Ribz Frontpack
July 02, 2009
In the world of backpacks, there is a niche category of products that positions compartments and pouches over the chest. Called “frontpacks,” these gear-carrying modules are made by small companies like Aarn Designs, Syncpack, and LuxuryLite.
You usually wear a frontpack in tandem with a backpack. The theory is that a load up front will move weight forward on the body to counterbalance a heavy haul on back.
Easy access to food, a GPS device, a camera or sunscreen is another advantage. (I have a review of five frontpack models here: gearjunkie.com/frontpacks)
A recent entrant into the frontpack realm, Ribz Sportswear of Coronado, Calif., offers a pack with up to 600 cubic inches of usable space. The company’s namesake Ribz pack has four large zippered pockets mounted in a vest configuration and sewn on a suspenders-type harness.
Loaded up, the pack can tote a half-day’s worth of gear or add significant capacity for a long trip. I put in energy bars, a map, a compass, a small camera, a hat, survival items, sunglasses, and a few other small essentials.
In my test, the Ribz pack (www.ribzwear.com) carried fine. It distributed a load on my shoulders and put weight comfortably up front.
Wide shoulder straps made of heavy-duty nylon are designed to distribute weight yet remain comfortable when worn under a backpack harness. To connect the two compartments, the RIBZ pack has a low-profile strap in the rear that fit under a backpack with little issue.
The Ribz pack, which costs $65, is beefy and well-made. The nylon fabric is durable. It weighs 10 ounces and wears light and comfortably alone or with a pack.
If you’re in the market for a frontpack, Ribz Sportswear is a solid new up-front option.
—Stephen Regenold writes about outdoors gear at www.gearjunkie.com.
I’ve thought of something like this for years so when I saw it I had to give it a try. I consider myself a minimalist but still always want to be sure I have all the equipment needed for a long trip. I just returned from a 3 week trek through the Sierras and couldn’t believe how comfortable and how beneficial this pack turned out to be. I love having a portion of my gear accessible from my chest and I definitely felt a huge differece in transferring a portion of my weight to my chest. My personal favorite feature is being able to drop my pack off at camp and still be fully equipped for running around. Definitely is going to be a part of all my trips going forward. Thx for the hot tip junkie!
I just talked with Ray Richardson over at Ribz and the new line of Ribz should be out in mid Feb 2011. We will also be selling the new Ribz at 7summitsgear So stop in and check out the new line.
I just wantedt o let everyone know that the new Ribz packs are now available. Check them out at 7summitsgear. One of the newest Ribz is the FALL CAMO. capacity: 800+ Cu In and made out of 600D Cordura which makes it super strong. Its weight: 18 oz.
Just wanted to let everyone know with are new site up we have a special on the ribzwear pack. 7Summitsear
I want a lightweight frontpack that DOESn’t require a backpack to keep my chest warm while cycling and provide easy access to gloves, scarves, cellphone, drinks etc.
Is there such a thing? I’ve been wearing a Camelbak backwards but the straps slip off unless I’m wearing a backpack
New 2012 Ribz front pack. Everything has been upgrade. 2 new sizes 700+ CU in and 550+ CU in. Check them out at Ribz & 7Summitsgear
Related Content
Hiking
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
Travel to Patagonia: Feature Story on Chile's 'End of Earth' Region
Camping
Friday, September 02nd, 2011
Long Hike Ahead: GearJunkie Crew Heading to 65-Mile Border Route Trail
- Follow Gear Junkie on Twitter
- Gear Junkie on Facebook
- Daily Dose RSS Feed
Latest Tweet: Feb 3, 2012 @ 05:23 PM
Article asks: "Barefoot running: Is it good, bad … or who knows?" http://t.co/ydbXSJvB
- Weekly E-Newsletter
Sign up for our e-news for a weekly update on new gear, adventure travel, and prize giveaways.
- Latest Articles
- Photo Contest Winners: 'Weekday Warrior' Channel
- Performance Art: Handmade Abstract Wooden Snowboards
- Bike, Run, Hike: New Do-All Shoe
- Stove Burns Wood, Charges USB-Powered Gadgets on Side
- Primo Bike Tool has Lock-in-Place Components
- SIA Trade Show: 'Snow Gear' for 2012/13
- Survive, Elude Capture in new TV Show to win Money
- Ultimate Multi-Sport! 12 Activities in One Long Day
- SIA Snow Show: Ski Gear Sneak Peek
- Not Tights, Not a Wetsuit. . . 'Water Pants' are Something Else
- Popular Articles
- Stove Burns Wood, Charges USB-Powered Gadgets on Side
- Photo Contest Winners: 'Weekday Warrior' Channel
- 'Best in Show' Awards: Part II of Greatest Gear in 2012
- Performance Art: Handmade Abstract Wooden Snowboards
- Bike, Run, Hike: New Do-All Shoe
- SIA Trade Show: 'Snow Gear' for 2012/13
- Technology | Gear Reviews
- Hiking | Gear Reviews
- 'Best in Show' Awards: Latest, Greatest Gear for 2012!
- World's 10 Most Dangerous Mountains
- Survival Gear: 10 Items To Survive
- Biking | Gear Reviews
- Winter | Gear Reviews
- Weekday Warriors | Brought to you by Koppen
- Lange Girls 2010
- SIA Snow Show: Ski Gear Sneak Peek
- Climbing | Gear Reviews
- Jaw-Dropping Cover: Magazine 'Unveils' Gétù Valley in China
- Running | Gear Reviews
- Gear for 2012: Outdoor Retailer Trade Show
- Interview with a Bear: Grylls on Survivalism, Knives, and Rabbit Snares
- Survive, Elude Capture in new TV Show to win Money
- Primo Bike Tool has Lock-in-Place Components
- Gadgets Galore! CES Trade Show 2012
The new version is a lot more fitted. Can be adjusted to fit loose or really tight… check the newer version. http://www.ribzwear.com/