Initial Ascent

Initial Ascent

@initialascentpacks

Carrying heavy loads in the backcountry is the most dreaded and painful aspect of the hunt. We’ve created a pack system that carries heavy loads more comfortably so you can have the hunting experience you deserve. We pride ourselves on the simple, lightweight and modular design of our Initial Ascent pack system. https://initialascent.com/pack-systems/

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Rogue Hunters
Rogue Hunters
Member · since 2026
Gun Show
Member · since 2026
Rogue Adventurers
Rogue Adventurers
Member · since 2026
Find Me Everywhere
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A story of persistence, patience, and continuing to show up. #muledeerhunting #…
YouTubeSep 8, 2026
He Chased This 193 Inch Mule Deer for Two Months: Brayden Staples
YouTubeSep 8, 2026
Labor Day Sale is Live! #backcountryhunting #initialascent
YouTubeSep 3, 2026
Elk Calling Tactics for Every Phase of the Rut | Dirk Durham
YouTubeSep 1, 2026
How Martin Chag Packs for a Backcountry Mule Deer Hunt
YouTubeAug 27, 2026
Backcountry Moose Breakdown & Pack out
YouTubeAug 26, 2026
This is what hunting is about. Teaching our kids why we do it and the right way…
YouTubeAug 19, 2026
How to Hunt Mature Mule Deer in Pressured Units | Martin Chag
YouTubeAug 18, 2026
Early season pack set up. Mule Deer and Antelope, spot and stalk. #backcountryh…
YouTubeAug 13, 2026
Chris Young’s Early-Season Mule Deer Pack Setup | Scout Pack Gear Breakdown
YouTubeAug 13, 2026
The Scout is used in many different scenarios. #scouting #texashunting #daypack
YouTubeAug 12, 2026
Years In The Making | An Archery Elk Film
YouTubeAug 9, 2026
YEARS IN THE MAKING | Archery Elk Film Dropping August 9th!
YouTubeAug 6, 2026
“Stop putting lipstick on a pig” #backcountryhunting #podcast
YouTubeAug 4, 2026
What Should You Actually Eat in the Backcountry? Kyle Kamp
YouTubeAug 4, 2026
What does it take to compete at the highest level?
YouTubeJul 28, 2026
Chad Mendes: The Preparation Behind Greatness
YouTubeJul 28, 2026
Why Every Initial Ascent Pack System Needs a Pannier Load Carrier
YouTubeJul 26, 2026
Scouting mule deer to balancing family, preparation, and the discipline it take…
YouTubeJul 21, 2026
How to Balance Hunting, Fatherhood, and Family
YouTubeJul 21, 2026
250+ Days a Year on the Mountain: Why I Choose the IA8K
YouTubeJul 16, 2026
How to Choose the Right Initial Ascent Hip Belt Size | Size Up or Down?
YouTubeJul 15, 2026
The most important accessory that we have.
YouTubeJul 15, 2026
Grizzly Charges, Plane Crashes & 300 Days in the Field | Dan Whitmus
YouTubeJul 14, 2026
Dan Whitmus spends close to 300 days in the mountains.
YouTubeJul 14, 2026
IA Cub Bag Deep Dive | The Most Versatile Hunting Pack Accessory?
YouTubeJul 9, 2026
The IA Cub Bag: With many uses, the IA Cub Bag is one of our most diverse acces…
YouTubeJul 9, 2026
“If you’re looking for permission to go do what you want, here it is.”
YouTubeJul 8, 2026
Don't Leave Dad at the Trailhead | Jake Arvold & Kaylee Stevens | First Phorm O…
YouTubeJul 7, 2026
What does it mean to live a life of purpose instead of comfort?
YouTubeJun 30, 2026
Read (42)
The Myth of the Recovery Day: Why the Easy Path Is Killing Your Adaptive Capacity
Science
The Myth of the Recovery Day: Why the Easy Path Is Killing Your Adaptive Capacity

True strength isn't measured by how much you recover, but by how much you adapt. Stop treating discomfort as a temporary failure.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Movers
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Right Gear, The Right Call: Preparing for the Harvest Season
Techniques
The Right Gear, The Right Call: Preparing for the Harvest Season

As the season turns, the call of the hunt grows louder. Whether you're tackling public lands or joining a guided trip, preparation and purpose are everything.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
More Than a Tag: Finding the Edge in the Elk Hunt
Techniques
More Than a Tag: Finding the Edge in the Elk Hunt

True elk hunting success isn't about luck or a good draw; it's about the generational knowledge, mental toughness, and relentless discipline required to fill the tag.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Gathering: Finding Your Edge at the Hunt Fest
Culture
The Gathering: Finding Your Edge at the Hunt Fest

More than just a weekend of food and vendors, the annual Hunt Fest is a reminder of the deep community that sustains the craft of the hunt.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Organization Game: When Your Tool Kit Needs a Hidden Pocket
Equipment
The Organization Game: When Your Tool Kit Needs a Hidden Pocket

Even the best-built engine needs good organization. We broke down how to keep your essential bits and specialized tools accessible, whether you're doing an oil change or a full engine swap.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Gearheads
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Efficiency in the Field: Making Every Pound Count When Packing Out
Equipment
Efficiency in the Field: Making Every Pound Count When Packing Out

When the haul is heavy, every piece of gear matters. Learn how to turn your pack-out system into a functional sit pad, saving weight and time on the mountain.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Keeping the Build Dry: Protecting Your Investment from the Elements
Equipment
Keeping the Build Dry: Protecting Your Investment from the Elements

Whether you're tackling an LS swap or restoring a classic muscle car, keeping your tools and newly installed parts protected from moisture is non-negotiable.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Gearheads
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Buzz of the Expo: Where the Hunt Community Connects
Culture
The Buzz of the Expo: Where the Hunt Community Connects

The Western Hunt Expo is more than just gear; it's where the lineage of the hunt is renewed. Getting connected with guides and fellow hunters is half the battle.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Beyond the Basics: Building Your Infrastructure to Withstand the Deplatforming Cycle
Business
Beyond the Basics: Building Your Infrastructure to Withstand the Deplatforming Cycle

Whether you're optimizing a sales funnel or protecting your assets, robust infrastructure is the single most valuable asset a founder can possess.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Business
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Silent Edge: Keeping Your Feet Dry and Ready for the Long Haul
Troubleshooting
The Silent Edge: Keeping Your Feet Dry and Ready for the Long Haul

Endurance isn't just about the deep woods; it's about the details. A quick routine for foot care can make the difference between a grueling day and a successful hunt.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
2 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Intelligence of Organization: Building Your Essential Electronics Kit for Exodus
Equipment
The Intelligence of Organization: Building Your Essential Electronics Kit for Exodus

As the days shorten and the signals grow louder, proper organization of your critical electronics kit is key to maintaining light, communication, and morale when the grid fails.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Preppers
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Gear Arrives: Equipping the Hunter for the Next Challenge
Equipment
The Gear Arrives: Equipping the Hunter for the Next Challenge

When the supplies ship out, it's a reminder that preparation is half the hunt. Stocking your kit properly means you're ready for anything the wilderness throws at you.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Kit of Provision: Gear for a Deep Country Bear Hunt
Equipment
The Kit of Provision: Gear for a Deep Country Bear Hunt

When the miles stack up and the season demands everything, the gear isn't just equipment—it's part of the mission. A deep dive into bear hunt preparedness.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Small Tech Edge, Big Scouting Advantage: Perfecting the Trail Camera Setup
Techniques
Small Tech Edge, Big Scouting Advantage: Perfecting the Trail Camera Setup

Sometimes the best tech tip isn't a new rifle, but a simple trick to make sure your scouting efforts pay off when you're looking for that next elk pocket.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Essentials: What Really Belongs in Your Immediate Carry Kit
Equipment
The Essentials: What Really Belongs in Your Immediate Carry Kit

When the sirens sound, every ounce of weight counts. We discuss the critical small items that form the foundation of true Provident Self-Reliance.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Preppers
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Knife Talk: Why Your Field Dressing Kit Matters This Elk Season
Equipment
Knife Talk: Why Your Field Dressing Kit Matters This Elk Season

The difference between a successful harvest and a struggle often comes down to the gear. We break down the essential role of the knife in ethical elk processing.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
3 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Every Cubic Inch Counts: Optimizing Your Gear for the Deep Country Hunt
Equipment
Every Cubic Inch Counts: Optimizing Your Gear for the Deep Country Hunt

Whether you're tracking elk or bighorn in the wilderness, mastering your pack and understanding gear efficiency is non-negotiable for a successful, ethical, and safe trip.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Wilderness Doesn't Care About Your Emotions: It Only Cares About Your Gear and Your Grit
Stories
The Wilderness Doesn't Care About Your Emotions: It Only Cares About Your Gear and Your Grit

When the trail gets lonely and the miles pile up, the deep truth of the backcountry calls you back to the basics: self-reliance, tradition, and the unwavering commitment to the hunt.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
The Right Gear for the Long Wait: Optimizing Your Glassing Platform
Equipment
The Right Gear for the Long Wait: Optimizing Your Glassing Platform

Sometimes the best gear isn't the rifle; it's the thing that keeps you comfortable and efficient during the long hours of scouting and glassing.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
4 min
0 0 0about 1 month ago
Mastering the Descent: Load Management for the Real Hunt
Techniques
Mastering the Descent: Load Management for the Real Hunt

The journey is as critical as the shot. Learn how adjusting your load lifters and shifting your center of gravity can make the difference between a grueling pack-out and a manageable trek.

Initial Ascent
Initial Ascent
Rogue Hunters
3 min
0 0 0about 2 months ago
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