Lighter vest or alternative....

[wkyhunter]

So this time of year has me thinking about my vests and/or maybe a lighter alternative.
My favorite vest is my old super elite 3, it's about wore out/faded out and its a full vest not a strap vest.It's fairly hot.
This spring I bought a strap vest from Midway. While I like the layout fairly well the vest is hotter than my old one.
I'm considering a bag instead of a vest as a next purchase.
So what are you using and how's it working for you?

 

[PalsPal]

I've never used a vest because I am extremely hot natured. I just use a game belt with game bags that I got from Walmart a few years ago. Works perfectly for me.

 

[scn]

I gave up my vest for this pack a couple of years ago and like my current system a lot better:

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product ... k?a=829199

The pack has some straps on top where you can strap down a raincoat or jacket if you need to. It is a lightweight pack, but has more room than you need. I'm using a gobbler lounger carried on a Claw Sling, and my current system is a lot cooler and more comfortable than a turkey vest.

At $25 for the pack, it doesn't break the bank, either.

 

[fairchaser]

I gave up my vest for this pack a couple of years ago and like my current system a lot better:

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product ... k?a=829199

The pack has some straps on top where you can strap down a raincoat or jacket if you need to. It is a lightweight pack, but has more room than you need. I'm using a gobbler lounger carried on a Claw Sling, and my current system is a lot cooler and more comfortable than a turkey vest.

At $25 for the pack, it doesn't break the bank, either.

Very nice recommendation scn!

 

[catman529]

I'd get a waist pack if anything but I usually don't have any pack at all just pockets in my pants


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[Roost 1]

I'm gonna let whiskey answer this one....

 

[whiskey]

Ignore the nay-sayer and jump on the Turkey Purse bandwagon! There are a couple of options out there. I am using the Tom Teasers bag this year and it's convinced me I never need another vest. It's lighter, can be kept dry under my rain coat, and carries everything I've needed this season. I added a couple upgrades, and have plans for more alterations after season, but I love the turkey purse concept.

Moving to a lightweight gun and bag have made the season a lot more enjoyable for me. Here are a few pics of the bag.

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[Setterman]

I'm not opposed to the purse or fanny pack but I have to wear a vest due to the distances I am from the truck. A large game bag that holds a bird and a supportive enough pack to handle the weight is a must for me. Cabelas tactical tatr 2 does great but is hot on days like the last few. However naked is still hot when it's 90 in the woods

 

[2in1shot]

Setterman is right. Only reason to wear a vest is to carry a turkey out. There is nothing worse than carrying a turkey 2-3 miles back to the truck. Even a mile can be pretty tough. If I could drive to where I hunt, I wouldnt ever wear a vest. I am a minimalist when I can be.

 

[FARMTOFIELD]

I like my tactical tater 2 with kickstand. I've contemplated putting my vest up and just carrying gun, trumpet, box call. The seat is what keep a me toting it I have to have a comfy seat

 

[Andy S.]

Only reason to wear a vest is to carry a turkey out.

I still wear a vest from time to time, especially early season, but it has been years since I packed a turkey out in the back of it. If I have a long haul out, which happens from time to time, my turkey tote is invaluable. I have provided a link to a gentleman in Maryland who makes them. Furthermore, he's an avid turkey hunter and he packs out several every spring. I say that because I would rather purchase a tried and true product from someone who uses their product, versus someone who does not.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/514433433/ ... oCzhTw_wcB

 

[Boll Weevil]

I don't carry alot of stuff so got an Ol'Tom Essentials a few years ago. Light, cool, enough pockets for me, and a nice flip down cushion for me'bum. Only complaint is the magnets holding the cushion in the up position could be a bit stronger but other than that, it's been a great addition.

 

[Tennessee Lead]

I've used the Ol Tom Essentials for several years. It's great and light.
I switched to a full style vest this year in the Super Elite 2. I like the layout of it but it's falling apart and started on the 2nd hunt. I'm having to do some repair stitching and need to replace a broken zipper.
I've since switched back to my Ol Tom Essentials to finish the year out.
I wouldn't mind getting a Brossie bag at some point.



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[TN Larry]

Only reason to wear a vest is to carry a turkey out.

I still wear a vest from time to time, especially early season, but it has been years since I packed a turkey out in the back of it. If I have a long haul out, which happens from time to time, my turkey tote is invaluable. I have provided a link to a gentleman in Maryland who makes them. Furthermore, he's an avid turkey hunter and he packs out several every spring. I say that because I would rather purchase a tried and true product from someone who uses their product, versus someone who does not.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/514433433/ ... oCzhTw_wcB

Thanks Andy! I have been looking for something like this and just placed an order. He is listed on ebay as well under pcough76 or at least I am pretty sure it is the same seller.

 

[TN Larry]

I switched to a Cabelas minimalist vest this year and liked it when I got to use it. I don't carry a lot of stuff in the woods but just like to be able to grab my vest and go without worrying about forgetting something. I am good heading to the woods with loaded gun, a mouth call, face mask, and gloves. I don't carry a whole lot extra in my vest as a mouth call is what I always start with. I think that this year my vest consisted of 4 mouth calls, Dawkins Aluminum pot call, Crystal Mistress pot call, 3 strikers, Primos pot call conditioner, face mask, gloves, and a couple extra shells.

 

[TLRanger]

I don't like to wear a vest......I use a belt pack/fanny pack/waist pack or whatever you call them.......On carrying a turkey out on a long hike, I use a mesh laundry bag with a shoulder strap......It only weighs a few ounces and when you put a turkey inside it, the wings don't flop around and all the weight is on your shoulder strap. Works great for me. :tu:

 

[Setterman]

As cool as that tote is it would wreck your shoulders in this area. A long walk is one thing but a long walk and giant mountains change the dynamics

 

[PalsPal]

I don't like to wear a vest......I use a belt pack/fanny pack/waist pack or whatever you call them.......On carrying a turkey out on a long hike, I use a mesh laundry bag with a shoulder strap......It only weighs a few ounces and when you put a turkey inside it, the wings don't flop around and all the weight is on your shoulder strap. Works great for me. :tu:

Bingo. I found a orange colored mesh turkey carry bag several years ago and have it stuffed in one of my pockets. This one has the two shoulder straps, and another strap that comes across your chest and you can tighten to keep the bird/bag from beating against your bag as you walk. I keep a plastic Walmart bag in there to cover the head to minimize the blood. I've probably used this system for 25 years.

 

[Andy S.]

As cool as that tote is it would wreck your shoulders in this area.

It can be done with 18-21 pound birds, I've managed a few times in the Ozarks. With that said, shoulder switching is a must for me on a lot of the long walks to the truck. If I could design/build a tote, I would get the load bearing portion twice as wide and maybe cushion it to some degree. But as with all things, at what point does it become more of a burden than it's worth when the goal is to go lightweight as possible, and your turkey tote, that you occasionally use, weighs 1+ pounds. I do like the mesh laundry bag idea, that is thinking out of the box and simple enough, yet very effective.

 

[muddyboots]

I use a scent blocker vest. I don't know why scentlok makes a vest but they do and it was the lightest and coolest I could find. I would love to try the purses but I hate spend what they cost and not like it. I love that seat hanging behind me at all times. As far as carrying a turkey my wife got me a thing that goes around the head and feet of the turkey and you carry it on ur shoulder. I would not sell it for anything.