Review: RIBZ Front Pack

Ribz Pack Review

My Review of the new RIBZ Front Pack

by Greg Rodgers

When I was first contacted to do this review, I heard the word “pack” and agreed immediately, not 100% of what exactly it was that I was being sent in the mail.

When my RIBZ arrived, I was still a little baffled. It is safe to say that there is nothing else like this on the market right now. The “Front Pack” according to RIBZ is designed for the avid sportsman that needs to have critical gear in a quick and ready location.

This clicked right up with my first impression that it works a little like web gear (or LBE) did for me in the Army – a vest that serves to keep your most important items (like water, first aid, compass, etc) handy and close to your body.

If I could get back all of the time in my life I have spent digging through a backpack for something small and elusive….the Front Pack works with a traditional backpack so you can put your small camera, compass, suncream, etc into the front where it is accessible. I also like the fact that you can get to all of this stuff while standing without removing anything.

Initial Impression

Despite the attractive logo sewn on the side, I don’t see international travelers wearing this around the hostel. It looks a little too “functional”, which it is. The outdoor applications for travelers, however, are exciting. On most long treks where you are restricted to carrying just one bag on your back, this increases your storage options and comfortably puts things within easy reach.

When I first saw the RIBZ pack, I thought of fishing in rivers and streams. The water-proof nylon material seems to be perfect for getting-wet applications like fishing, kayaking, caving, and even skiing/snowboarding. I would like to take this caving with me, unlike carrying a traditional “day pack” it doesn’t increase your form factor and stays close to your body.

Pros and things I like:

I like the heavy duty zippers with widely spaced teeth to grind through dirt, snow, or whatever else gets inside.
I like the fact that there are 2 ways to access 2 separate compartments on both sides of the vest.
Velcro in the back makes the whole system adjustable to how many clothes you are wearing.
The main inner compartment has smaller organizing dividers for sliding a GPS or phone inside.
Works in conjunction with your existing backpack.

Cons and nit-picky things:

The material that the pack is made of is very noisy – not good for sneaking up on wildlife. After speaking to the creator of the pack on the phone, he told me of a silent version that is now available.
The narrow straps get easily twisted up when not wearing.
I would rather see a backpack style buckle on the front rather than a zipper that might be hard to get started under certain conditions.

Overall I think the potential and application for this unique RIBZ pack are exciting. The creator of the pack, Ray Richardson, is an avid backpacking and outdoors enthusiast, he has managed to create a product that fills a very unique niche.

The RIBZ Front Pack was co-created by one of the most decorated Navy SEALs – Frank Thornton, a man who has carried loads in Southeast Asia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He knows his stuff – thumbs up! You can read more about the RIBZ Front Pack and see some great photos here: http://www.ribzwear.com/product.htm

Contest for Startbackpacking.com readers!

RIBZ USA and Startbackpacking.com are giving away one of the $65.00 Front Packs reviewed above for FREE! Here is how to get entered:

On March 15, 2010 I will be selecting a random email off the new RSS subscribers list for Startbackpacking.com. To get entered in the contest, simply subscribe to Startbackpacking.com by entering your email on the top right of any page of the site below the “Share the message of vagabonding” banner.

Details:

We hate the taste of SPAM as much as you do! You will never receive anything other than an automated email whenever something new is added to Startbackpacking.com
No name or contact details are needed – only your email.
The winner will have 3 days to respond by email or a new winner will be chosen.
The winner will be announced in the forums here and also on Twitter after March 15, 2010- follow @bucho_ky to stay updated.
Shipping is covered, all you have to do is enjoy your new pack!
(Sorry – the free shipping just applies to the US)

Good luck!