User Review: Kelty Red Cloud 5000 ST

Kelty Red Cloud 5000 ST
Above: The current Red Cloud 5000 ST, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed April 20, 2008 by Ashley Musick

Rating:
Design: Front and Top loading internal frame
Size: 5000
Number of Pockets: 6... counting the main compartment
Max. Load Carried: 55 lbs... not the best few hours of my trip
Height of Owner: 5' 2"
Price Paid: $150

This was my very first backpack. I'm a planner and shopper. I like to know that I'm buying good quality stuff that is appropriate for my needs.

Overall, I'm impressed with this pack. It's quite durable, and for the price I won't complain. Still yet, I have two major issues with this pack. They are: 1) the weight of the pack alone, and 2) the padding on the shoulder straps. I've got broader shoulders for a girl, but I'm still quite short. The shoulder straps don't extend very far down, and they constantly cut into my armpits. With a heavy pack, that's not much fun at all.

I bought this pack because I wanted to do some backpacking and I travel a lot. At the time of purchase I was planning a month-long stint to southern India. Since then, I've used this pack on extended backpacking trips in the southeast, the trip to India, and an 11-month journey around the world to 19 countries.

For the price, this pack is pretty good. The material is a little heavy, but it probably makes it a little more durable. The Red Cloud held up to 11 months of tourtuous third-world travel and abuse. On over 20 different flights, I never bagged it separately when I checked it. I just cinched all the straps down tight, and I never got any tears or busted buckles. I had people throwing my bag off the top of moving buses and everything. This really impressed me about the bag.

Pros:
Durability!
The two-panel loading
Sleeping bag compartment
The removable lid/day bag

Cons:
Short Shoulder straps
Weight

Ultimately there are lighter packs out there now (even Kelty bags that have longer shoulder straps!), but this is a decent bag for people on a budget.