I’ve tested a lot of turkey hunting vests over the years, and almost none of them fit or function exactly as you’d hope. Most end up needing some type of modification.
First Lite’s new Treeline turkey vest, however, comes pretty close to getting it right. Its smart, practical storage provides just enough room for your favorite calls, while keeping the needs of the run-and-gun turkey hunter in mind.
It’s comfortable enough for those long, patient sits over fresh sign, but its streamlined design and storage layout also make it easy to move quickly all day. If you want a versatile vest that can adapt to your hunting style, the Treeline is worth a look.
In short, First Lite’s Treeline turkey vest delivers excellent adjustability and storage without weighing you down.
Looking to gear up for turkey season? Check out our Turkey Hunting Gear 101 guide for all the essentials.
First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest
- Material:
Polyester - Back panel:
Vented back panel - Storage:
Zippered backpack pouch - Hydration compatibility:
Hydration bladder compatible - Seat:
Dual density foam seat - Game bag:
Expandable game bag
Pros
- Backpack/game bag combo
- Super comfortable seat
- Quiet material
- Highly modular
Cons
- Seat adjustments could be quicker
First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest Review
Testing the First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest
I had the chance to test the First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest just in time for my state’s opening week of turkey season. I packed it full of calls, extra gear, and enough snacks to last an all-day hunt. Luckily, on my very first full day in the field, the vest carried me through—and helped me bag a longbeard.
Here are a few of my initial impressions of the Treeline vest.
Call Pockets
The Treeline vest has two main zippered pockets on the front, designed specifically for calls. Some vests out there seem to have more pockets than you could ever fill—completely overkill.
With the Treeline, the call storage feels just right, giving you space for your most important calls—and that’s all you really need. There’s even a detachable box call pocket, so you can streamline the vest even further. This isn’t a minimalist vest, but every pocket serves a clear purpose.
Inside the main front pouches, you can easily store a pot call along with two strikers on each side. There are also a few zippered pockets for sandpaper, box chalks, or other small essentials. On the outside of each front compartment, you’ll find three slots for mouth calls, making it quick and easy to grab them silently when you need them.
Economical Storage
After harvesting a longbeard, I had a decent hike back to the truck. Instead of carrying the bird over my shoulder the whole way, I loaded it into the vest’s game bag. The detachable straps let you separate the top of the pack from the game bag, so I secured the turkey inside and tightened the straps for a stable, comfortable walk out. The setup kept everything in place and made the hike much more enjoyable.
The game bag and pack combo is one of my favorite features of the Treeline vest. The game bag has plenty of room and easy access, while the pack can hold a hydration bladder or other gear you want zipped up and protected.
On top of that, the vest has MOLLE attachments on the front straps, allowing for extra customizable storage, like shell holders or additional pockets.
Comfortable Seat
Many other vests come with oversized seats that tend to deflate over time. The Treeline’s seat strikes a nice balance. It has enough padding to stay comfortable, but it doesn’t feel like you’re lugging around an inflatable raft.
I spent several hours sitting on it, and it held up perfectly—no deflating like other vests I’ve tried. It also stows away neatly when not in use. Plus, its just-right size won’t slow you down if you need to make a quick setup adjustment. And if you prefer a vest without a seat, you can easily remove it.
What the Treeline Turkey Vest Does Best
Most hunting vests come with either a game bag or a pack—but the Treeline gives you both, and I’m a big fan. The game bag makes it easy to grab essentials like bug spray, a water bottle (if you’re not using a hydration bladder), or decoys. Meanwhile, the pack provides extra storage for things like camera gear, extra layers, or a safe spot for your keys.
The detachable pack functions a lot like a Western-style frame pack. If you’re lucky enough to fill a tag, you can secure your bird in the game bag and tighten the pack’s compression straps for an easy, comfortable hike out.
Where the Treeline Turkey Vest Can Improve
I think the Treeline offers a great amount of storage, though I can see how some hunters might prefer more specialized pockets. Maybe I’m just used to vests with too many compartments. One small gripe is that I wish the zippers on the two main call pockets opened a little wider—it would make accessing gear even easier.
Final Thoughts
I think the Treeline’s streamlined yet roomy design works well for a wide range of hunters. If you’re after a premium vest with smart, well-thought-out storage, the First Lite Treeline turkey vest should serve you reliably for many seasons to come.
FAQ’s
Are turkey vests worth it?
Yes, for many hunters. A turkey vest keeps your gear organized, allows hands-free access to calls, decoys, and ammo, and can make hunting more efficient and comfortable.
What turkey vest does Michael Waddell use?
Michael Waddell is often seen using a Sitka Gear turkey vest. It’s designed for mobility, durability, and carrying multiple hunting essentials.
What is an alternative to a turkey vest?
A good alternative is a hunting pack or chest rig. These also let you carry gear hands-free but may offer more storage space for long hunts.
How much does the Tidewe turkey vest weigh?
Tidewe turkey vests are lightweight, usually around 1–2 pounds, depending on the size and model.
What kind of vest does Dr. Disrespect wear?
Dr. Disrespect wears a tactical-style vest for gaming and streaming purposes, not hunting. It’s mainly aesthetic and practical for carrying gear in gaming setups.
Who makes the best turkey hunting gear?
Top brands include Sitka Gear, Kuiu, Drake Waterfowl, and Muddy Outdoors. Each offers high-quality, durable gear designed for turkey hunting.
What is the most popular alternative to having a turkey?
Using a turkey decoy or calls is common when a live bird isn’t present. It helps attract wild turkeys without needing a companion bird.
What to carry in a turkey vest?
Calls, shells, decoys, a rangefinder, gloves, snacks, water, a small first aid kit, and any essential hunting tools. Organization is key.
What is a turkey vest for?
It’s for carrying all your turkey hunting gear efficiently while keeping your hands free. It helps with mobility and access to calls and ammo.
What material is best for a turkey vest?
Durable, lightweight, and breathable materials like polyester or nylon with water-resistant coatings are ideal. Sitka uses high-performance fabrics for comfort and durability.
How much does a Sitka turkey vest weigh?
A typical Sitka turkey vest weighs around 1.5–2 pounds, making it light enough for full-day hunting trips.
Are Tidewe turkey vests adjustable?
Yes, most Tidewe vests have adjustable straps to fit different body sizes and provide comfort while carrying gear.
What are the two main purposes of a turkey snood?
The snood attracts mates by changing color and size and helps display dominance in social interactions among turkeys.
What are the pros and cons of a vest vs pack?
Vests offer easier access to gear and better mobility, while packs can carry more items but may be bulky and harder to access quickly.
What do I wear when turkey hunting?
Wear camo clothing suitable for the season, including a turkey vest or pack, gloves, hat, and boots. Layer for weather and comfort.
What is a female turkey called?
A female turkey is called a hen.
What are the benefits of wearing a snood?
On turkeys, a snood attracts mates and signals dominance. For hunters, no personal benefit—it’s a bird feature.
Why does a turkey’s snood shrink?
The snood shrinks when the bird is relaxed. It elongates and changes color during courtship or social displays.
What material is the Sitka turkey vest made of?
Sitka turkey vests use high-quality, lightweight, and durable synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon with water-resistant coatings.
What’s the best way to clean a turkey vest?
Spot clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing unless the manufacturer specifies it’s safe.
Does the Sitka turkey vest have a seat?
No, most Sitka turkey vests don’t have a built-in seat. Some packs or specialized hunting gear include folding seats for long waits.
Why are Sitka clothes so expensive?
Sitka uses premium, high-performance fabrics designed for durability, weather resistance, and comfort, which adds to the cost.
What is warmer, Kuiu or Sitka?
Both brands are high-end. Sitka is often considered slightly warmer for extreme cold due to its layering system, but Kuiu is highly breathable and light.
Does the military use Sitka?
Yes, Sitka gear meets military-grade performance standards and is sometimes used by military personnel and special operators.
How do I choose the right turkey vest?
Pick a vest that fits comfortably, has enough pockets for your gear, is lightweight, and is suited to the weather conditions you’ll hunt in.
What is the point of a vest?
A vest keeps gear organized, easily accessible, and hands-free while hunting. It improves mobility and efficiency.
What is the point of a snood on a turkey?
It’s for display purposes: attracting mates and signaling dominance to other turkeys.
What to carry in your turkey vest?
Calls, shells, decoys, gloves, water, snacks, small tools, and any essential hunting gear. Keep it organized for quick access.
How to pick the right size turkey?
If you mean decoys, pick one proportional to local turkey sizes. For hunting clothing, measure your chest and compare to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
How to pick the right size vest?
Check your chest and waist measurements and compare them to the brand’s sizing chart. Adjustable straps also help fine-tune fit.
Should I size up or down for vests?
Size up if you plan to wear layers underneath. Otherwise, follow your exact measurements for a snug, comfortable fit.
Is a 90 cm vest medium or large?
It depends on the brand, but 90 cm chest usually corresponds to a medium in most U.S. sizing charts. Always check the specific brand chart.
How to know what size life vest to get?
Measure your chest and weight, then check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. The vest should fit snugly but allow free movement.