I received mine just in time for my business trip to Las Vegas . The plan was to use it on the plane ride. Ever since security got tighter and I can't carry my trusty SAK, I feel naked and I usually take a plastic letter opener to use as a seat belt cutter and a pair of EMT shears for everything else. On an unrelated side note, the new body scanner at the airport was very sci-fi and cool.

Well my concern was going through security with it on as I didn't want any delays because some TSA person thought it looked too tactical or threatening, so it goes through security in my back pack. Once through, it is no problemo. It is great to hold the cutting tools I mentioned, but also convenient for the other stuff too like my small first aid kit, AMK heat sheet, flashlight, ferro rod, whistle and signal mirror. That stuff makes it a good ditch vest. That plus the lighter, chap stick and phone in my pockets made me feel very equipped.

And there's lots of room so a book and snacks are easily added and readily available. And I don't have to go and retrieve my back pack for those items.

I think if the plane was warmer, it may have been uncomfortable, but the ride was cold so no big deal and was actually a good thing.

And obviously, I didn't use it when seeing clients. Nor did I use it in the casinos.

My thoughts are that after it gets used and abused a bit, it will soften up and quiet down. I really want to use it hiking and camping next to see how it goes.. It is comfortable to wear, very adjustable and can hold a lot more than I thought. I will have more thoughts on it after using it more actively.

When I returned, I emailed my review to Ray, the owner of Ribz. I told him I liked his product and am posting my review online. He has offered a discount to me when I bought mine and told me I could share the discount link with others that are interested. His link with the discount price is http://ribzwear.com/ruggedribz.htm.


The regular price is $65 and the discounted price is $40 with free shipping in the US. Anyway, my affiliation is as a customer. I bought mine after seeing it and like it so far. If you do get one, especially at the discount price, please send Ray your comments, pictures and/or reviews. If you like, you can tell him that hanzo sent you.

Doug, I thought this would be especially good for bush pilots. You know any that might want to give it a try and see. I thought it could be a life saver with appropriate survival kit in it. I told Ray about it and I think he agrees.