The link to this pack on REI's website:
http://www.rei.com/product/844652/rei-xt-85-pack?stop_mobi=yes

My pictures and initial review:

First take- love the slate grey color and blaze orange accents. Will do a great job hiding blood if I ever fill it with meat or strap on some horns. (Note: the multi cam pockets on the side didn't come with the pack. They are Rip Zips from Mystery Ranch, and in my opinion- the best accessory side pocket out there. They happened to work perfect on this pack, and I left them on for pictures)

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Here is a view of the padding:

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Up close view of the frame/stays. There is a hoop around the pack and 2 full length stays that can be removed and shaped.

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Side 'wand pockets' that work GREAT for holding a rifle. Not what REI intended, but it works perfect. Pocket has draw string, and lines your stock up with the side compression straps. You can also see the hipbelt pockets. Nice feature. Slim enough they don't get in the way.

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Side view:

[img]http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums...9-FD0C6706109A-3123-0000034FFCEF8432.jpg[/img]

Two back pockets:

[img]http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums...4-B79D24EA164D-3123-0000035017FB10EF.jpg[/img]

Initial thoughts and impressions:
- At under $300, right near 5lbs, well made and plenty capable of hauling 70lbs- I feel great about this purchase for backpacking and backpack hunting.

- REI warranty. Take it back anytime for any reason. Not much else to say on that.

- I loaded my sleeping bag in the bottom, a jacket on top of that and dropped 65 pounds inside (Two 25lb weight plates an one 10lb plate- all in a duffle to simulate dense load of meat in a game bag). Pack design did what it should. Lifters pulled the weight off my shoulders, hip belt and shoulder straps felt fine. Need to go hiking with it.

- Well thought out design. Not a ton of bells and whistles that no one uses and only adds weight. Very blue colar pack I feel.

- Slate and orange accents just look cool.

- I like that the MR Rip Zips work with the pack. At only 5oz each, they give me quick access to spotter on one side, puffy jacket in the other. That's usually what I stuff in each. Might end up leaving 1 off to strap tripod to the side.

Will keep everyone posted as I put this pack through its paces.