2019 Initial Ascent Gen II pack review.

[realunlucky]

Heading to Idaho for a 5 days of spring bear hunting. I'll give a full report when I get back.

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[realunlucky]

Well... Just couldn't close the deal in North Idaho. Great opportunity to use the IA 4K in the field though. I'll post up what I packed and couple pictures of how everything fit after I finish unpacking.

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[mcorbeille]

Looking forward to hearing about the hunt and seeing some photos of the IA4k with gear.


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[realunlucky]

Here's my gear for Tuesday to Sunday. I try not to carry anything I don't plan to use but I don't wieght each piece and worry that's there's something lighter out there either.

I packed my cylinder stove for shelter for this trip. My sleep system is WM badger long wide exped7 +exped pillow. A pair of mernio bottoms, change of socks, SKRE hardscrabble vest, SKRE Nebo rain gear and SKRE puffy, SKRE gloves, hat, and neck gaiter. Msr ti pot small fuel cylinder and pocket rocket stove Bic lighter, and insulated mug. 5 dehydrated dinners and 4 breakfasts and snacks for lunches. My kill kit and first aid, knock off Crocs, GPS, inreach, compass, headlamp, extra batteries and spare flashlight. Dark energy battery charger, novagrade digiscope adapter, outdoorsman's bino adapter. Extra bullets and IA rifle carrier. Tripod and Kiowa 77. Also packed the 1.5 liters of water.

Total packed wieght was 49.6 lbs. I was surprised there was still room in the snow collar for more. I didn't use the bigger stretch pocket on the way in as it was a tight at the opening after I loaded the bag tight at the bottom.

 

[realunlucky]

It was a long 5 mile hike to the "spot" with plenty of elevation gain.

Set up shop and saw exactly zero bears. WTH?

IA4K did make a perfect back rest for extended glassing.

 

[realunlucky]

The "spot" is where I killed my bear last year even found my brass and packed it out.

Finding a spot you can see and shoot around there is like catching unicorn farts so after last year I figured I had found the hidden Mecca.

Can see a bunch of country all around for miles but after two days we saw Zero bears. Defeated we packed up and headed back down to the Jeep.

 

[realunlucky]

Plenty of snow left in the high country

Walked a lot of logging roads looking for a spot where I could glass

North Idaho is thick thick country

 

[realunlucky]

Saw a bear and made the move.

It was a long ways off. Took forever to close into position. Gone never could relocate.

All in all saw 9 bears. Never had an opportunity at a boar saw a couple sows and cubs in our setups though.

Definitely a love/hate relationship with the crazy steep thick country that is North Idaho.

 

[realunlucky]

So I only backpacked half my trip and used the IA4K for day trips the other half, but put a bunch of miles on each day. I loved how easily the 4K carried the 50 lbs all over up and down the steep country side. The rear rifle attachment worked better than I imagined in the thick country. I did adjust it to keep it low when in the trees. It was very secure and never moved side to side after I snugged up the rear straps.

 

[realunlucky]

I tried a bunch of different butt stocks in the rifle cradle and all fit snuggly. It has a bit of elastic for a nice tight hold.

Initial Ascent added color coded bar tacks on the molle so it's easy to find where the Ghost hooks should fit. It's a bit tight the first time inserting the ghost hooks but once in there you don't have to worry about them backing out and coming loose.

There is 12" of strap adjustments to get the rifle to perfect carrying height. I simply r lowered my rifle when beating the brush in North Idaho and raised it to a more comfortable walking height when using the trail system. Never had any slippage issues.

 

[realunlucky]

Ok everyone I saw that Initial Ascent is going to be rolling out thier new 6K bag next week.

When I get home next week I'll show case the IA4K in day pack mode.

 

[realunlucky]

Free shipping for 4 of July weekend promo code "FREEDOMSHIP19"

Also Initial Ascent is now offering Green as a color choice

 

[czim]

Looks like a very nice pack. I really like the rifle carrier setup.

 

[realunlucky]

Broke out the bow cradle for an upcoming scouting trip. Really like the little details like how the straps are sewn to keep the bow level and cam protected. The safety hooks add piece of mind that the cam isn't falling out of the cradle.

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[realunlucky]

I was in a bit of a rush to get out the door and headed to book cliffs to look for buffalo. As I already had my stuff laid out it was the prefect time to showcase the load pannier and IA4K in day pack mode .Here is a short video to help visualize- Day pack mode. Basically you save weight on leaving the main pack bag and using the 450 ci lid and 400 ci back pocket on the pannier for 850ci then you can still utilize the 2500ci area between the frame and pannier.

Threw some cameras and the spotter on and headed out for some scouting.

 

[realunlucky]

Here's something some of you may find useful. Initial Ascent is now offering gift cards. Easy for you or others to pitch in on a new pack system.

Collect a few as gifts and that could really knock down that outta pocket cost.

 

[realunlucky]

Here's the Initial Ascent life time commitment against material defects and workmanship and a LIFETIME GUARANTEE for the Integrous frame.

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[realunlucky]

I just saw that Initial Ascent is offering Rokslide Members an accessory kit worth $114.95 with certain Gear Pack Combo

Initial Ascent Discount Code for Rokslide Members

We would like to do a special promo code to be used on our website for Rokslide Members. With the purchase of a 2, 3, or 4 Gear Pack Combo, you will receive a complete accessory kit worth $114.95. Includes: IA Dry Bag IA Hipbelt Zipper Pouch IA Water Bottle Holder IA Rifle Holder IA Bow Holder...

www.rokslide.com

 

[realunlucky]

Well finally got the pack bloody. I'll post more later

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[realunlucky]

It was amazing to get a jump start to Utah's big game season with the new early cow tag that opened Aug 1st.

My dad killed this cow but lucky for him I offered to pack it off the mountain. That's a bone in front, rear and back strap along with trim. So basically one half the elk plus mine and kids day gear and spotter with tripod.