Kelty Shadow 4500

“It arrived a few days ago, and I won't be able to directly compare with ULA P2 for a while.

I'm reasonably impressed; like Gemini said wrt to her ULA, it going to take a bit of thought to see how to pack it. Its advertised at 4 more ounces than the lid and double stay optioned ULA P2.

I'm growing to like it, but I'll simply state the negatives so far.

Its a standard looking internal frame pack, two side pockets with mesh bottle holders below them and a floating lid, the front "pocket" isn't really a pocket but called shovel pocket; I wouldn't even rate it as a mesh pocket; but it looks like it will hold some items by pressure.

I was really impressed with the mesh bottle pockets in the REI, morning star; they are canted so its very easy to slide bottles in and out while wearing the pack. This Kelty is not canted at all and its essentially impossible (unless you are a contortionist) to get bottles in and out; not to mention the side pocket above the mesh pocket interferes a bit with putting the bottle in.

If I decide to keep the pack, I think I'll continue to use a bottle holder I attach to the waist belt for one bottle and put the other in one of the side pockets and use the mest pockets for gear storage.

Its allegedly a 4500 cu. in. pack. I'm having some difficulty fitting all my gear and food in it. (I think I just haven't been clever enough yet). In the past I've had a 5200-6000 cu. in. pack and have had no problem (probably was spoiled with space).

Perhaps more later.”

“Hi, Joel.

The Shadow looks like it's a just a larger version of the Illusion (or, Illusion a smaller version of Shadow), which I just picked up recently as well. I had similar thoughts about the "shovel pocket." I'm not too worried about access to the bottle pockets on the side, as it's got a sleeve for a hydration bladder of which I plan to make use. I've usually kept my fuel bottle in one of the side bottle pockets previously, and plan to continue. The guys at REI said they'd probably just cut off the upper side pockets if they were getting the pack for themselves.

I haven't gotten out with my Illusion yet either but will in a couple of weeks; maybe we can compare notes afterwards.

Cheers.”

“I have the Illusion and I love it. I love how I can put stuff behind the side pockets in pass thru mode.
Another thing is, if you use pop bottles as water bottles, you can fit 2 in each lower pocket. Sweet.
I have no issue getting the water out, but then again, I am flexible.
Packing it is easy, use the zipper to load it suitcase style! (I have had mucho experience loading my Ghost, which is front loading...)
Also, realize that it isn't a pack line designed for old school gear-you have to cut back on the stuff ;-)
But overall, I like my new pack.”

“The illusion is listed as only 3 oz lighter than the shadow. For my style of hiking I need the 4500 cu. in. and I really like side pockets for organization purposes; it was almost a required must have in my shopping.

I'm planning an 8 week hike on the AT, mid-May to Mid-July and if I use the Shadow I'll certainly report and compare notes. (I still haven't ruled out the ULA P2, but it seems likely I won't be able to look at it in time for my trip.)

I also have to do the serious packing test to make sure I can fit all in it. This hike is in part a test for a future thru-hike; so my own requirement is to able to hold all gear for late Mid-Late March in the Smokies and up to 10 days of food. I'll be carrying the full gear load minus a down vest (which I won't need in May) and possibly serious gloves.

But I will have a nine-day stretch without resupply to test the food carrying ability.

Sarbar, I envy such flexibility, that allows you to get the water bottles out without taking off the pack!!”

“I can carry about 4 days gear along with a down jacket or vest in my 3500 ci Illusion ;-) But, yeah, I am a weight wanker..lol!
The Illusion does have upper pockets also, but they are mesh. Great for large rolls of TP..hehheh!!

Give the Shadow a try at least....I wasn't sure at first either.”

“I just got in the mail the new version of the ULAP-2, the Catalyst. I'm impressed and eager to try it out.

During last summers hike I had a chance to try own a ULAP-2 and was a little dissappointed with how it felt with the weight load.

I"m hopeing the design changes will improve the situation along with some more weight reduction. We'll see this summer.”