents? TIA

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Nothing really bothers me with these poles...they just feel great to carry (light and rigid). Regarding straps, I've typically remove them any way since I move my hands around so much on poles (downhill, uphills, side carry, etc). The foam grip feels fine to me, but I'm not really picky about grips. I do typically prefer handles that extend lower on the pole since I grab lower when going uphill, and for that reason I wrapped tennis racket tape just below the foam grip. For X-Mid set-up, these poles work fine for our Pro 2. Last I checked, had the poles extended to about 117cm when pitched...so plenty of extension left. Hope this helps!

[@themodularmodular]

@@WillowWalksTheAT absolutely helps, thank you

[@RC-qf3mp]

Great video. Real test is whether the ice axe attachment holds up. If so, I’ll get these for the pct. You forgot to note that the zpack has longer grips which are great for quickly adjusting where you hold it going up or downhill, or across rivers. Also- what happens when the tip wears out for the Durston???

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thanks amigo! I do like the longer grips for holding the pole lower on uphills...so added tennis racket tape the Icelines. Dan commented that he'll eventually offer the bottom section (with tips) on it's own at a price comparable to replacing tips. Am I right that you have an ice axe attachment that goes on trekking poles?

[@RC-qf3mp]

@@WillowWalksTheAT no, i don’t have an ice axe attachment that goes on trekking poles. But I’d like that for the PCT and have heard mixed reviews on other brand attachments. I think black diamond ? The hard part of accessorizing one-job equipment into doing two jobs is that it tends to two jobs poorly. But if anybody can figure it out, it would be Dan Durston. Also - not enough willow in this video! C’mon, throw a dog a bone.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Yeah, Willow was barely an extra in the last 1!

[@durstongear]

If you wear out the tips on our poles, you can simply add replacement tips over top. It's actually easier than a traditional pole because you don't have a difficult tip to remove.

[@EthanF510]

Great review - Curious how the Iceline trekking poles compare to the new Zpacks minimalist trekking poles.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Good point! I think what makes the Icelines different than most (all?) other poles is having just 1 adjustment point. Allows them to use thicker tubing (16mm on the lower section) since only 1 section has to slide into the other. Makes for a very sturdy pole! I say this having not tried the Zpacks Minimalist poles tho! Trade-off for some would be that the Zpacks have straps, replaceable tips, baskets, and you can buy just 1

[@rhinonet]

The Zpacks minimalist poles have an annoying rattle, avoid

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@rhinonet Thx for that! Not sure anyone likes rattle or wobble in their trekking poles since we place a lot of trust in them on certain steps

[@dcaudwell]

I love the specs and construction innovations of the new Durston poles, but unfortunately they don't extent long enough for my trekking pole shelter. I hope he eventually makes a longer-extending pole.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Guessing you have an Altaplex? That's what I used to use and liked how Zpacks made their poles long enough to fit that shelter

[@dcaudwell]

Plex Solo actually, which frustratingly has a pole height of 132cm (52”).