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When my gobbler-chasing career began in 1990, we didn’t even wear turkey vests. It was some camo, a pair of turkey hunting boots, and a shotgun. Eventually, vests became popular enough I had to try them out. The first few I hunted with were simple. A few straps, multiple pockets, and, with careful shopping, a bag large enough to accommodate a lengthy beard were all present, but they were all unwieldy, heavy, and bulky.
Modern turkey vests have come a long way since those early days. Now they have integral frames, call-specific zippered pouches, lanyards, shell loops, and padding. And some with built-in seats that may even rival your lounge chair at home. These are fine, pleasant, and worthy of the term necessity given the amount of gear we carry these days when hunting turkeys.
Whether you prefer Sitka, Nomad, or any other brand, these are our top picks for the best turkey vests we’ve tested over the years, along with tips on how to make the right decision.
Choosing the right turkey vest can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. But fear not fellow turkey hunters for I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of turkey vests and find the perfect one for your hunting style and needs.
First, let’s consider the different types of turkey vests:
- Traditional Vests: These vests offer ample storage space and support, with multiple pockets for calls, ammo, and other gear. They often come with a detachable seat for added comfort during long sits.
- Run-and-Gun Vests: Designed for mobile hunters, these vests are lightweight and streamlined, with minimal pockets and a focus on quick access to essentials.
- Fanny Packs and Slings: These options are ideal for minimalist hunters who prefer to carry only the bare necessities. They offer less storage space than vests but are more agile and comfortable for long walks.
Now let’s dive into some of the top-rated turkey vests on the market:
Best Overall:
- Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest: This minimalist vest boasts a sleek design with strategically placed pockets for easy access to calls and gear. The magnetic closures ensure silent operation, while the dual-density foam seat provides exceptional comfort for long sits.
Best Budget:
- RedHead Classic II: This affordable vest offers ample storage space and a comfortable fit. It’s a great option for new turkey hunters or those on a tight budget.
Best for Long Sits:
- ALPS Outdoorz Grand Slam: This feature-packed vest comes with a removable kickstand and memory foam seat, making it ideal for hunters who spend long hours in the field.
Most Versatile:
- Nomad Convertible Turkey Vest: This innovative vest transforms from a traditional vest to a fanny pack with a detachable seat, offering unparalleled versatility for different hunting styles.
Most Convenient:
- ALPS Ambush Sling Pack: This front-mounted pack provides easy access to calls and gear, making it a convenient option for mobile hunters.
Beyond the Vests:
For those who prefer a minimalist approach, consider using a turkey tote for carrying your harvested bird. It’s a lightweight and efficient way to transport your prize without weighing yourself down.
Additional Tips:
- Consider your hunting style: Are you a run-and-gun hunter or a patient sitter? Choose a vest that matches your preferred approach.
- Think about storage needs: How much gear do you typically carry? Choose a vest with enough pockets to accommodate your essentials.
- Comfort is key: Make sure the vest fits comfortably and allows for freedom of movement.
- Read reviews and compare features: Research different vests and compare their features to find the one that best suits your needs.
The vest that best suits your unique requirements and tastes will ultimately be the greatest turkey vest. To improve your turkey hunting experience, select the ideal vest by taking your comfort level, storage needs, and hunting style into account.
Happy hunting!
Best for Run and Gun: Tethrd M2 Turkey Vest Best for Run and Gun
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Ultra quiet fabric
Cons
- Assembly can be confusing
- Expensive
In collaboration with The Hunting Public, Tethrd developed the M2 turkey vest to meet the demanding needs of the mobile hunter. This is a lightweight, highly adjustable, and streamlined piece of gear that doesn’t have any extra junk that would slow down your rapid run-and-gun turkey hunting.
Like many Western hunting packs, the M2 is built around a yoke frame system. From there, hunters can add a hydration pack, a turkey bag, or both. The waist belt is also covered in MOLLE webbing so that you can secure extra attachments. The M2 also comes with a removable seat cushion. These features enable turkey hunters to design a one-of-a-kind vest that is completely tailored to satisfy all of their individual requirements. The vest even comes disassembled, so you can set it up exactly how you want it.
Check out our full review here.
Specs
- Sizes: One size fits most, Big Man (4XL-7XL)
- Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland
- Pockets: Customizable
- Weight: 3-6 lbs (depending on configuration)
The Best Turkey Vests
I take my turkey hunting very seriously—and thus I take my turkey hunting gear very seriously, too. For the turkey vest I’ll be wearing every day from the middle of April to the end of May, I need certain parts. Your needs and requirements, of course, may differ. Perhaps you hunt only one or two days each season. Maybe all your hunting is done from a ground blind, thus effectively making a vest a moot point. There are 1,001 reasons for and against a vest, and yours are without question valid.
But to help you decide, these are the criteria I used to differentiate good vests from so-so vests:
- Design and construction simplicity: I don’t want the vest to be overly ornate with lots of bells and whistles. Yes, sometimes I’m proven wrong, and a vest that works perfectly is great. Still, I usually go for simple designs to avoid getting lost in my turkey vest when that old Tom goesbbles.
- Fit and comfort: Like shoes, fit and comfort are important. My dream vest should fit well when fully loaded and stay that way even after I’ve worn it all day. If the shoulder straps impede the blood flow to my hands, it’s out. If I can’t really dial in the fit by adjusting the straps, it’s off. The vest is an indispensable piece of gear for my turkey hunting, and I wear it every day.
- Ergonomics: I’m looking for a vest that will make it simple and quick for me to get hold of the equipment I need, like snacks, head nets, strikers, and gloves. I have to be able to grab them without taking my eyes off a long beard that’s waddling along the edge of the fence.
- Security of personal items: I need a vest that fastens things. I am more than capable of losing gloves, strikers, and other items by myself. Because of this, the vest I’m looking for has pockets that won’t constantly leak my belongings when I sit down or bend over. The pockets should ideally have zippers, but if not, hook and loop closures can be used. Actually, I want all fasteners to be strong and dependable, regardless of the kind.
Best Turkey Vest 2024 | Top 10 Best Turkey Hunting Vest On The Market
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