Mike Pearl
2012-03-11 01:34:46 UTC
Hi Andy,Here's my IR text and link to Test folder. Thanks for the edits.Mike
http://tinyurl.com/6v7nkn4
or
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/IR%20-%20Ribzwear%20Ribz%20Front%20Pack%202012%20-%20Mike%20Pearl/
RIBZ FRONT PACK 2012TEST SERIES BY MIKE PEARLIRMarch 12, 2012 TESTER INFORMATION NAME: Mike PearlEMAIL: mikepearl36ATyahooDOTcomAGE: 38LOCATION: Woodstock, Vermont, USAGENDER: MHEIGHT: 5' 9" (1.75 m)WEIGHT: 155 lb (70.30 kg) My backpacking experience began nine years ago, after years of car camping. Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo hike this summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail shelters. An average day is 12 miles (19 km). While aware of weight, it is not my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three-season camper, but enjoy hiking all year.
INITIAL REPORT PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer: RibzYear of Manufacture: 2012Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE - "http://www.ribzwear.co" LINK TEXT = "www.ribzwear.com">>MSRP: US$ 59.95<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1">>Sizes Available: Small - 500 cu in (8200 cc) and Large - 700 cu in (11,500 cc)Listed Weight: Small - 11.1 oz (315 g) and Large - 11.7 oz (332 g)Colors Available: Alpine Green, Stealth Black and Camo (Large only)
Small fits waist sizes 26-32 in (66-81 cm), Large fits waist sizes 32-44 in (81-112 cm)
Material: 100% 210 Denier water resistant nylon
Size and Color Tested: Small/Stealth BlackMeasured Weight: Pack -10.7 oz (303 g), Stuff Sack - oz (27 g)
The Ribz Front Pack just as its name suggests is a pack made to carry loads on the front of the body. While designed to be worn in addition to a pack carried on the back it can be worn on its own. The idea of the Front Pack is to move commonly used or essential gear to a more accessible location. The Front Pack can carry loads up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg).The benefits of the Front Pack listed on the Ribz company website are;
- "first and foremost" easy access of equipment without pack removal-better weight distribution and balance-reduced shoulder and back stress-increased comfort, mobility and balance-illusion of a lighter load-increased functionality of existing backpack
Care/Cleaning: Hand washing and air drying is recommended. Gentle cycle machine wash is possible but unfavorable.
Warranty: Quoted from product instructions."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 warranty 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." INITIAL IMPRESSIONS The Ribz arrived in a plastic sleeve hang tag. The sleeve displays the Ribz size, color, capacity and weight. Also shown is the Ribz being worn along with brief instructions and benefits of using it.<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2">>
A stuff sack with the Ribz company logo on it housed the pack. I was surprised how small the Ribz was when folded up. In the photo the stuff sack looks larger than the Nalgene bottle. But there is some dead space within the sack. The Ribz can be further compressed to a smaller size slightly smaller than the bottle.
Upon removing the Ribz from the stuff sack I found a set of instructions. The instructions are explained in more detail in the next section. The Ribz unrolls to two 8x12 in (20x31 cm) pockets attached to a pair of shoulder straps and a waist strap.
Inside each pocket on the side closest to the body are two mesh dividers. On the opposite surface is a 1.5x2 in (4x6 cm) elastic loop. On each pocket there is a 4x7 in (11x17 cm) external pocket with the Ribz logo on it. The zippers on all four pockets have textured pulls and the Ribz logo which provide a nice grip. The two pockets are joined together by a 7 in (18 cm) zipper.
The straps are 1 in (2.5 cm) nylon webbing. A 2.5x11.5 in (6x29 cm) mesh pad can be slid along the shoulder straps to desired fit. The length of the shoulder strap is adjusted by a ladder lock. The pull at the end of the strap is a loop of different color webbing. This makes it easy to see and get a hold of to when adjusting. The waist strap connecting the pockets around the back are adjusted in the same manner. The waist strap has the addition of an elastic tension piece to it. All straps have elastic loop end keepers.
After examining the Ribz Front Pack I find no defects in materials or workmanship. It looks like a well designed and made pack. I like the idea behind its design. I find removing my pack while hiking to retrieve a needed item it a mild nusaince.<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 3">>
READING THE INSTRUCTIONS The instructions are clear and easy to read with illustrative photographs. In six steps the Ribz is ready for the trail, with the sixth being my favorite.
1. Place the Ribz on a flat surface and make sure none of the straps are twisted.2. A recommendation, to achieve better fit pre-load the Ribz. Pack in order of degree of use, more often used toward the front and less often toward the back of pockets.3. Put Ribz Front Pack on and zip the two pockets together. Adjust the four pull tabs, shoulders and waist straps, to desired fit.4. Wear loose for casual use or tighten for higher degree of activity.5. Ribz should fit around the ribcage without interfering with backpack shoulder straps or hip belt.6. "Now get out there and enjoy!"
The Ribz warranty is also found on the instruction sheet. TRYING IT OUT So as with most things, after reading the instructions (which is not always guaranteed to occur) I threw the Ribz on without heeding a word. I was able to get it on, zip it and load it. But it didn't feel right. One strap was twisted and load did not sit right.
So I removed it and this time followed the instruction. Not too surprising this made a big difference. The Ribz now felt comfortable and was compatible with my 20 L and 65 L packs. The Ribz easily held 4.5 lb (2 kg) of stuff with room to spare. This was some random stuff from my "gear box" and pockets. Items included in no particular order a bandanna, small binoculars, two Clif Bars, sunglasses in hard case, 3 in (7.5 cm) fixed blade knife in sheath, pen flashlight, 3 AA batteries, two carabiners, small multi-tool, 15 ft (4.5 m) of cord, lighter and fire starter kit, small first aid kit, signaling mirror, 30 US gal (114 L) plastic trash bag, cell phone, wallet and car keys. Gez, did I forget something? The Ribz still had more room!
I walked around the house with the Ribz loaded, with and without a backpack on. Both ways were comfortable and I had no trouble getting my backpack on or off. I did notice my arms sometimes brushed or bumped against the Ribz. I wonder how this will play out in the field. Will the addition of hiking poles and "trail pace" make any difference?
After removing the backpack and still wearing the Ribz I sat down on the couch. I was pleased to find I could still sit comfortably and the Ribz even made for nice arm rest.
SUMMARY The Ribz Front Pack is a creative solution to storing frequently used items while hiking. It comfortably holds a good amount of gear. It is easy to use and compatible with both of the backpacks I use. I am very curious to see what impact using the Ribz has on the way I load my backpack.
Likes -access to gear-capacity-comfort Concerns -possible interference with arm swing
This concludes my Initial Report. Please return for the Field Report in two months. Thank you to Ribzwear and BackpackGeatTest.org for the opportunity to participate in this test. This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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http://tinyurl.com/6v7nkn4
or
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/IR%20-%20Ribzwear%20Ribz%20Front%20Pack%202012%20-%20Mike%20Pearl/
RIBZ FRONT PACK 2012TEST SERIES BY MIKE PEARLIRMarch 12, 2012 TESTER INFORMATION NAME: Mike PearlEMAIL: mikepearl36ATyahooDOTcomAGE: 38LOCATION: Woodstock, Vermont, USAGENDER: MHEIGHT: 5' 9" (1.75 m)WEIGHT: 155 lb (70.30 kg) My backpacking experience began nine years ago, after years of car camping. Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo hike this summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail shelters. An average day is 12 miles (19 km). While aware of weight, it is not my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three-season camper, but enjoy hiking all year.
INITIAL REPORT PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer: RibzYear of Manufacture: 2012Manufacturer's Website: <<HYPERLINK GOES HERE - "http://www.ribzwear.co" LINK TEXT = "www.ribzwear.com">>MSRP: US$ 59.95<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 1">>Sizes Available: Small - 500 cu in (8200 cc) and Large - 700 cu in (11,500 cc)Listed Weight: Small - 11.1 oz (315 g) and Large - 11.7 oz (332 g)Colors Available: Alpine Green, Stealth Black and Camo (Large only)
Small fits waist sizes 26-32 in (66-81 cm), Large fits waist sizes 32-44 in (81-112 cm)
Material: 100% 210 Denier water resistant nylon
Size and Color Tested: Small/Stealth BlackMeasured Weight: Pack -10.7 oz (303 g), Stuff Sack - oz (27 g)
The Ribz Front Pack just as its name suggests is a pack made to carry loads on the front of the body. While designed to be worn in addition to a pack carried on the back it can be worn on its own. The idea of the Front Pack is to move commonly used or essential gear to a more accessible location. The Front Pack can carry loads up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg).The benefits of the Front Pack listed on the Ribz company website are;
- "first and foremost" easy access of equipment without pack removal-better weight distribution and balance-reduced shoulder and back stress-increased comfort, mobility and balance-illusion of a lighter load-increased functionality of existing backpack
Care/Cleaning: Hand washing and air drying is recommended. Gentle cycle machine wash is possible but unfavorable.
Warranty: Quoted from product instructions."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 warranty 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." INITIAL IMPRESSIONS The Ribz arrived in a plastic sleeve hang tag. The sleeve displays the Ribz size, color, capacity and weight. Also shown is the Ribz being worn along with brief instructions and benefits of using it.<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 2">>
A stuff sack with the Ribz company logo on it housed the pack. I was surprised how small the Ribz was when folded up. In the photo the stuff sack looks larger than the Nalgene bottle. But there is some dead space within the sack. The Ribz can be further compressed to a smaller size slightly smaller than the bottle.
Upon removing the Ribz from the stuff sack I found a set of instructions. The instructions are explained in more detail in the next section. The Ribz unrolls to two 8x12 in (20x31 cm) pockets attached to a pair of shoulder straps and a waist strap.
Inside each pocket on the side closest to the body are two mesh dividers. On the opposite surface is a 1.5x2 in (4x6 cm) elastic loop. On each pocket there is a 4x7 in (11x17 cm) external pocket with the Ribz logo on it. The zippers on all four pockets have textured pulls and the Ribz logo which provide a nice grip. The two pockets are joined together by a 7 in (18 cm) zipper.
The straps are 1 in (2.5 cm) nylon webbing. A 2.5x11.5 in (6x29 cm) mesh pad can be slid along the shoulder straps to desired fit. The length of the shoulder strap is adjusted by a ladder lock. The pull at the end of the strap is a loop of different color webbing. This makes it easy to see and get a hold of to when adjusting. The waist strap connecting the pockets around the back are adjusted in the same manner. The waist strap has the addition of an elastic tension piece to it. All straps have elastic loop end keepers.
After examining the Ribz Front Pack I find no defects in materials or workmanship. It looks like a well designed and made pack. I like the idea behind its design. I find removing my pack while hiking to retrieve a needed item it a mild nusaince.<<IMAGE GOES HERE. ALT TEXT = "IMAGE 3">>
READING THE INSTRUCTIONS The instructions are clear and easy to read with illustrative photographs. In six steps the Ribz is ready for the trail, with the sixth being my favorite.
1. Place the Ribz on a flat surface and make sure none of the straps are twisted.2. A recommendation, to achieve better fit pre-load the Ribz. Pack in order of degree of use, more often used toward the front and less often toward the back of pockets.3. Put Ribz Front Pack on and zip the two pockets together. Adjust the four pull tabs, shoulders and waist straps, to desired fit.4. Wear loose for casual use or tighten for higher degree of activity.5. Ribz should fit around the ribcage without interfering with backpack shoulder straps or hip belt.6. "Now get out there and enjoy!"
The Ribz warranty is also found on the instruction sheet. TRYING IT OUT So as with most things, after reading the instructions (which is not always guaranteed to occur) I threw the Ribz on without heeding a word. I was able to get it on, zip it and load it. But it didn't feel right. One strap was twisted and load did not sit right.
So I removed it and this time followed the instruction. Not too surprising this made a big difference. The Ribz now felt comfortable and was compatible with my 20 L and 65 L packs. The Ribz easily held 4.5 lb (2 kg) of stuff with room to spare. This was some random stuff from my "gear box" and pockets. Items included in no particular order a bandanna, small binoculars, two Clif Bars, sunglasses in hard case, 3 in (7.5 cm) fixed blade knife in sheath, pen flashlight, 3 AA batteries, two carabiners, small multi-tool, 15 ft (4.5 m) of cord, lighter and fire starter kit, small first aid kit, signaling mirror, 30 US gal (114 L) plastic trash bag, cell phone, wallet and car keys. Gez, did I forget something? The Ribz still had more room!
I walked around the house with the Ribz loaded, with and without a backpack on. Both ways were comfortable and I had no trouble getting my backpack on or off. I did notice my arms sometimes brushed or bumped against the Ribz. I wonder how this will play out in the field. Will the addition of hiking poles and "trail pace" make any difference?
After removing the backpack and still wearing the Ribz I sat down on the couch. I was pleased to find I could still sit comfortably and the Ribz even made for nice arm rest.
SUMMARY The Ribz Front Pack is a creative solution to storing frequently used items while hiking. It comfortably holds a good amount of gear. It is easy to use and compatible with both of the backpacks I use. I am very curious to see what impact using the Ribz has on the way I load my backpack.
Likes -access to gear-capacity-comfort Concerns -possible interference with arm swing
This concludes my Initial Report. Please return for the Field Report in two months. Thank you to Ribzwear and BackpackGeatTest.org for the opportunity to participate in this test. This report was created with the BGT Report Generator.Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------