Gear Review: RIBZ Front Pack

RIBZ in Canyonlands National Park

The RIBZ Frontpack is a great option for carrying gear and keeping it easily accessible. The RIBZ frontpack (or RIBZ) allows users to store gear on their chest over their ribs. The pack has adjustable nylon shoulder straps, two adjustable nylon back straps, a front zipper and five zippered pockets to store gear. RIBZ comes with a storage sack with a drawstring, cinch-cord closure. RIBZ has a capacity of over 700 cubic inches (11.5 L) and can carry up to 10 pounds comfortably (4.5 kg). RIBZ weighs in on my scale at around 10.4 ounces (295 g).

RIBZ interior organization

RIBZ can be used alone or with a backpack. When used with a backpack RIBZ helps balance the load by carrying some weight in the front. RIBZ comes is a variety of different colors including Alpine Green, Stealth Black, Fall Camo and Blaze Orange. The RIBZ pockets sit over the rib cage. The right side of the RIBZ has two pockets. The larger main pocket is top loading and zips across the entire width of one side of the RIBZ and about half way down the pocket. There are two internal divider pockets inside the pocket which allows for organization. The smaller pocket is on the front face of the RIBZ and its zipper runs vertically. Its opening is about the width of four to five fingers and the pocket is as deep as the RIBZ is wide. The left side of the RIBZ is the mirror-image of the right side except that there is a small extra pocket with a zipper that runs horizontally.


Putting RIBZ on is similar to putting a vest on. Each arm goes through a shoulder strap and the front zipper can be zipped up in order to secure the RIBZ to the person. Once on, the five pockets and their contents are easy to reach. Adjusting the RIBZ is easy to do and should be done with the approximate weight and volume that the user intends to transport already in the RIBZ.

RIBZ as coat hanger

The RIBZ are very comfortable to wear. RIBZ are so comfy that I rarely take the RIBZ off until long after the trip is over. I can even wear them on the drive home without any problems. When backpacking with a pack I usually keep the RIBZ on even when taking a break. On dayhikes the RIBZ beat daypacks in comfort and I can barely tell I have them on. I found an added benefit to wearing the RIBZ dayhiking in cooler weather. I can take my jacket off without having to take the RIBZ off and the back straps keep my jacket secured against my back.

RIBZ barely to capacity

The RIBZ have a surprising amount of space. I think I could fit almost any of my three-season backpacking items in the RIBZ (not altogether). Space would be extremely limited with some of the items such as my clothing bag but I believe it could be done. Long items, such as tent poles would be items most likely not to fit in the pockets. Items that I like to keep handy by storing them in the RIBZ includes toilet paper and trowel (I believe business associated with these items could be accomplished while still wearing the RIBZ), the map, car keys, the first aid kit, camera, wind jacket, warm hat, GPS, sunglasses case, sunscreen, cell phone, journal, snacks and other small items.

RIBZ winter hiking

The only thing I would really like to see RIBZ add is something for hydration. Backpacking with the RIBZ on, hydration is not a problem as I use my pack to transport the water. Going out for photography, dayhiking or other activities however leaves me wanting someplace to store water. Whether bottle holders on the shoulder straps or a pocket for a small bladder having someplace to carry hydration would make the RIBZ priceless for dayhiking. I tried to fit a Gatorade bottle in one of the internal divider pockets but it was too tall. While adding some way to carrying water would be great it is not completely necessary. There are other devices that are great that can be used in conjunction with RIBZ, such as CamelBak’s Wearable hydration line, so that I can carry plenty of water while wearing the RIBZ and no pack.

RIBZ worn while backpacking

RIBZ is one of the few outdoor items that works great in different terrains and seasons. It comes in handy on the ski slopes providing a way to carry items and still fit comfortably on the ski lift. For photography the RIBZ are great because the camera stays within easy reach, there’s plenty of room for lenses and I don’t have to take the RIBZ off to pull items out of them. While I have yet to try fishing with the RIBZ I foresee them being a great item for keeping lures, flies, reels, line, and even the fishing pole itself if it is collapsible. With all the pockets, both internal and external, the RIBZ should be a great way to keep items organized while fishing on the lake or river. In the desert southwest’s canyon country the RIBZ are close to my body so hiking through narrow sections is much easier with the RIBZ than a heavier pack.

RIBZ are a great addition to the outdoor community. They fit into a variety of outdoor activities and are useful for carrying gear and keeping it close at hand. RIBZ are lightweight, hold a noticeable volume of gear and are comfortable to wear. They are great to use alone or in conjunction with a backpack. RIBZ have definitely found their way into my permanent gear closet.

Manufacturer	RIBZ
Materials	water-resistant ripstop nylon
Weight	10 oz/283 g
Volume	700 - 800 cu in.
Price (MSRP)	$64.95

This story was originally posted April 3, 2011.