There is simply no other pack on the market that helps you perform and carry heavy loads more comfortably! We have packed out many animals on this system. Plus Dennis and Joe are top tier people, so how can you not support that!? Glad to see you guys are checking out these packs!
This pack system is amazing! Bought mine over a year ago and Joe spoke with me over the phone prior to purchase to help decide on which size to get. Joe and Dennis are amazing guys putting out a great product!
This was my first year running this pack guiding elk in Colorado. It’s definitely the most comfortable pack I’ve used and my favorite bag layout. I do still have some complaints about the system but I don’t plan on using another pack.
I bought a 5K in July for my first elk hunting trip out west. I was with two other friends that had other brands and they could not get over the versatility and comfort of the IA. Both committed to buying an IA before our next trip out west. I have since added the pannier load carrier to make a day pack for whitetail hunting in Indiana. The pannier and top lid make a great whitetail setup as I can strap my climbing sticks and tree stand to the 5K with ease.
I have had mine since July and been a huge fan. Did training with 160 (lon sandbags in game bags to work through that setup) a few times in the preseason
I've enjoyed mine overall, but it did break packing out my deboned elk this last September while solo hunting. Still trying to get it fixed too. Luckily I was able to jerry rig it a little to get the meat off the mountain.
I just got mine over black friday just started rucking with it and it is definitely more comfortable with heavier weight. Did 4 miles this morning with 75 lbs in the pannier.
Have a question with regard to the initial ascent vs kifaru. I have had experience with eberlestock and mystery ranch. I found both not comfortable. The eberlestock just one was definitely not comfortable. Te mystery ranch was more comfortable but I had problems with the hip belt constantly loosening itself. Had to stop way too much to retighten. What are your thoughts on the kifaru and initial ascent in regards to slippage of waist belt under load?
I have not had either of them slip under load. I think that with any pack that if you have enough weight, on it will get a little uncomfortable and I will adjust a little hear and there just so the discomfort is in a different spot. Both Kifaru and Initial ascent are way more comfortable than either of the packs that you mentioned. I prefer the Initial ascent because of the bag and the ability to hang extra weight off the hooks on the side of the frame.
@ thank you for the prompt answer. I watch the entire Elkshape videos religiously and love the way you all interact and put information out there. Thanks again
I have went thru so many packs. Last year during late season i purchased initial ascent 8k and it was best purchase i have ever made. I can haul anything i want for a 10+ day backcountry hunt with this pack and with ease. There is so many great features id be typing all night. I literally have the pack with all the accessories and its one bada** system. Hiked 7 miles all up hill to where we camped with 80+lbs in my pack and it felt like nothing. No hip pain no shoulder pain. Do yourself a favor and your body a favor and try an initial ascent pack
I want one so bad but don't have the money for it lol. I got a Kifaru a couple years back which was a huge upgrade for me. Cost me about 850 but this pack you're showing looks even better!
I feel ya! I prefer to do an elk in four packs. Its best if I have a buddy to help but One tripping an elk with two guys is a chore and could hurt you long term if your not carful!
I think i want one….and i dont even elk hunt lol i bought a mystery ranch treehouse 38 for public land saddle hunting. And i wish it was more rigid and more stable for pack outs in deep if needed. I know its not intended for it but for the price woulda been nice to have like their other packs. Still wayy comfier than my others though. Nice vid!
I solo single trip packed out a spike bull, it was miserable. A word of caution, one slip and you trash a knee and you just changed your life and not for the better.
For sure! You will break before this pack does! I broke a fibula on a pack out due to a slip and fall! So you do have to take into account the terrain and your personal abilities. But this pack will help you pack whatever weight you decide more comfortably.
There is simply no other pack on the market that helps you perform and carry heavy loads more comfortably! We have packed out many animals on this system. Plus Dennis and Joe are top tier people, so how can you not support that!? Glad to see you guys are checking out these packs!
I am Glad that they are working so well for you! Dennis and Joe are Awesome people!
This pack system is amazing! Bought mine over a year ago and Joe spoke with me over the phone prior to purchase to help decide on which size to get. Joe and Dennis are amazing guys putting out a great product!
Joe is a great guy to work with! I am glad they were able to help you find the right pack size for you!
This was my first year running this pack guiding elk in Colorado. It’s definitely the most comfortable pack I’ve used and my favorite bag layout. I do still have some complaints about the system but I don’t plan on using another pack.
What are your complaints? I am a huge fan of the bag system.
I bought a 5K in July for my first elk hunting trip out west. I was with two other friends that had other brands and they could not get over the versatility and comfort of the IA. Both committed to buying an IA before our next trip out west. I have since added the pannier load carrier to make a day pack for whitetail hunting in Indiana. The pannier and top lid make a great whitetail setup as I can strap my climbing sticks and tree stand to the 5K with ease.
Awesome to hear that it worked so well for you!👊
I have had mine since July and been a huge fan. Did training with 160 (lon sandbags in game bags to work through that setup) a few times in the preseason
Awesome, keep up the great work!
Great insights into these packs. I haven’t really ever looked at them but will have to check them out now.
I’m glad you found it helpful!😊
I packed out an entire muledeer plus gear this season with my I8K ! love the pack
Awesome to hear it worked so well for you!
I've enjoyed mine overall, but it did break packing out my deboned elk this last September while solo hunting. Still trying to get it fixed too. Luckily I was able to jerry rig it a little to get the meat off the mountain.
Sorry to hear that...I hope there warranty process isn't to difficulty.
I just got mine over black friday just started rucking with it and it is definitely more comfortable with heavier weight. Did 4 miles this morning with 75 lbs in the pannier.
Glad to hear you are putting it to good use! Keep up the good work!
Have a question with regard to the initial ascent vs kifaru. I have had experience with eberlestock and mystery ranch. I found both not comfortable. The eberlestock just one was definitely not comfortable. Te mystery ranch was more comfortable but I had problems with the hip belt constantly loosening itself. Had to stop way too much to retighten. What are your thoughts on the kifaru and initial ascent in regards to slippage of waist belt under load?
I have not had either of them slip under load. I think that with any pack that if you have enough weight, on it will get a little uncomfortable and I will adjust a little hear and there just so the discomfort is in a different spot. Both Kifaru and Initial ascent are way more comfortable than either of the packs that you mentioned. I prefer the Initial ascent because of the bag and the ability to hang extra weight off the hooks on the side of the frame.
@ thank you for the prompt answer. I watch the entire Elkshape videos religiously and love the way you all interact and put information out there. Thanks again
I have went thru so many packs. Last year during late season i purchased initial ascent 8k and it was best purchase i have ever made. I can haul anything i want for a 10+ day backcountry hunt with this pack and with ease. There is so many great features id be typing all night. I literally have the pack with all the accessories and its one bada** system. Hiked 7 miles all up hill to where we camped with 80+lbs in my pack and it felt like nothing. No hip pain no shoulder pain. Do yourself a favor and your body a favor and try an initial ascent pack
well said!
I want one so bad but don't have the money for it lol.
I got a Kifaru a couple years back which was a huge upgrade for me. Cost me about 850 but this pack you're showing looks even better!
I understand, these packs are not cheap but they are a worthwhile investment!
@ ive learned from hunting tough country that boots and packs are definitely worth the investment!
@@jacob11b 💯👊
We used to do an elk pack out in one trip. Not anymore we just make several trips
I feel ya! I prefer to do an elk in four packs. Its best if I have a buddy to help but One tripping an elk with two guys is a chore and could hurt you long term if your not carful!
I think i want one….and i dont even elk hunt lol i bought a mystery ranch treehouse 38 for public land saddle hunting. And i wish it was more rigid and more stable for pack outs in deep if needed. I know its not intended for it but for the price woulda been nice to have like their other packs. Still wayy comfier than my others though. Nice vid!
Glad you found the video helpful! And yes I know the struggle.
I solo single trip packed out a spike bull, it was miserable. A word of caution, one slip and you trash a knee and you just changed your life and not for the better.
For sure! You will break before this pack does! I broke a fibula on a pack out due to a slip and fall! So you do have to take into account the terrain and your personal abilities. But this pack will help you pack whatever weight you decide more comfortably.
Exo k4 way better
In what way? I haven't had a chance to test that one yet!
@ much more comfortable, the molle system, the layout of pockets.
Definitely check them out 👍
Hemroids and hernias.
Hernias...Maybe...Hemroids! No!