I was able to field test my Ribz over the weekend. Overall not a bad product and after a bit of tinkering with the traps, the pack actually fits me pretty good. I found the pockets are generous in size and allowed me to carry a variety of kit, maps, etc including a DSL camera and an extra lens along with the bear spray canister clipped to the back right strap.

Wearing the Ribz along with a 25 L backpack or a 12 L single shoulder sling pack did not present any fit or rub problems. After testing, I can see where the combination of the Ribz pack and the single shoulder sling pack will pay off on single day hikes as between the two, I can carry a good variety of gear that is easily accessible and not have to stop then remove a traditional backpack for gear access.

My SO also tried the Ribz, however the placement of the front straps rubbed and started to chaff her chest area even after multiple adjustments were made. With a bit of custom work on the straps though, this rubbing would probably be rectified. See below for design enhancements.

Review Summary

Good:
- Generous sized pockets and easy access.

- Easy to adjust front straps (more on this below though)

- Front zipper allows for easy removal and to also unzip slightly to allow some air circulation.


Negatives:
- Straps are flimsy and could be made of higher quality and slightly heavier webbing.

- The pack could use a sternum strap much like the sternum strap in the picture (person in bright orange jacket) that Hikin_Jim posted. This would also help with the chaffing that my SO experienced.

- Waist strap is not easy to adjust (tighten/loosen) once the pack is on and could probably benefit from further thought and design.


Design Enhancement Requests:
- Add a key ring clip to at least one of the inside pockets. I am fanatical about securing my keys in any pack and having the keys just sit in a pocket waiting for a chance to fall out is not conducive to peace of mind.

- Water bottle accessible storage where the waist and back straps attach to the pack pockets would be a good place to have a sleeve for a 750 ML size water bottle. In fact this is one of the first customizations I will be doing my pack in the next week or so.

- Add velcro or zippers to smaller inside pockets. This may be more personal preference, however I like to see any interior or exterior pockets secured in some manner.


Overall the Ribz pack is a good product that I can foresee utilizing on a regular basis and was worth the chance on money spent. With some work and design changes, I would most certainly consider purchasing another pack for my SO.