I cant wait to hunt this season with a pack that truly does what you say it does. Ive never been able to carry as much weight as far as I can with this pack!
Still Have Questions?
Email info@initialascent.com or call us at (877) 942-7225.
IA8K Pack System
Hip Belt Size
The IA8K pack system is part of the most versatile hunting pack system on the market today. At 8225 cubic inches with the IA Lid, this design is perfectly suited for the 10+ days extreme backcountry hunting adventure. The horseshoe zipper provides easy access to the large main bag with an added large expandable pocket for items needing quick access. The roll-top feature allows the user to make this a sleek and compact 5500 ci (without lid) workhorse.
When the hunt is successful, the IA8K 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.
- 500D, 4-way Stretch, and Ripstop
- 7700 cubic inches without IA Lid (8225 ci with Lid)
- 6 lb 3 oz
- Wedge-shaped designed bag to elevate loads to the optimal carrying position
- Horseshoe-shaped YKK Zipper offers easy access to the large main bag.
- The roll top feature allows the user to make this a sleek and compact 5500 ci workhorse.
- One large expandable front pocket with horseshoe-shaped YKK zipper.
- One Ripstop pocket inside main bag horseshoe opening offers storage for smaller items.
- One side expandable mesh pocket .
- One 20” side pocket is ideal for even the largest spotting scope
- One 7” side pocket designed to handle tripod needs as well as the largest rifle stock.
- Each side has an extra 1" compression strap coming from the frame to secure tripod, rifle, etc. or to provide extra secure attachment to the frame.
- Orange color-coded bar tack for easy buckle and accessory management
- All bar tacks utilize “Lock stitching”
- External molles to support attachment needs
- All internal edges of the pack are finished and bonded for the highest level of quality and durability
Hip Belt Sizes go by "Pants Waist Size"
IA8K Pack Overview
Perfectly suited for 10+ day extreme adventures
IA8K Pack System
IA8K Bag Features
FAQS
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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.
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We offer a 1-year warranty for any material defects and workmanship to the original purchaser.
The Integrous and Invictus Frames have a LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
Visit our Warranty page for more information.
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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.
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The material we use is a 500D Cordura which is very water resistant but not waterproof. If your hunting in wet environment, we recommend out IA Rain Cover.
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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
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 57 reviews.
Had 84 pounds in it on the way up and it had plenty of more room, very comfortable, did 5 days up a 30’ slope and down for water all day every day no hot spots no tears from brush , held my rifle perfect and also perfect side spot for water bags, great build
Pack feels great I got to use it the last week of January guiding archery deer hunts in Arizona . The IA8 allowed me to pack my big 30 power big eyes , my 18 and 10 power binos . Food water tripod chair . Didn’t feel like I had anything on . Very impressive !
Great bag!! You won’t be disappointed. Like everyone says it hauls weight like none other
Love it. Spacious and well thought through. And so comfortable with weight. I combine it with the pannier load system, but not for hunt and carry meat. First of all as a daypack, where i just leave the backpack bag in the tent/cabin. But also put a packraft in the pannier system and been combining it with a full backpack. Makes a huge difference to get the raft folded and up against the back instead of strapped to the outside of the backpack. Also put drybags in the pannier holding freshly caught trout in there with no problem, and nice to have a place to store away from the sleep gear and clothes in the backpack. Combined with the bottle holder, and finally a pack where I can reach my bottle without taking off the pack (or have the bottle attached to some akward place)
Loaded up with 140 lbs for a 12 mile pack out with 2 ram dall sheep split between 3 guys. The pack handled really well.
My first spring bear hunt.
This pack is leaps and bounds better than my old pack. 60lbs feels like 15lbs. I've only been training for hunting season with it and been on some 4-6mile hikes with 60lbs on my back and I can not wait to get it loaded up with gear. Everything seems to be well made and very well thought out.
Took the IA8k out for its maiden voyage. Everything worked excellent. Very pleased with the fit and ergonomics of this bag. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. If I was to pick one thing that bugged me a bit, it would be the non-locking buckles. My previous bags have not had locking buckles either, but this one seems like you really have to position the buckles properly or they tend to slide and loosen off. Not a game changer and a very easy fix. Just wish I would have ordered them with the bag. The rifle carrier is probably the best one I’ve owned so far. Also the pannier load carrier is second to none! Been using it for pack training with a 40lb sand bag and it handles it like a dream and keeps it very secure with no movement. Can’t wait to load it up with some meat this season. Great bag and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Great pack!!!! Used this pack in Northern Idaho elk hunting for 10 days and it was fantastic. I was fortunate enough to meet Joe and Dennis at Mark's E-scouting class and these guys are legit. Down to earth guys with a great product. Very pleased with my purchase and the guys that got my money. 💯
I used this pack for the first time on my 10 day Montana elk hunt. We backpacked the entire trip with camp on our backs. The pack was very comfortable and sturdy. It road really well with weight estimated pack weight at the start was around 60-65 lbs. I didn’t have any hot spots or anything like that the entire trip. The webbing was very easily organized and the large lid was a great size for all my miscellaneous personal items. My pack still looks pretty much brand new I can tell this one will last quite a while for sure. I love what the company is doing they sent out a hand written thank you note with my purchase which was a nice touch. Overall I would 100% recommend this pack to anyone serious about hunting and backpacking. This will be the only system I use from now on. Thanks guys really great job!!
I have been backpacking and backcountry hunting for 50 years and have tried/used/abused many different kinds/types of packs. With that experience, I researched all of the packs available last year, and decided to pull the trigger and buy the IA8 from Joe and Dennis(Great Humans)! Fit/function/capacity and quality were my priorities. Initial Ascent IA8 blew it out of the water! I love to carry heavy loads and the I8 comfortably handled everything I stuffed into it. There wasn’t a problem on day hikes or compressing it for small loads either. The function aspects of the available accessories were the perfect match to complete the system. In the off-season, I throw a 50 pound sandbag in the meat hauler and use it as a ruck pack to train for my next adventure. I continue to rant and rave about how happy I am with this pack. I would recommend this pack to anyone. I plan on buying one for my son.
I came from a Badlands 4500 to the Cadillac of packs! All of it is just comfortable! My first set of shed antlers was on the pack, maybe 50lbs with my gear as well. And I continued all day with no pain anywhere. Very happy! And I train with a 70lb sand bag as well. Doing multiple movements, not just rucking. And just impressed! A great pack in every direction! Thank all of you!
What a great pack! So much space haven’t been able to get close to filling it up yet!!
I’ve had a lot of packs over the years but none that could comfortably carry the weight that this spacious pack can handle.
Love this pack. I’ve tried many different companies packs and this one fits like a glove. 8k bag is awesome for multi day trips. Horseshoe zipper makes organization and finding items super simple.
Just got the new IA8k pack and couldn't be happier, unless I had more time with it in the field with it of course. The quality and craftsmanship screams made in the USA, that seems almost extinct nowadays. Any reservations I had were immediately gone after a few minutes of messing with the pack. Don't hesitate or go cheep buy once and save in the long run.
After last years issues Dennis got me fixed up and thanks to him again down at the Peaks grand opening he helped me adjust my pack cuz clearly I'm an idiot and didn't have it quite adjusted right and oh my God I put it to the test this past weekend. I hiked from 8000ft to 9600ft carrying about 65lbs really put it to the test and it works awesome comfortable excellent pack. COMFORTABLE.
Other than it taking over a month and a half to get it it’s an amazing pack definitely worth the investment!!
Couldn’t be happier with INITIAL ASCENT , one of the greatest feeling packs right out the box this IA8K Pack System is definitely my favorite pack I own. If you’re looking for pack, you can’t go wrong with Initial Ascent, Great customer service.
Massive pack should be great for the upcoming season
Thoughtful pack layout, love the ability to easily detach the pack from the frame, switch out to just the panier load carrier, and easily detach the lid. The frame is a beast, pack carries very nicely, on my first hike I hauled a 35lb dumb bell up 2500 ft with no stress at all on the shoulders, sits very well on the hips, feels like it's floating on the downhill. Removing the pack and running the panier and lid is the perfect training rucksack, can easily load up weight in the panier. Can't wait to use it in the field this fall!
Solid pack, can wait to get into the field with it.
Outstanding, recently returned from a fishing trip in the Cranberry Wildernes and the pack performed flawlessly in fit, load distribution, and solid construction. Looking forward to many more hunting and fishing trips with it. Thank you!
Love my new pack so far. Looks great fits great and I can't wait to hunt out of it. On top of that the customer service I received from the team at Initial Ascent was top notch.
Great company! Great to work with!
Snagged this for my wife to use when we go to Alaska later this year. I plan on taking over the bag after and getting her the smaller set up. She’s a tiny little Filipina, and we managed to get this thing to fit her great. We were both worried with her being so petit it wouldn’t work but to our shock it does. She’s able to get a few miles in with me so far and feels confident in it. Great purchase
The pack is outstanding. As a backpacking guide I needed something that could handle longer trips with a heavy load. This pack does it! It’s well made, sturdy with tons of adjustability. This is the first pack (of many) that doesn’t hurt my hip after having hip replacement. Well done
Love all my initial accent stuff
Excelent pack. Fits and much better than my Stone Glacier does.
Luved the size and room to put everything in it worked great. Too bad I had so many issues with the belt, locking buckles, Load lifters/frame to actually figure out if the pack is worth the time and hassle of switch to it
Great pack.
Great Pack fits everything I needed for my elk hunt and compresses down to a smaller day pack. Seen a lot of miles rain and snow but no elk😂…what used to be a chore in the woods is now a pleaser can't wait to rock it on my 9 day mule hunt.
Great pack, love all the accessories that are available.
Pack performed great!! I am new to back packing and did a 12 miler through steep boulder trails over two days with my adult children. I carried a little more than them to give the pack a good first test. Packed 45lbs in and it felt better than 25 pound loads with my other day hunting pack. Developed a rub spot on one hip as I tried to micro adjust the pack height on the frame. Shoulders in the trap and clavicle are a little sore, but more the human than the pack. Love it look forward to some long hunts this fall.
Great! Careies the weight better than any other. And a great storage design
Awesome pack system, carry’s heavy meat weight well with the pannier and great air flow from the carbon frame to the back so less sweating. This IA8k is by far the best load carrying pack I’ve used. Being from New Zealand we hunt all year round and this pack will get a thrashing hauling out 60-100 red deer annually. Thanks Initial Ascent for a well made and innovative product. Cheers J E
What more can be said! Great pack, great weight distribution and quality construction! I will never own another brand of pack!
Great quality, and looks awesome!!! I’ll be loading it up in a couple weeks. For fall bear !
Pack is amazing! My father tried it on and immediately ordered one for himself!