Couple of Kelty Cloud backpacks on ebay

I still have the spectra gridstop version called the Flight 4500. I found what seems to be an unused Flight 4500 on Ebay a while back.

Are they really that comfortable? I’m watching the auction for the one listed for $900 just for fun.

Notes I made in 2002:  Made from 100% Spectra cloth which makes this pack very durable and also very expensive. Highly configurable, from frameless summit pack with shoulder straps and lash points,  to a full on backpack with frame, hip belt, side pockets, back shovel pocket and top brain. I didn’t find this pack particularly comfortable.  For the retail price you could buy a custom fit McHale pack made from spectra which would be a much better deal.

I considered buying one what I saw it for $120 at an REI garage sale in 2002 but wasn’t impressed with carry comfort.  Later I borrowed a friends on a couple of trips.  With just 25lb of weight I found the packs I was using: a first gen Granite Gear Vapor Trail and first generation Osprey Aether 60 provided a more comfortable carry.

I didn’t find this pack particularly comfortable.  For the same money you could buy a custom file McHale pack which seems like a much better deal.

I think the high price was somewhat driven by the cost of spectra and the “cachet” or being a 100% spectra.  I believe it was the only main-stream pack that was 100%.  The others weren’t know wildly, McHale, and another climber oriented pack… maybe a version of WildThings IceSac?