Kelty White Cloud?

My input on the Kelty and Cliogear is get the ULA Circuit.

If you're looking at White Cloud & Clio, look at a McHale.

lol, I've found a good price on this one, so its under 200.

I have been looking at the ULA packs too but I'm thinking that since I'm less a thru-hiker then a climber and a scrambler that I'd like to get something that can be stripped down to something a little more streamlined.

Several years ago I checked out the white cloud very briefly. I was attracted by the 100% spectra and the versatile configuration options, and the "value" of almost 40% discount because it was on close-out. I carried it around the store for an hour or so. Not long enough to have a detailed read on a pack, but it was enough time for me to know that I wasn't going to spending >$300 on it when I already had a pack I was comfortable with (an Osprey Aether 60).

My memory is that the much more commonly found Red Cloud had almost identical suspension. I would suggest seeing if you can check out a red cloud before plunking down your cash. If you like the red cloud, the white cloud should be as good or better.

If you really need the durability of a 100% spectra pack, then your best bet is likely to pony up the money for a McHale. Just make sure you are very careful to follow Dan's instructions and show a real commitment to working through the process. Dan has successfully sold pack mail order for years, but I think the lack of face to face interactions can make the process challenging… especially for people like me who have some language processing challenges.

I have no experience with the ClioGear 60. I stopped looking at climbing packs years ago after I blew out my shoulder.

–Mark

Thanks Mark, unfortunately no one local carries Kelty packs.
The one I've found is under 200 and in good shape so cost is not really an issue here. Its more comparative shopping.

I really should just buy it and try it out but I'm not a fan of buying unless I like it and Cliogear has good reviews.

Oh, scrambling! Now I know what to recommend. ULA Relay. I have 2 packs – the Circuit for backpacking and scrambling and the Relay for day trips and scrambling. I sold all my others or donated them to the boy scouts. The Relay is even big enough for my winter trips (packing snowshoes, beacon, shovel, probe, etc.). With those 2 packs you're set for life! Well, that may be overstating it, but I doubt it.

I have had the Cilogear 60L worksack Version 1 for almost 2 years, and love it. it is big enough for ultralight gear, 8 days of food, and rock climbing gear for long backcountry routes, but can compress down to a daypack on demand; it is tough but light, and versatile – rig the straps however you need, remove the framesheet, pad, lid, hipbelt… this pack really covers most pack needs except for dedicated ultralight trips. Plus it is a small climber-owned company that actually designs packs based on what we need, not just the latest gimmick.
highly recommended

Robert, I also recommned a Cilogear, for the same reasons Jeremey said. I own two of them; a 45L, and the "Schoolbag" which is actually a small technical pack.
The D-clips make these packs very versitile, and actually interesting to customize for various trips. These are not the absolute lightetst, nor the most comfortable, but they score highly in a wide range of attributes. I especially like the narrow, vertical profile and resulting high CG.
If you are 'prior-service'; ask for a small discount : )

Thanks all, form the input I've received I've decided to go with the Cliogear

Hi Robert! Coming to this discussion late – hopefully not to late – I thought it only fair that you hear from someone who owns and has used a white cloud. It first came out in the early 90s and I became aware of it through a couple of articles in Backpacker magazine featuring that pack and lightweight backpacking. I was astounded by the idea of going out on a weekender with only half the usual 35 lbs! So I ordered one. Apparently they were semi-custom made at that time, and I had to wait several months but when it arrived it was well worth it. What I found when I opened the box was this: The base pack, with removable side, front and top pockets, moulded hip belt and shoulder straps weighed around 4 lbs – still a couple lbs less than my Gregory. Since everything is removable, the pack can achieve numerous configurations. Take off the moulded hip belt and substitute the webbing belt, remove the framesheet, Ti stays and pockets and you have a Golite Jam looking pack that weighs less – slightly over a lb. It has a thin profile, good center of gravity and is a girl magnet. Fully configured it also handles heavy loads well and is designed to carry skis, snow shovel etc. Since most of the other writers responding have two or more packs, I'd recommend getting this one of a kind pack AND the Cilo! At the end of its production it was selling for over $700, I'd call this a screeming deal.

Thanks Monty, but I think I'll just got for the Cilo for now, too bad I can't afford both packs!
Cheers, Rob