I used the Ribz Front Pack on a 6 day, 95 mile backpacking trip in May through Tennessee and Kentucky.
Function
The Ribz Front Pack is advertised for multiple uses - backpacking, fishing, hunting, skiing. I purchased the pack primarily for backpacking in hopes to balance the weight and have easy access to key items such as snacks, first aid, maps, etc.
The pack worked great for putting things at your fingertips for quick & easy access. This was by far the best thing about the pack for me! It also worked well for distributing some of the weight from my back to the front and balancing out the load a bit.
The pack worked great for putting things at your fingertips for quick & easy access. This was by far the best thing about the pack for me! It also worked well for distributing some of the weight from my back to the front and balancing out the load a bit.
Form
The pack is offered in five different colors. I went with a neutral color of Granite Grey and am happy with the look.
Fit
I purchased a Medium which is advertised as follows:
Capacity:8 Liter
Weight:11oz
Waist:34-38 in
My waist size actually puts me in the Small size range. But, I wanted to be able to wear the pack over outer garments. The Medium worked fine for me in the waist, even with just a T-shirt on. However, I did have an issue with the shoulder straps. I couldn't shorten the adjustment enough to get the pack to ride as high as I would have liked (my friend had the same issue). I ended up using safety pins from my first aid pack to pin the straps shorter. I will cut and re-sew the straps before I use the pack again.
You may also notice that with the pack full your arms may rub against it as you walk. I didn't notice this as much when I used my trekking poles. I felt it more when I walked without trekking poles and my arms more at my sides.
Capacity:8 Liter
Weight:11oz
Waist:34-38 in
My waist size actually puts me in the Small size range. But, I wanted to be able to wear the pack over outer garments. The Medium worked fine for me in the waist, even with just a T-shirt on. However, I did have an issue with the shoulder straps. I couldn't shorten the adjustment enough to get the pack to ride as high as I would have liked (my friend had the same issue). I ended up using safety pins from my first aid pack to pin the straps shorter. I will cut and re-sew the straps before I use the pack again.
You may also notice that with the pack full your arms may rub against it as you walk. I didn't notice this as much when I used my trekking poles. I felt it more when I walked without trekking poles and my arms more at my sides.
Funds
MSRP is $64.95 but, can be found for less with a little web surfing. I was able to get mine for under $46 shipped.
Follow Up (Customer Service/Support)
Warranty
"RIBZ guarantee all products we manufacture to be free from any defects in material or craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Our warranty is limited to the original purchaser of the product and is not transferable. During the one year warrantee period, RIBZ will either repair or replace, at its option, only the defective part of the pack. RIBZ will not repair or replace any pack that has been torn as a result of accidents or misuse." <source: http://www.ribzwear.com>
I have not had any interaction with the manufacturer to comment on the customer service.
"RIBZ guarantee all products we manufacture to be free from any defects in material or craftsmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Our warranty is limited to the original purchaser of the product and is not transferable. During the one year warrantee period, RIBZ will either repair or replace, at its option, only the defective part of the pack. RIBZ will not repair or replace any pack that has been torn as a result of accidents or misuse." <source: http://www.ribzwear.com>
I have not had any interaction with the manufacturer to comment on the customer service.
Final Thoughts
The Ribz Front Pack seems to be constructed of quality materials and well made. The fit was slightly off for me but, that could be a result of my body type and personal preference for where I want the pack to ride.
Functionally, the pack did what I had hoped by allowing me to put my daily essentials within easy reach and not requiring me to stop and/or take my pack off. However, the pack traps a significant amount of heat. My friend and I both found our selves unzipping the pack to get a little air flow. About mid week, as my backpack emptied out, I ended up taking off the Ribz Front Pack and carrying it in my backpack because of the heat.
Overall, I think the Ribz Front Pack is a good product. However, for me it will be shifted for use as my fishing pack for pulling Small Mouths out of streams. In colder months I will add it back to my backpacking kit.
For me, a good fanny pack is better suited for backpacking.
Functionally, the pack did what I had hoped by allowing me to put my daily essentials within easy reach and not requiring me to stop and/or take my pack off. However, the pack traps a significant amount of heat. My friend and I both found our selves unzipping the pack to get a little air flow. About mid week, as my backpack emptied out, I ended up taking off the Ribz Front Pack and carrying it in my backpack because of the heat.
Overall, I think the Ribz Front Pack is a good product. However, for me it will be shifted for use as my fishing pack for pulling Small Mouths out of streams. In colder months I will add it back to my backpacking kit.
For me, a good fanny pack is better suited for backpacking.