Gear Review: RIBZ Front Pack

RIBZ Front Pack Gear Review

I recently had the opportunity to review the RIBZ Front Pack. The RIBZ Front Pack is designed to take weight off of your back while hiking, hunting, fishing, walking, etc. but keep all of your essential gear handy and easy to get to. The pack redistributes the weight to the front of your body and helps balance out the weight that would be created by carrying a heavy pack.  Basically, the pack is a way cooler version of the fanny pack.

RIBZ Front Pack

 

The front pack comes in this carry case

I'll get into my review of the RIBZ later but first I'll list some specs from their website: www.ribzwear.com

• Alpine and Stealth models are made from Cordura Brand water resistant ripstop
• Camo model made from Silent Polyester Tricot 
• Has a 700+ cubic inch capacity for the regular size and a 500 cubic inch capacity for small size
• Weighs in empty at 11 ounces
• Regular size fits a 32-44 inch waist, Small fits 26-36 inch waist
• Recommended hand washing for cleaning, but RIBZ is capable of being machine washed on gentle cycle but this approach is not favored

Warranty:  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 one year 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.

All three models and both sized retail for $59.95 on the RIBZ website. (At the time of writing this post, the Camo model was not in stock)

Before I used the RIBZ in any kind of field application, I did a quick look over of the product and tried it on. My initial thoughts from just doing this were positive. I like the adjustable straps and the easy access of the pockets. There are two large pockets and two small pockets all opened and closed by zippers.Inside of the larger pockets are mesh compartments to allow easy access to smaller items.

I took my RIBZ on a recent hike up Pinnacle Mountain. I packed way more than I needed inside of the pack but wanted to see how comfortable it was with a full load. It performed really well! All of the weight was on the front part of the pack which kept the payload from weighing down my back. The backpack straps stayed in place during my hike and they didn't move around at all.

Ready for the hike!

RIBZ allows for easy access to gear

Cooling off with some water

The straps on the back are fully adjustable

While most of the gear I packed in the RIBZ were not needed or used, I wanted to see what the pack would do. Here is a list:

• 3 bottles of water
• oatmeal bars
• First Aid kit
• rope
• flashlight
• bug spray
• multi-tool
• toilet paper
• compass
• lighter
• survival kit
• phone
• camera

Pros

• Keeps weight from wearing down your back
• Pockets on the front allow for easy access to gear
• Adjustable straps
• Light weight and easy to use

Cons

• Wish it had hand pockets on the inner portion for colder weather
• Needs some kind of hook system on the front straps for hanging a compass, water bottle, etc

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who does any kind of outside activity from hunting to hiking and anything in between.

I received RIBZ Front Pack for free from RIBZ as coordinated by Deep Creek Public Relations. This review is my own opinion of the product and I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

Disassembling a Smith & Wesson M&P 40

One way to keep a gun in good working condition and looking great is a good cleaning routine. I cleaned my Smith and Wesson M&P 40 last night and thought I'd take a few photos to show the take down. A video would be way better in explaining the process but maybe the photos won't be too bad. I may try to do some more of my guns with video to explain the process a little better.

I have also included a link from Brownells of an exploded schematic of the Smith and Wesson M&P. It is good for all calibers of the pistol. 

First, to make sure the firearm is unloaded, drop the magazine out of the magazine well

Pull the slide back and lock it into place

Always inspect the chamber to make sure it is unloaded and safe to take down

Turn the Frame Tool that is located in the grip 1/4 of a turn and pull out. The interchangeable grip will come off when you do this so don't worry if it does.

Below is the Frame Tool after it has been removed.

The next step has to be done to remove the slide. Take the point of the Frame Tool and push down the sear (it is the yellow looking piece of metal in the photo below). The sear must be pushed down to remove the slide.

After the sear has been depressed, push down the Take Down Lever

Next, just pull the slide forward to remove it from the firearm

Now all that is left is to remove the Recoil Guide Rod Assembly and the barrel

Now that the pistol is disassembled, you can get to cleaning!

Dumb grilling tools, Jurassic Park and butt slapping! It's the Weekly Web Travels 6/12

If you have any of these items, you should throw your grill away.

I felt really old when I saw this movie was turning 20.

A slap on the butt will get you 30 days in the clink.

Proud that this guy is getting recognized.

I like donuts and I like Sloppy Joes but this might be taking it too far.

Photo blog: Scenes from Cabo

Here are some pics of our recent honeymoon trip to Cabo! We had a blast and the weather couldn't have been any better!

View from the plane

Looking out from the balcony

Cuban dancing night

Some of the boats at the marina

Toasting a good time

City life in Cabo

Was leading after the 1st round of putt putt...not so much after the 2nd

May have picked out the smallest horse they had...

It's pretty dry in Cabo

 

A lone cactus

Mexican pot bellied pigs

Free fishing this weekend in Arkansas!

The following information was taken from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's website.