Lighter vest or alternative....

[FARMTOFIELD]

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.

http://www.realavid.com/turkey-sling.html

This thing is the stugg

 

[wkyhunter]

Thanks for all the replies!!
Lots to think about!

 

[whiskey]

When I switched to the turkey purse, I switched from a cushion to a turkey lounger. Let's me sit a lot longer in comfort. Old knees and old back are happy for the change.

If I had to hunt 2-3 miles from the truck, I'd probably want a vest too.


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[FARMTOFIELD]

When I switched to the turkey purse, I switched from a cushion to a turkey lounger. Let's me sit a lot longer in comfort. Old knees and old back are happy for the change.

If I had to hunt 2-3 miles from the truck, I'd probably want a vest too.


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I love the idea of the lounger, but I've yet to find a way to comfortably pack it in. Some days I may be 2-3 miles from the truck

 

[whiskey]

When I switched to the turkey purse, I switched from a cushion to a turkey lounger. Let's me sit a lot longer in comfort. Old knees and old back are happy for the change.

If I had to hunt 2-3 miles from the truck, I'd probably want a vest too.


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I love the idea of the lounger, but I've yet to find a way to comfortably pack it in. Some days I may be 2-3 miles from the truck

I have the cabelas model and I added a claw sling and a compression strap to pull everything tight so it wouldn't rattle.


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[TheLBLman]

I love the idea of the lounger, but I've yet to find a way to comfortably pack it in.

I have the cabelas model and I added a claw sling and a compression strap to pull everything tight so it wouldn't rattle.

I've also been doing this for years with the Cabela's "turkey lounger".
It's the most comfortable "seat" I've used.

My big complaint with the turkey lounger is its weight:
No reason they couldn't have made this from aluminum instead of steel.

 

[Tennessee Lead]

When I switched to the turkey purse, I switched from a cushion to a turkey lounger. Let's me sit a lot longer in comfort. Old knees and old back are happy for the change.

If I had to hunt 2-3 miles from the truck, I'd probably want a vest too.


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I love the idea of the lounger, but I've yet to find a way to comfortably pack it in. Some days I may be 2-3 miles from the truck

I took a set of Summit viper backpack straps and attached to mine
It carries like a pack now


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[TheLBLman]

I took a set of Summit viper backpack straps and attached to mine
It carries like a pack now

That would work well.

One thing I want is the ability to quickly (and quietly) deploy the lounger, then be able to quickly pick it up and move on. For this, I've found a single strap works best.

When I'm planning to walk longer distances, especially pre-dawn, the best way I've found for carrying is to simply place it vertically in my turkey vest back-pouch, snapping the two upper vest straps onto either side the lounger. This keeps it very tight against my back, vertical, easiest way I've found to carry, as the weight is born by the heavily padded & wide straps of my turkey vest. It's just not as quick to deploy, or put back this way.
And "this way" certainly isn't an option when that particular vest isn't worn.

Others have mentioned the Cabela's "kick-stand" feature on the vest I'm using. It's redeeming feature is light weight.
But it doesn't even approach the comfort level of the turkey "lounger".
Also, deploying or putting back that kick-stand takes me just as long as doing same with the lounger.
I leave the kick stand OFF my vest most of the time because it cannot be on the vest while sitting in the lounger.

 

[TheLBLman]

However, best "lightweight" solution I've found to a "lightweight" vest is that Cabela's "kick-stand" vest,
since it eliminates the need for the heavy lounger, simply cutting the weight of the seat rather than the vest.
But if it's really hot weather, I plan to walk more than sit, I just use my pockets and/or a fanny pack
---- then typically end up sitting more and being pissed I didn't take something comfortable to sit on.

 

[Shooter77]

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.

I've got a Super Elite 3 that I've used for 7 years. Great vest but it's wearing out some. I bought one of the new elite 2 from Mossy Oak in Greenleaf last year before season started. Love the layout and pockets except it's missing the shell holder that 3 has. Used it 3 times last season then this year opening day I've had the same problems you had Tennessee Lead. My zipper that the pocket I keep shells in broke when I tried to open it on opening day and I only had 2 shells in my gun case. thought I would be ok, ended up missing both times at a bird. The 3rd shell would have been great as it walks by me at 6 yards...lol Very disappointed in the quality.

 

[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.

I've got a Super Elite 3 that I've used for 7 years. Great vest but it's wearing out some. I bought one of the new elite 2 from Mossy Oak in Greenleaf last year before season started. Love the layout and pockets except it's missing the shell holder that 3 has. Used it 3 times last season then this year opening day I've had the same problems you had Tennessee Lead. My zipper that the pocket I keep shells in broke when I tried to open it on opening day and I only had 2 shells in my gun case. thought I would be ok, ended up missing both times at a bird. The 3rd shell would have been great as it walks by me at 6 yards...lol Very disappointed in the quality.

Yes sir the Quality is very bad.
It arrived here with all buckles on backwards. I've had to re sew 3 different seams and re attach 2 straps. Last hunt I used it the pocket on the bottom left came in stitched which let the zipper come off the end.
I probably won't get another SE2.
I'll try another full vest probably an Ol Tom.


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[SKFOOTER]

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.

Did you cover the orange trim with something or is it that noticeable??

 

[Andy S.]

Did you cover the orange trim with something or is it that noticeable??

I personally would not worry about it. If they (deer or turkey) have gotten close enough to make it out while it is motionless (sitting on ground), it is too late for them.

 

[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.

Did you cover the orange trim with something or is it that noticeable??

The pack I bought a couple of years ago didn't have the Orange trim. But, I don't really think it would matter.

 

[Mike Belt]

I still use my old mossy oak vest. It's lightweight, has enough carry space for a few shells and calls, and a carry compartment for a bird in the back. The upper portion is padded for comfort leaning against a tree. The real seller is the padded built in seat that snaps onto the back of the vest. Unsnap it, back up to the tree, and sit down. It's right where it needs to be. Have to get up running and gunning just jump up and go. The seat cushion goes with you and all ready for you to take another seat anytime anywhere.

 

[Bgoodman30]

I found the Ol Tom essentials vest in an off camo for half off on wing supply. It's been great for years, with the fat seat cushion that's nice. I don't see how y'all do it without a seat cushion? I'd be squirming all over the place sitting with a root or rocks up my arse...


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[cowhunter71]

My old school Mossy Oak vests are nice and light with just enough room to tote what I need. Even they get hot when it is 85+ though. On those hot days, everything I need fits in my pockets. My cushion is swung over my shoulder. I've got a Velcro belt loop pouch from Midwest that holds a pot call or scratchbox. I use a muletape tote I made to carry out Gobblers. Loops around neck and feet, and swings over shoulder. Have used this since I started, both back home in the Florida swamps as well as in these rugged East Tn mountains.

 

[PalsPal]

I don't see how y'all do it without a seat cushion? I'd be squirming all over the place sitting with a root or rocks up my arse...

I have a turkey seat and another cushion for my back. They are right behind my gun, shells, and calls in order of importance!

 

[edtcase]

I've hunted more this year than I ever have. At the beginning of the season I had a collapsible chair that sat three to four inches above the ground. I threw that out after the first week. I switched to a full fledged camo backpack. A pocket for everything I need. Plenty of room and a spot to attach a cushion that stays attached all the time.


It's been proven through history that women's a mystery! Popeye

 

[String Music]

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.

I've got a Super Elite 3 that I've used for 7 years. Great vest but it's wearing out some. I bought one of the new elite 2 from Mossy Oak in Greenleaf last year before season started. Love the layout and pockets except it's missing the shell holder that 3 has. Used it 3 times last season then this year opening day I've had the same problems you had Tennessee Lead. My zipper that the pocket I keep shells in broke when I tried to open it on opening day and I only had 2 shells in my gun case. thought I would be ok, ended up missing both times at a bird. The 3rd shell would have been great as it walks by me at 6 yards...lol Very disappointed in the quality.

Yes sir the Quality is very bad.
It arrived here with all buckles on backwards. I've had to re sew 3 different seams and re attach 2 straps. Last hunt I used it the pocket on the bottom left came in stitched which let the zipper come off the end.
I probably won't get another SE2.
I'll try another full vest probably an Ol Tom.


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Ive been using the Ol Tom I-beam this year and love it so far. It's held up well in the mountains and is super lightweight. I still use my Essentials vest occasionally on rainy days and days when it's super hot.


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