Initial Ascent comfort with light loads

Joined
Apr 30, 2015
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446
I’m looking at getting an IA pack. Coming from a SG with xcurve frame. I tried my buddy’s IA with 100# and it felt pretty good. Solid for sure. My question is since the frame is so stiff, how well does it do with normal day hunt loads, <30#? My SG does well with normal hunting loads but seems to lack comfort with meat hauling. Any feedback?


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Loving mine. I take the bag off for day hunts and just use the load sling (coat goes under that). The load sling has a pocket on it (small bits and pieces goes in that). And the lid for larger items.
Pack bag on or not without a load, the stiff frame isn't very tactile especially if you don't do up the hip belt - it is just sort of hang'n there - but it's certainly not uncomfortable. Im loving mine and it's done a heap of work carting out a lot of deer. Thats where it excels.
 
It’s plenty comfortable with little to nothing loaded in it in my experience. I also have a SG pack and I don’t find the IA any less comfortable with light loads.
 
I switched within the past year from Kifaru to IA. I've loaded 90 lbs of HG plates on the IA with pannier (if you are going to buy an IA I 100 percent think the pannier is mandatory...) and I can honestly say with my back issues it felt amazing. The customer service has been top notch and I highly recommend the pack. I completed a spring bear hunt in Idaho with it and recently did a Wyoming Cow elk hunt near Casper. Both hunts I was carrying about 20-30lbs and I thought the wear on my hips and shoulders as well as my back was perfect. Zero issues for me. We were unsuccessful on both attempts so my only real usage with any type of load was in lead ups to each hunt and those felt great as well.
 
It feels good. Once you get it dialed it’s really comfortable. I backpack in mine and no complaints. I used the day mode for early season with about 10lbs in it maybe and zero issues at all. You won’t be sorry if you go that route at all.
 
I have a 8k and a 5k bags on my frame. I’ve “under packed” with them on multiple occasions for hiking the AT. I haven’t had any issues.
 
You guys that are having issues with the SG X-curve. Have you tried the Krux? I have heard from SG multiple times that most people fit the Krux significantly better. The Krux was significantly better for me when I tried them at the factory store.
 
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