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Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > RIBZ Sportswear > Owner Review by Erin Marie Hedden
RIBZ FRONT PACK
TESTER INFORMATION
Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking since 4 years of age, taking long trips into the mountains with my family. I hike various terrains from mountains and plateaus to grasslands and prairies. My excursions can be a day hike with a light-weight waist pack, a loop trail taking up to 5 days on which I keep my pack as light-weight as possible, or an in-and-out trip for a night or two where my pack can be heavy. Slow and steady is my pace and I use a tent or a hammock depending on weather and terrain. PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: RIBZWEAR Year of Manufacture: 2011 Manufacturer's Website: http://www.ribzwear.com/ MSRP: US $59.95 Listed Weight: 9 oz (255 g) Measured Weight: 10 oz (283 g) Other details: The RIBZ Front Pack boasts 800+ cu. in. (13 L) of space, unfortunately I have no way of measuring this claim to confirm or deny this claim made by the manufacturer, however, I have loaded it up then weighed it and came up with 11 pounds (5 kg) of gear that was able to be stored inside the five pockets of the RIBZ Front Pack. The newer version of RIBZWEAR Front Packs now have two sizes; The 500 ci (8 L), and the 700 ci (11 L) models that come in Alpine Green, Stealth Black and Camo. The RIBZ Front Pack that I have is made of 210d water resistant ripstop nylon and is Alpine green with the RIBZ decal embroidered on both sides of the pack in bright green. The shoulder rear waist strap is black and is adjustable. There are also two D-rings attached to the front of the shoulder straps, one on each side. FIELD USE
I have worn the RIBZ Front Pack on countless hikes throughout the fall of 2011, the winter of 2011-2012 and into the spring of 2012 both alone by itself and in conjunction with a backpack. I wear the RIBZ Front Pack when I go fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and even biking. DESIGN
The RIBZ Front Pack is constructed of two halves that join together by a zipper in the front, right across the abdomen. There are three separate zipper pockets on the left side and two separate zipper pockets on the right hand side. The left hand side of the RIBZWEAR Front Pack has one main compartment, which has two smaller pockets inside of it to store gear for easier organization and access. There is a smaller pocket below that which opens from the side and goes back all the way to the end of the pack itself for maximum space to be allowed for storing gear. The smaller pocket is below the middle pocket and centered on the pack itself. This pocket is great for storing smaller items that I use most often, such as lip balm, a small flashlight and any medications that I may be carrying for the day. The right hand side of the RIBZ Front Pack has one large main compartment that zips up from the bottom and over the top, just like the left hand side main pocket does, and it too has two smaller pockets sewn into it to create better organization of gear stowed away in its main compartment. Unlike the left side the right side only has one other pocket, the longer smaller pocket that is identical in length and size to the left side pocket. The pack is worn over the shoulders and around the back where it is adjustable on both shoulders, and at the waist and center of the back. SUMMARY
In summation I find that the RIBZ Front Pack is very comfortable to wear on its own or in conjunction with a backpack. It is great for day hikes and for long distance treks. I can always find what I need, when I need it, without having to stop and take my backpack off and dig in it and have to hassle with putting the backpack back on. With everything stored in organized neatness in the five different pockets that the RIBZ Front Pack has, everything is right where I can access it without having to tear everything apart looking for something. THINGS I LIKE
I like the fact that it can be worn all on its own or in conjunction with a backpack and be comfortable. THINGS I DON'T LIKE I didn't like that the shoulder straps were not padded and feel that the D-rings could have been made of a better material than what was used, plastic. Also, I did not like how hot the Front Pack got underneath of it on the hot days when I had it out, but that can be expected even with a backpack. I just felt like perhaps a more breathable construction to the backside of the Front Pack could be done. This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.Read more reviews of RIBZ Sportswear gear Read more gear reviews by Erin Marie Hedden Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > RIBZ Sportswear > Owner Review by Erin Marie Hedden |