Have you completely geared up yourself for turkey hunting? Even plain hunters wear the best turkey hunting vests, which suits their complete needs while hunting. They do have gadgets but not much as compared to an experienced hunter, but still, they recognize the importance of wearing a turkey hunting vest. It is for sure that you also carry certain gadgets like pot calls, slate turkey calls, rangefinder, box calls, etc. along with you. Now, where you are going to put all of them? Obviously, a specific gear is required for this purpose.
A great round of applause for turkey hunting vests as they are going to act as your storage units for all the small stuff you need while turkey hunting. Thus, pockets serve as main things which fulfil the objective of a turkey hunting vest. Along with it, I have listed another factor below.
Factors To Be Considered Before Purchasing A Turkey Hunting Vest
You have to go through a particular checklist before buying a turkey hunting vest. The portability, size, storage and various other items matter for a turkey hunting vest as described below.
Size Of The Vest
Vests come in different sizes. While there are vests that have both a free size and size adjustable points. So, you have to see one according to your preference as well as size. However, most of the turkey hunting vests have a standard size that fits most of the hunters.
Durability Matters
It is not always possible that expensive brands will give you a long-lasting, sturdy material. So, make your decision rather on other factors such as extra straps, the weight of the vest, etc. As they are external clothing serving the purpose of camouflaging they should be strong durable enough to go for a long run. Thus, a lightweight vest goes for great if it is pooled with nice material quality.
Pockets It Has
As I said, pockets serve the main purpose since they are storage units for your turkey hunting stuff. But, the number of pockets not only matters. There should be definite storage for each of the diverse gadgets. Like, some vests come up with separate pockets for slate turkey calls or pot calls. No matter when you go for a turkey hunting in the rain, your calls are not going to be damp. Moreover, pockets should be easy to use and not noisy. Because it will not look good if you stuck between them while ranging a turkey.
Ease To Carry
Heavier vests are not preferred as they will become a burden in your stressful turkey hunting. To make turkey hunting experience more relaxing, you should check out the comfort level of each vest depending on the size, the number of pockets you need or the attached cushion seat.
Adaptability
Yes, I am talking of camouflage vests. I think they are the best turkey hunting vests as they are better adaptable to the environment. Whether you choose Realtree Edge or Mossy Oak pattern, the surroundings of your hunting area should be checked in advance to purchase a versatile hunting vest.
Even Mossy Oak has two sub-patterns such as Mossy Oak Obsession and Mossy Oak Bottomland. So, choose accordingly.
Seats
Most of the recent turkey hunting vests are made with attached seats. Whether it be a simple foam seat, a lounge seat or a cushioned seat, you should see their detachability and ease of use so that it will not make noise.
So, if you would ask me, what to wear turkey hunting, then my answer would target an ideal turkey vest that combines all of the features listed above.
Based on these features, let us compare the below given Top 5 best turkey hunting vests as a buying escort.
Via Amazon
Reviewing Top 5 Best Turkey Hunting Vest
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
About The Vest
It is a vest with extensive features. Various compartments are provided to keep your calls safe. Also, shell loops and two bottle pockets are provided. You need not purchase extra cushion seat for comfort in the woods as this vest comes with an included padded seat.
Regarding pattern, it has mossy oak bottomland camouflage design to be adaptable to your surroundings. This vest is quite stylish having a detachable kickstand frame. You can get it in different sizes with some extra additions like blood proof breathable bag, smartphone sleeve, inside mesh pockets, adjustable straps and much more.
Why Buy This Vest
The price they are charging may appease you after hearing its exclusive information. In totality, they have five specific call pockets including two pockets of slate turkey calls, one turkey diaphragm call unit, one striker pocket that can accommodate a large locator turkey call along with three strikers, then they have made a separate turkey locator call pocket, and the last one is noiseless box call unit.
There is no need to hang the wounded turkeys or take them by hands as this vest is featured with a blood proof breathable bag. You can carry your smartphone with no worries in an isolated smartphone sleeve provided. Quench your thirst by keeping two water bottles along with you in this vest. I would like to grab your attention to the added cushion seat and the adjustable shoulder straps. Most of all, this turkey hunting vest is water resistant.
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2. MidwayUSA Turkey Vest Full Strut
About The Vest
This is a turkey hunting vest with a Realtree Edge Camouflage design. The vest is a great deal with included 14 pockets having specific gear units. They have also added a safety feature in your turkey hunting gear list by providing this vest with an orange flag so that no other hunters will take hit you by mistake. It also comes with a padded cushion for added comfort. Plus, the extra padding at the back will give you a sort of protection in case you are not using the best turkey hunting seat with a backrest. No worries to store tom or hen decoys with its extra pouch for their storage.
Why Buy This Vest
I would like to suggest this vest if your budget is somewhat tight, but you want most of the features in that budget. They have much organized 14 call pockets including four striker sleeves, two slate turkey call pockets, three diaphragm call pockets as well as box calls units. The orange flag at the padded back is an exclusive safety feature. You can attach or detach the added cushion seat according to your surrounding situations. The vest has a large space to add all your important turkey gears inside it.
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3. Primos Hunting Rocker Vest
About The Vest
Though the number of pockets is not stated in this vest, all the pockets provided are multipurpose. You can be thirst free in your entire turkey hunting journey with its handy hydration pocket to store water. Moreover, they have provided it with a flip down lounge seat that is housed with back support. Extra decoys pockets and a waterproof smartphone pocket is also there. The camo pattern is Realtree Extra Green that can provide you with great concealment in dark places.
Why Buy This Vest
It may become an alternative option to your budget-friendly choice as they have provided it with the necessary stuff like decoys pockets, molded pot call and box call pockets, waterproof smartphone sleeve, and most importantly, an attached flipping lounge seat. It also provides good concealment with a Realtree Extra Green camo pattern. The shoulder straps are also given to adjust it accordingly. And, not to forget about a game pocket onto the vest.
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4. Knight & Hale Turkey Hunting Vest Realtree Edge Frame
About The Vest
Knight and Hale present it with great features that a turkey hunter typically needs. This vest has a universal size that can fit any person using the 10 points adjustable system. The quality of detachable cushion seat is also great having a six-layered pattern, and the overall design pattern of turkey vest is presented in Realtree Edge or Mossy Oak Obsession. It includes four internal zippers with additional 12 pockets to store extra necessary. Plus, a blood proof backpack is also provided in this turkey hunting vest. It is the most lightweight and body friendly vest that weighs less than 3 pounds.
Why Buy This Vest
The adjustable body system of 10 points is amazing to look upon so that everyone can wear it. Organization of units with 12 pockets and four internal zippers is also good to be noted. Then, its lightweight version with detachable six-layered cushion seat attracts most of the buyers. These 12 pouches you can easily use to carry various accessories including a water bottle compatibility. It has a super comfy structure that will not confuse you in the wilderness.
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5. Tenzing Turkey Hunting Vest
About The Vest
It is also a lightweight version of a turkey hunting vest. Lots of dedicated pockets are provided. They have also added a foam seat that is attached with a clasp. Its pouch association is like this, one quick-tack striker pocket that can accommodate three strikers, box call pocket, shell loops, handy external pockets to store extra accessories and a big game pocket to insert your bird without any hurt. Moreover, it has a mesh back support and included shoulder straps for more adjustability and comfort.
Why Buy This Vest
If you wish to be low on your budget with most of the facilities, then it may prove to be your alternative option with a great pouch association. Summers are easy to bear in this vest because of its mesh back panel. Regarding size, added straps are given to give you an adjustment according to your body weight. And, lastly, it provides good concealment with a mossy oak obsession camo pattern.
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Some Extra Helpful Items To Keep In Your Turkey Hunting Vest With Best Practices
Apart from the common items like decoys, turkey calls or strikers, let us discuss some exceptional items to bag your turkey hunting vest with.
Personal Items
How is it if you also keep your personal stuff like sunscreen, lip balm, bandages, sanitary napkins, and a pair of clothing accessories like socks. Socks are essential because they will replace your sweating or wet ones while turkey hunting in the rain.
Hearing And Distance Aids
Rangefinder and hearing help to hear distant gobblers also proves to be helpful in your successful turkey hunting journey. And, do not forget to carry a tick spray for your sweaty clothes.
Small But Important Stuff
Glow tacks are used to mark the path you have selected. So, I think they can be adjusted in your vest. Be energetic by keeping those energy drinks along with you. And, gloves, shotgun shells are all you already know to keep maintained in your vest.
To make a natural scenario, you can also keep stakes, strings and other necessary items.
Some other personal items I would like to recommend is the tissue paper, allergy medicines, knives, and binoculars.
Well, even a best turkey hunting vest is not accustomed to turkey hunting with a bow. But, it does not mean that you cannot wear a vest while bow hunting. Yes, you obviously can wear it because all of the other necessary stuff that I had mentioned above is going to help you with vest after all.
image source: outdoorcanada.ca
Some Tips When Going For A Hunt
Be Organized
As the manufacturers have provided you with different dedicated call pockets. Thus, you should be well organized with them and be quick to use them accordingly. Association of a vest is a must otherwise you will go confused in your journey and may miss a chance to hit the target.
Avoid Making Noise
While using a turkey hunting vest, you should be alert in making noises as they can alert the gobbler and put them away from you. It is directly linked with the organization of your vest because irrelevant stuff in different pockets will undoubtedly compel you to make unnecessary noises finding them.
Conclusion
You can now easily conclude that best turkey hunting vests need to be adequately maintained with a functional association of items. Hopefully, this article proves to help recognize the importance of a turkey hunting vest and also help you decide on the best vest with all the necessary features needed to a hunter.
So, enjoy your hunting and geared up fully. There should not be a second thought to this turkey hunting gear when it made a great way to your successful hunt.