Initial Ascent packs made in Taiwan?

[RivUrLife]

I just purchase a IA8k pack. As I was putting everything together on the pack I found a tag kind of hidden behind the hip belt area that says “Made in Taiwan”. This was very surprising to me because I had always seen advertising “Made in USA”. I paid just under $1,000 for this pack and was okay with it, thinking it was made in America. I emailed them to ask what parts of any are made in USA still. I am debating returning the pack and going with a EXO K4. Does anyone know when they stopped making IA packs in USA?

[RivUrLife]

Attached is a picture of the tag. It is almost hard to find. Behind the right side pad on the hip belt.

[Jason]

Just return and buy the EXO. You won't be disappointed.

[hughjorgan]

From a quick AI search it said that the frames are still made in Idaho. Accessories and bags are made in Tawain.

https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/psa-initial-ascent-bags-and-accessories-made-in-taiwan.421710/?utm_source=perplexity

[jrebel]

That would be a tough pill to swallow for me......especially being EXO states 100% of their packs are made in the USA.  Glad I went with the EXO last year....great packs and right about the same price. 

It's hard to find companies that make 100% USA equipment, but when I do....I support them. 

[blackveltbowhunter]

I want to say exo and kif are the closest ones to "100 percent" made in USA. Even then between raw fabrics, foams, threads, buckles, zippers, sewing machines, parts for the machines etc.... something is usually slipping through the cracks not to mention sourcing the raw goods seems like a moving target for most of these companies.  I had a kifaru way before they became cool, now that Snyder is gone and IA is now the holder of the new " social status pack award "I havent had the desire to jump on the bandwagon. My point being the IA is a great frame and supports local Americans regardless. If you like the IA the best use it guilt free!!   

[Sakko300wsm]

I personally have never heard of this brand of packs - the pack I use are EXO
I Have K3 and K4 - American made and great packs!

[teanawayslayer]

Just return and buy the EXO. You won't be disappointed.

agreed!

[huntnnw]

Had my pack 2 years and does not have that tag on it. Ill say its the best back I have ever worn when it comes to hauling huge amount of weight.

[JPhelps]

I wouldn’t be worried about the “origin location” but if that matters then I understand. The sew shops in Taiwan are really good.

I used Kifaru since 2011 and they were great packs, Snyder would build me custom length stays and I usually got to test the new stuff coming down the pipeline. The new ARK frame was only 25” and I didn’t get enough lift out of it.

This past year I switched to IA after talking with Joe and Dennis (great guys) and the IA is lighter, more rigid, barrels less (because of the carbon wings) and hauls heavy loads better. From the Yukon moose to Idaho mule deer to New Mexico Elk the IA performed perfectly.

[RivUrLife]

From a quick AI search it said that the frames are still made in Idaho. Accessories and bags are made in Tawain.


Yeah I didnt think to use AI. This is the email I received back from them.

“Thanks so much for reaching out. We make our frames locally in Rexburg, Idaho. All the soft goods are sewn in Taiwan and then every pack is put together here in Caldwell, Idaho.”

[huntnnw]

You guys going to buy horses and sell your trucks ? You probably use 100 things a day made over seas.. hilarious ! Omfg a back pack says Taiwan !!