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Post by homerj on Apr 6, 2014 6:01:12 GMT
I got a Kelty Red Cloud 110 a few month back but haven't really had a chance to do a review of it yet. So far I love it, it is way lighter than my USMC ILBE, or molle ruck and holds more than both of these. The adjustable suspension system is really nice and comfy, you measure your spine and adjust accordingly for a custom fit. I have never worn a more comfortable pack. The pockets are numerous and spacious and I love the green color. I haven't taken it out camping yet but I have done a few rucks with it. I was training up for the Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon heavy category, but I ended up aggravating an old knee injury and scrubbed my plans. The 60-70 pounds I was training with in this pack feels like nothing compared to the same weight in my ILBE. Hopefully I will get to take it camping soon and have more to say about it, but so far 10/10 but take that with a grain of salt since all I have to compare this to is GI rucks, I have no experience with Ospreys or other high end civilian packs.  |
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Post by homerj on Jun 24, 2014 5:19:57 GMT
This weekend my dad and I climbed Guadalupe Peak, it sucked . It took us a little over 7 hours it was 8.8 miles round trip with almost 3,000' elevation gain. It wouldn't have been so bad it we didn't bring our Red Cloud 110s, we underestimated how strenuous it would be climbing with 45-50lbs of gear we didn't even need. We could have easily just took light backpacks with water like everyone else but this was really the first time we did any serious testing of the Red Cloud 110. For this trip I also purchased some aluminum easton trekking poles which were literally a lifesaver. I have bad knees and the trekking poles made it so much easier to ascend and way safer and controllable to descend. We had to respect our footing the whole way up and down so I was bummed I didn't really get to enjoy any of the awesome views unless we were resting or at the summit. The Red Cloud 110 was awesome though, comfortable the whole way with just some minor aches when I finally got to take it off. The trails that winded up the mountain were around 6' wide with sheer drops off the sides, I really appreciated the balance of this pack and the trekking poles made it even better. I apologize for the crappy pictures, they do not do the summit justice I was so assed out I didn't bother adjusting my camera's settings, my wife is going to try to edit them to bring back some of the detail.     |
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Post by NamelessStain on Jun 24, 2014 11:20:25 GMT
Nice pics of a beautiful view. The hike had to be worth it!
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Post by Browning35 on Jun 24, 2014 19:55:38 GMT
I've looked at that same backpack at Basspro a few times. It's really nice. I keep on mentally promising myself I'll get it at some point.
Thanks for the review, now I know it's decent for the money.
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Post by homerj on Jun 25, 2014 3:34:56 GMT
I need to hike this again so I can enjoy the view more next time, the pictures don't do the view any justice.
It's my first quality bag, I would def recommend it. I may need to get better trekking poles, they would slide down on themselves a few inches when I would put allot of weight ascending and descending.
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Post by nxp on Jun 28, 2014 21:15:17 GMT
Guadalupe's a nice hike. I remember when I did it we left at like 4am from the trail head and got to the summit before it got stupid hot, and still had enough time to get back before cooking all the way in.
Brings back memories, nice photos Homerj.
nxp
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Post by homerj on Jun 29, 2014 1:05:29 GMT
No problem! You did it the smart way, we should have camped at the base and started early too, I bet watching the sunrise was amazing from up there.
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