Interesting "frontpack"

[alliecat]

Just came across this "frontpack" on the web: http://www.ribzwear.com/

I think it looks interesting. It's fairly light, looks like it could work with any backpack, could be useful for camera gear. What do people think? Has anybody seen or used anything similar to this?

Cheers,
Alliecat

[sthughes]

Looks interesting. Like a vest with really huge pockets and no back!

Would make you kinda hot in summer I suspect, but okay in winter.
Don't like the way the front zip/s close downwards, if it came open a bit then stuff could fall out.
None the less it could be very handy, especially if you are into carrying multiple lenses, filters and stuff or you have things you want to reach but can't without taking your pack off.

[ollster]

LOL. It's like a bum bag and man-boob holder in one. I so need that once I get my pensioner discount card!

[sthughes]

I was thinking more of a strap on Beer Gut to see what it's like! Guess you could fill it with tinnies and it would literally be one I guess

[Macca81]

i quite like the look of it. thinking for mt biking/snowboarding it would come in handy for grabbing a drink/gps/whatever without having to stop and take off a backpack.

[Ent]

Not as enthusiastic as others on this for heavy camera gear. I have OP Bass that's daypack can clip on the front. Brilliant for shuffling through passport control were you need endless number of forms but the weight borne on the shoulders quickly becomes painful with 5 kg being in my experience the limit. In fact for a long day walk even under five kilograms could become wearing. OP do make a "Limpet" that can attach to the front straps so might be an option but as said weight would need to be light and a SLR with quality glass lenses is not light.

Cheers Brett

[photohiker]

That would be my feeling as well. Unless the extra weight can be routed to the hipbelt, I think it would be quite tiring to carry any distance.

Probably fine if you only use it for maps and snacks though.

[north-north-west]

Would you really need the harness? The thing goes right around the body, doesn't it? With your main pack's waistbelt done up, that would take a lot of the load, anyway. Be worth looking at for the camera gear.

[alliecat]

I think some of the weight would be distributed because of the straps around the back; so it's more like a vest with big pockets than just something hanging off the shoulders. I agree about the bottom-opening zips - that's just a bit weird, I don't know why they did that. Thinking about it more, it has real potential for winter because you could carry light bulky stuff like map, gloves and beanie in there for easy access, and you'd get added insulation as well.

I just thought it was an interesting bit of kit.

[cmer]

Have you looked at the Aarn body packs. They sell what they call Balance Pockets which fit to the front of the back pack and chieve a similar function of providing ease of access and a balance of weight. However, I would think they would not be so hot as the front pack you were looking at. I haven't used them but have been assured by a fellow walker that they are very comfortable to use. http://www.aarnpacks.com