User Review: Kelty Red Cloud 5600

Kelty Red Cloud 5600
Above: The current Red Cloud 5600, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed July 11, 2009 by Dan Foust

Rating:
Design: top-loading internal
Size: 5600 ci
Number of Pockets: 3
Max. Load Carried: 50 lbs
Height of Owner: 66"
Price Paid: $200

This is my third Kelty backpack. I started with a D4 way back in the 70's. This Red Cloud replaces the 10-year old Red Cloud that's beginning to show signs of stress.

I needed the volume for bulky loads -- the compression straps allow you to reduce the volume when you don't need all that space. I like pockets on my backpacks and this one has three usable pockets, plus two tiny ones on the hipbelt, plus the lid is another "pocket".

The sleeping bag access is much improved on this model. The panel-loader access is new to me, we'll have to see how useful that turns out to be. The suspension system on this model is improved from the older model, though that system was not too bad. They have found ways to tidy-up the straps that used to dangle from various points on the older model, that's a nice improvement.

I'm looking forward to having an internal water system on this pack. I miss the D-rings on the shoulder straps on the older model. I do like the color scheme on this new model over the blue/yellow of the older one.

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