Initial Ascent IA8K - info needed

[Salmon River Solutions]

I bought an AI as well. They stood out as my favorite at the show packing around weight and great guys to deal with. Plus Ken^^^ said I looked cute in it so that sealed the deal.

Rodger did a phenomenal job of fitting the pack for me when I tried it on. You could try the best pack ever made, It will feel terrible if its adjusted incorrectly!

We can matchy matchy hunting in Southern Idaho now lol

 

[Alaska92]

You could try the best pack ever made, It will feel terrible if its adjusted incorrectly!

Can’t stress that enough.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

Comfort edge to the IA pack.

I just got my IA pack. Been rucking with it a decent amount. Its very comfortable. I should hade a K4 at the end of the month then I can actually compare while doing some weighted hikes.

Ken

Let us know how things r going after u get some hikes in with k4.

 

[roosiebull]

How tall is the initial ascent frame?

I’m thinking about getting a “hauler frame” so I’m not getting my pack bloody every time I help someone pack a critter… the IA daypack would fill the niche well

I’m leaning on just getting a 26” k4 with a load crib and lid, and I know it hauls weight well, but I always like testing new stuff too, and the IA is an interesting option for what I want it for

 

[cumminsbassguy]

How tall is the initial ascent frame?

I’m thinking about getting a “hauler frame” so I’m not getting my pack bloody every time I help someone pack a critter… the IA daypack would fill the niche well

I’m leaning on just getting a 26” k4 with a load crib and lid, and I know it hauls weight well, but I always like testing new stuff too, and the IA is an interesting option for what I want it for

I'll measure mine when I get home. I like it the few times I've hauled meat with it (moose 1/4s) longest pack out was 2.5 miles with the front 1/4, skull and all my gear, 134# was my pack weight when I got back home. It did an amazing job.

 

[cumminsbassguy]

How tall is the initial ascent frame?

I’m thinking about getting a “hauler frame” so I’m not getting my pack bloody every time I help someone pack a critter… the IA daypack would fill the niche well

I’m leaning on just getting a 26” k4 with a load crib and lid, and I know it hauls weight well, but I always like testing new stuff too, and the IA is an interesting option for what I want it for

My frame is 22" from the bottom of the lumbar pad to the top where the handle is. 25" if you count the load adjuster pillars. A wide range of adjustments for torso heights. For load handling wise, my moose quarters (46') stuck up as far as my rifle barrel did, and with the load carrier and bag cinched down. It didn't wobble or wiggle at all

 

[crich]

Here’s photos of the updated 8k and 5k. I ordered an additional frame so my wife can run my old one with the 6k. I don’t know about the “harmonization” with Wolf grey but the addition of roll top and new front stretch pockets seals the deal for me.

Have you hiked with the 8k yet? 5k is too small for my longer hunts but that horseshoe zipper goes up pretty high on the bag. I wonder how it compresses down without being full.

 

[deadend88]

I haven't run the 8k fully loaded yet. I will be taking my family on a run as soon as school gets out this week. I can take some photos of the compression for you when I am loading up. I have gotten a few in the 5k, and the little tweaks and roll top compared to my 6k are money.

 

[joshr]

Have you hiked with the 8k yet? 5k is too small for my longer hunts but that horseshoe zipper goes up pretty high on the bag. I wonder how it compresses down without being full.

This is what worries me! compressing down the 8k would make it unusable with so much material pressed in.
Thinking I will go to the 5k and buy the 8 if needed* later.

 

[Wolfxx5]

I haven't run the 8k fully loaded yet. I will be taking my family on a run as soon as school gets out this week. I can take some photos of the compression for you when I am loading up. I have gotten a few in the 5k, and the little tweaks and roll top compared to my 6k are money.

Just curious if you got out and did that run with your family? Was wondering what you thought of the 8K.

 

[deadend88]

Not yet , in Montana fishing and we are heading out next weekend.

 

[BBell4]

Comfort edge to the IA pack.

I just got my IA pack. Been rucking with it a decent amount. Its very comfortable. I should hade a K4 at the end of the month then I can actually compare while doing some weighted hikes.

Ken

How did it compare to the K4?

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

How did it compare to the K4?

They are really close honestly. The K4 has a bag layout that I like better but the IA is more comfortable with weight. Just did a backpacking trip this last weekend with the IA. Easy trip but the IA had about 65 lbs and it was great to carry.

Ken

 

[BBell4]

They are really close honestly. The K4 has a bag layout that I like better but the IA is more comfortable with weight. Just did a backpacking trip this last weekend with the IA. Easy trip but the IA had about 65 lbs and it was great to carry.

Ken

Is the frame on the IA too stiff ever? That and the belt hitting ribs is my only hesitation.

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

I haven't had any issues like that. I'm 6'1 185.

 

[Benjblt]

I find it strange that there's no way to run a bladder inside the bag. That was an odd decision.

 

[deadend88]

There is a way to run a bladder in the lid, 2 liter lumbar bladder.

 

[Benjblt]

There is a way to run a bladder in the lid, 2 liter lumbar bladder.

Yes, in the lid. Not in the main bag. I'm just wondering how well it works running it in the lid? I feel like you'd be getting 1/2 to 3/4's of the water in the bladder and then be sucking bubbles after that.

 

[deadend88]

I've had no issues. You can also run a bladder in the pannier between the bag and frame. works great.

 

[nm_nomad]

Will be getting my IA5k here in a few days. Will be using it a lot this fall, and will see how it compares to using my SG the last few years.