User Review: Kelty Agile 4500

Kelty Agile 4500
Above: The current Agile 4500, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 16, 2007 by Dusty Boots

Rating:
Design: Men's front/top loading internal frame pack
Size: 4500 CI
Number of Pockets: 10 pockets, plus main bag
Max. Load Carried: 43 lbs
Height of Owner: 6' with a 21.5" torso length
Price Paid: $159 CDN Dollars

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

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Agile 4500 at 3 online stores:

Store

Product Description

Price

Campmor 2 purchase options:	Agile 4500 Lightweight Internal Frame Pack	$149.99	Buy Now
Campmor 2 purchase options:	Agile 4500 Women's Lightweight Internal Frame Pack	$149.99	Buy Now

Backcountry.com 2 purchase options:	Agile Backpack - 4500 cu in	$199.95	Buy Now
Backcountry.com 2 purchase options:	Agile Backpack - Women's - 4500 cu in	$199.95	Buy Now