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The IA5K pack system is the flagship of the IA lineup. With the sleek roll-top and the horseshoe-style main body entrance, this is the perfect do-it-all pack. At 5200 ci, this design is perfectly suited for the 4-7 day extreme backcountry hunting adventure.
When the hunt is successful, the IA5K is built for the haul. Meat can be securely carried between the Integrous Frame and the bag, allowing you to haul your harvest without sacrificing valuable space inside the bag.
For even greater load-hauling versatility, add the Pannier Load Carrier. The Pannier keeps heavy loads high and secure to the frame for better balance, stability, and comfort.
Hip Belt Sizes go by "Pants Waist Size"
IA5K Pack Overview
IA 5K Pack System
IA5K Pack Deep Dive
The triaxial carbon fiber structure combined with additional strategically placed composite materials provides the greatest strength to weight ratio on the market. We are confident in delivering a frame that is not only comfortable, but provides the ability to haul extremely heavy loads.
The key to the frame’s design is its shape. This allows the heaviest load to be positioned in the center of your back by spreading the weight over your hips, minimizing muscle fatigue and shoulder strain. To stay cooler in hot conditions, the shape maintains air flow around your back. The frame also follows the natural curvature of your spine, providing extreme comfort in all conditions.
We offer a 100% lifetime warranty for any material defects and workmanship to the original purchaser. For any damages outside of normal wear, we can repair it at a reasonable cost.
The Integorus and Invictus Frames have a LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
Visit our Warranty page for more information.
Yes. All IA packs work off of a single frame and suspension system. You can interchange the bags and Pannier Load Carrier at will. No need to buy a separate suspension system.
The material we use is a 500D Cordura which is very water resistant but not waterproof. If your hunting in wet environment, we recommend our IA Rain Cover.
Yes. We have the Integrous Frame for torso lengths from 18-22".
And our Invictus Female Frame for torso lengths 13-17". This frame will also work for kids who fall into that torso length range.
We have a pro program that includes our Military and First Responder Program, Guide and Outfitter Program, Industry Program. Apply Here: Pro Program
Still Have Questions?
Email info@initialascent.com or call us at (877) 942-7225.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 154 reviews.
Absolutely love the system! I received it May 9th, followed the instructional video to fit it, very straightforward. The next day I put 35lbs of gear in it. My first hike was five miles. The suspension system is the best of any of the packs I have owned. So far I’ve put in about 20 miles/3200 vertical with it. Will be adding some weight to it soon. The IA system has the benefits of an external frame backpack coupled with the comfort of an internal frame backpack. Expensive, but worth it!
Best pack I’ve ever tried
Just got the pack a couple months ago so I’ve only been able to use it a couple times on shed hunts. 45 lbs total weight and felt like around 30. Great system! Love this thing! Only 1 regret and that’s not getting the 8k. If you’re on the fence about what size pack to get just get the 8 k. I see myself purchasing the 8 k soon. I tend to over pack so although I love the 5 I think 8 is the way to go even if you don’t need the extra space ! Thx IA . Your customer service is spectacular! And thx to Cody for the hand written thank you for my purchase! I think that’s a great touch! Good luck to all on your future adventures!!!!!
Best pack hands down! Super comfy, simple, adjustable, carrying 70lb+ loads are no problem and quite comfy. Definitely helped me stay under the pack for longer with heavier loads.
Photo is not the IDC but my other awesome IA pack
I absolutely love this pack. I carried my deer and bear out of the woods with it this year and it worked like a dream carried the weight very well. when I had questions I called initial ascent they answered and were very helpful. I am very glad. I decided to go with this company when searching for a pack this year.
This was the very first hunt I took the pack on after only receiving it the week prior. I figured what better way to test it out than taking out a whole black bear which was my very first bear. Super impressed by this pack and how light it makes heavy loads feel. Best purchase I've made in a long time.
Hands down the most comfortable pack I’ve used! Been 38 miles with it on my back so far and no discomfort at all and don’t dread throwing it on to move! Thanks to my cousins Lane Walter for the recommendation! Gonna get another one on the way for my wife!
I know it’s not the mountains of the mid-west but I would challenge anyone from out there to come to South Florida and put on the firefighter bunker gear with a 50+ pound pack and walk a 5k in the Florida heat! In case it’s not obvious… I love the pack! Can’t wait till the day comes and I can climb those mountains and maybe put myself in a position for a shot at a big game animal. Thank you guys for all you do.
Great product and great company My 14yr old son borrowed my new pack and had to show how easy it is to carry out two front quarters.
The Initial Ascent IA5K is hands down one of the best hunting and backcountry backpacks I’ve ever used. From the moment you put it on, you can tell it was designed by hunters for hunters. The frame system distributes weight extremely well, so whether I’m carrying just my day gear or hauling out a heavy load, the pack stays comfortable and balanced. Even with a full load, it doesn’t dig into my shoulders or hips like other packs I’ve tried. One of the standout features is the modular design. The bag can compress down for short hunts or expand when I need to pack in for several days, making it incredibly versatile. The access points and organization options are smart and practical—gear stays exactly where I want it, and I don’t waste time digging around when I need something quickly. The build quality is equally impressive. The materials are tough, durable, and weather-resistant, so I know this pack is going to last me through years of hunts and all kinds of terrain. Every stitch and buckle feels like it was made to take abuse in the mountains. Overall, the IA5K is awesome—comfortable, durable, and highly functional. It’s clear that Initial Ascent put serious thought into every detail, and it shows in how well the pack performs in the field. If you want one pack that can handle everything from day hunts to multi-day backcountry trips, this is it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Use it everyday I am on duty. Love it
Used the pack bear hunting. Works better the longer I use it and figure out how I like it loaded. Definitely worth the money.
I came off the 2022 Gen and that was great as well but now I’m just straight spoiled on how well this thing can carry! Bravo!
This was a gift and a great surprise for my son in law. The quality exceeded my expectations, it is well made, very durable and a very fair price. He was also as impressed with the design and quality. I received this very quickly, and was able to track delivery. Definitely looking forward to purchasing from Initial Ascent again!
Crushed a 7 day Caribbean vacation and my daily office runs. Functionally perfect.
Loaded 100lbs of boneless elk quarters in my 5k hiked it 1mile and 900ft elevation gain… felt like I was on an escalator! Na I’m kidding, heavy is heavy no matter the pack BUT this pack carried and balanced the weight extremely well in my opinion way better than previous frame packs I’ve used. Great design!
Alright. I’ll be honest, it took me a while to warm up to this pack. There are a few things I’m not entirely sold on, but in the grand scheme of things they pale in comparison to the things I love about it I’ll preface this review by mentioning that I have used a few different systems, including Kuiu, Badlands and a couple cheaper packs - but I have been for several years a pretty die hard Mystery ranch fan. I’ve had 4 MR packs, and while they make an amazing product, I don’t think I’ll be using them again. In short, while I thought MR packs were the greatest thing to ever grace gods green earth but in terms of carrying heavy weight comfortably, they just don’t come close to initial ascent. I am not going to lie. I had a few gripes with the IA pack right off the bat, most of which faded away after I started actually using it, but 2 of which didn’t: The first thing that I don’t particularly care for is the rifle butt pouch. I generally bow hunt but when i use a rifle I use a slik sling, so have no need for this and personally would prefer a full sized side pouch for a water bottle. But if you want to lash your rifle to your pack as this feature intends, I’m sure it works great. For me it’s just a pouch that I wish was a little deeper so I don’t have to worry about my water bottle falling out. Instead I use it for a tripod and just put my second Nalgene in the main compartment, which has actually turned out to be not a bad approach, just not what I’m used to. The second gripe I haven’t gotten over is the lashing straps tend to slip when tightening them - I wish they came with locking clips like MR packs do. For the few bucks extra in production cost I think that would be a worthwhile addition to the next line of products. Though once they grab they hold but it’s just an extra nuisance to deal with when IMO locking rigs are the way to go. Additionally, I found (at least at first) that the overall design of the frame and how everything interlocks and fastens was a little convoluted. The setup at first seemed complicated, but that might just be because I am dumb and it took me a while to realize the purpose that everything serves - but it didn’t take long before i sorted my thoughts out and realized everything does serve a purpose, and a valuable one at that. Once it’s dialed in, it just WORKS. And works well. I do like the simplicity of the MR overload feature but while the IA pannier system and frame/pack configuration may be a bit of a headache at first once you figure it out it simplifies itself and I’m sure the seemingly more complex design of the pack is ultimately why it carries so well. Now - I don’t want to in any way imply that this is a negative review, because it’s not. This is BY FAR, the most comfortable pack I’ve ever owned. I’m just an over analyzing critical asshole. In terms of this packs ability to carry weight comfortably while properly fitted, it’s an absolute beast. It’s loaded with features, all of which are laid out in the description, and the lumbar support is awesome in a few ways. Comfort and support of course, but it also allows for ample space between your lower back and shoulders to help combat the dreaded back sweat one experiences when climbing a mountain. It’s suitable as an expedition pack but it’s also comfortable to lash down and use as a daypack - and of course has the capacity to haul out meat on top of whatever else you may be dealing with. To wrap things up, while it may not be my PERFECT pack, it’s as close as I’ve ever found, and I didn’t even know it until I used it. If I had never taken the plunge and bought this thing, I would have been perfectly happy never knowing that I was missing out on, but I’m glad I went for it, because it really is that much better than any of the other packs I’ve used.
This is one of the best investments I've made for back country hunting. Left sept 9th and came out the 28th. 50lb pack. I put it on at home and weighed it before season. Once I put it on I thought it was 25-30lbs. Great load distribution. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars verse 5 out of 5 is because when you drop the pack and leave the lid on for day hunts is it doesn't secure as tight as id like and moves around. Worst part of my hunt was a mouse chewed a small hole on through the outer stretchy fabric for the smaller section of the bag....I just bought the bag, pretty frustrating.
Very well made and design. I carried 90lbs right away to test it out and much better than my previous pack.
This pack is 100% worth the money
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Great experience receiving the bag I love the written note that comes with the order and made me that much more happy to support your company great products and great people.
Great pack for heavy weight. 70lb sand bag felt like 40lbs on my old frame pack. Loaded it up to 140bs just for fun with no problems. Fit is great. Highly adjustable to your body. I'm 5'5" at 150lbs and ordered the smaller frame and it fit perfect. Pannier carrier is a must and makes securing your load so easy. Haven't packed any meat with it yet but by far beats any other pack I have used in the past. Cub pack is great for down jacket and pants and makes a great glassing pad. Ordered the small and large hip pouches along with the water bottle holder and currently waiting on the bow holder to come in. Overall this pack is the shit. Looking forward to many years and many many packouts in the future. Rifle hunt in October coming up and I'll send another review with pics.
Gonna be very useful this upcoming fall!
I would give the pack a 4.5/5. The only gripe I have is the buckles. The side straps that come off the frame to the bag do not have auto locking buckles, which when under load such as packing glass or weapons, the straps slip at the buckle if not secured with the Velcro keeper. Otherwise the design, material, and durability of the system is top tier.
It looks cool, feels sturdy as a tank and got room for absolutely everything you need. The confort level you get is higher than what you would ever expect from an external frame backpack. Insane product !
Best pack I’ve run! Well worth the investment!
This thing looks awesome and well made! Let's see how it holds u, but I think it will be great!
Great pack system, best I've used by far!
Used it on a 15 day late archery deer hunt loved it no back aches no complaints
Nice pack recommended by Gritty.
Fantastic weight carrying system. After a full season of carrying multiple loads over 100 pounds I couldn’t imagine not having this system. The ease it allows you to carry heavy loads is unparalleled. Well done and thank you!
Great Bag I have been using it at work for 6 weeks and I would recommend it to anyone!
looks good and packs even better. I really like the internal zippered pockets for things like your passport when traveling abroad.
Awesome bag!
Seems kind of chincy, I thought the materials would be of better quality
I carry this bag everyday. It’s got all the pockets I need and none of the fluff I don’t need. It’s durable, easy to clean and looks great. What more do you need in an EDC bag?
Great guys over at IA. Love the backpack, it fits very well to my body frame. Followed the YouTube directions on how to properly fit the bag and your good to go. Thanks!
The IA5K pack system is awesome! It’s worked great on some hard elk hunts in Colorado. The top entry as well as the beaver tail opening make it super versatile to get stuff out of the pack no matter what the situation is. The overall system works great and is very adjustable.
