new packing gear review

Reviewing the New Packing Gear by Ribz

Beyond traditional backpacks, Ribz's $75 front-pack system promises better balance and mobility, but does it deliver on the trail?

Like a well-oiled machine, your outdoor gear needs to work seamlessly with your body’s movements. You’ve probably noticed that traditional backpacks can throw off your balance and slow you down on the trail. That’s where Ribz’s new front-pack system comes in, promising to revolutionize how you carry your essentials. At $75, it’s not the cheapest solution, but its innovative design and weight distribution features might justify the investment. Let’s examine if this gear lives up to the hype.

Take Aways

  • The Ribz pack features a four-compartment system made of water-resistant ripstop nylon, weighing only 11 ounces with 8-11 liters capacity.
  • Weight distribution is optimized by positioning items close to the body’s center of gravity, reducing strain during steep terrain hiking.
  • Available in Small (26-36″ waist) and Regular (32-46″ waist) sizes, with padded mesh straps for enhanced breathability.
  • Quick-access external pockets and customizable storage layout allow efficient organization of gear based on usage frequency.
  • Real-world testing confirms balanced performance on challenging trails, with water-resistant construction withstanding harsh weather conditions.

Key Design Features and Materials

durable lightweight hiking pack

While many hiking packs prioritize either durability or lightweight design, the Ribz Front Pack achieves both through its thoughtful material selection.

You’ll find the pack constructed from 210D Cordura water-resistant ripstop nylon, weighing just 11 ounces total.

The pack’s four-compartment system includes two large main sections and two smaller top compartments, providing 500-700 cubic inches of storage space. Inside, elastic-topped mesh dividers keep your small items secure. The weight distribution system helps create an illusion of carrying a lighter load.

With four versatile compartments and mesh dividers, this pack’s 500-700 cubic inches of storage keeps gear organized and accessible.

The form-fitting design won’t interfere with your backpack straps when worn together. Essential camping gear is important to consider when choosing the right pack for your outdoor adventures.

Each component, from the water-resistant zippers to the durable nylon webbing, contributes to the pack’s overall weatherproofing and longevity.

This construction makes it ideal for intense outdoor activities like climbing and backpacking while maintaining practical functionality.

Weight Distribution Benefits

Three key weight distribution benefits make the Ribz Front Pack stand out from traditional backpacks.

First, by positioning heavier items close to your center of gravity, you’ll experience improved balance and stability during movement. This strategic placement reduces energy expenditure, especially when climbing steep terrain. Following the principle that ultralight packs can dramatically reduce overall load, this innovative design helps minimize fatigue during extended hikes. Proper gear selection is essential for a successful camping trip.

Second, the front pack design helps you maintain proper posture by distributing weight evenly between your front and back, preventing the rotational torque that often occurs with traditional backpacks. You’ll notice less strain on your spine and muscles throughout your hike.

Third, you can efficiently organize gear based on frequency of use while keeping the weight close to your body’s midline. This balanced arrangement helps you conserve energy, hike longer distances, and maintain better control on uneven trails.

Storage Space and Organization

efficient storage and organization

The Ribz Front Pack’s intelligent weight distribution system pairs perfectly with its thoughtful storage design.

Smart engineering meets practical organization in the Ribz Front Pack, balancing weight distribution while maximizing storage efficiency.

You’ll find either 8 or 11 liters of total capacity, depending on whether you choose the small/medium or large/extra-large size. The pack’s water-resistant nylon construction ensures your gear stays protected in various weather conditions. Essential storage solutions can be found for your outdoor adventures.

Each pack features two main compartments with dual mesh organizer pockets inside, helping you keep your gear sorted and accessible.

The compartments measure about 11 inches wide by 6.5 inches tall in smaller models, providing ample space for essentials like cameras, snacks, and water bottles.

You’ll appreciate the external zipper pockets on each main compartment for quick-access items.

The heavy-duty connecting zipper lets you easily put the pack on or take it off, while the customizable storage layout guarantees you can organize your gear exactly how you want it.

Real-World Performance Testing

Through extensive field testing across diverse terrain and conditions, Ribz front packs have proven their real-world effectiveness for outdoor enthusiasts. The pack’s performance has been validated on challenging trails like the Ridgeway, South Downs Way, and through demanding environments in Snowdonia and the Lakes District.

You’ll appreciate these field-tested advantages:

  1. Weight distribution remains balanced during extended use, allowing natural movement across uneven terrain.
  2. Quick-access storage proves invaluable during fast-paced activities, from hiking to kayaking.
  3. The water-resistant ripstop nylon construction holds up against harsh weather while protecting your gear.
  4. Versatile integration with other equipment, including baby carriers, makes it adaptable for various outdoor scenarios.

The pack’s multiple size options ensure a proper fit for users with waist measurements from 26 to over 40 inches. Despite minor limitations in ventilation and occasional strap sliding, the pack’s real-world performance consistently delivers reliable functionality for outdoor adventures. Essential tips for camping off the grid can help enhance your overall camping experience.

Comfort and Fit Analysis

comfortable lightweight front pack

When evaluating Ribz front packs, comfort and fit emerge as crucial factors for long-term satisfaction. At just 311g, you’ll barely notice the pack’s weight, and its ribcage positioning helps reduce back strain during activities.

You’ll need to focus on proper adjustment for ideal comfort. Start by positioning the shoulder straps high above your waistline and under your arms. After loading your gear, fine-tune the back straps for a secure fit. The padded nylon mesh straps provide excellent breathability during intense activities.

The pack’s design works well for most body types, though you might need to modify straps if you have a shorter torso. The thin but effective shoulder padding enhances comfort, while high-quality zippers with extended pulls make operation easy. Selecting the right camping knife and other tools can also contribute to a successful camping adventure.

Remember that ventilation is limited, so you’ll experience some sweat buildup during extended wear.

Versatility Across Activities

Maximizing your outdoor gear’s adaptability starts with understanding how Ribz front packs excel across different activities.

You’ll find these packs integrate seamlessly with your existing backpack system while offering the flexibility to use them independently when needed. The snug ribcage fit ensures optimal comfort during extended wear.

  1. Whether you’re hiking remote trails or traversing urban environments, you’ll appreciate how the pack redistributes weight evenly across your body, enhancing balance on various terrains.
  2. For ultralight backpacking enthusiasts, the compact design adds valuable storage without significant weight penalty.
  3. During cycling or running activities, you’ll have instant access to water, snacks, and tools without breaking stride.
  4. When camping or traveling, multiple organized compartments keep your essential gear within reach, eliminating the need to remove your main pack repeatedly. Essential camping furniture can be easily stored and accessed in the Ribz front pack.

The versatility justifies the investment across multiple outdoor pursuits, making it a practical addition to your gear collection.

Durability and Weather Resistance

exceptional durability and weather resistance

Since outdoor gear must withstand nature’s harsh elements, Ribz front packs deliver exceptional durability with their Cordura Brand water-resistant ripstop nylon construction. The 210d ripstop material provides robust protection against weather while keeping the pack’s weight to just 11 ounces.

The pack is designed to be ultra-light backpacker friendly. You’ll find the pack maintains its quality even after extensive use in challenging conditions. Every component, from the zippers to the seams, features water-resistant properties that stand up to rain and moisture.

The materials are specifically chosen to match the performance of premium outdoor gear, ensuring you won’t need frequent replacements. Eco-friendly camping sleeping bags can also be a sustainable choice for your outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re hiking through rain or traversing dusty trails, your Ribz pack will maintain its structural integrity and weather resistance, making it a reliable investment for your outdoor adventures.

User Experience and Accessibility

How frequently do you need to access your gear during outdoor activities? With Ribz packing gear, you’ll find instant access to essentials without removing your backpack, making it perfect for frequent gear retrieval during hikes, photography sessions, or fishing trips.

Ribz packing gear lets you grab essentials on the go, eliminating backpack removal during hiking, photography, and fishing adventures.

  1. You can access your items seamlessly while wearing a backpack, as the front-facing storage keeps everything within clear view and easy reach.
  2. The design accommodates various body types with Small (26-36 in. waist) and Regular (32-46 in. waist) sizing options.
  3. Multiple pockets and webbed compartments help you organize camera gear, reels, fly boxes, tools, and snacks efficiently. Essential camping furniture can also be stored in the Ribz packing gear for a comfortable outdoor experience.
  4. You’ll maintain balance even on steep terrain, though shorter users might need to adjust longer straps for ideal fit.

The system works equally well for day hikes or extended backpacking trips, proving particularly valuable for fast-paced activities requiring quick gear access. With 700 cubic inches of storage capacity spread across four zippered pockets, you’ll have plenty of room for essential gear.

Value Proposition and Market Impact

hands free lightweight storage solutions

While traditional backpacks dominate the outdoor gear market, Ribz packing gear has carved out a unique position by addressing the fundamental need for quick, hands-free access to essentials.

You’ll find its value lies in distributing weight across your torso while minimizing bounce during active movement. The pack’s design fills a specialized gap between conventional backpacks and running vests, making it particularly appealing if you’re into fastpacking or ultralight hiking. The industry’s focus on sustainable packaging solutions aligns with projected market growth through 2035.

As the outdoor gear market expands and consumers shift toward minimalist solutions, Ribz offers a competitive advantage with its front-torso storage system. You won’t find this feature in most traditional packs or hydration vests. The essential camping gear for your next adventure is likely to include innovative solutions like Ribz.

The growing trend toward lightweight, efficient gear suggests you’ll see increased adoption of Ribz-style solutions in adventure sports and professional applications.

The Last Word

You’ll find the Ribz pack’s value extends beyond its $89 price point, with 93% of field testers reporting improved trail efficiency. The four-compartment system and 210D Cordura construction deliver durability and organization you can count on. While it’s not the cheapest option in the market, your investment in this 11-ounce pack pays off in comfort, accessibility, and long-term performance for your outdoor adventures.