Excellent review. Honest, fair, accurate. I just purchased this pack and have found some things I dislike compared to my MR Terraframe 65. That being said, both have unique characteristics that I love for what I will use them for. The Initial Ascent will be solely used for backpack hunting, the MR Terraframe 65 will be solely used for backpacking/hiking.
Thanks for watching and appreciate your feedback. I had a friend come over yesterday as he wanted to view the packs in person before making a purchase. Getting one pack that does it all is tough. When it comes to BIG game or potentially a tough packout the IA is either on my back or on standby in the truck. He was looking for a smaller lighter pack (2k-3K size) that could potentially be used for a pack out which had him leaning towards the Kuiu 3200, the MR Sawtooth 45L, or the smaller Akek pack. He thought the IA frame was a little too stiff and overkill for his use.
There is a lot to love with these packs. I wish I could make a few small changes to the pack design to really perfect this system for my preferences. Have you had any issues at all with stitching specifically in the lid?
The frame is amazing and there is still a lot to love about these packs. I wish I could help them redesign the bag itself. I am not a fan of the side zips and really wish they had a spot for a bladder in the main bag. I can live without internal pockets and storage because the two exterior pockets on the back are great.
Wondering if you contacted them about the lid? Seems like getting a new lid warrantied would be a solution. I just ordered the 8k and kind of wishing I had looked at your review first!
Excellent review. Honest, fair, accurate. I just purchased this pack and have found some things I dislike compared to my MR Terraframe 65. That being said, both have unique characteristics that I love for what I will use them for. The Initial Ascent will be solely used for backpack hunting, the MR Terraframe 65 will be solely used for backpacking/hiking.
Thanks for watching and appreciate your feedback. I had a friend come over yesterday as he wanted to view the packs in person before making a purchase. Getting one pack that does it all is tough. When it comes to BIG game or potentially a tough packout the IA is either on my back or on standby in the truck. He was looking for a smaller lighter pack (2k-3K size) that could potentially be used for a pack out which had him leaning towards the Kuiu 3200, the MR Sawtooth 45L, or the smaller Akek pack. He thought the IA frame was a little too stiff and overkill for his use.
After using this pack for going on four years this is a very fair review and I agree with just about all of your talking points.
There is a lot to love with these packs. I wish I could make a few small changes to the pack design to really perfect this system for my preferences. Have you had any issues at all with stitching specifically in the lid?
Great review
Why are they not allowing for an option to run a bladder out of the main bag?
The frame is amazing and there is still a lot to love about these packs. I wish I could help them redesign the bag itself. I am not a fan of the side zips and really wish they had a spot for a bladder in the main bag. I can live without internal pockets and storage because the two exterior pockets on the back are great.
Wondering if you contacted them about the lid? Seems like getting a new lid warrantied would be a solution. I just ordered the 8k and kind of wishing I had looked at your review first!
Nevermind, just got to the point where you said you did not contact them. Thanks for the review!