Kelty Illusion 3500

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Reviewed by 3 Trailspace users

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Description

The Illusion 3500 is an internal frame backpack made by Kelty. It has an average rating of 5 stars (out of 5), based on 3 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From EMS:
"A stylish pack built for medium to heavy loads. The Kelty women's Illusion 3500 backpack features a special cutout for extra range of head movement when wearing a helmet or carrying a full pack. Twin LightBeam aluminum stays are strong, lightweight, and shaped for comfort; HDPE (high-density polyurethane) frame sheet. Spacermesh breathable two-layer padded waistbelt, backpanel, and padded shoulder straps. Extra-large front-loading panel; top panel loading; internal load pocket; adjustable suspension. Sternum strap for extra stabilization; load-lifter straps; belt stabilizers; daisy chain for external storage; ice axe loops. Hydration compatible; shovel pocket; four mesh side pockets (two with draw-cord closure); security pocket. Scherer cinch works similar to a pulley system for easy adjustment and tightening of waistbelt. Spindrift collar for expandable loading; side compression straps; lash tabs."

From Sierra Trading Post:
"CLOSEOUTS . Kelty's Illusion 3500 backpack features women-specific suspension and a rugged Dyneema(R) exterior. Aluminum stays and HDPE frame sheet stabilize load Lower-access zip to main compartment Top-loading Front mesh pocket Four mesh side pockets Storage lid Compression straps Lash points Hydration compatible Fits torsos: 12-17 Size: Approx. 34x16x12- Capacity: 3500 cu.in. Weight: 3 lb. 6 oz. Fabric: Dyneema(R) ripstop CLOSEOUTS . Philippines."

From Backcountry.com:
"You aren't imagining it. The Kelty Illusion Men's Backpack really is a weekend pack as comfortable as that broken-in, ratty old daypack you've had for years. It's probably lighter than your daypack too, thanks to ultralight materials and LightBeam aluminum stays that give all the strength and support to hold your load, but don't add much to it. Anatomically curved suspension with Spacermesh padding makes the Illusion feel and move like a part of your body, and can be adjusted for a custom fit with features like Loadlifter and belt stabilizer straps. Versatility is the name of the game with the illusion, thanks to gear loops, lash tabs and front panel access. Load up and go, confident in the knowledge that the Kelty Illusion has everything your need comfortably on board."

From REI:
"New from Kelty, this women-specific pack is the minimalist's choice for super light-and-fast backcountry forays. Top-loading pack also has front panel access making it super easy to get to your gear. Spindrift collar underneath lid can be cinched down over the main compartment to seal out the weather. Anatomically angled and designed to fit a woman's shape, padded shoulder straps adjust vertically for the perfect fit. Contoured, two-layer padded waistbelt with plastic reinforcement is angled and made to fit a woman's shape, providing comfortable load support. Load-lifter straps, belt stabilizers and a Scherer Cinch™ on waistbelt allow for greater adjustability and comfortable fit. Scherer Cinch pulley-like system doubles your waistbelt tightening force, letting you get waistbelt as tight as you like it. Internal pocket holds hydration reservoir (sold separately) for hands-free drinking on the trail. Shovel pocket, daisy chain, lash tabs and ice axe loops allow exterior attachment of bulky, quick-access gear. External mesh side pockets hold water bottles, energy bars and other essentials you want close at hand. Removable HDPE plastic framesheet gives vertical support to the backpanel. LightBeam™ aluminum stays weigh half of what traditional stays weigh, yet still supply the stiffness needed for support. Side compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carrying. Made of highly durable, lightweight 420-denier nylon oxford and Dyneema gridstop, which is ten times stronger than steel."

User Reviews

Men's Illusion 3500
Reviewed by Dusty Boots, Oct 18, 2007

"I bought this pack on sale and thought I'd try it out for an upcoming hike through Canyonlands NP in Utah.
I remember looking at Kelty packs when the Zuni 1st came out and thinking that pack had a a lot of nice features, but it was a little too limited in capacity, to suit me and my style."

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Men's Illusion 3500
Reviewed by Kevin DaVee, Mar 12, 2007

"I had down sized from a 5500 plus "monster" at 6 lbs. to a Mountainsmith Ghost at 2 and change. Still wasn't quite there and decided to go "counter culture" and increase my weight by going to this conventional design, but still fairly light about 3."

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Men's Illusion 3500
Reviewed by B.M., Apr 09, 2006

"I took this pack with me to Big Bend for backpacking, and I was amazed at the weight and features. Although on the downside the pack didn't have a sleeping bag compartment so you have to be careful with your hydration bladder. Overall a great pack that you will never need another one again."

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