Kelty Ultralight Series User manual

Ultralight Series
–CLOUD-
Pack Components 2
Custom Fitting your Pack 3-6
Checking the Fit 7
Troubleshooting 8
Customizing your Pack 9-11
Packing Hints 12
INSTRUCTION INDEX

Adjustable height
STERNUM STRAP
for perfect fit.
KNOWING YOUR PACK
The Cloud pack features:
23
1. FIRST weight the pack with at least 25 lb.
(35 lb. is ideal).
2. NEXT put the pack on and tighten the waistbelt.
Make sure you place the waistbelt in the proper
location (see Figures 3 & 4).
Follow these steps IN SEQUENCE to achieve the best fit
every time you use your pack. Refer to the figure on
page 2 to identify pack parts.
Before starting, loosen all load-lifter and belt stabilizer straps.
WAISTBELT POSITION
Figure 3 Figure 4
hip bone
bottom two ribs
shoulder blade
belly
button
Contoured WAISTBELT with plastic
reinforcement for load support.
BELT STABILIZER
STRAPS on
waistbelt help to
transfer and
control load.
Sprung steel
LEVITATORS™
for pack-to-belt
load transfer.
LOAD-LIFTER STRAPS
lift the pack’s weight off
the shoulders.
Anatomically curved
SHOULDER STRAPS
adjust vertically for
perfect torso fit.
Pre-curved ALUMINUM LIGHTBEAM™
STAYS provide load transfer
capability and strength.
It is recommended to wear the belt on hip bones, just under the
rib cage. If you still prefer to wear the belt low, add one to two
inches to your torso length measurement. Figure 3 shows both the
preferred placement of the waistbelt and an example of a belt
worn low. The low position is not recommended. Once positioned
correctly, tighten the belt to prevent it from sliding.
(A good rule of thumb is to have the belt buckle approximately
over your belly button.)
Benefits of wearing the belt high on the waist:
A. Proper loading of your skeletal frame, further supported by the
two strongest muscle groups in the body: the quadriceps &
gluteals.
B. Blood flow & nerves route across the front of the hips; wearing
the belt too low can restrict blood flow causing muscle fatigue,
nerve pinching and possible numbness.
Flexible, supportive
PLASTIC FRAMESHEET
gives vertical “body” to
the backpanel.

4
2”
0’’
3. Once the waistbelt is in the correct position, tighten
the shoulder straps. To tighten shoulder straps pull the
webbing at the lower ends of the shoulder strap down & back.
The pad of the shoulder strap should start one to two inches
below the top of your shoulder (see Figure 5). (Put a little
more load on your shoulders than you want to end up with.)
During this operation the load-lifter straps should be kept loose.
Figure 5
SHOULDER STRAP POSITION
start
With the waistbelt positioned correctly and the shoulder
straps as shown below, you have achieved a perfect fit.
If you do not have the correct shoulder strap position,
you will need to adjust the waist belt as directed in the
following section.
5
WAISTBELT ADJUSTMENT
4. Adjustment can be accomplished by unvelcroing and
repositioning the waistbelt at either the top or bottom of the
lumbar pad.
To adjust: Insert an open hand between the hook & loop
material in front of the packbag but behind the waistbelt
and slide the waistbelt into the desired position by pulling up
or pushing down on the waistbelt (Figure 7,B).

6
7. When the pack fits as seen in Figure 5 (page 4),
walk around and notice how the pack feels
against your back. The pack should contour to
your back as in Figure 13.
Use the short evaluation below to ensure a great
fit. Make certain to take notice of any pressure
points and trouble shoot them in the next section.
If you have answered “discomfort/pressure” to any of
the above see, the trouble shooting section (page 8).
feels great discomfort/
pressure
Area A
Lumbar Pad
(bottom of the belt)
Area B
Shoulder Pad
(top of back)
Area C
Headroom
Figure 13
When you are walking
with weight in the pack,
the pack’s shape should be
exactly the same as your
back. We put an average
curve into the frame at the
factory, but some additional
fine-tuning may be required.
top
mid
bottom
top
mid
bottom
Area C
Area B
Area A
7
VARIOUS STRAPS
4. Snug the Load-Lifter Straps
This lifts the shoulder straps (and the
pack’s weight) off the top of your shoul-
ders. Don’t allow the load-lifters to pull
the shoulder straps more than 1/2" off
your shoulder, or it will cause pressure
points. If the pack feels better the more
you pull the load lifter, the stays might
need to be adjusted (see “Gap at top
of shoulder” on page 8).
5. Position Sternum Strap-
(OPTIONAL)
Position the sternum strap on your
chest, and pull it snug. The sternum
strap should cross your chest high,
just below your clavicle, so it doesn’t
interfere with your breathing. Some
people find it more comfortable not to
use the sternum strap when breathing
hard—especially at altitude.
6. Pull Belt Stabilizer Straps-
(OPTIONAL)
Pull the belt stabilizers just snug. If
overtightening them feels good, you
might need to bend more curve into the
frame in the lumbar region.
Overtightening causes gaps between
you and the belt. Belt stabilizers are
best left loose for the first 15-30
minutes of hiking.)

9
FRAME SHAPING
Bend at lumbar pad top (X)
to tuck the pad into the small
of your back.
Flatten the curve of the frame
where it bows away from the
back.
Add curve to the frame and
then bend back the top (X).Bend the frame away from the
head (at X).
HINT: Most bending of the stays can be done over the edge of
a table without taking the stays out of the pack. (Bending and
re-bending the stays won’t hurt them.) Fit your pack with an
average load, wear your hiking boots, and carefully load your
pack with the weight close to your back just like you would for a
trip. Walk around. Use the guide below to address problems.
HINT: Wearing a pack with wrinkled clothing or seam lumps
under the waistbelt can cause pressure points. Belt loops and
elasticized waistbands are classic sources of discomfort.
8
LEVITATORS™
INSERTING LEVITATORS
1. Loosen the two ladder-lock buckles located on the webbing straps
which connect the waistbelt to the packbag. See Figure 19.
2. Slide the Levitator securely into the two webbing pockets adjacent to
the webbing strap. See Figure 20.
3. Repeat on the opposite side of the waistbelt with the second Levitator.
Figure 19 Figure 20
Figure 21 Figure 22
LEVITATORS™ - 3 oz. per pair
Highly engineered pack-to-belt load transfer devices–
a steel leaf spring suspension for your pack. The
Levitators promote uniform belt pressure against your
lower back and keep the belt angled correctly against
your body.
REMOVING LEVITATORS
1. Loosen the two ladder-lock
buckles located on the webbing
straps which connect the
waistbelt to the packbag.
See Figure 21.
NOTE: Levitators go over the
shoulder straps so that
they can move freely.
USING YOUR LEVITATORS
• LEVITATORS ARE BEST FOR LOADS OF 35LB AND UP.
• THE LEVITATOR EFFECT IS ADJUSTED BY TIGHTENING OR
LOOSENING THE DIAGONAL WEBBING STRAPS SHOWN IN
FIGURE 19.
• TIGHTEN THE WEBBING STRAPS TO REDUCE BOUNCINESS OR
PACK LEAN.
• LOOSEN THE WEBBING STRAPS FOR HIGH LOADS AND MAXIMUM
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT.
2. Remove the Levitator from the two webbing pockets adjacent to the
webbing strap. (Note: there is velcro inside the pockets and on the
Levitators.) See Figure 22.
3. Repeat on the opposite side of the waistbelt with the second Levitator.

10 11
LARGE FRONT POUCH
SIDE POCKETS
ATTACHING POUCH
1. Insert one of the four clear plastic toggles on the
pouch, ball-end first, upward through one of the
white webbing slots on the packbag. Refer to
Figure 29.
2. Turn toggle so that it lies parallel to the white
webbing. See figure 30.
3. Repeat with the remaining three toggles, making
sure the back of the pocket lies flat against the
pack.
REMOVING POUCH
1. Rotate clear plastic toggle so that it is
perpendicular to the white webbing slots on the
packbag. Refer to Figure 31.
2. Push toggle completely down through webbing slot.
See figure 32.
3. Repeat with the remaining three toggles.
SIDE POCKETS -
9.6 oz. per pair with rods
7.4 oz. per pair without rods
Two large attachable/removable side pockets provide
an additional 500 cubic inches of storage each. With
attachment points every two inches around the pack,
side pocket location is customized. Vertical aluminum
rod stiffeners keep the pockets’ “flop & wobble” to a
minimum. The rods can be removed for maximum
weight savings by sliding the rod out of the sleeve
located inside the pocket.
ATTACHING SIDE POCKETS
1. Insert one of the four clear plastic toggles on the
pocket, ball-end first, upward through one of the
white webbing slots on the packbag. Refer to
Figure 24.
2. Turn toggle so that it lies parallel to the white
webbing. See figure 25.
3. Repeat with the remaining three toggles, making
sure the back of the pocket lies flat against the
pack. Repeat, if desired, with second side pocket.
REMOVING SIDE POCKETS
1. Rotate clear plastic toggle so that it is
perpendicular to the white webbing slots on the
packbag. Refer to Figure 26.
2. Push toggle completely down through webbing
slot. See figure 27.
3. Repeat with the remaining three toggles. Repeat,
if desired, with second side pocket.
Figure 24
Figure 25
Figure 26
Figure 27
Figure 29
Figure 30
Figure 31
Figure 32
LARGE FRONT POUCH -
The lightweight attachable/removable
pouch has a bungee system compression
that is perfect for everything from
drying wet items to carrying a foam
sleeping pad. Light webbing shoulder
straps allow the pouch to double as a
day or summit pack.

• When balance is crucial for off-trail travel, climbing or skiing,
pack heavy items centered and close to the back.
• The sleeping bag should always go in or on the bottom of
the pack.
• Pack clothing and other light gear around heavy items (ie. a
stove or climbing gear) in order to keep them from shifting.
• Items you will need during the day should be packed in the top
of the main compartment, the top pocket, or side pockets.
• Foam pads and odd-sized equipment (such as long tent poles)
can be carried on the outside of the pack. Use the appropriate
accessory patches, ice axe loop, or ski slots for these items.
• Do not put heavy items like water bottles or climbing equipment
in pockets located far from your back.
Hints to keep you comfortable when out on the trail:
Loading the pack greatly affects your comfort–follow the guidelines
below for optimum comfort.
LIGHTEST ITEMS
• Sleeping bag
• Pad
• Rain, wind gear
• Bivy sack
• Bulky clothing/ fleece
HEAVY ITEMS
• Water
• Stove
• Fuel
• Food
• Tent poles
MEDIUM ITEMS
• Cooking utensils
• Some clothing
• Some foods
• Tent body and fly
NOTE:
If your pack feels like it’s leaning away too much from your
shoulders, you have a weight distribution problem.
HOW TO PACK
WARRANTY
Kelty products are warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship during the product’s lifetime. This warranty does not cover
damage due to normal wear and tear, natural hazard, abuse or
alteration. For warranty service, call the Kelty Customer Service
Department at 866.349.7225 (866.FIX.PACK).
WARRANTY
6235 LOOKOUT ROAD, BOULDER CO 80301
800.423.2320 • FAX [phone] • WWW.KELTY.COM
12