Initial ascent worth switching to?

[deadend88]

I have the OG 2k and 6k, and I purchased the new frame with the 3k 5k and 8k...I have since dumped the 5k and the newer frame. I have packed 1 bull and it's extremely comfortable. I have used the older frame and the 6k most extensively in the high country, Pannier is the only way to go with IA packs. I feel in love with it....BUT, the mass migration to IA from KIFARU after Aron left and the rumored ( not USA made anymore on the newer stuff ) none of the new bags have the made in the USA tags and several posted failures above, I had to try something else and moved to SG. Exo is on deck when the k4x is released. IA is a hell of a pack that IMO inching towards jumping the shark with influencers. IF it's not made in USA anymore but not being announced, that's a real problem for me.

 

[Jim Row]

I had an IA I loved the pack system but had a few issues. I wanted to love the pack bc of the owners which are great. They reached out whenever I had an issue. But in the end it hurt my back when loaded over 70lbs. The stiff frame would press into my upper ass hip area. It freaking was painful after 3 miles with weight. I also didn’t like the carbon frame. If I strapped a rifle to the side it would rub my rifle barrel and sketch it up.

Went to an Exo and I love that pack. I can tell it doesn’t carry weight as good at the IA but I don’t get the pressure spots, and the build quality of the Exo k4 is much better.

All depends on the fit. IA is awesome if it fits you better.

 

[Hoghead]

Man those are some gnarly cutters that thing has. Don’t have hogs where I live so I haven’t ever been around them, what did that one weigh? Is that the Stryker xl bag your using, if so that’s the same one I use as well.

Yes it's a Stryker xl. It was 200-225 live weight. I gut them before I haul them out. The Stryker XL is part of the reason the kifaru is easier to haul hogs on. The straps on the k4 sling aren't long enough.
I tried to pack this one out but it was too top heavy. Made me feel like a little wimp. The drag sucked. I rather pack 2 miles than drag 200 yards.

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[lundellhunting7]

I switched from a KUIU to an IA 4k last year. I will tell you what I wish I would have done it years ago. This last hunting season with it I packed out Moose, Elk, WT and Mule deer... NOT once did I feel like the pack could not handle the pack out and my back was never sore the next day... No hot spots either (with kuiu always would have them)! My buddy runs the Kifaru and its nice for sure. But I feel the load carries better on the IA. I did pack out the sheep in my profile pic with an Exo... had the whole sheep on it and it was fine!