What’s the purpose of the satchel, and how do I upgrade it?

The satchel in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crucial inventory item that allows you to carry various resources, such as food, crafting materials, tonics, and valuables. It serves as your primary storage system, enabling you to gather and manage items essential for survival, crafting, and trading. Without a satchel, your ability to collect and store items is severely limited, which can hinder your progress in the game. Upgrading your satchel increases its capacity, allowing you to carry more items of each type, which is especially useful for long hunting trips, crafting upgrades, or preparing for missions.\n\nTo upgrade your satchel, you need to visit Pearson, the camp cook at your gang''s hideout. Pearson offers a series of satchel upgrades through the ''Leatherworking Tools'' crafting option. However, before you can start upgrading, you must first purchase the Leatherworking Tools from the camp ledger for $225. Once you have the tools, Pearson will unlock the ability to craft satchels. Each satchel upgrade requires specific animal pelts and other materials, which you must hunt and gather yourself.\n\nThere are seven satchel upgrades in total, each increasing the capacity for specific item categories. For example, the ''Materials Satchel'' increases the amount of crafting materials you can carry, while the ''Tonics Satchel'' boosts your capacity for health and stamina tonics. The ultimate upgrade is the ''Legend of the East Satchel,'' which allows you to carry 99 of every item type. To craft this satchel, you must first complete all other satchel upgrades. Each upgrade requires perfect pelts from specific animals, such as deer, elk, or boars, so you''ll need to hunt carefully to avoid damaging the pelts.\n\nHunting for perfect pelts can be challenging, especially for new players. To obtain a perfect pelt, you must use the right weapon and aim for a clean kill. For example, deer require a rifle with a headshot, while smaller animals like rabbits need a varmint rifle. Using the wrong weapon or damaging the animal too much will result in a poor-quality pelt. Additionally, you can use the ''Eagle Eye'' ability to track animals and identify their quality before engaging. This mechanic ensures you only hunt animals that will yield perfect pelts, saving time and resources.\n\nOnce you''ve gathered all the required materials, return to Pearson and select the satchel you want to craft. Each upgrade will immediately increase your carrying capacity for the corresponding item type. The process of upgrading your satchel is time-consuming but highly rewarding, as it significantly enhances your ability to manage resources and prepare for challenges. For example, having a larger capacity for tonics can be a lifesaver during intense gunfights, while extra space for crafting materials allows you to create more ammunition or camp upgrades.\n\nPractical tips for upgrading your satchel include focusing on hunting animals that are common in your current region. For instance, deer and rabbits are abundant near Valentine, while alligators and boars are more common in the swamps of Lemoyne. Always carry the appropriate weapons for hunting, and use bait or scent cover to lure animals closer. Additionally, consider using the ''Fast Travel'' option to return to camp quickly after gathering materials. Finally, prioritize upgrading the satchels that align with your playstyle—if you rely heavily on tonics, focus on the Tonics Satchel first.\n\nIn summary, the satchel is an essential tool for managing your inventory in Red Dead Redemption 2, and upgrading it is a worthwhile investment. By purchasing the Leatherworking Tools, hunting for perfect pelts, and crafting each satchel upgrade, you can significantly improve your carrying capacity and overall gameplay experience. Whether you''re a new player or an experienced gamer, mastering the satchel upgrade system will make your journey through the Wild West much smoother and more enjoyable.