Review on Stylish and Practical Kelty Junior Cloud Backpack in Vibrant Blue Shade for All-Day Comfort by Denise Ward

Finding a large capacity backpack suitable for a teenager was difficult. Most youth packages have a volume of around 55 liters. Gregory Wander (70 liters), REI Passage 65 and Red Cloud 65 are 3 large backpacks with a short and adjustable torso. Although Gregory Wander had the shortest torso length range (13-18 inches) for the XS/S backpack, I ruled him out as it doesn't have its own sleeping bag section. The newer Passage 65 has a lot of great features but I found a much better deal on the Kelty Red Cloud 65! What I like about this backpack: - Large zip opening for a separate sleeping bag compartment - My son's sleeping bag fits in easily. like my old backpack, which had a small opening for a sleeping bag. 2 large side pockets with zips. These exterior pockets are great for storing fuel, water bottles, and other easy-to-access items. I already love this feature on the Redwing backpack, so I'm glad the Red Cloud has the same external side pockets as well. - Thru sleeves behind side pockets. These bag sleeves are great for storing trekking and camping poles. I have not seen this function in any other backpack! Built-in straps for sleeping pad. I love the integrated sleeping pad straps at the bottom of the pack. Garland chains allow you to bring the straps closer together for narrow items - Side zip to access items in the pack without having to pull everything out - Garland chain handle - Garland chain on the front also provides a handle to lift the bag - Separate front organization pocket for maps, windshields and other easily accessible items. What needs improvement: - There is only 1 small pocket on one side of the waist belt. Why not have 2 pockets to make it symmetrical? - The top cover should turn into a lumbar spine. Many adult backpacks have this feature. The top cover should also be easy to remove with on/off buckles like the REI Passage 65. Overall, this is a workhorse that will suit my growing son well. Once it outgrows it I can even use it myself as my torso length falls within that range. If you don't find anything interesting in Red Cloud, compare its specs to the newer REI Passage 65 to see which has the features you need most. If I don't find much, there could be a tie between Passage 65 and Red Cloud 65.