Ribz Front Pack

When I first saw the Ribz Front Pack advertised in another outdoor magazine my first thought was that this looks like a way to add more stuff to your load and by doing so you add more weight, so I didn't give it much thought after that. But then I stopped by the Ribz Wear booth at the OR show where it was explained that the main purpose of the front pack system isn't to allow you to carry more stuff but to move the stuff you would need through out the day out of your backpack and into a much more accessible front pack. Once that was pointed out it made a whole lore more sense.
From the Ribz Wear website about the pack "The RIBZ front pack is made of 210d water resistant ripstop nylon. The ribs pack weighs approx. 11 oz. All components are water resistant and have proven durability in the most extreme of conditions. With an average storage capacity between 500 and 700 cubic inches, you can comfortably relocate your desired weight in the front packs. The use of a front pack repositions a portion of your weight forward which reduces your overall shoulder stress and increases comfort, mobility, and balance. A front pack also creates the illusion of carrying a lighter load. Though the RIBZ front pack was designed with ultralight backpacking intentions, any outdoor activity where easy access of equipment is critical is where it proves beneficial. RIBZ front pack can be used alone as a vest but is primarily designed to work with your existing backpack as increased functionality."

First time I tried it out was on a recent, ill conceived backpacking trip on a very humid Labor Day weekend. It was so hot and humid that I had to stop every twenty minutes to reapply bug spray to try and keep the large Minnesota mosquitos at bay. Right off the bat though I noticed how my posture had changed, I was standing more upright and not so hunched over.

It was great having my camera close at hand without needing to stop and take off my backpack every time I wanted to take a photo or have a snack. There was even enough room to hold a cycling style water bottle. Each side of the pack has two compartments, one large one that has two interior mesh pockets to help keep the smaller stuff organized and a smaller zippered compartment. 

The pack is made out of Cordura which helps keep it light but still very durable. The suspender style harness keeps the pack from riding too low. There are two straps in the front to adjust how high it rides (orange tabs in above photo)  and two straps that run across the lower back to pull the pack in closer to your body. One tester did have a hard time keeping the straps strait but I haven't had an issue with that.

One of the best things I can say about this pack after taking it on a canoe trip and a couple of backpacking trips is that you almost forget that you are wearing it until the time comes where you need something out of it. With the canoe trip I was able to keep a couple of small tackle boxes, camera w/extra batteries, first aid kit, multi tool, fire starting materials and a couple granola bars. With the shoulder straps it kept the pack high enough that while I was sitting in the canoe that it wasn't resting on my legs.

The only drawback I have seen is that the extra pack causes you to sweat more. On some of the hotter days I used it all I had to do was unzip the two sides and get some air flowing. The extra warmth will be great in the fall and spring seasons and even this winter I plan on using it while deer hunting. It would also be a great addition to a bouldering kit for all the little things that you don't want to stuff loose into a crash pad.
All in all I would highly recommend this pack to any backpacker or outdoor enthusiast. It retails for $64.95.