Initial Ascent Backpack Mods and Accessories

[dailyherold]

Recently received my IA8K as early Christmas present from the wife. I have loaded it down with a Goruck Jerry Can to figure out fitment, and now getting my setup as I'd like for first trip end of January. I'm one to customize, mod, enhance (insert meme), and wanted to share some stuff I have done, as well as encourage others to share given there isn't as much content on these bags versus the other big names. Also important to share our solutions because the IA bags are also somewhat disadvantaged to other recent bag releases given there isn't a grid of laser cut MOLLE on waist or straps. Maybe in the future, but for now, let's have some fun!

First up, a pouch for my Garmin inReach Messenger:


The Messenger is somewhat the odd ball in the trio of current inReach devices. The Mini 2 has a ton of searchable use, lots of accessories (e.g. Exo's very nice pouch), built in loop for hanging, and a screen that can show more stuff without your phone. The new Messenger Plus takes the Messenger's attributes (stronger antenna, smaller screen, bigger battery, no hang loop) and adds voice and image messaging. The Messenger sits in the middle without as much community sharing, and neither Messenger device has great mounting options nor "official" pouches that I could find.

After a bunch of searching Amazon, I started checking my collection of "battle belt"/pouch/tactical gear companies. Defense Mechanisms, Blue Force Gear, and Esstac a short list. I stopped at BFG when I found their Handcuff Pouch. Size seemed right, and based on the spec sheet picture, I figured I could use my faithful 1" one wrap to figure out a mounting solution despite the shoulder strap not having MOLLE. Below pics will outline what I did.

Cut a strip to sandwich the load lifter strap because the pouch had vecro on inside of the bottom loop (didn't realize this pre-delivery, and fortuitous overall).


Cut a strip in half, and formed two loops to create a pocket to prevent strap (and pouch) for shifting side to side.


Wasn't sure if I'd use the built in MOLLE straps so added a strip to serve as a hold for the straps once mounted.


Got the pouch fastened by the lower pre-buckle section of the load lifter strap. Really focused on getting it tight on the bottom stitch line (right above D-ring) and used the sliding buckle to cinch down on the pouches straps for a tight hold on any vertical movement. It's easier to get the strap routed while far away from pouch, then slide it down with slack between the buckle.



I folded back and crisscrossed the built in MOLLE straps to the strip of one wrap I added earlier. I honestly might just cut these off, but does somewhat pull the top of pouch back against the strap which adds questionable value. Will keep for now and cut off if I'm bothered in future.



The pouch fits the Messenger so well one might think it was custom made, There is a main pouch that keeps the Messenger snug, while also having a nice elastic divider behind if you wanted to keep some low profile stuff. The only final tweaks I made were to cut the corners of pouch flap because they were unnecessarily square and cut off the white brand tag. Velcro isn't quiet for those that care, but I'm cool with it. The only other mod I might make is sewing on an inner loop so I can add a tether of some sort. Overall though, I am extremely happy with this mod. The fit and finish is great (feels like a nice Hypalon material), size is perfect for device, width of pouch lines up nicely with strap (no overhang to catch on stuff), the pouch's velcro closure is very secure, and my mounting solution maintains tight x/y positioning. I would recommend the pouch to anyone with a Messenger device and an ability to mount it to their pack.

 

[dailyherold]

Before the BFG pouch, I did try a Maxpedition Can Case, fastened with a similar method. It fit the inReach height well, but didn't like that it was wider than strap. Will keep it though because a great little size for other purposes.

 

[dailyherold]

I had the large hip belt pouch and was happy with it, but when I was getting the BFG Hand Cuff pouch above (for inReach Messenger), I saw this low profile general purpose pouch half off and figured I'd try it. The spec showed some mounting promise and liked that it was low profile. Turned out to be absolutely perfect in my opinion.




First a test fit to figure out positioning relative to mounting options (horizontal placement on hip belt, and which MOLLE rows for vertical placement). Used some flush cutters to cleanly remove the three sewed on MOLLE straps as I quickly figured out one wrap would be the best solution.


Decided to use the top two rows of MOLLE on the pouch for mounting. Given pouch width, for the inside edge I used the fixed loop of strap holding the hip belt adjustment buckle to loop some one wrap through.




On the other side of pouch I used the very end of velcro hip belt to sandwich some one wrap and loop the pouch on.




Result was a secure mounting for the pouch that fits the hip belt perfectly. Width is spot on, height is nearly identical, very low profile, no interference with belt adjustment, one-handed operation, two pockets, wide elastic loops inside the bigger pocket, and a nice stretch pocket in front (feels like the same high quality stretch fabric as the IA bag's outer stretch pocket).






Highly recommend this pouch for any one with the IA bags. Probably could be adapted for other system hip belts as well. Phone lays in perfectly when horizontal (preferred to the vertical orientation of IA pouch), the main zipper tapers out which is helpful given close to body, since it doesn't extend beyond hip belt dimensions I don't feel on my leg/hip when moving, and I now have some extra organization with the elastic loops in main pocket and front stretch pocket.

 

[IBen]

I changed the hip belt wing foam to 13 mm evazote. It wraps a lot better but the small hipbelt is too big so that doesnt help with that.