I think the RIBZ vest hits on a few things well.The first is (as stated)it can be worn with a pack.This is similar to what the military is doing now.The Ribz just offers a more civilian (less tactical)option of which is a second thing.The third thing is it can be loaded with vital gear in case you get seperated from your pack.Keeping in a pack with your regular gear is counter productive in my opinion.If you loose your pack from loosing footing at a stream crossing you have nothing.If canoeing and you capsize and loose your pack same thing.As our host says"if it isn't on you it can't save you".The Ribz offers a way to do just that.I would rather have more than just an mint tin of gear if Murphy's law happened on me.....

BOATMAN
John

I don't have a Ribz but have been eyeing them for a while