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.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

 

[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!

 

[Tahr]

Luckily that bull was in our general season and it was in the teens that night. Aside from that it did exactly what it was supposed to do. I’ve just never had that happen on the other companies I have used and again being solo it adds to an already long day or night. Just something. You really don’t want to think about at all. Things happen but at the price points we pay for these systems that’s the last thing that should have you second guessing. Again, I know this isn’t the norm and faulty things happen but it is something to be aware of as I know other guys on this site have had the exact same issue.

I would like IA to come on here and explain what they have done to ensure it wont happen in the future. That would give some security.

 

[Tradchef]

I would like IA to come on here and explain what they have done to ensure it wont happen in the future. That would give some security.

They had great customer service when I went through it. I think they should on these issues for sure. I think if they can fix that in the long run it would be a great system. I think if guys want to go with them it’s worth giving them a shot. You might love it. It fit me well and hauled great up to the point with the elk. But like I said I just couldn’t get over it everytime I loaded it up again with the new adhesive backing. If you search on here you’ll find some other threads on it happening. Some had good and bad customer service experiences. I can only attest to my own and they did well by me

 

[abianca99]

Switched from Exo K4 to IA. Both great packs. But IA fits me better and handles heavy weight better. I like the stiffer frame of IA

 

[pst503]

I have an IA5K. My first impressions were it felt great. Needed to make a small adjustment. It went downhill from there. The belt per their recommendations on the website is too big. The pack sits to far away from my body. I’ve put 250 miles on it last year. I’ve messaged customer service about the belt issue, no response. Called no response. I pick the pack up to put it on and the straps sound like they are ready to pull away, every time.
This IA5K has packed out 2 deer and a Bighorn Ram.
I’m shopping for a new pack currently. Looking at the Exo 4K and SG options.

 

[Blake C]

I've have used kuiu exclusively for the last 8 years. Mostly because they keep replacing it when things break. And I've broke everything at least 2x. A year ago I tested the IA and then ran it for 2 weeks on spring bear. I carry 60+ a few times a week to stay in backpacking shape. About 4 months ago I got an ark frame with absarooka bag.
Here's my takeaway. IA carries weight great. Frame and suspension is great. The lumbar pad in my opinion should be a little more firm. It kinda crushes with long use and then I find myself overtightening the hips. I absolutely hate the IA bag design. The carbon frame is not sealed. I had it across my lap to made adjustments and it left fibers stuck to my legs. That shit is itchy.
The ark frame and the absarooka bag is very close in ergonomic to the kuiu I like.
And carries weight as good as the IA.
If someone is not in packing shape already then IA is going to out shine the others hands down. The design makes up for the week core and poor fitness. Not in the mountains but when you just put it on for a short test or short hike. Kuiu pretty much sucks when you get up near 90lbs.
New ark is better than both to me. I been backpacking sense 1992. I've tried a lot of stuff.

 

[Nicaburns]

I switched from a MR Metcalf to an IA5K last year. I have only packed one elk out with it and only have about 100 miles rucking 65# with it but I love the pack… the configuration for hauling meat alone makes it worth the switch for me.

 

[TedO]

I switched from SG to IA, and like the way the IA carries weight much better. Carries weight more comfortably, hands down.