For many years I've been a big fan of chest back while backpacking. Moving just a few pounds from your back to the front makes a HUGE difference in the walking stance while hiking. Balance is better, not to mention that you can access more than just chapstick wearing a chest pack. Several years back I tested a first generation pack from Ribz. Lets say it needed more design work and some time to get the kinks out. I just purchased a third generation pack Ribz and it's a much better pack. The access to you stuff is much improved and with the addition of interior pockets your gear is organized! I won't get an opportunity to test it on a hike for a few weeks, I'll update this post when I have used it on a hike.
UPDATE
Well I finally had an opportunity to use the newest version of the RIBZ chest pack. It performed to expectations. It carries a bunch of stuff from water and food to my multi-tool. My main concern was if the chest pack would interfere with my arms moving back and forth using the trekking poles. Happy to report that there was no problem with that. All of my previous chest packs hung from the main pack suspension. Which works fine but, if you wanted to take the main pack off, the chest pack had to take the chest pack off first. With the RIBZ chest pack, it goes on first then the main pack. So when taking a break long enough to warrant taking the backpack off the RIBZ stays on with my lunch/water and most of my essentials still on my body. Light, comfortable and close at hand. Awesome, a very good purchase for me.
