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 May 15, 2006 by Dave B

Rating:
Price Paid: $165

An excellent pack. I spent a week in the North Dakota Grasslands/Badlands south of Medora City. No trails out that way and pack proved very stable with the heavy loads I carried over challenging terrain.

Hefting a 60lb load proved no problem when everything was adjusted correctly but adjusting it correctly took some give and take. Eventually it was great. The floating lid gave great room for expansion and the detachable top lid worked great. I liked best that I could acess the middle of the bag without unloading the entirety of its contents through its various zippers.

Also, I enjoyed the hydration system. It worked great with my Camelbak and kept me well hydrated without constantly reaching back for those elusive bottles on the side pockets. If I could add one thing it would be a mesh pocket on the hip strap as a map or compass/gps pocket.

Otherwise great pack, very comfortable when adjusted and worked great for a full seven days.