Need new upland gear - vest or pack?

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subneural

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Forever ago I bought a Browning "Pheasants Forever" vest that has seen its fair share of game, and is still holding up strong. The only issue is about a year ago I started exercising and eating right, so none of my hunting clothes fit. My faithful vest hangs on me like a sail.

I'm deciding between sticking with a standard upland vest, but in my new size, something like the Browning BirdnLite
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Or a backpack style setup like the Badlands Birdvest.
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Any feedback or suggestions welcome!
 
I've always been a back pack guy, just seems more practical for me. I use my packs for different things, I do have a vest but it only see's action a little each year. I guess it depends if you'd rather have to remove your pack to get things out of it, or reach into a front pocket of a vest.
 
Do you hunt with a dog or leave the truck in the morning and not come back until the end of the day? A pack vest is nice for carrying water, you and the dog, lunch, rain gear, dry clothes, first aid kit, etc... If the hunt is an easy, short stroll of a couple hours then maybe a regular vest will suffice.
 
I prefer a vest myself. I'm fussy, it has to carry all my crap, have a rear lined game bag, at least 10 shell loops and be solid blaze orange as per NB Hunting Regs.
 
I'm in the same boat, but I'm also done with traditional vests. Too difficult to get a proper fit while layering. That pack looks interesting, but not enough storage out front I think. Is there a Canadian source for a good adjustable strap vest??
 
I suggest the birdvest, I have one and its my favourite pack. its well designed and I can reach all the pockets with out removing it, plus its hydro bladder ready and has an internal removable blood proof bag And all kinds of pockets for the #### i bring. It makes a great dog training bag, on top of being able to just tuck my starters pistol onto the kidney belt, it holds all my bumpers and training birds out of sight but still accessed by a quick reach around due to the unique zipperless pocket that can expand large enough to fit a greater canadian goose And some gear. Hell in the early season I use it as a blind bag while jump shooting geese, Just dont trust those elastic shell holders.....
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I've done both, and finally settled on a strap-vest, which combines the best of both worlds IMO. I can cinch it own nice and snug (and adjust for seasonal clothing or annual body-fat (!) fluctuations), and toss in a bit of extra gear when warranted. It's capacity is quite limited though, so it suits my short jaunts nicely - I'm rarely gone from the car more that 2 hours per cover. For day trips, I think I'd find it too small and resort to a pack. Obviously, you need one of each!
 
thanks for the input everyone.

killswitch thanks for the detailed review and the photos. The birdvest looks like the right one for me - I've picked on up, and can't wait to put it to use. I can see what you mean about avoiding the shell loops, I can see that I'll lose shells that way.
 
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