REI XT 85 Pack

[jonnyt16]

Okay so I really like this pack and am seriously considering making it my next purchase. Went to REI and tried it on, loved it. Thing is, since it is a fairly new pack I can't seem to find reviews/videos of it anywhere!

So, was just wondering if any bladeforums members have any experience with this pack? Or any thoughts and opinions on it? I always like to hear other people's observations on gear in case I missed something. You guys see any major or minor flaws in this pack? Thanks.

Specs: http://www.rei.com/product/795524

 

[JCavSD]

From Backpacker.com. It made their 2010 Editors' Choice Gear Guide.

Gear Review: REI XT 85/XT 75 Weeklong Pack

by: Steve Howe
REI XT 85 (BP Photo Department)

Load Monster
In an old-school/new-school mash-up, these behemoth packs marry the superb load transfer of your trusty old external frame with the inherent stability of an internal. Credit the preformed hipbelt and a stiff framesheet, which is buttressed by a narrow aluminum frame that forced weight straight onto testers’ hips. We carried these packs in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Maine, with loads of 50 to 65 pounds, and all testers agreed that they are top-notch for extended trips where stability is paramount.

“So solid I’d even consider it for ski and scramble trips,” says our guy in Maine. Packing big loads is also a cinch. “I loved the stretch shove-it pocket and the two large, external front pockets,” says a tester who hauled it through Colorado’s Zirkel Wilderness. “It’s almost impossible to overload.” All zippers are water resistant, and most seams are glued rather than sewn, for weight savings and improved weatherproofing. “It has everything a ‘kitchen sink’ hiker could want, without kitchen-sink weight,” says another.

Three sizes in each gender allowed all of our testers, from 5’1” to 6’4”, to get a good fit. 5,187 cu. in. ; 5 lbs.

Here are some of the other packs they listed:

WEEKLONG
best overall: Editors' Choice 2010: Arc'teryx Altra

heavy duty: Osprey Aether 70/Ariel 65 Weeklong Pack

load monster: REI XT 85/XT 75 Weeklong Pack

all-purpose: Mountain Hardwear Wiki 65/Nalu 60 Weeklong Pack

killer deal: Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10/60 + 10 SL Weeklong Pack

all-day comfort: Black Diamond Infinity 60/Innova 60 Weeklong Pack

WEEKEND
toughest: Mammut Trion Guide 45+ Weekend Pack

most versatile: Mountainsmith Lariat 65+/Juniper 50+ Weekend Pack

most stable: Deuter Spectro AC 32/28SL

best ultralight: Granite Gear Escape AC 60/Escape AC 60 K Ultralight Weekend Pack

best all-around: Gregory Z55/Jade 50

killer deal: Kelty Lakota 4000 Weekend Pack

 

[j williams]

I dont have experiance with that particular pack, but I can tell you that REI packs are nice, and well made. If you went and tried it on, and liked its fit, have no worries about the quality. Its good to go.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

If you tried it on and hiked around a bit WITH WEIGHT in it - then you can make a decision.

If you didn't wear it with weight go back - wear it for a time in the store. I would put at least 30 pounds in it.

Also, make sure you get PROPERLY fitted for the pack. Don't guess.

TF

 

[bikerider]

That's a larrrrrge pack. I tried an 80l and returned itfor a 65 liter and that is plenty for a 4-5 day trip. Are you planning weeklong trips with heavy loads?

 

[jonnyt16]

If you tried it on and hiked around a bit WITH WEIGHT in it - then you can make a decision.

If you didn't wear it with weight go back - wear it for a time in the store. I would put at least 30 pounds in it.

Actually I am going back to REI tomorrow to try it out with weight in it. Hopefully they'll let me stuff that thing full and walk around?

That's a larrrrrge pack. I tried an 80l and returned itfor a 65 liter and that is plenty for a 4-5 day trip. Are you planning weeklong trips with heavy loads?

Yeah, I was kinda thinking the same thing. Most my trips will be 3-4 nights but I just want to make sure I have plenty of room for everything. Would rather have a little extra room than have to cram.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Bags have a strong tendency to fill themselves up, whether you need all that stuff or not. Beware!