Initial ascent worth switching to?

[Tahr]

What’s that rifle chambered in? I have a few of the lightweight hunters, one rebarreled in 284 win. Love that gun.

1:8 twist .223. Shooting 74 and 80 grn projectiles.

 

[Tahr]

My IA doing the hard work again. 90lb. Nothing makes it painless but Im very happy with it. Mainly used with just meat paneer and lid. Im not so brand new anymore (77), and great gear like this helps keep me in the hills. Im sure other top tier packs would do just as well. But Im happy.

 

[calgaryguy]

Newer frames for IA have had multiple failures, as reported by several in this thread. I have confirmed that the only made in USA part anymore is the frame, for what that is worth. I really like Joe and Dennis, the original frame and bags (USA made) I have rank up there as all time favorites. I just will not risk a frame failure and choose to spend my money on USA made packs. Moving their production overseas is not the problem, I wish them the best. I just won't continue to spend my money there.

Thanks!

 

[Hillbillydiver]

I used the IA 5k on the Integrous frame in 2024. I packed out 7 animals with it and hunt solo most of the time. It hauled heavy weight really well. The first belt size I ordered was a medium as I followed the recommended chart and it was way too big so I went to a small. That was perfect.i packed out deer, bear, elk, and antelope that season. Mine and my ladies on the elk and lope. I had harness separation on my bull pack out. I had the parts and pieces and a hind quarter and the adhesive on the harness broke free and the 3 point attachment saved that trip. Customer service for me was fine. They sent me a new adhesive patch to replace the faulty one and I was good after that and packed her cow elk out a week later. If they made a harness attachment like kifaru or exo it would solve this issue. I know it doesn’t happen much but there have been other guys on here that have had the same issue. Just something to be aware of. I sold mine after and went back to SG. I just couldn’t get over that happening 3 miles from my truck. Even though it was fixed it’s just not something I wanted to mess with again. If you do get one I would suggest the pannier. It helps keep the load staying put and does a great job

Thats helpful info!

 

[Hillbillydiver]

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.

Thanks for that info