Shopper i will be using this for mainly high heat canyon touring in utah during the summer. can anyone speak to how quickly, and/or, your back heats up with this? is the ventialtion good?
ANNETTE W I have used this primarily in cooler, high-altitude climates without complaint. As for the few times I have used it in the desert, I do not recall any discomfort with my back or any notable issues with over-heating or lack of ventilation. I will mention that I have pretty much given it to my husband, as it is a bit larger than I need. (He is happy with it!)
NEIL D I own this pack. And I used it in the Grand Canyon in July from the north rim on a day hike down and back. It was hot but manageable.
The pad does a reasonable job - but your back will get wet and you will be warm. But so will everyone else you're with.
Dueter has a day hike pack with an interesting design to keep the pack off your pack. I borrowed one once and noticed a difference. They are more expensive. If this is a big trip with lots of long days, you might want to think about upgrading.
For the price though, the Cirque is a great option.
Enjoy your trip.
MICHAEL M I use mine to tote groceries on a 3+ mile round trip in the summers in Central Florida. You can follow me by the trail of sweat I drop along the way. We drink lots of water. It is so humid here that I never considered ventilation. You will have to find something that somehow provides space between your back and the backpack to get any ventilation.
CLIFFORD A I've not used the High Sierra Cirque 30 Backpack (59102) in high heat. I've used it in moderate temps and there is some back sweat accumulation from contact w/ backpack. I've been in Utah canyon country in summer heat and suggest hike in morning and evening - and chill out during mid-day heat. The best backpack I've ever used that keeps your back cool and minimizes sweat is the Osprey AirSpeed suspension / ventilation system. That's what I use for Utah - Arizona backpacking.
JAMES K Overall, I've been happy with the pack. I can't give you a specific answer on how fast it heats up but it's not awful to wear. I've never really noticed it being a nuisance but you will sweat wearing it as it fits snug. I've never used it in an extreme environment so I can't speak to high heat performance. I do wish it had a few more internal pockets though.