Just purchased this pack a week ago and immediately went on a 2 day, 2 night, 20 mile hike down through Haleakala Crater on the island of Maui. It's a tough hike so each day we hiked about 8 hours.
Except for a little sorness in the shoulders toward the end of the first day, the pack felt pretty good. I think it'll be a lot better once I dial it in (didn't have time before the trip). I carried 40 lbs. the first day and 50 or so the next. The pack has lots of room, and I really liked having the additional pockets to get at various gear without having to open the main compartment. I'd recommend this pack to anyone who wants lots of space, and good design without having to pay a fortune. I did a bit of research and found the Red Cloud to be an excellent pack for the money.

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This is a good solid pack for a beginner. Lots and lots of room. I find this pack very difficult to adjust it comfortably. I can handle it on short hikes but then I have a lot of extra room. The Zippers are small and low quality - I dont think I have any working ones left. For the price, it became a great secondary or loner pack.

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The redcloud is a great pack, it is ideal for beginners but can be used FAR beyond a beginner's level. I've used this pack for one night winter trips to week long and more trips in the Rockies. Dollar for dollar you won't find a better pack. Don't let zipper complaints or loose stitching stories deter you, with TLC this pack has a long life. Remember it only costs $150, similar level packs cost $200+, you get the best materials for your dollar and they DO last with reasonable care. I was amazed at the great quality for such a low price.

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I just got the Red Cloud about a week ago and took it out for a spin on a short three-day backpacking trip; I couldn't have asked for a better pack, especially for the price! It was a good fit, even without adjusting the stays, and the compression system made carrying a heavy load more than bearable. The external pockets were also a definite plus, considering how roomy the main compartment was (it would've been a pain to look for anything otherwise...) There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the zippers, contrary to other reviews -- the bag overall seems pretty durable. I think for the price, the Red Cloud can't be beat (I got it for about $140), and even if price were an issue, I'd probably still go for this pack. Definitely the best deal for the cash-strapped outdoorsman (or woman).

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Nice pack for the price. It is a bit big for weekend trips, now that I've learned not to take the earth up the mountain with me. Still for 20% more it would still be a good buy. The Cloudlock system keeps everything tight even when the pack is only half full (most of the time).

The Red Cloud is a good all around pack. It's not too technical for a few days backpacking, but is good enough for a week long trip. There are plenty of pockets for organizing gear, and the suspension system is great for a bag that only costs about $150. Kelty's Cloudlock system does a good job of keeping everything together. It's roomy without being bulky.

Kelty makes a sturdy product at a reasonable price. I've had my Red Cloud for over a year and haven't had any problems with it so far. It has a bottom compartment zipper for easy access to your sleeping bag, two daisy chains, numerous outside pockets and an adjustable frame. The pack is built solidly and performs well. While the pack isn't the best on the market, it is definately an excellent value. I would recommend it to newcomers into backpacking as well as those on a tight budget.

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The Red Cloud to me has proven itself worthy of all conditions, during my trips in the rockies. The zippers haven't caused any trouble yet and i dont think they ever will. The suspension system is excellent. Compared to all the other packs on the market, i'd say its in the middle quality wise. But if youre looking for a cheaper buy, its the way to go.

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I bought the Kelty Shawdow Peak 5300
which is a Red Cloud under another name that is only made for Dicks Sporting Goods. 12 miles into this packs first hike the chest strap came undone,
literally unravelled where it was sewn.
I'll never own another Kelty.

Customer Service

Their customer service wanted me to mail them the pack to repair it and then send it back in a couple of weeks.
That isn't much help to someone on
vacation. Like their product their service was junk.

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I completely agree with Doug's review. This pack will hold all you could care to stuff in it and strap on it, and then some. Even if you really shouldn't be taking that much, pack size won't stop you. I have an older version of this pack from about 5 or 6 years ago and it still works well. It'll take 50+ lb. loads without a problem if you need it to.

Major bonuses are the external pockets, lashing points, and price. I use the pockets frequently to sort smaller gear for rapid easy access without tearing apart the whole pack. My sleeping bag, pad, and ground cloth are strapped to the outside for winter camping, which leaves ample room inside for a tent, cookset & accessories, clothing, a great dane, a three ring circus, and the kitchen sink.

The suspension is quite nice. I have had no problems with any rubbing or other poor fit issues. On a weekend hike with 50 lbs loaded I did not feel awkward at all when tackling rough and snowy trails in hilly terrain at Pinckney. The front shoulder D-rings are great for hanging nalgenes for easy water access and to balance out your center of gravity better.

Anyone looking for an inexpensive pack that acts as a jack-of-all-trades would do well with a Kelty Red Cloud.

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