Initial Ascent Pack Review | 1 Year Field Test - IA4K Pack Review

In this Initial Ascent Pack review video we go over the Initial Ascent IA4K pack in detail and I show it's features, strengths, weaknesses and what I liked and didn't like over a year of field testing. Initial Ascent is making a move and a serious case to be considered one of the best hunting backpack brands on the market and is definitely one of the best meat hauling backpacks I've tested so far. The Initial Ascent Pack system comes in the following configurations:
Initial Ascent IA2K Pack
Initial Ascent IA4K Pack
Initial Ascent IA6K Pack
Initial Ascent Ladies Frame (Invictus Frame)
Initial Ascent Day Pack
Initial Ascent Decoy Hauler
As you can see, the Initial Ascent Pack systems will have you covered from day hunts to over a week out in the field. The Design of the Initial Ascent Integrous Frame is a carbon fiber composite frame that is no your ordinary carbon fiber frame. It is super sturdy, rigid and designed to be a hard core load hauler. It even features a place to hang your rifle from to transfer the weight of your rifle to the frame of your pack. Don't forget to pick up some Initial Ascent Pack Sacks to further organize your gear!
Check out our other gear reviews:
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Buy an Initial Ascent IA4K Pack: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Buy an Initial Ascent IA6K Pack: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Buy an Initial Ascent Day Pack: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Buy the Initial Ascent Decoy Hauler: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Buy Initial Ascent Pack Sacks: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Initial Ascent Ladies Invictus Frame: Initialascent.com/discount/Ba...
Accessories:
Buy Pannier Load Carrier
Buy Hip belt pocket
Buy Initial Ascent Rain Fly
Buy Bow Carrier
Buy Rifle Carrier
Buy IA Pack Sacks
Buy IA Dry Bag
0:00 Intro
1:20 IA4k Specs
1:55 Harness system & lumbar pad
3:12 Integrous Frame
3:41 Rifle hooks
4:25 Bag design
6:17 Unique tripod pocket
7:55 More unique features
9:20 Accessories
10:28 Pannier load carrier
12:28 Rain fly
13:25 Good/Bad/Ugly Segment

[@huntleague]

Great Review: I purchased a few packs last year including the Initial Ascent and did some extensive testing. You hit almost all the same highs and lows as my experience with the pack. If I had to add to this review I would say it breathed the best or had the most airflow between my back and the pack of any that I tested. For me it carried the weight more stable than any other pack too, meaning the load didn't shift around while climbing over logs or uneven terrain. The biggest issues I found were the water bladder and I really don't like the side zips to the main compartment. The U shape or horseshoe design works way better for me as I like to lump gear together in bags to keep things organized but found stuffing larger items in or taking things out was rather difficult especially as the bag compartment neared capacity. I am just under 6' 3" and could have used another inch or two on the pack frame to help get the load lifters a little higher. I know they just recently released a smaller frame designed for women and people that needed that. Not sure if a tall frame is in the works but I think that would be a nice addition. Dennis, the owner was super helpful when ordering the pack and was willing to talk me through getting it sized correctly. They also send the pack preset based on your torso length which was nice as you only need to make minor adjustments from there.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, they are great packs, and I hear some of the things you mentioned may be addressed in future renditions, so we'll see. Either way, they are still awesome packs and the folks at Initial Ascent are great dudes that stand behind their product!

[@Qaz3wsxc]

Thank you for a great review!! Very informative

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching and glad it was helpful.

[@scottsmith2259]

I've been considering getting a new, well made pack. I have looked a quite a few. The many reviews and info on you web site has made your pack take 1st place on my list. This video cements that decision that much more.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

That's awesome! These are phenomenal packs and I don't think you'll be disappointed! Let me know how you like it when you get it! Thanks for watching and following the channel and website!

[@backcountryrookies433]

great video! That answered some questions I had about these packs. always good reviews from Backwoods Pursuit

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Thank You! Glad it was helpful and don't hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions!

[@aqua.scape69]

Ok seriously, I'm up in the air between the IA pack in the 6000k size and the Exo K3 6400. Which would you choose if you could only buy one?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! Man, they are both great packs for sure. It comes down to which one fits your body best, and which bag style/features work best for your style. That said, I'd say the IA hauls a load the nest of the two just by a little, but I prefer the bag design of the Exo. I have both and still am going back an forth myself lol! The Exo is more comfortable/soft on a day to day wear basis, while the IA is a bit more stiff, but that's why it handles a load so well. Let me know which way you go!

[@aqua.scape69]

@@BackwoodsPursuit Thanks man, will do. I'm not sold on those individual zippers in front. I'd much prefer the horse show zipper that's on the EXO. Thanks, I appreciate the review. I've sub to your channel. Be safe

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@aqua.scape69 agreed...that's something I wish the IA4K pack bad. They aren't bad... personal preference I suppose.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

@@aqua.scape69 thanks for the sub too! Appreciate it!

[@aqua.scape69]

@@BackwoodsPursuit no problem. I ended up going with the stone glacier sky Guide 7900. Haven't used it yet but, looks like a great pack. Hopefully it will work well for me.

[@maxdeangelis5019]

How do you like this pack compared to Kifaru? I know everyone is different and want your opinion.

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Hey there! I haven't yet had a chance to test the Kifaru, so I can't say for sure. Sorry and thanks for watching!

[@123-JDAWG]

Would you take the initial ascent or EXO pack?

[@BackwoodsPursuit]

Man that's a great question! Ultimately that'll depend on which fits you best, but I preferred the IA over the K3, but after testing the K4 all last year, I think I'd prefer the K4 slightly. But...that could be swayed one way or the other depending on what features are most important to you. Both are incredibly packs!