Your Everyday Touring Pack

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Originally Posted by meter-man

Black Diamond Cirque 22 vest - vest-style. Really light. Never skied with a vest-pack.

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I got the Cirque 22 late last season and skied four days in it. I'm completely converted. It feels like a big 22L, closer to 30. I can fit everything I need for full day tours in GTNP in it no problem. It moves more naturally with my body on the down, and I notice it less than any other pack I've owned. And on the way up my food water, etc is all available without taking the pack off. I'm fully converted, especially since with the little skin side pocket, I could potentially transition both directions without taking my pack off.

Only downside would be that if you're boot packing far with heavy skis, I'm sure it would get uncomfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to boot a few thousand feet with a 1600g ski on it, but I sure wouldn't want to be hauling around 2100g skis with Cast mounted on them or something.

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Originally Posted by cydwhit

I got the Cirque 22 late last season and skied four days in it. I'm completely converted. It feels like a big 22L, closer to 30. I can fit everything I need for full day tours in GTNP in it no problem. It moves more naturally with my body on the down, and I notice it less than any other pack I've owned. And on the way up my food water, etc is all available without taking the pack off. I'm fully converted, especially since with the little skin side pocket, I could potentially transition both directions without taking my pack off.

Only downside would be that if you're boot packing far with heavy skis, I'm sure it would get uncomfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to boot a few thousand feet with a 1600g ski on it, but I sure wouldn't want to be hauling around 2100g skis with Cast mounted on them or something.

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The only thing I don’t like from the photos is no helmet carrier on the outside? I run hot and basically never skin in a helmet.

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Originally Posted by neufox47

The only thing I don’t like from the photos is no helmet carrier on the outside? I run hot and basically never skin in a helmet.

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It came with one, which I promptly lost. If I can't find it by ski season, I'll just grab one of the aftermarket ones, Blue Ice and Arva both make good ones, and the pack has plenty of webbing attachment points on the back to run whatever style carrier you want.

Whats the biggest water bottle/flask you can fit in the front pockets of the Cirque 22?

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Originally Posted by Benneke10

Whats the biggest water bottle/flask you can fit in the front pockets of the Cirque 22?

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It can fit a 26oz Specialized Purist bike water bottle in each side. Nalgene would be too wide. I go with a Camleback 17oz soft flask, and I could probably carry four of those no problem if I was so inclined.

I’m a pack whore and have a half dozen that I’m each only moderately fond of. Here’s are some thoughts on the top 5 worth mentioning :

mammut light 30 airbag: overall good design. Heavy compared to non airbag packs. Comfortable to carry. If this were electric is would be pretty damn awesome. As it is, Avery solid option when traveling in avy terrain.

Mammut UL 20 airbag: it’s tiny and light and almost impossible to fit a full day of gear, food, and water. Fabric is too thin to be a longer term lift access pack IMO. I got for super cheap and swap the airbag contraption from the 30 when conditions warrant.

BD Cirque 45: My overnight/hut pack that is also good for day trips. If I had one pack this would be it. It’s light, simple, and carries shit well. I did 5 days in the high Sierra last April with this pack and felt it was a good choice. If it were a roll top with an extra 10l, it would be damn near perfect for a non airbag pack.

Cirque 30: Simple, light, solid. It has a drawstring closure that if it fails (which mine did) it doesn’t actually close. BD warrantied it. Same concern with the 45, which is why they should make it a roll top.

Black Crows Dorsa 27: My current daily driver and side country pack. Rolltop, simple, very durable construction. It can handle ski edges and crampon points without bursting (within reason). The ski carry is fine. The weak point was the nylon upper strap it came with I replaced the nylon upper strap with a voile strap and now it’s about as bombproof as the rest of the pack.

I used to skis with external soft flask but the mount piece always seemed to freeze so I don’t do that anymore.

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Originally Posted by neufox47

The only thing I don’t like from the photos is no helmet carrier on the outside? I run hot and basically never skin in a helmet.

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The Cirque 22 comes with a helmet holster that attaches your helmet to the center of the back of the pack. It is completely removable but easy to lose. I haven't tried it but you probably cannot carry skis diagonal with a helmet strapped there. I'm going to mess around with it and see if there's a way to flip it over the top of the pack and carry my helmet on top.

Just had a Deuter Freerider Pro 34+ come in. Played around with it using items in my closet and here are some thoughts
- the pack material seems bomber. 420D fabric feels really sturdy
- avy pocket fits my probe and shovel–mine are not exactly small (320cm Ortovox and a Mammut shovel with d-shaped handle)
- the loaded avy pocket made it hard to stash skins in the skin pocket, you need to pack the shovel a particular way
- don't have high hopes for the diagonal carry–you still need to take the pack off to load skis unlike new, fancier packs. I was able to DIY a skimo carry that seems to work well at home
- a-frame carry straps/compression straps are not long enough for a foam thermarest, I'll probably use voiles instead
- can probably fit crampons on the front side with a bungee? I don't own any so lol
- you can also only fit one axe
- ice tool clipper on one of the hip belts, there's a small pocket on the other side (won't fit iPhone XR)
- hydration bladder routing seems fine

I think it comes down to
- with the avy pocket loaded the pack already felt half filled (without using the expandable roll top). There's not a lot of space unless you deploy the roll top. It's probably fine for day tours though
- expandable roll top is sweet. Feels like it doubled the usable capacity (Deuter says +10L to ~44L) and should make the pack usable for camping overnights
- if you're stuffing the pack, the rear zipper access can be tough to close

Anyone have questions? I got it from REI so I think I'll try it for the season, not sure how soon I can go touring though. I feel like this is usable for 1-2 day tours, with a partner to split tent and food carry at least.

Thanks for the Freerider Pro 34+ beta. It's on my shortlist together with Arcteryx Rush SK32/42 and Pata Descensionist 40L.

After trying lots of ready made packs (BD, a few Mammut), I bit the bullet a few years ago and had alpine threadworks make me exactly what I wanted and it was worth every penny.
Selkirk 35 with a top panel, hip belt pocket, and side access. Rides great and is just a quality pack.
Long wait time right now but I figured it was worth plugging them

Just got Deuter Freerider 34 pro
It’s compact but seems well laid out. Wish it had bladder sleeve for the tube. But pocket placement seems smart and for 34 it’s a nice size which I was worried about. Will fill it with gear and advise


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Lots of interesting options that I hadn't heard of in this thread. I've been liking TNF Snowmad 34 for a non-airbag option. The helmet carry/stash pocket is the standout feature on the pack, which is otherwise unremarkable in a good way - it just works.

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Originally Posted by North

Lots of interesting options that I hadn't heard of in this thread. I've been liking TNF Snowmad 34 for a non-airbag option. The helmet carry/stash pocket is the standout feature on the pack, which is otherwise unremarkable in a good way - it just works.

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Yeah I hate fiddling with helmet carry. Stash & go seems really nice, but curious to know how it works IRL

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Originally Posted by thejongiest

Yeah I hate fiddling with helmet carry. Stash & go seems really nice, but curious to know how it works IRL

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It works really really Nice I have the Snowmad 34 for my do it all touring pack, and every time I think about getting something new, it is primarily the stow and go helmet carry system (which then becomes the skin pocket for the down) that keeps me from even considering a switch. I'm not about to swap to a helmet carry system. For reference I have a Pret Cynic X helmet. I wish there was a pocket on each side of the hip belt (my only gripe) but the gear loop is nice and useful. Multiple ways to carry skis. Ice Axe attachement. Main Pocket holds everything I need and then some. Avy Tool pocket is organized and easy to access. The only other beef is the zipper pocket on the back by where you stow the helmet can be hard to access when the helmet is strapped in. But that is really not a huge deal. The clip for that part of the pack broke on mine a couple years back, and I tied a carabiner in its place and then slide it through where the other end of the clip went.

Really a great pack, hopefully TNF keeps making it, I plan on buying an updated one when the time comes

The Ortovox Haute packs are awesome! I use the 40l
. Avy gear pocket, usable main pocket, back panel zipper, great rope carry, ice axe loops, A-frame or diagonal carry for sticks.

Great helmet carry too

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Originally Posted by twoturn

The Ortovox Haute packs are awesome! I use the 40l
. Avy gear pocket, usable main pocket, back panel zipper, great rope carry, ice axe loops, A-frame or diagonal carry for sticks.

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Good to hear...just ordered the 32L today. I tried it on with weight and on my 6'2" frame seemed to carry very comfortably, very noticeable difference from the Mammut Nirvana 35 I tried on at the same time.

I have 3 different Ortovox packs and they all carry well. Never really feels like I have a pack on. I am 5‘8 with a 45“ chest and the fit well. Well thought out features. No crap that one really wouldn’t use. The helmet carries are removable and fit all helmets I have, including a XL Smith helmet..

I have the Traverse 40, Haute Route 40 and the Tour Rider 30. robust zippers with the back panel opening.

Anyone use the Ortovox Ascent 32 or Deuter Freeride Pro 34 (paging whyturn)?

Searching for a lightweight 30-35L ski mountaineering pack with ice axe carry, rope carry, helmet storage, and separate avy compartment. Those were on my shortlist. Seems like the Haute Route 32 could fit the bill but may be a little overbuilt for what I’m looking for.

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Originally Posted by GoSlowGoFar

Anyone use the Ortovox Ascent 32 or Deuter Freeride Pro 34 (paging whyturn)?

Searching for a lightweight 30-35L ski mountaineering pack with ice axe carry, rope carry, helmet storage, and separate avy compartment. Those were on my shortlist. Seems like the Haute Route 32 could fit the bill but may be a little overbuilt for what I’m looking for.

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I’m kind of looking for the same. The BD Cirque 35 was on my shortlist to try but it’s out of stock.

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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

I’m kind of looking for the same. The BD Cirque 35 was on my shortlist to try but it’s out of stock.

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I love my Cirque 35. I’m a fan of simple


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^im super happy with my Ortovox Haute route 40. I usually carry a DSLR or drone with me so I need an extra 8L or so. Otherwise a 32L would be good.

I like the back panel access, large top entrance, compressible, outside pocket to easily and securely fit car keys or small camera. Easy access to avy compartment. Lightweight

Things I don’t like: the pouch that holds a water bladder is too tight to hold a 2L bladder. I use it for snacks and leave the bladder loose in the pack.

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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

I’m kind of looking for the same. The BD Cirque 35 was on my shortlist to try but it’s out of stock.

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I was going to check it out but really wish it had a separate avy compartment outside of the main compartment. The Blue Ice Kume 30 looks like it has potential too but again, not much info out there yet.

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Originally Posted by benk

^im super happy with my Ortovox Haute route 40. I usually carry a DSLR or drone with me so I need an extra 8L or so. Otherwise a 32L would be good.

I like the back panel access, large top entrance, compressible, outside pocket to easily and securely fit car keys or small camera. Easy access to avy compartment. Lightweight

Things I don’t like: the pouch that holds a water bladder is too tight to hold a 2L bladder. I use it for snacks and leave the bladder loose in the pack.

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Good to know thanks. I don’t typically use hydration bladders so that’s not much of a concern. Maybe I’ll try to get my hands on one.

I replaced my BD Cirque 35 with one of these this year. I feel like it's an improvement in almost every way with the small weight penalty

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/s...k-1945771.html

Side pocket for skins is nice
Front Avy pocket
Carries really well with the frame
Skimo style carry is nice

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Originally Posted by davjr96

I replaced my BD Cirque 35 with one of these this year. I feel like it's an improvement in almost every way with the small weight penalty

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/s...k-1945771.html

Side pocket for skins is nice
Front Avy pocket
Carries really well with the frame
Skimo style carry is nice

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Is the frame removable? Does it pack down much smaller? 40L could be a little overkill for most of my days out.

Has anyone used the Atomic Backland 22+ or 30+? On paper it’s very close to my ideal pack. Roll top; avy pocket, skin/crampon skimo style pocket; helmet sling.

Looks like the 30+ is hard to find one line in the US but available from ‘yurp.

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Originally Posted by GoSlowGoFar

Anyone use the Ortovox Ascent 32 or Deuter Freeride Pro 34 (paging whyturn)?

Searching for a lightweight 30-35L ski mountaineering pack with ice axe carry, rope carry, helmet storage, and separate avy compartment. Those were on my shortlist. Seems like the Haute Route 32 could fit the bill but may be a little overbuilt for what I’m looking for.

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just spent a week with my Deuter FR Pro 34 on a hut trip. First time using it so not enough time to fully assess durability but really liked the layout, light weight, and it carried very well so long as i kept the somewhat minimalist waist strap appropriately cinched down. Included helmet carry could be better, the open hooks that attach it tend to disconnect if too aggressively loosed when removing helmet and the external skin pocket could be better if it had some more stretch as its not that easy to load wide skins in it when the pack is full but i found myself using the interior section since it gets warmed by your back and i'm not fond of stashing them inside my shell for the down. For the closeout price i paid, very very happy with it.

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Originally Posted by SeatownSlackey

just spent a week with my Deuter FR Pro 34 on a hut trip. First time using it so not enough time to fully assess durability but really liked the layout, light weight, and it carried very well so long as i kept the somewhat minimalist waist strap appropriately cinched down. Included helmet carry could be better, the open hooks that attach it tend to disconnect if too aggressively loosed when removing helmet and the external skin pocket could be better if it had some more stretch as its not that easy to load wide skins in it when the pack is full but i found myself using the interior section since it gets warmed by your back and i'm not fond of stashing them inside my shell for the down. For the closeout price i paid, very very happy with it.

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Thanks for the input, how is it pulling the shovel/probe in and out with it fully loaded?

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Originally Posted by GoSlowGoFar

Is the frame removable? Does it pack down much smaller? 40L could be a little overkill for most of my days out.

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Picked up one as well. You can take the frame out, but not sure it's needed. The sides straps cinch it down pretty tight - to the point where it's juuusst small enough for quick warm-weather day trips (aka my lightest load). But if you're uber lightnfast it will be too big.

Juat got an Ortovox Tour rider 30. Seems like a tight package

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Originally Posted by Tap

Juat got an Ortovox Tour rider 30. Seems like a tight package

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Any way to attach a rope to the top of it? I checked it out but didn’t see that listed as a feature.

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Originally Posted by beeeom

How anyone can tour for a full day with all the necessary food, water, layers, gear, repair kit, etc in anything less than a 35l pack is mind boggling to me...

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Emergency bivy
First-aid kit
Headlamp
Voile straps for emergencies
Leather man Skeleton tool
Down jacket (mostly just in case)
Softshell
Hardshell
1x 700ml water bottle
1x 500ml Thermos bottle
Plastic box with protein bars
Ski crampons
Ski goggles
Thick ski gloves
Sunglasses
Ski helm
(shovel and Probe it goes without saying)
With a 30l pack I have room to spare.
Rope, axe and crampons wouldn't be an issue, but usually I don't need them.
A 25l pack would even go, but it would be unnecessarily tight.

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Originally Posted by Samski360

Has anyone used the Atomic Backland 22+ or 30+? On paper it’s very close to my ideal pack. Roll top; avy pocket, skin/crampon skimo style pocket; helmet sling.

Looks like the 30+ is hard to find one line in the US but available from ‘yurp.

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I agree these look really nice! I especially like the look of the ski carry hook. I'm unclear as to if its possible to carry an ice axe and skis at the same time, I guess you could use the ski carry loop for both

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Originally Posted by Benneke10

I agree these look really nice! I especially like the look of the ski carry hook. I'm unclear as to if its possible to carry an ice axe and skis at the same time, I guess you could use the ski carry loop for both

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I was wondering the same, also curious as to how well the velcro flap for crampon/skin storage stays shut.

Bump, anyone have experience with the Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak?

I really like the zipper layout for getting into the pack without having to completely drop it (for quick camera access). That stipulation of mine has really narrowed the field. Otherwise, the features seem pretty comparable to other popular packs. Only slight bummer is that it's a bit smaller than I'd ideally like at 25L. 30-35L seems like the sweet spot for a true BC pack, especially when lugging a not-so-small camera setup.

I rocked the older version with beaver tail shovel holder. MR quality and durability def lives up to hype. That said the saddle peak was my inbounds/slack pack. Too small for full day touring and burly build doesn’t really allow for it to stretch and accommodate overpacking.

Edit: looks like my old version was smaller at just under 20L


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Long torso folks - what works?
Looking for a 40L replacement for my gen 1 patagonia descensionist

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Originally Posted by dangerdad

Long torso folks - what works?
Looking for a 40L replacement for my gen 1 patagonia descensionist

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Like my Gregory Targhee 45. Good length for lorso'd folks, brain compartments doesnt impinge on my helmet on steep slogs

L BD Cirque 35
6’ 5” very long torso

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