Anyone using Initial Ascent (IA) packs

[jrebel]

Looking for reviews on the IA packs.  I'm looking to upgrade and have it narrowed down to a couple....IA being the top of my list and Stone Glacier being second or third. 

[baker5150]

I can't weigh in, but I believe I saw some of their packs on Camofire recently.

[Mtnwalker]

Curious what puts them at the top of your list over some of the other high end pack mfg’s?

[jrebel]

I can't weigh in, but I believe I saw some of their packs on Camofire recently.

Yes, last years packs have been listed on Camofire.  I like the new pack design with the horseshoe zipper to the main compartment.  My research shows the folks using them love them.  That said, these guys are likely sponsored by them as they are on their youtube channels. 

They do offer a 10% discount to Military, LEO, Fire, EMS, etc.  They are also made in Idaho / USA which is a huge plus.  They reportedly pack weight like no other pack on the market (Again, this is reported by users that are hard core hunters and have youtube channels, so likely sponsored by them).  They are not cheap, but nice packs aren't. 

[jrebel]

Curious what puts them at the top of your list over some of the other high end pack mfg’s?

1.  Made in USA / Idaho.
2.  Military, LEO, EMS, Fire discount
3.  Reports of how they carry weight.  I'm not an expedition hunter, but we do pack a lot of meat and I like packs that carry weight well. 
4.  Modularity of the pack.  Take a 3500cu in pack and make it as small as 1100cu (ish) up to 4200cu (ish) with very little work. 

[Klickitatsteelie]

Have no experience with the pack you mentioned but I have an exo k3 pack that I will never leave home without. I have packed 4 whole mule deer out with all my day gear in one trip. 2 seasons ago I packed out a bull elk 2.8 miles by myself in 2 trips. Comfortable, handled weight extremely well and as you mention build in Idaho. I have not looked at another pack since purchasing my exo.