I have been looking at some of the vest on the market. I just do not think some of the newer ones are functional. Tiny pockets for what? Some so small i wonder what the purpose of them are. Special pocket for thermocell? Really. I prefer the older designs room enough for a couple slates and strikers, couple box calls. Shell pockets and room for mask and head net. I guess i must be getting old because some of these do not appear comfortable or functional. Big price also. Your thoughts?
Yes I agree, for the longest I didn't even own anything but some camo T-shirts. Times have certainly changed, I confess I pack way more calls and equipment needed to kill a gobbler.
I really wonder who designed some of the vests, they certainly have a different way of hunting than I do
The best part of my latest vest...a hydration bladder holder. It's the most practical pocket on my vest. Probably not what most folks would want but it saves packing several water bottles.
I am on my first vest, an RNG 300 and as Rzrbac said I really like the water bladder capacity. I grew up throwing everything into the cargo pockets on my pants and into a backpack so this vest stuff is new to me.
A satchel makes a good alternative to a vest. I made the switch several years ago and am very satisfied with the satchel.
I like a good vest. I agree that a lot of the newer ones look more like something a fellow on a bomb squad would use but some of the older designs are good.Been using a super elite 3 for many years now. I dont carry many calls but a do like to carry lunch and something to drink. I do like having a seat pad as well but it seems like it's hit or miss on whether I actually use it. Just cause a vest has a lot of pockets doesn't mean they need to be filled either. One of my biggest peeves is that they dont seem to make them out of quiet, sturdy cloth anymore.
Quote from: Old Timer on July 21, 2019, 02:54:27 PM
I have been looking at some of the vest on the market. I just do not think some of the newer ones are functional. Tiny pockets for what? Some so small i wonder what the purpose of them are. Special pocket for thermocell? Really. I prefer the older designs room enough for a couple slates and strikers, couple box calls. Shell pockets and room for mask and head net. I guess i must be getting old because some of these do not appear comfortable or functional. Big price also. Your thoughts?
100% agree. I found a couple of old school Green leaf turkey vests on eBay. American made quality materials. Non of the shiney blended fabrics just cotton. There are plenty of them on eBay you just have to keep an eye out to find one not faded or tore up. I found one that was like new looked never worn for 40$. Nows the time to look the prices will get higher when hunting season gets close.
Guess Im in the minority. I really like my nomad.
Glenda Green satchel, never need a vest again!
I'm hooked on my RNG-300 vest! Tried a lot of vests, most were too bulky, didn't fit right or the seats sucked. Rng works great with a water bladder and adjusts perfectly to your liking
Love my rng-300 too. Quiet, lightweight, highly adjustable, practical pockets I can access quick and it stays close to the body while I'm hiking thru the rough stuff. I have buddies that stuff everything into cargo pockets and others that use fanny packs. Everyone has their preferences.
I'll admit, I love a good vest. I used to only take a backpack but it was very inconvenient for me.
This year, I started using a water bladder and it's been a game changer for me.
Last year I used a Tenzing TV18 and enjoyed it. But I'm always looking at what else is out there...
Here's an old one for you. My fall vest now.
Quote from: Old Timer on July 22, 2019, 03:46:19 PM
Here's an old one for you. My fall vest now.
Love that pattern. I had a T Shirt in that when I was a kid. I thought I was something first time I wore it to the woods.
Quote from: Old Timer on July 22, 2019, 03:46:19 PM
Here's an old one for you. My fall vest now.
Great camo pattern.
I look like a sporting goods store. My vest has 3 slates. 2 boxes, a handful of mouth calls, a water bottle holder. Then a big pocket that holds 2 thermacells, a few extra shells and a flashlight. It has a padded seat. Then I have a Turkey chair that goes over shoulder. My hat has 2 spots for mouth calls.
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I have another vest that holds 3 slates multiple strikers,3 box calls, water bottle,thermocell. Pocket for decoys and stakes. I could spend overnight if I had too. The last few years I have been carrying less.
I only carry a crow call. Two pots and if I feel really energetic, 3 strikers. Diaghram calls and a trumpet on lanyards around my neck. However the box call pouch seems custom made for a certain small cold cut hoagie one of our local gas stations sells and I value it more than a box call so it gets the nod. I carry more for comfort than I do for calling turkeys.
I used a Alps Super Elite 4.0 last year and love it. While using it I thought It would be better with some changes.
Didn't they go and make the changes on the Longbeard Elite Vest.
I carry a lot, 4 pots & strikers, 2 box's. Water, snack, map, compass and soft decoys.
I've tried several vest over the years, I've settled on the tactical tatr from Cabela's. I'm very frugal so normally wait till after seasons over and get stuff on clearance.
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Me too, right now mossy oak has some good vest deals on their site.
Ol Tom Easy Rider vest serves me well, its light and I feel well laid out for my needs. But I'm a hunter that carries only what I definitely need. It might be worth you taking a look at this vest???
Quote from: HILBY72 on July 22, 2019, 11:02:21 PM
Ol Tom Easy Rider vest serves me well, its light and I feel well laid out for my needs. But I'm a hunter that carries only what I definitely need. It might be worth you taking a look at this vest???
I picked one up last season based on a strong recommendation from davisd9. Glad I did. It is well laid out and I like it very much. Looks like they took a lot of inspiration from the Dixon.
Seems like everything made years ago was of better quality. The vest I'm wearing now is over 12 years old. I love it. I don't wash it either. Keeps the color from fading and stitching tight.
stopped by Gander last evening. They had the Old Tom vest for like 50 bucks on sell out. Nice light vest but i could not figure the pockets out, king of small. Just didnt make sense to me. Nice deal if their your thing.
Old Timer, was that the Easy Rider or the Essentials vest that you looked at in Gander Outdoors for 50 bucks? There's quite a few pockets on the Easy Rider.
I believe it was the essentials i looked at closely. But they had them both there. One was a few bucks more. Most of there vest were 50 percent off. Good time to buy after the season.