Turns out big packs don’t have to be heavy. Black Diamond solved the age-old problem by weaving Dynex (Dyneema) into the Cirque 35 pack. The ultralight material is not weak, since it’s the same life-saving material in many of BD’s quickdraws. The new backpack is designed for ski mountaineers that need to carry a lot of technical gear, which is supported by an active suspension system. The lid is a highlight, being a simple system that is easy to operate with one gloved hand. It’s also extendable with an add-on for even more storage. The Cirque line is a very clean, lightweight solution for technical ski mountaineering missions.
- Unique CINCH closure system makes accessing gear a breeze.
- SwingArm™ shoulder straps anchor the form-fitting suspension.
- Special avalanche-tool pocket has drain holes for less water-weight.
- Stretch-woven hip-belt pocket and gear loops enable up-front toting.
- Skis can be carried diagonally or in an A-frame with tuck-away straps.
- Expandable helmet flap is stowable to keep things slim when unused.
- Tuck-away PickPocket™ straps hold piolets, technical, and mixed tools.
- Nicely integrated rope strap unfurls to securely hold your vital life-line.
- Compatible with the AvaLung system for improved odds in a burial.
- Optional lid adds even more storage capacity to an ample backpack.
* The Cirque 35 is available in two sizes. Small is actually “Small/Medium” and fits folks up to 5’9” or so. Large is “Medium/Large” and better for, well, larger folks.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
1045g |
| Volume | 35L |
| Access | Top |
| Hydration | Sleeve compatible |
| Ski Carry | Diagonal or A-frame |
| Shovel / Probe | Internal compartment with drain holes |
| Ice Axe | Tuck-away straps |
| Stash Pockets | 1 hip belt |
| Security Pocket | No |
| Team Tether | No |
| Whistle | No |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Technical ski mountaineering |
| Notes | CINCH lid can be operated with one hand |
| Bottom Line | Big yet light |
| Compare to other Backpacks | |
Questions & Reviews
Big fan. I find that the 35L capacity is pretty good for just about anything I get myself into. Coming from a 30L pack, the extra 5 liters really makes a difference. I don't feel like I have to cram things into my pack when I go out now. The side zipper is a huge plus, so you can access gloves/repair kits/whatever at the bottom of your pack without removing everything on top. Two options for ski carry, strap a rope on top with the closing strap, external helmet carry, external ice axe carry (and easy to access while skiing without removing your pack). I had to watch some youtube videos to figure out the diagonal ski carry and one of the ice axe carry options (there seem to be two ways to do it), but besides that it is a straightforward pack that I use every time I go out. 5 stars. You can also buy the $20 5L lid that hooks on top if you feel like you need a bit of extra space! Would be nice to have a designed option for carrying crampons instead of stuffing them in with your expensive down jacket, i suppose.
Comment on this review:
Stellar bag. This is the best bag I've used and I've started to use it for a majority of bag needs including climbing, hiking and just general use.
35L is the perfect size for a full day of touring with everything inside of the bag as I prefer to not hang anything off the bag (helmet carrier included). If could definitely go down a size if I decided to keep my helmet in the carrier. Closure system is great and I've learned to love the minimalistic design without tons of pockets everywhere. The "Swing Arm" feature actually has some value and I was really impressed coming from normal bags.
Durability wise it has held up great so far aside from one little snag in the bag materials which was quickly fixed with some Tenacious Tape.
Overall a great bag and I highly recommend it.
35L is the perfect size for a full day of touring with everything inside of the bag as I prefer to not hang anything off the bag (helmet carrier included). If could definitely go down a size if I decided to keep my helmet in the carrier. Closure system is great and I've learned to love the minimalistic design without tons of pockets everywhere. The "Swing Arm" feature actually has some value and I was really impressed coming from normal bags.
Durability wise it has held up great so far aside from one little snag in the bag materials which was quickly fixed with some Tenacious Tape.
Overall a great bag and I highly recommend it.
Comment on this review:
3/19/2020
hi, I recently ordered a CAMP Ski Raptor pack from you, but would like to compare to the Cirque 35. Would you be willing to send me a Cirque 35 with a return label, and I would send back the pack that I don't want? I have not used the CAMP pack.
Thanks
Thanks
3/20/2020
Thanks for your order, Mark! Please shoot us an email at help@skimo.co so we can help you out!
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My absolute favorite spring ski mountaineering pack. When there is no avy danger (no airbag needed) this is my go to pack. It carries modest loads very comfortably, all the ski-specific options are well thought out, and it appears to be very durable.
Highlights: Easy access via the funky top closure (something I quickly fell in love with) which works great unless the draw cord gets iced up, the adjustment buckles are easy to manipulate with gloves on and the top side cinch straps lock which is a fantastic feature, the diagonal ski carry works extremely well (you need to use the side entry zipper to access the pack while skis are on it), it stowes an ice axe and rope really well (the quick draw axe feature seems neat but I found I didn't use it much), and the hip belt pouch is really handy. The size is just right for anything you would want to carry on long days with technical ascents and descents but doesn't get in the way.
Cons are mostly minor but include: no way to store crampons externally except on top under the closure strap which becomes unavailable if also carrying a rope and you cant use the helmet holder (which works pretty well) while diagonally carrying skis.
Overall, a great pack to comfortably carry all you need for long days in the mountains.
Highlights: Easy access via the funky top closure (something I quickly fell in love with) which works great unless the draw cord gets iced up, the adjustment buckles are easy to manipulate with gloves on and the top side cinch straps lock which is a fantastic feature, the diagonal ski carry works extremely well (you need to use the side entry zipper to access the pack while skis are on it), it stowes an ice axe and rope really well (the quick draw axe feature seems neat but I found I didn't use it much), and the hip belt pouch is really handy. The size is just right for anything you would want to carry on long days with technical ascents and descents but doesn't get in the way.
Cons are mostly minor but include: no way to store crampons externally except on top under the closure strap which becomes unavailable if also carrying a rope and you cant use the helmet holder (which works pretty well) while diagonally carrying skis.
Overall, a great pack to comfortably carry all you need for long days in the mountains.
Comment on this review:
I have the cirque 35 and have used it for about 40 days of skiing and ice climbing. I absolutely love it, mainly because of the simplicity and the innovative opening at the top of the pack. It’s a one step operation to open or close the top so you’re more inclined to pack your stuff well instead of trying to stuff everything into the brain of a normal toploader.
I have two minor gripes with it. First off the hipbelt pocket can get in the way of accessing gear loops while climbing so I might just cut it off (this only matters when leading hard ice or rock). Secondly I wish they had a separate strap at the top for the diagonal ski carry instead of utilizing the top strap for two purposes. It looks slick at first but it becomes a hassle to get into the pack when your skis are attached diagonally.
I have two minor gripes with it. First off the hipbelt pocket can get in the way of accessing gear loops while climbing so I might just cut it off (this only matters when leading hard ice or rock). Secondly I wish they had a separate strap at the top for the diagonal ski carry instead of utilizing the top strap for two purposes. It looks slick at first but it becomes a hassle to get into the pack when your skis are attached diagonally.
Comment on this review:
A great everyday fast/light oriented pack. It's durable, feature rich for a minimalistic design, and is oh so comfortable to carry. The 35L is perfect for quick missions or longer day adventures. I even used mine for a 3 day backcountry hut trip and it was great. The waist belt pocket holds plenty of snacks and the dedicated tools pocket keeps things organized and quick to access in case of an emergency. The top closure system is fast and easy too. My only complaint is that I would rather see the pack designed with a vertical side carry option instead of the diagonal carry. That design element aside - this is most comfortable touring pack I have used (and I have tried around a dozen or so packs).
Comment on this review:
3/2/2018
It doesn't look like this pack has the adjustment straps that attach the shoulder straps to the lid, and help you carry the weight closer to your body. Do you think that works on this pack, or is it a major downside?
3/2/2018
Hi Emily, you are correct that this pack doesn't have "load lifter" straps. Provided the pack fits you, it's really not much of a downside. In this case the pack is designed to work best with loads for "light and fast" ski mountaineering, probably something like 20lbs or about 10kg. If your load is kept to that weight or less, you probably won't miss the load lifters.
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