We might earn income from the merchandise obtainable on this web page and take part in affiliate applications. Learn More ›
Updated Mar 3, 2023 2:51 PM
If you’ve hunted turkeys lengthy sufficient, you understand that no two ornery gobblers are alike. The identical most likely holds true for many turkey hunters relating to their ways, calling methods, and even their clothes or gear. While some hunters view turkey vests as equally essential as their calls, others go for fanny packs or no vest in any respect out of minimalism or downright rise up. With that in thoughts, I examined the very best turkey vests (and non-turkey vests) to swimsuit a variety of hunters and looking ways. Regardless of your choice or looking fashion, this evaluation ought to enable you to discover the very best turkey vest or alternate choice that most closely fits you for chasing longbeards this spring.
Best Turkey Vests: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: SITKA Equinox Turkey Vest
Key Features
- Water resistant
- Magnetic storage for calls
- Vest adjusts from S to XXL
- Hydration bladder compartment
Pros
- No wasted area
- Seat doesn’t deflate after lengthy sits
- Silent
- Large again pocket for storage or water bladder
Cons
- Premium worth
- No conventional recreation bag
While the SITKA Equinox was designed with running-n-gunning in thoughts, that is the very best turkey vest for any fashion of looking. This minimalist design ensures that there’s no wasted area, but there are many pockets and pouches to retailer each name in your arsenal. The magnetic pouches are among the best options on this vest. Instead of snap buttons, Velcro, or zippers, these pouches open and shut silently, so you’ll be able to retrieve any of your calls with out worrying about spooking a fowl. On the left facet of the vest, I used to be in a position to retailer two slate calls and a number of other mouth calls within the magnetic clamshell pouch and the fitting facet has two slots to suit a small and huge field name. I loaded the decision pockets with a complete of two slates and strikers, three mouth calls, a field, and a locator name, and I discovered the placement and design of the pockets intuitive and simple to entry.
A number of vests have seats that are inclined to deflate after sitting for a number of hours, or others attempt to overcompensate for this through the use of a cumbersome cushion. This isn’t the case with the Equinox vest. SITKA makes use of a dual-density foam on this seat that deflates minimally even after hours of sitting, and it’s compact so it doesn’t get in the way in which if you happen to’re making an attempt to slide by way of thick brush or bushes. This is by far the very best vest seat I’ve used, and also you’ll be arduous pressed to search out one which works higher with out the majority.
Sitka ditched the unique recreation bag and went with a backpack as an alternative. While different opponents supply related choices, SITKA’s features a compartment to retailer a water bladder for the all-day or deep public hunts. The pack provides an sufficient quantity of storage however nothing like a standard recreation bag that some hunters might use to retailer decoys or their kill. Still, the vest comes with a removable turkey sling that clips into the shoulder strap if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to drag the set off on a longbeard.
Best Budget: RedHead Classic II
Key Features
- Two giant entrance pockets
- Snap-on seat
- One dimension suits most
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large recreation bag
- Packs down simply for journey
Cons
If you’re searching for a turkey vest that doesn’t break the financial institution otherwise you’re new to the game, the RedHead Classic II is a good choice. Other than added again assist, this vest has every little thing you want and nothing that you simply don’t. Two primary pockets on the entrance enable for sufficient storage and a spot to retailer a slate name and striker, and there’s a box-specific pouch that holds most dimension field calls and doubles as a water bottle holder. These pockets are unfastened, nonetheless, and I discovered that almost all of my calls rattled in opposition to different issues within the pockets as I walked—however you would possibly treatment this by stuffing your masks, gloves, or a spare shirt in them. If you’re a hunter with a smaller stature, you would possibly discover that the shoulder straps bunch up when you’re sitting down even when they’re adjusted all the way in which.
Most turkey vests appear to be they’re designed particularly for turkey looking for apparent causes. However, the RedHead Classic II appears and appears like extra of a standard recreation vest, so you’ll be able to proceed utilizing this one when your small-game season rolls round. And with a worth that you simply gained’t balk at, this vest is tough to beat.
Best for Long Sits: ALPS Outdoorz Grand Slam
Key Features
- Removable kickstand body
- Large recreation bag
- Multiple name and storage pockets
- Memory foam seat
Pros
- Sit-anywhere kickstand
- Comfortable seat
- Tons of storage
Cons
If you’re an old-school turkey hunter that doesn’t budge when you’re on a gobbling fowl, the ALPS Outdoorz Grand Slam turkey vest can get you thru the lengthy haul. The adjustable kickstand and reminiscence foam seat is a bit of luxurious within the turkey woods, and if you happen to’re vulnerable to mid-day naps this vest may be harmful for you. While the seat and kickstand make for hours of comfy sitting, the general vest feels a bit cumbersome, and slipping quietly by way of thick woods with the Grand Slam would possibly show difficult. However, each elements are absolutely and simply detachable, so if you must run-n-gun or get cellular, it’s potential.
Hunters who use their recreation baggage for storing decoys or useless birds will discover loads of room on this one, and there’s no scarcity of space for storing for calls both. I examined this vest with and with out the kickstand and left the seat on for each. While the magnets are handy for rapidly deploying the seat, they’re not the strongest. Anytime I ducked underneath limbs or tried to scoot round brush the seat would come undone. There are clips that connect to every facet of the seat to the vest, however these snap loudly, they usually’re undoubtedly not handy if you happen to’re rapidly making an attempt to sneak nearer to a turkey. I’m an enormous fan of the kickstand, which offers again assist when you’ll be able to’t discover a tree. This won’t look like an enormous subject, however if you happen to’re looking a strut zone on the sting of a pasture the place the closest tree is behind a wall of brush, you’ll be able to tuck into smaller vegetation comfortably along with your gun on the prepared.
Best Versatile Turkey Vest: Nomad Convertible Turkey Vest
Key Features
- Stowable recreation bag
- Traditional vest converts to fanny pack
- Thermacell particular pocket
Pros
- Versatile
- Convenient storage
- Seat absolutely detaches
Cons
The Nomad Pursuit Convertible turkey vest adjustments along with your desired looking ways and preferences. Wear it as a standard turkey vest or detach the pack portion for a fanny pack and simply deployed seat. If you wish to shed much more weight, drop the absolutely removable seat for an simply accessible fanny pack. You also can simply use the pack portion as a recreation bag or pack. This versatility not solely makes it an awesome choice for turkey looking, however an awesome pack/fanny pack for different recreation, as nicely.
Like most turkey vests with magnetic seat attachments, this one comes off simply when it’s caught on limbs, otherwise you bump it off making an attempt to vary your place. Yes, there are clips that connect the seat to the vest, however I’ve all the time discovered these redundant, because the level of the magnets is to make it simply deployable. One factor I respect in regards to the Convertible is the strategically positioned pockets. The Thermacell pocket is situated on the shoulder strap. And the remainder of the pockets are primarily situated on the perimeters of the fanny pack portion, which wraps across the entrance of the waist as an alternative of sitting on the again like different fanny packs. If you’re on the fence about turkey vests and fanny packs, the Nomad Convertible permits you to have the very best of each worlds, and if you find yourself preferring a fanny pack, you continue to have an additional pack/recreation bag in your arms.
Best for Turkey Calls: ALPS Ambush Sling Pack
Key Features
- Multi-position shoulder strap
- MOLLE suitable
- Silent, call-specific pockets
Pros
- Easy entry storage
- Minimalist design
- Lots of pockets in a small area
Cons
- Carrying a entrance pack would possibly really feel awkward
The Ambush Sling Pack is a artistic and handy choice for hunters preferring to not use a vest. Stationed in entrance, the pack locations every little thing at chest stage, which makes it simple to entry calls and even binos with out making numerous undesirable motion. The zippers are pretty quiet, particularly if you happen to open them slowly, and the entrance pocket shops your slate or glass calls behind two mesh pouches. If you discover the entrance design interesting, particularly if you happen to’re a cellular hunter, remember the fact that it’s not superb if it’s good to crawl. You might even need to dump the pack completely if you must stomach crawl to get a shot at a gobbler. The Sling Pack absolutely adjusts however nonetheless felt entrance heavy with all of my gear, and I needed to proceed to regulate the strap often whereas strolling. Despite these drawbacks, the Ambush Sling Pack carves out a novel area of interest for conveniently storing gear and calls, and it shines for hunters who need additional storage with out the added bulk or weight.
Best Fanny Pack for a Turkey Vest: Cabela’s Speed Seat
Key Features
- Padded seat
- Single giant pocket
- Fits most sizes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Seat deploys rapidly
- Single clip makes it simple to drop
Cons
- Seat doesn’t absolutely detach
With a padded seat and minimal space for storing, the Cabela’s Speed Seat provides the very best of each run-n-gun comfort and wait-em-out consolation. The additional padded seat makes it simple to sit down for hours and doesn’t deflate as a lot as others. You can run the seat tucked between your again and the fanny pack or already deployed for fast set ups. The seat would possibly really feel a bit cumbersome for some, particularly hunters preferring minimalist setups, and the seat doesn’t absolutely detach, although you might simply modify this. Unlike conventional fanny packs, this one is dedicated to your again, so entry to the again primary pocket isn’t the best. Though, there’s sufficient space for storing, and the 2 cinched pockets are nice for storing a Thermos or Thermacell. And if you happen to’re simply working mouth calls and have minimal gear, the Speed Seat is value severe consideration, particularly if you happen to’re against vests.
Best Minimalist Turkey Vest: SITKA Mountain Optics Harness
Key Features
- Magnetic entrance flap
- One primary and two facet pockets
- MOLLE suitable
Pros
- Convenient entry
- Minimal weight
- Plenty of name storage
- Dual use
Cons
- Lacks additional storage
- Price is increased than most vests
If you favor a minimalist method to the turkey woods, the SITKA Mountain Optics Harness is a good choice. Most hunters carry a pair of binos, so the twin objective is value investing in anyway. The entrance primary opening has a magnetic flap that makes it handy to silently entry your binos or turkey calls. Without my binos, I saved a Lynch’s Fool Proof field name in the primary compartment and nonetheless had room so as to add mouth calls, and the lens material holder on the within doubles as storage to your field chalk. Even with my Leupold BX-4s in the primary compartment, I nonetheless saved a slate name in every of the facet pockets with room to stow a number of mouth calls. The facet pockets, which you’ll be able to detach for an much more minimalist method, comfortably retailer most dimension glass or slate calls, and the facet pouches on the primary pocket work higher than most turkey vests for holding strikers.
The pure place of the bino harness is far more handy than the facet pockets on most turkey vests, and also you don’t need to fumble to your calls or different gear as a result of every little thing is in entrance of you at chest stage. The downsides, comparable to the shortage of a recreation bag, seat, and again assist are apparent, however if you happen to’re the kind of hunter who prefers minimal gear, you’re most likely not nervous about these anyway. You also can add different items like a pack or clip-on seat for a DIY vest method.
Best Turkey Vest for Run-n-Gun: Slumberjack Pursuit Vest
Key Features
- Four chest pockets
- Snag-free adjustment straps
- Ventilated mesh for temp management
- Hydration bladder suitable
Pros
- Fully adjustable for cosy match
- Convenient pocket placement
- Great for different recreation
Cons
One of the very best issues in regards to the Pursuit Vest is that it isn’t designed for one particular objective, nevertheless it excels at a number of issues. One of these is turkey looking. The 4 giant pockets can maintain most calls, even a field if you happen to’re okay with a part of the lid protruding of the zipper. And the primary compartment on the again simply homes a 70-ounce reservoir. This characteristic and the general minimalist design of the vest make it a superb selection for all day run-in-guns. It doesn’t embody a seat, however if you happen to’re bent on having one, any clip-on seat would make an awesome, simple addition to this vest.
Best No-Buy Option: No Vest
Key Features
- Weight: 0 kilos
- Has as many pockets as your shirt and pants
- One dimension suits all
Pros
- Budget pleasant
- Zero added weight
- Can purchase extra tags with the saved cash
- Packs down simply
Cons
When it involves crucial gear, turkey vests don’t precisely verify the field. They would possibly make your hunts extra comfy and maintain your gear simpler, however they’re not going to call-in and bag a turkey for you. Before turkey vests had been designed, turkey hunters killed a great deal of longbeards in nothing greater than military fatigues, hand-me-down camo, or outdated Levi’s. My grandfather killed extra turkeys than I most likely ever will, and I’m keen to wager the primary time he noticed a turkey vest was once I confirmed him one I picked up in highschool. If it didn’t slot in his pockets, he didn’t take it. Even if you happen to do favor a vest or some kind of pack, possibly problem your self to bag a turkey with solely the comfort of your pockets this spring.
If you determine to go the no-vest route, put on some pants with cargo pockets and a shirt that has chest pockets. You can simply entry a slate name out of your cargo pockets or a field in the event that they’re sufficiently big. A pair mouth calls simply slip into one chest pocket and you may retailer additional shells within the different. If you do stash a field in your cargo pockets, ensure you wrap it with a rubber band so it doesn’t make undesirable noise when you’re strolling by way of the woods.
FAQs
Q: What is a turkey vest for?
Turkey vests usually have three primary functions; they’ve pockets particularly designed to carry turkey calls, an hooked up seat for added consolation throughout lengthy sits, and a big gamebag for storing additional gear or an unfortunate gobbler. Essentially, a vest is made to carry your calls, preserve you comfy when you battle it out with tom, and bag your fowl. Not all turkey vests have these three elements, however most of them have at the least one or a mixture of some.
Q: What gear do you want for turkey looking?
The primary and minimal gear you want for turkey looking is a shotgun, a turkey name, and a few camo. Some old skool hunters would possibly even argue that you simply solely want a gun and a name. While you’ll be able to efficiently kill turkeys with these three items of drugs, there are different merchandise (like turkey vests) that may make turkey looking extra environment friendly. Of course, I’d additionally add some kind of insect repellent or a Thermacell to this checklist, too. Unlike many different recreation pursuits, turkey looking requires minimal and comparatively cheap gear to get began.
Q: What gear do you want for turkey looking?
The primary and minimal gear you want for turkey looking is a shotgun, a turkey name, and a few camo. Some old skool hunters would possibly even argue that you simply solely want a gun and a name. While you’ll be able to efficiently kill turkeys with these three items of drugs, there are different merchandise (like turkey vests) that may make turkey looking extra environment friendly. Of course, I’d additionally add some kind of insect repellent or a Thermacell to this checklist, too. Unlike many different recreation pursuits, turkey looking requires minimal and comparatively cheap gear to get began.
Q: What must you carry in a turkey vest?
Aside out of your turkey calls and additional shells, there are different items of drugs that you simply’ll wish to carry in a turkey vest. Springtime ushers in these coveted morning gobbles but additionally mosquitos, gnats, and noseeums, so a Thermacell or one other kind of insect repellent is a should. The temps additionally quickly change this time of yr, too, and relying on what a part of the nation you hunt, it might be freezing earlier than first mild and 75 by noon. I both layer up or preserve an additional lighter one within the gamebag to swap when temps begin to rise, and the additional layer can be utilized for added cushion or again assist. If your gamebag is giant sufficient, you’ll be able to stash decoys in it or a turkey fan for fanning (the place authorized). It additionally by no means hurts to maintain an additional pair of gloves and a facemask in your vest. Sometimes camo works too nicely, and if you happen to are inclined to get cellular, you’ve most likely left a factor or two within the woods.
How to Choose the Best Turkey Vest
Personal choice performs an enormous position in selecting the very best turkey vest to your personal looking methods. There are some vests or fanny packs higher suited to completely different looking ways and eventualities, however numerous it has to do with comfortability. Personally, I favor a standard turkey vest. They’re versatile, comfy, and I don’t have to fret about becoming a number of calls in a restricted quantity of area. The built-in cushion permits me to comfortably dangle tight when a gobbler goes rogue. I’m additionally a fan of the sport bag that’s included on most conventional turkey vests. Sure, there are many turkey totes and slings on the market however stuffing a fowl within the built-in recreation bag makes for a much less cumbersome stroll if you bag one on a deep piece of public.
If you’ve gotten an identical method to the turkey woods, shopping for a vest just like the SITKA Equinox that permits you to wait out a cussed gobbler or run-n-gun at a second’s discover, won’t be a nasty funding. But if you happen to’re a less-is-more kind of hunter, the Slumberjack Pursuit Vest is a good minimalist choice, and when turkey season’s over, you should use it for every little thing from small recreation to backcountry elk hunts.
Why Trust Outdoor Life?
Since 1898, OL has been a number one authority in testing and reviewing looking gear, fishing deal with, weapons and taking pictures gear, and way more. We have greater than a century-long historical past of evaluating merchandise, and we’re now bringing that experience to on-line opinions. Our editors are skilled outdoorsmen and girls, and most significantly, we’re skilled journalists. We prioritize discipline testing and goal knowledge when reviewing merchandise. We conduct interviews with gear producers and engineers in addition to out of doors specialists in order that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.
Advertising doesn’t affect our gear opinions and it by no means will. While we all the time focus our protection on standout merchandise—as a result of we wish our readers to concentrate on the most recent and biggest gear—we additionally cowl the issues and quirks of any given product.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the very best turkey vest to your looking fashion and ways doesn’t need to be difficult. If you’re new to turkey looking, strive on a few of these choices when potential to see what most closely fits you. You don’t wish to wait till you’re in an hours-long battle with tom to determine that your vest simply doesn’t lower it.