Grab-it hostesr system and Ribz frontpacks

[Cedar1974]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/c616/

http://www.ribzwear.com/store/

I am considering getting these to help with carrying things like snacks and important electronics. What do you all think about these products?

[Tuckahoe]

Here is a review for you --


Personally they're not the sort of thing I would be interested in. With a pack on my back I would not want to strap extra carrying capacity on my front and my thighs. I would rather rely on small pockets on my pack hip belt and pockets in my cargo shorts.

[Cedar1974]

Personally they're not the sort of thing I would be interested in. With a pack on my back I would not want to strap extra carrying capacity on my front and my thighs. I would rather rely on small pockets on my pack hip belt and pockets in my cargo shorts.

You have a good point, but I want to start recording my hikes and something like a Ribz pack would make a good hiking camera pack as well. Also I am using an old large ALICE pack I got from an Army Surplus place so no pockets in my waist belt.

[Kerosene]

Both of these items are quite heavy for the volume provided (especially the first one). You might also take a look at the Aarn packs and even the zPacks Multi-Pack. I've been thinking about springing for the Multi-Pack for a while and have seen good reviews of it.

[Cedar1974]

Both of these items are quite heavy for the volume provided (especially the first one). You might also take a look at the Aarn packs and even the zPacks Multi-Pack. I've been thinking about springing for the Multi-Pack for a while and have seen good reviews of it.

I like the zPacks Multi-Pack, and I could use it with my current pack already. I use a large ALICE pack, and it can carry almost as much as the $300.00 packs, but only cost me $70.00

[Odd Man Out]

Redistributing some weight to your front is something to consider. Biomechanical studies of people carrying weights have shown that the most efficient way to carry a load is to have it centered over your spine. This is why people in Africa carry loads on their heads and porters in Nepal suspend their loads from a strap looped over their forehead. This summer hiked some dry stretches and had to carry a day's worth of water on occasion. I strapped two Gatorade bottles to my shoulder straps. I think this helped balance my load. Also, I had to 1 L bladders in my pack. At first I had them in the side pouches at the bottom, which tended to rotate my pack backwards. I found them easier to carry when I put them in the extension sleeve on top of my pack. Up there, they tended to rotate my pack forward, which put them centered over my back.

[goody5534]

To carry a camera from a Go-Pro to a Full Frame DSLR just visit Peak Design website and buy the Capture Pro and a strap or 2... Nothing else is needed... Best Ever...

[Sailing_Faith]

I have a small case I strap to my shoulder strap that I keep my cell phone in, it is just big enough and very lite.

One of the things that can be annoying about these discussions is that while it comes down to personal preference, there really is something to be said for going more simple and lite. There is a lot of experience on the board, I have learned a lot from listening to them.... One consistent thing you hear is the value of carrying less gear and less weight.

Most people find they hike much more easily in the mountains especially, with less weight. Saving a pound is a really really big deal....

A few years ago when I got back into hiking I started off heavy. I carried a lot of weight and a lot of gear. I had a good time, but noticed that I had more fun and enjoyed the walking more without as much weight. Our 40's are the time when things start to change with our bodies... Those knees are value able! Protect them by minimizing.

The Alice pack is ok for shorter hikes but I think you are eventually going to want to find something that will be lighter and more comfortable. I have an old heavy pack I use as a training pack, hiking around the hills north of pensacola I used to put bags of water (empty bladders from boxed wine) in it and hike with as much as 45# just to get my body used to it.... Still not like hiking in the mountains, but better then nothing.

The first pack I got when I started back was luxurious compared to my training pack, it was very heavy by most standards at over 5#.... But I only paid $35 for it and it worked fine for my first few sections of NC and VA. If I were down there right now (I am in California right now) I would pass it along to you, but don't wait.

Ok, ok, long reply.... What I wanted to say as relating to the OP was that extra stowage is good, but try to minimize the weight (and the capacity) so you can avoid the temptation to fill it up.