Initial Ascent Reviews - 1,336 Reviews | initialascent.com

Initial Ascent ReviewsSee store reviews

Name: Initial Ascent
Rating: 4.9

Seth B.

Love it! It’s been on my back the entire PA rifle season and is the most comfortable and capable pack I’ve ever worn. It hauls a quartered whitetail like there’s nothing on my back. I was fortunate to pack two out this season and both were comftorable and everything worked great.

IA Day Pack

Brian E.

The initial ascent packs are the best that I've used. And I've used everything. As a guide and an avid hunter I pack out a lot of animals on the initial ascent packs. They hold up very well. The pack allows me to pack 150 lbs of meat no problem. It doesn't push you forward or pukl you backwards, instead it's centers over your hips, which allows for a comfortable pack to carry when loaded. Also their team at initial ascent are amazing! Dennis and Joe go above and beyond for their customers. A+ al...

IA3K Bag Only

Customer photo review of IA5K Bag Only 2024

Danny F.

I've kept an eye on initial ascent bags for a couple years now and with the bag changes for 2024 I decided to pick one up. I was sold on a pack after actually trying one on at the 2024 Hunt Expo and feeling how comfortable 55lbs and 155lbs were loaded on my back.

IA5K Bag Only 2024

Customer photo review of IA8K Pack System

Brian B.

I came from a Badlands 4500 to the Cadillac of packs! All of it is just comfortable! My first set of shed antlers was on the pack, maybe 50lbs with my gear as well. And I continued all day with no pain anywhere. Very happy! And I train with a 70lb sand bag as well. Doing multiple movements, not just rucking. And just impressed! A great pack in every direction! Thank all of you!

IA8K Pack System

Customer photo review of IA4K Pack System

Jason M.

I love my AI4K bag. Highly recommend. You won’t regret it. I am going to write a few things that I love about this pack to help any of you searching for a pack. I wished someone shared this with me. I just took it on a winter camping trip for the first time this week. I loaded it full with about 45 lbs of weight and it handled it effortlessly, even while post holing several miles in the back country of Vermont. Packed in with stove, tent, gear, (and dog gear that I attached to the bottom o...

IA4K Pack System

Tad L.

Went scouting for this fall. The Scout was the perfect pack for the job! Plenty of storage for food, equipment, and water. If you are looking for a quality scouting pack, look no further!

The Scout

Customer photo review of IA5K Pack System

Rob H.

Just got the pack a couple months ago so I’ve only been able to use it a couple times on shed hunts. 45 lbs total weight and felt like around 30. Great system! Love this thing! Only 1 regret and that’s not getting the 8k. If you’re on the fence about what size pack to get just get the 8 k. I see myself purchasing the 8 k soon. I tend to over pack so although I love the 5 I think 8 is the way to go even if you don’t need the extra space ! Thx IA . Your customer service is spectacular! And thx to ...

IA5K Pack System

Customer photo review of IA3K Bag Only 2024

David J.

Went to Kodiak Island, Alaska on a mountain goat hunt and a black tailed deer first time using the pack. Awesome on our way out. We were 116 pounds. The pack handled the weight just fine thank you for building. Such a good product. Keep up the good work.

IA3K Bag Only 2024

Customer photo review of IA Hip Belt Accessory 2024

Scott M.

I had to swap belts to a small as the medium was just a tad too big. It’s perfect and was able to pack out a mulie for the other morning.

IA Hip Belt Accessory 2024

Jerod M.

I have owned a lot of packs, this is by far the best one out of them all. Just the way you can fit it to your body type and how comfortable it is wearing it hiking up and done mountains, it is the perfect size for 3 to 4 day trip out of town. It is hands down the best money I have spent

The Scout

Brad R.

Had 84 pounds in it on the way up and it had plenty of more room, very comfortable, did 5 days up a 30’ slope and down for water all day every day no hot spots no tears from brush , held my rifle perfect and also perfect side spot for water bags, great build

IA8K Pack System

Customer photo review of IA6K Pack System

Jacob H.

Just got back from a 9 day expedition hunt at 9,000-10,000 ft elevation. This pack carried a load way better than any other packs I have used. The frame distributes the weight very well. Hanging the meat on your sides is a game changer. My only concern was how thick the lumbar pad was. But once you add 60+lbs of weight it is perfect. I always “ customize “ my gear with modifications to make it more user friendly and I haven’t thought of a single thing I would change.

IA6K Pack System

Jesse H.

Great quality and craftsmanship! The frame design is great. Carries loads right where it needs to be. I’ve ordered a bunch of stuff from these guys and they always send me a hand written note with each order. It’s not necessary, but you’re earning my loyalty no doubt! Thanks guys!

IA4K Pack System

Dalton G.

I’ve used my 8K pack on a number of hunts here in Alaska and I love it! From 150 pound loads to 30 pound loads it carries awesome. Small enough to slide through thick brush and stout enough to carry heavy weight and distribute it well on my back, shoulders, and hips.

IA8K Bag 2024

Troy O.

Amazing system. I am currently using this pack to train for my first trip out west . I live in Rochester ny . I am training by caring 50 to 75 pounds of sand on hikes and treks all over the place . Can not express how comfortable this pack is . I have used kuiu and ex mnt packs before. This pack does not compare. I can hike further and more comfortable with my ia 8k . So happy with my purchase. All my friend that have tried this pack have or will be purchasing a ia pack . Can’t wait to see what...

IA8K Bag 2024

Brady B.

I absolutely love this pack. I carried my deer and bear out of the woods with it this year and it worked like a dream carried the weight very well. when I had questions I called initial ascent they answered and were very helpful. I am very glad. I decided to go with this company when searching for a pack this year.

IA5K Pack System

Customer photo review of Pannier Load Carrier Accessory

Deana H.

I bought this pack for our daughter, and she just reported that this pack is so AWESOME, AND worth every penny spent. This is a must have for people who hike for any type of hunting.

Pannier Load Carrier Accessory

Max A.

Really liking the 8k! Super easy to access all of my gear with the horseshoe zipper configuration . The pannier is great for weight training when you don’t need the actual bag on the frame, have yet to find a flaw!

IA8K Bag 2024

Customer photo review of IA Water Bottle Holder

Daniel M.

This water bottle holder is exactly what I needed. I do not yet have an initially sent backpack, but this thing will work on any setup you have. Great product lightweight

IA Water Bottle Holder

Aaron O.

Pack feels great I got to use it the last week of January guiding archery deer hunts in Arizona . The IA8 allowed me to pack my big 30 power big eyes , my 18 and 10 power binos . Food water tripod chair . Didn’t feel like I had anything on . Very impressive !

IA8K Pack System

Customer photo review of Free Unlimited Return Valid in US.

Patrick S.

I have had my IA4k pack for 5 years and have loved it! I just added the 8k bag this year and used it for a Wyoming backcountry Mule Deer hunt. My son just purchased a IA5K pack at the expo and will not be disappointed! Best pack out there IMO!

Free Unlimited Return Valid in US.

Anthony K.

24 miles in 4 days on an Idaho back country mule deer hunt. 19 of those with 60 to 110 lbs. and this pack handled it great. I really like the pannier load carrier for hauling meat. I would like to try a small hip belt because the medium is maxed out with heavy loads but it still did really well. Going to use it again on a 5 day elk hunt and hopefully I can get some better pictures with it loaded down.

IA Lid

Customer video review of IA Hip Belt Accessory 2024

Chayse H.

This buck was taking at 11,400 feet. 2 miles in and the pack weight was around 90 pounds with deer and gear. Initial Ascent packs are built for this and it shows.

IA Hip Belt Accessory 2024

Customer photo review of Backcountry Bundle

Ronald N.

The Initial Ascent IA5K is hands down one of the best hunting and backcountry backpacks I’ve ever used. From the moment you put it on, you can tell it was designed by hunters for hunters. The frame system distributes weight extremely well, so whether I’m carrying just my day gear or hauling out a heavy load, the pack stays comfortable and balanced. Even with a full load, it doesn’t dig into my shoulders or hips like other packs I’ve tried. One of the standout features is the modular design. The...

Backcountry Bundle

Customer photo review of Sawtooth Duffel Bags

Paola K.

The 70L duffle worked out great and stood up to being treated tough. I really like that it has multiple compartments to separate dirty from clean clean clothes and store shoes without the dirt and smell getting to the clean clothes in the main compartment. We will be ordering another duffel!

Sawtooth Duffel Bags

Customer video review of IA2K Pack System

Robyn M.

After running the IA2K myself it was a no brainer to buy this pack system for my 12 year old son. Absolutely love the packs (best on the market) , accessories and the great folks at IA!!! Special thanks to Dennis for the custom fit up at the store front 🇺🇸

IA2K Pack System

Customer photo review of IA3K Pack System

Heather C.

I bought this pack for my son for a Christmas gift. He was so excited to use it last weekend to pack out a mountain lion that weighed over 250lbs. He’s also a EMT so he had all his medical supplies, hunting supplies and was able to easily pack everything out comfortably.

IA3K Pack System

Adam F.

I used this pack for the first time on my 10 day Montana elk hunt. We backpacked the entire trip with camp on our backs. The pack was very comfortable and sturdy. It road really well with weight estimated pack weight at the start was around 60-65 lbs. I didn’t have any hot spots or anything like that the entire trip. The webbing was very easily organized and the large lid was a great size for all my miscellaneous personal items. My pack still looks pretty much brand new I can tell this one will...

IA8K Pack System

Lars E.

Great pack! Most comfortable I've ever felt carrying heavy loads. Also love the huge capacity. If there is one thing I would want different, it's that both sides had the two big sidepockets!

IA8K Bag 2024

Ronald N.

IA5K Pack System

Bent R.

Love it. Spacious and well thought through. And so comfortable with weight. I combine it with the pannier load system, but not for hunt and carry meat. First of all as a daypack, where i just leave the backpack bag in the tent/cabin. But also put a packraft in the pannier system and been combining it with a full backpack. Makes a huge difference to get the raft folded and up against the back instead of strapped to the outside of the backpack. Also put drybags in the pannier holding freshly cau...

IA8K Pack System

Jason S.

Wore this pac last weekend at San Antonio TAC and absolutely love it! This one is the green although it’s covered with the TAC bandana on the course it came in clutch. Loves it so much gonna order the tan one for my wife.

The Scout

Customer photo review of Spare Webbing Frame Straps

Tony W.

Killed buck two miles from the side by side by my self. Boned him for one trip. Packed worked great. Took the heavy load and slow and steady back to the trail head.

Spare Webbing Frame Straps

Customer photo review of IA Bottle Holder

Josh A.

Loving my IA 6K! It’s been to a couple states now and the more I use it the more comfortable and functional it becomes. Going to be spending a lot of years with this pack on my back!

IA Bottle Holder

Cody H.

Hands down the most comfortable pack I’ve used! Been 38 miles with it on my back so far and no discomfort at all and don’t dread throwing it on to move! Thanks to my cousins Lane Walter for the recommendation! Gonna get another one on the way for my wife!

IA5K Pack System

Customer video review of IA2K Lid Strap Kit

Larry A.

I have three Initial Accent packs and have taken on the pleasure of outfitting two newcomers to western backcountry hunting every spring and fall for both bear and elk. I feel that the door for the young nonresident is closing so fast and providing the best gear and freeing them from the big initial gear cost will get them out there before it’s all gone. Other than their tags… no charge just ministry! These packs are amazing . They do the job!

IA2K Lid Strap Kit

Garrett L.

Best back country hunting back pack in the game! I’ve used a couple different packs out there and always struggled with discomfort in my shoulders. Usually due to me having a longer upper torso and not being able to get a good fit with the hip belt. I can carry a lot more weight without any discomfort with this pack. My son and I went on a trip and my pack alone was 75lbs but it felt like 50lbs.

Frame

Customer photo review of IA Large Hip Belt Pouch

Justin H.

3 bears have taken a ride on my new 5k in the past 2 weeks. Zero complaints about this pack. My body feels so much better than it did packing with my previous mystery ranch. These packs rock I will be suggesting them everyone I know. Thanks for a superior product

IA Large Hip Belt Pouch

Jonathan M.

I’ve run another brand for the last 10 years, they were top notch. But approaching 50 this year I noticed even with perfect fitting, my hips and back just couldn’t take the frame anymore. I was skeptical to make a switch but so glad I did. Multiple trips in high country with 50+# and Carrie’s like a dream. No more hip flexor issues and the suspension is a flat out workhorse for being a tall skinny old guy!

IA6K Pack System

Louis B.

I purchased this pack nobody in my group has one! They all live by a different brand. I personally like being that odd ball. Rolled the dice and man I’m telling you! This pack is amazing I wake up at 330am every morning load the pack with 80-100lbs and hike on average 3 miles before work. That weight feels like roughly half the actual weight. I had a few questions about the pack so I called the company after it showed up. Dennis one of the owners called me back on his cellphone and checks in per...

IA6K Pack System

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