The Best Ski Mountaineering Pack Black Diamond Cirque 35 is specifically designed for ski mountaineering. If you pack ropes, ice axes, and crampons into the backcountry, this pack was meant for you. I purchased this pack March 2017 and throughly tested it out.
Black Diamond Cirque 35 Ski Mountaineering Pack
Price $199.95
Weight 2lbs 5oz
The Best Ski Mountaineering Pack Black Diamond Cirque 35
This pack is well designed. It's most notable design feature is cinch lid that closes with just a pull of a cord. This is super handy when you're precariously perched atop a summit trying to close your pack with cold fingers. With just one hand you can pull the lid closed. In my experience, high up top Hogum Fork ridge next to Pfeifferhorn. I was transitioning from booting to skiing my glove froze and I couldn't use my fingers. The easy cinch lid on my ski pack was the best thing ever invented at that point. I was able to get my extra layer and dry gloves quickly because I didn't have to fumble with the dexterity of opening and closing a zipper. Getting my new coat zipped however wasn't so easy and I had to get assistance from my ski partner before I became hypothermic.
- Helmet Hammock on the pack holds a helmet snug and secure, easy to use, and stows away nicely.
- A-Frame and diagonal ski carry system included. Both work well.
- Ice Axe carry & tool sleeve Really well designed. It's easy to access the tool when the terrain changes and the tools stow away safely and securely.
- Side zip access makes it easy to get your stuff out of the bottom of the pack.
- Hydration Sleeve to put your camel bak for those ski days when the temps aren't sub zero.
- Stash pocket on the waist is big enough for a cliff bar and another item or two.
- Gear Loop on the waist belt for carabiners.
- Snow shovel compartment has drainage holes at the bottom to keep melted snow off your extra coat.
After using this mountaineering pack for it's intended purpose, I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
It is really well designed Mountaineering Pack that has made a difference on the days that I need tools like an ice, crampons, and a rope.
Almost nothing can be or is perfect and neither is this pack. I think the snow shovel pocket is too large. How many show shovels do I need to pack along? The lid is sold separately. I'd didn't purchase one, so I don't know if it would improve the pack or not. The side access zipper doesn't open the pack as much as I'd like. Makes it a little difficult to access the stuff on the other side of the pack.
If I were to purchase another mountaineering pack It would be the Black Diamond Cirque Pack. Only I would purchase the 45L because of the minimal weight increase for the space gained. I wouldn't purchase the lid because I don't know if it's worth it.
4 out of 5 stars!
After using this mountaineering pack for it's intended purpose, I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
It is really well designed Mountaineering Pack that has made a difference on the days that I need tools like an ice, crampons, and a rope.
Almost nothing can be or is perfect and neither is this pack. I think the snow shovel pocket is too large. How many show shovels do I need to pack along? The lid is sold separately. I'd didn't purchase one, so I don't know if it would improve the pack or not. The side access zipper doesn't open the pack as much as I'd like. Makes it a little difficult to access the stuff on the other side of the pack.
If I were to purchase another mountaineering pack It would be the Best Ski Mountaineering Pack Black Diamond Cirque. Only I would purchase the 45L because of the minimal weight increase for the space gained. I wouldn't purchase the lid because I don't know if it's worth it.