Top tier.
"Favorite pack. I use it for hunting and just plain backpacking. Hip belt sizing is crucial. Watch the adjustment videos on their website. And watch the videos on how to use their load pannier carrier."
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If you need a backpack for 10+ days in the backcountry, this is the one! The Initial Ascent 8K Backpack features a 500D, 4-way Stretch, and Ripstop design with a spacious 8225 ci with Lid. The bag's wedge shape helps elevate heavy loads to the optimal carrying position, while the Horseshoe-shaped YKK Zipper provides easy access to the main compartment. An expandable front pocket, Ripstop pocket, and side mesh pocket offer ample storage options, while the 20” and 7” side pockets are designed for larger items like spotting scopes and rifles. With an external molle system and internal finished edges for durability, this bag can be compacted down to a reliable 5500 ci workhorse. Orange color-coded bar tacks and "Lock stitching" add to the overall quality and function of the bag.
| Size | Hip Belt Size |
| Small | 26-30 in |
| Medium | 31-36 in |
| Large | 37 in+ |
| Total Weight | 6 lbs 4 oz |
| Capacity | 8,225 cubic inches |
| Hydration compatible | Yes, there is a low profile bladder sleeve under the lid |
| Material | 500D Cordura®, 4-way Stretch, and Ripstop & YKK Zippers |
| Material | Triaxial weave carbon fiber/composite |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Lifetime against material defects and workmanship to the original purchaser |
Overall rating: 4.821429 / 5 from 28 reviews.
The Initial Ascent 8K Backpack is highly regarded for its capacity, comfort, and weight distribution. Customers praise its spacious design and ability to carry heavy loads comfortably over long distances. The backpack's durable materials and thoughtful storage options make it a reliable choice for extended backcountry trips.
Review topics: ["fit","bag","weight","issues","frame","finish","pack","pad","carries","loads","system","hunt","lid","belt","miles"].
"Favorite pack. I use it for hunting and just plain backpacking. Hip belt sizing is crucial. Watch the adjustment videos on their website. And watch the videos on how to use their load pannier carrier."
"I have another major brand pack and I have to say both have some positives and negatives. The bag and lid are great with the IA. If you carry your rifle on one side the frame does an excellent job of minimizing any issues with the weight on one side. It is a fairly stiff frame so when using in day mode it’s not as comfortable as others but when it loaded down it’s excellent."
"I have been running an SG Evo for 5 years. This 8k paired with their pannier fills my gaps perfectly providing a daypack without a sloppy lid and a monster for family camping or expedition hunts without strapping everything to the outside of my SG. I have some concern about the shoulder harness attachment to the frame which I read about being an issue before buying. Out of the package I could see the adhesive is not a solid connection to the frame. I also wish the pannier would secure a little tighter when all the buckles are attached and fully cinched. Overall the fit and finish is good, I like the system and can’t wait to get some more miles under it and take it hunting."
"You can’t get a better pack for your hunt. One day or a week this is the pack!"
"This pack is the best. I’ve had two other big name packs that I’ve used in the past. KUIU being one of them. This one is superior!"
"Little heavy on the weight but for how it carries heavy loads it’s fantastic. Love how adjustable the fit is. The system is very functional."
"I’ve ran one of the other top brands for years and never could get it to feel solid when packing out a load. Tried adjusting many times but could never get it to fit into my back correctly. I pulled the trigger and bought the 8K after seeing so many positive reviews as well as recommendations from guys in the field half the year. I did a pack out during rifle season this year and the pack felt solid with no swaying or sloshing feeling making it easier to maneuver around obstacles in steep terrain. With the lower pad being so adjustable I was able to get the pack to fit into my pack and sit on my hips without loosing circulation or feeling like the pack is always sliding down. When loading the meat in the load shelf it was simple and quick, that comes in handy in griz country when your trying to hustle! I bought the 8k bag for both day hunts and multi day hunts. It still cinches down to feel like a day pack when day hunting. I’ll recommend this pack to anyone who hasn’t bought a pack yet or is just looking for an upgrade like I was and wants the best of the best as your pack is one of the most important pieces of gear when it comes to realizability and comfort! Thank you Initial Ascent for the opportunity!"
"I really wanted to love this but the lumbar pad was just too large and stiff for my liking and wasn’t as comfortable as I had hoped it would be. That being said though, the frame still carries heavy weight extremely well, as which is what it’s known for."
"Top tier pack system. The hype is real, it carries weight very well. I swapped from another popular pack system and believe it's better for heavy loads. The side to side stability is awesome, and I like that everything attaches to the carbon frame directly, not to fabric like many other packs. The 8k bag is designed great for the most part with the beaver tail design nice for unloading and loading items. The medium hip belt would comfortably fit a size 34-38 nicely with extra webbing. Only cons would be the hip belt accesory attachment method using velcro instead of molle. Also, I personally like my water bladder inside the bag with an option to hang it which this bag does not offer. A 2l bladder can be used in the lid or a 3l can be used in the pander. Aside from those small cons I have to say this is an excellent investment for hauling camp and meat from place to place."
"I am a skeptic when something is talked about too much but I ordered this pack and I must say it’s well worth the money! All the hype around it is 100% true. It carries weight way better than any other pack I have ever used. The only thing I changed on it was a few of the buckles, I replaced them with auto lock buckles."
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