Shows
The Mountain Dude PodcastBehind the Man: The Life, Faith, and Grit of Joe EllistonGot questions? Send us a text!In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Joe Elliston, Co-Founder of Initial Ascent, for a deep dive into the man behind the brand. From his childhood adventures and early hunting roots to the lessons learned through leadership, loss, and faith—Joe opens up in a raw, heartfelt conversation that goes far beyond gear talk.He shares stories of family, resilience, and how carrying heavy loads—both in the backcountry and in life—shaped who he is today.If you’ve ever wondered what dri...
2025-11-181h 43
Caribou Media Outdoors PodcastEp 047: Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes | Initial AscentOn this episode, I sat down with Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes from Initial Ascent. We go over the packs in the Initial Ascent line up: Day Pack, IA 3K, IA 5K, IA 8K, and the EDC Pack. We talk about their incredible carbon fibre frame that is capable of hauling over 150lbs comfortably. Listen until the end, to hear about Dennis' spring bear hunt.Follow Initial Ascent on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/Check out the Initial Ascent website:https://initialascent.com/Send us a text
2025-08-2651 min
The Mountain Dude PodcastLaying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude PodcastGot questions? Send us a text!In this kickoff episode, host Chris Young along with the Initial Ascent owners Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes gather around the table to set the stage for something bigger than gear talk or hunting stories (though you’ll get plenty of both). This podcast is about diving deep into faith, failure, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better men, hunters, fathers, and leaders.From sharing the roots of the Mountain Dude brand to praying over the mission of the podcast, this episode sets a firm foundation in va...
2025-06-0912 min
The Hunting Stories PodcastEp 150 The Hunting Stories Podcast: Joe EllistonSend us a textStepping 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...
2025-05-261h 08
Gritty PodcastULTRALIGHT vs. REAL-WORLD PACKS: HOW MUCH HUNTERS CARRY | 🎙️ EP. 900In this episode I'm joined by Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston from Initial Ascent, along with our buddy Martin Chag. We're breaking down ultralight vs. backcountry hunting packs, real pack weights, and what it actually takes to haul heavy loads in the mountains. If you've packed meat or tried to cut weight without cutting safety, this episode's for you ____________________________________________________________________ WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://f...
2025-05-1338 min
In PursuitEp. 134: Initial Ascent with Joe Elliston and Dennis StokesJason sits down with Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes of Initial Ascent to dive into the story behind their hunting pack company. They talk about what inspired them to start the brand, the hands-on prototyping process, and the rigorous testing their packs endured before ever hitting the market. The conversation highlights the innovation that sets their pack system apart, as well as where they're headed next in the world of high-performance backcountry gear. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The Me...
2025-04-2458 min
Publicly ChallengedEPISODE#203-PLAYING TAG FIVE MILES DEEPIn this episode we talk to Joe Elliston of Initial Ascent packs. In the past we have talked about the packs and how great they are (No Joke) so this time around we talk a little about the packs and share some laughs and hunting stories. Anything from hunting squirrels and ducks in flooded timber to the great salt lake and deer, elk, and bears this episode has it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-10-161h 11
Big Hunt GuysThe Pack That's Catching Everyone's Eyes - Initial Ascent | Big Hunt Guys, Ep. 130The Big Hunt Guys sit down with Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston of Initial Ascent backpacks on this week's episode. Initial Ascent packs were born out of Dennis’s desire to find a backpack that was comfortable for every body type but specifically for someone like him who was dealing with lower back pain. The guys discuss the start of Initial Ascent, the design of the frame and bags, their unique approach to frame materials and design, and why Initial Ascent has taken off as one of the leading backpacks in hunting. They also discuss backpack fit and what so...
2024-07-251h 39
Second Cup of Joe...and JohnJacob Crouse, Rotier’s RestaurantThere is arguably no more iconic Nashville food item than Rotier’s cheeseburger. The three-generationVandy area restaurant hosted the rich and famous alongside the average Joe and Jane, closing after 75years in 2021. Enter grandson Jacob, who resurrected the eatery inside Bridgestone Arena. Jacobmeanders down Elliston Place memory lane, recounting how it all started revealing the secret (sort of) ofwhy the burgers receive worldwide acclaim. Listen and you almost feel as if you’re in one of the well-worn booths, not needing to see a menu, and soon needing a nap from...
2024-05-1253 minSecond Cup of Joe...and JohnJacob Crouse, Rotier’s RestaurantThere is arguably no more iconic Nashville food item than Rotier’s cheeseburger. The three-generationVandy area restaurant hosted the rich and famous alongside the average Joe and Jane, closing after 75years in 2021. Enter grandson Jacob, who resurrected the eatery inside Bridgestone Arena. Jacobmeanders down Elliston Place memory lane, recounting how it all started revealing the secret (sort of) ofwhy the burgers receive worldwide acclaim. Listen and you almost feel as if you’re in one of the well-worn booths, not needing to see a menu, and soon needing a nap from...
2024-05-1253 minGritty PodcastEP. 834: RYAN LAMPERS & BRIAN CALL TALK BACKPACKS WITH INITIAL ASCENTRyan Lampers and I sit down with Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston from Initial Ascent Backpacks. We discuss the updates to their backpacks and how they have made our backcountry hunting experiences better. Their frame design really makes heavier pack weight feel lighter. Be sure to check them out at https://initialascent.com/ or go check them out in person by Appointment Only. 1410 Lauren Ln Ste 101 Caldwell, ID 83605 info@initialascent.com 877-9IAPACK (942-7225) WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. Get access to EXCLUSIVE CONTENT and...
2024-03-281h 09
The School Of Hard NocksEpisode #38: Joe Elliston of Initial AscentIf you've followed us for any amount of time, you know how much we love our Initial Ascent gear. In this episode we sit down with Joe Elliston, Co- Owner of Initial Ascent. We touch a little bit on their amazing products, but focus more on who Joe is and what is the reason WHY he loves being outdoors and how that passion led to Initial Ascent.
2023-12-291h 03Gritty PodcastEP. 776: INITIAL ASCENT BACKPACKS | JOE ELLISTON | DENNIS STOKESOn this podcast I sit down with Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston from Initial Ascent backpacks.. We discuss how Initial Ascent started and how they continue to innovate. Be sure to check out their packs and accessories. Visit https://initialascent.com/ Get access to EXCLUSIVE CONTENT and interact with other members of the GRITTY/STHEALTHY COMMUNITY! GO TO: https://gritty.locals.com/ AND BECOME A SUPPORTER! *CODES* GOHUNT GEAR SHOP 10% Off-- Use code GRITTY https://shop.gohunt.com/discount/GRITTY GAITERS PEAX -- SAVE 10% -- code: GRITTY - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ TREKKING POLES PEAX - SAVE 10% -- code...
2023-03-261h 21
Soul Summit PodcastFrom Day Hikes to the Backcountry -What Pack is Right For You with Initial AscentHands down one of the most frequent questions I get asked is about finding the right hunting/ backpacking pack.
Questions like: How do I know what size bag is right for the adventures I have planned? How many cubic inches do I need for an 8-day backcountry trip? How should my pack fit? What size frame do I need? What is the best way to load my back to save my back?
All of the above questions are a great place to start and finding the right pack for you is vital in keeping you...
2022-06-2951 min
The Hunter's Quest Podcast60. INITIAL ASCENT w/ JOE ELLISTON & DENNIS STOKESDennis and Joe, friends and founders of Initial Ascent Backpacks met in church. Neither one of them worked in product design or engineering. They did not work in the hunting industry and they were not born and raised out west, but somehow they designed one of the most innovative and best performing backcountry pack and frame systems on the market; known for its ability to handle massive loads.I got a chance to meet Joe and Dennis at the Western Hunting Expo and to try one of their revolutionary pack frames and I was extremely impressed with...
2022-05-0157 min
Soul Seekers PodcastEp. 132 | It starts at the foundation with Joe Elliston
Everything that lasts in life starts with a solid foundation. From parenting skills, a successful marriage or even the frame of a backpack, Joe Elliston of Initial Ascent knows first hand the importance of focusing on the foundation. This is an amazing episode that focuses on the intention and desire of what you want to create and accomplish in your life. Tune in to find out more. Knowledge is power and through this thought provoking episode you too can become your own #soulfulhunter.
Initial Ascent Pack Review
https://initialascent.com/
The Soulful Hunter...
2021-10-111h 06
The Bear Archery PodcastEp.55: Fun, Food, and FathersDylan is joined by Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes of Initial Ascent. They talk about the importance of finding gear that fits you, and shoot the breeze about past hunts, wild game, and important memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-07-2849 min
The Bear Archery PodcastEp.44: Backpack BreakdownOn this episode, Dylan is joined by Joe Elliston of Initial Ascent. Joe breaks down the essential steps to packing for a backwoods bear hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-05-0541 min
Western ContoursREFLECTIONS episode 8 with Joe Elliston
Reflections episode 8 with Joe Elliston
This series is about paying it forward, paying forward through our learned experience in hopes to have a positive impact on someone else's life. Sharing stories of life's hardships, triumphs, hard lessons and how they were seen through to fruition. The lessons along the way, the sources of inspiration, motivation and the personal value along the road.
This is your fuel! Enjoy the episode.
Thank you to the fine sponsors of REFLECTIONS
The Crazy Elk Company use code Western for 20% off at checkout.
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2021-02-2220 minWestern ContoursJoe Elliston and Dennis Stokes: There’s Gonna Be That Day Or TwoHey guys I sat down with Joe and Dennis and we talk gear. Essentials, peripheral gear, why they carry what they carry, what experience has taught them over the years and the things they just can't live without. Enjoy the episode.
Interested in learning more about Initial Ascent or picking up a great pack system follow the link below.
https://initialascent.com/?aff=5
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-07-041h 17