Kelty Agile 4500

I thought I'd try this pack due mostly in part to the very positive experience I've had with the Kelty Illusion 3500. I need a bit bigger pack for extended 3 season and milder 4 season Canadian winters.

On my 1st trip out with it (4-day trip) I came to appreciate the thought and engineering that has gone into this pack. It is a feature rich pack and the fully adjustable suspension is capable for hauling 45+lbs comfortably. I had no sore spots after the 4 days, despite carrying a heavier than usual, 43lbs.

One thing I'm not impressed with, is how the upper side compression strap is anchored to the front part of the pack, right beside the panel zipper. It looks like there is a lot of stress at this point, with a loaded pack. This might be an issue down the road, as far as durability goes. I love the large pocket in the top lid. There are a total of 10 pockets on this pack. but the bottom rear 2 mesh pockets are limited in their usefulness. It looks like they were designed to hold a water bottle, but a quart size Nalgene doesn't fit, so ... ? I think Kelty should have left this pocket arrangement/design the same as on the Illusion 3500 and kept it to 2 useful sized mesh pockets. Again, I love the 'sleeve' behind the top 2 mesh side pockets. Ideal for tent poles, etc.

The panel access/zipper, while a nice, useful feature, could have been a little larger, for a pack this size, to easier access the lower half of the pack. Or, they could have left it like the Illusion 3500, an inverted U.

Also, Kelty might want to add/use a little more durable material for the bottom of the pack. This part sees a lot of abuse through the course of 'normal usage'. I have a small 'snag' or pull' on it already. Same thing happened to my Illusion 3500. It might add a couple of ounces, at most, but it would extend this part of the packs life greatly.

Weight of this pack on my scales is 1771g. Quite lightweight for the size of the pack.

Would I buy one again? So far, the answer is definitely - YES! Great value here in a very capable pack

The Agile 4500 is a very comfortable and highly adjustable backpack. It's super light-weight, has enough room to hold solo gear for a few days, and doesn't waste weight with nonsense pockets and whistles.

It can load from the top or the front, which is great for on-the-trail rain gear donning. There is a hydration pack pocket in the main compartment for easy water storage, and four large mesh pockets on the side of the pack to hold other close at hand items.
The hip-belt is made of two types of foam, a soft hip-hugging material, and a more firm supporting material, this makes it very comfortable, and a sure fit.

Everything I could have ever asked for in a backpack is in this bag, I highly recommend it.