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Stepping into the wild with a poorly designed backpack can turn dream hunts into nightmares—something Joe Elliston learned firsthand before co-founding Initial Ascent. His journey from an 86-pound disaster pack to creating one of hunting's most respected backpack companies forms the backdrop for this captivating episode filled with unforgettable stories from the backcountry.

Joe's tale of his son Brody harvesting a turkey while half-dressed—camo pants around his ankles, no shirt, and hat backward—brings comic relief and proves sometimes success comes despite our mistakes. But the mood shifts dramatically as Joe recounts a bone-chilling encounter with a wolf pack that surrounded their camp at what was later identified as a wolf "rendezvous point." The pack's eerie, guttural howls continued for hours, forcing them to pack out in darkness with wolves following uncomfortably close behind.

Through these experiences, Joe reveals how adversity sparked innovation. The miserable first backpacking trip where his youngest son shivered in soaked sleeping bags became the catalyst for Initial Ascent's mission to build packs that carry heavy loads comfortably. His Bennett Mountain elk hunt story, complete with unexpected access challenges and eventual success, showcases the persistence that drives both hunting and entrepreneurship.

Whether you're planning your next backcountry adventure or simply enjoy authentic hunting stories, Joe's experiences offer valuable insights and reminders of why we venture into wild places despite the challenges they present. His passion for sharing the outdoors with his sons and building equipment worthy of life's most meaningful moments shines through every story.

https://initialascent.com/

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