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Gear Review: The Redesigned Black Diamond Cirque Packs

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The newly redesigned Black Diamond Cirque packs are purpose-built for technical ski mountaineering, offering lightweight durability, versatile ski carry options, and essential features like avy tools pockets, quick-access compartments, and comfortable carrying systems.



When it comes to ski mountaineering, having the right gear is critical for both safety and performance. Black Diamond, known for its expertise in outdoor equipment, has redesigned the Black Diamond Cirque packs to meet the demands of technical ski mountaineers. Offering a range of packs purpose-built for technical ascents and steep descents, the Cirque series – including the Cirque 25, Cirque 35, and Cirque 50 – delivers clean, simple, and highly functional gear for those who push boundaries in the mountains. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes each pack stand out and why they are some of the best options for demanding ski mountaineering adventures.

The newly redesigned Black Diamond Cirque packs, purpose-built for technical ski mountaineering, offer lightweight durability, versatile ski carry options, and essential features for demanding backcountry adventures.

The newly redesigned Black Diamond Cirque packs, purpose-built for technical ski mountaineering, offer lightweight durability, versatile ski carry options, and essential features for demanding backcountry adventures. Photo: Photographer: Michael Aasheim for Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Cirque 25 – Compact and Efficient

  • Price: $199.95 USD
  • Capacity: 25 liters
  • Color options: Sulphur Green, Carbon
The Black Diamond Cirque 25 pack is a compact, lightweight option for technical ski mountaineering, featuring a 25L capacity, diagonal ski carry system, and essential gear pockets for fast-and-light backcountry missions.

The Black Diamond Cirque 25 pack is a compact, lightweight option for technical ski mountaineering, featuring a 25L capacity, diagonal ski carry system, and essential gear pockets for fast-and-light backcountry missions. Photo: Black Diamond

The Black Diamond Cirque 25 is the smallest in the Cirque series, but don’t let its compact size fool you. Designed for fast-and-light missions, this pack is perfect for shorter, high-intensity ski mountaineering adventures.

At the heart of the Cirque 25 is its roll-top main compartment, a feature that allows quick access to your gear while keeping everything secure. The roll-top design also ensures your equipment stays dry and protected from snow or moisture. For avalanche safety gear, the Cirque 25 comes with a dedicated external avy tools pocket equipped with drain holes, keeping your gear easily accessible and dry.

One of the standout features is the on-the-go diagonal ski carry system. This feature allows for seamless transitions between climbing and skiing without needing to take off the pack. Whether you’re scrambling over rocky ridges or making a quick ascent up steep slopes, the diagonal ski carry helps keep things efficient. Additionally, the pack includes a quick-access side pocket, ideal for stashing skins or ski crampons. The internal divider helps keep your gear organized, so it’s ready when you need it.

Comfort is another key element of the Cirque 25, with its stretch-woven padded shoulder straps offering a comfortable carry, even when the pack is loaded. The removable waist strap adds versatility, allowing you to customize your fit depending on the activity. For climbers, the PickPocket™ piolet carry system ensures that your ice tools are secure and easy to reach.

Key Features of the Black Diamond Cirque 25:
  • Roll-top main compartment for easy access and protection from the elements
  • External avy tools pocket with drain holes
  • Quick-access side pocket for skins or crampons
  • On-the-go diagonal ski carry system
  • PickPocket™ piolet carry system for ice axes or tools
  • Removable waist strap for a customizable fit

The Black Diamond Cirque 25 is a perfect option for ski mountaineers looking for a lightweight and efficient pack to tackle quick, technical routes.

Get the Cirque 25 Pack at Black Diamond
Get the Cirque 25 Pack at REI Co-op
Get the Cirque 25 Pack at Backcountry

Black Diamond Cirque 35 – Mid-Sized Versatility

  • Price: $229.95 USD
  • Capacity: 35 liters
  • Color options: Sulphur Green, Carbon
The Black Diamond Cirque 35 pack, designed for technical ski mountaineering, offers a 35L capacity, versatile ski carry options, and lightweight durability, making it ideal for demanding backcountry adventures.

The Black Diamond Cirque 35 pack, designed for technical ski mountaineering, offers a 35L capacity, versatile ski carry options, and lightweight durability, making it ideal for demanding backcountry adventures.

The Black Diamond Cirque 35 takes everything great about the Cirque 25 and adds more space and versatility for those longer, more demanding ski mountaineering adventures. With a 35-liter capacity, this pack offers the perfect balance between carrying capability and streamlined design.

One of the biggest upgrades in the Cirque 35 is the addition of both A-frame and diagonal ski carry options, giving you flexibility in how you carry your skis based on the terrain and your preference. Whether you’re looking for the stability of an A-frame carry or the ease of a diagonal carry, this pack has you covered.

Like the Cirque 25, this pack features a roll-top main compartment and a dedicated avy tools pocket for easy access to essential gear. The quick-access side pocket for stashing skins or crampons remains, with an optional internal divider to keep things organized.

Comfort remains a priority, with the padded waistband and stretch-woven shoulder straps designed to make long approaches more bearable. The PickPocket™ piolet carry system is still in place, offering easy storage and access for your ice tools during technical climbs.

Key Features of the Black Diamond Cirque 35:
  • 35-liter capacity for longer trips
  • A-frame and diagonal ski carry options
  • Roll-top main compartment for easy gear access
  • Padded waistband for added comfort
  • PickPocket™ piolet carry system for secure ice tool storage
  • Quick-access side pocket for skins or crampons

For ski mountaineers looking to take on bigger objectives or spend more time in the backcountry, the Black Diamond Cirque 35 offers a versatile and comfortable pack with all the necessary features to keep you moving efficiently through the mountains.

Get the Cirque 35 Pack at Black Diamond
Get the Cirque 35 Pack at Backcountry

Black Diamond Cirque 50 – For Big Objectives and Overnight Missions

  • Price: $259.95 USD
  • Capacity: 50 liters
  • Color options: Carbon
The Black Diamond Cirque 50 pack, designed for overnight ski mountaineering adventures, features a 50L capacity, A-frame and diagonal ski carry options, and an aluminum back panel stay for comfortable load distribution on extended missions.

The Black Diamond Cirque 50 pack, designed for overnight ski mountaineering adventures, features a 50L capacity, A-frame and diagonal ski carry options, and an aluminum back panel stay for comfortable load distribution on extended missions. Photo: Black Diamond Equipment

The largest of the Black Diamond Cirque packs, the Cirque 50, is purpose-built for extended ski mountaineering trips and overnight missions. With a 50-liter capacity, this pack provides ample space for all your gear, including overnight essentials like a sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and extra layers.

One of the standout features of the Cirque 50 is the aluminum back panel stay, which helps distribute the weight of heavier loads more evenly, making it a great option for longer expeditions. The pack also includes pulk sled attachment points on the hip belt, giving you the option to tow additional gear on multi-day trips.

Like the smaller packs, the Cirque 50 includes a roll-top main compartment and an external avy tools pocket for quick access to essential gear. The A-frame and diagonal ski carry options are also present, along with a vertical snowboard carry option, making this pack versatile for both skiers and splitboarders.

Other notable features include a helmet carry system, side compression straps, and a top-rope carry system. Whether you’re summiting technical peaks or setting up camp for an overnight stay, the Cirque 50 is designed to handle big objectives with ease.

Key Features of the Black Diamond Cirque 50:
  • 50-liter capacity for overnight ski mountaineering missions
  • Aluminum back panel stay for better load distribution
  • A-frame, diagonal ski carry, and vertical snowboard carry systems
  • Roll-top main compartment with external access pockets
  • Padded waistband and pulk sled attachment points
  • Helmet carry system and PickPocket™ piolet carry system

For ski mountaineers planning overnight trips or big multi-day objectives, the Black Diamond Cirque 50 offers all the space, durability, and comfort you need to tackle the most demanding routes.

Get the Cirque 50 Pack at Black Diamond
Get the Cirque 50 Pack at Backcountry

Conclusion

The newly redesigned Black Diamond Cirque packs are a fantastic option for technical ski mountaineers who value simplicity, durability, and functionality. With sizes ranging from 25 liters to 50 liters, there’s a pack for every type of adventure, whether you’re out for a fast-and-light day in the backcountry or gearing up for a multi-day expedition. Each pack offers unique features while maintaining the same core focus on performance, comfort, and accessibility. The Cirque series is an ideal choice for any skier or mountaineer looking for a reliable, high-performance pack to accompany them on their next big adventure.

Shop the Black Diamond Cirque packs