Your favourite small game/upland vest?

Mount Sweetness

Mount Sweetness

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Southern Ontario
Looking to buy a new small game vest. Have always preferred my old mesh made by Columbia.
Considering strap vests but need it to hold 3 big rooster pheasant or a limit of cottontail.
Don't want a cumbersome backpack style with bells and whistles.

What do you recommend?
 
I wear a blaze orange vest as is required here. I once had what I thought was the ideal design but once that was gone I've had to settle. Things I look for is something with a quiet fabric (no screeching when pushing through brush and branches) that isn't at all warm, so as to be wearable on hot days but as the season goes on will still fit over everything up to and including a winter coat. It's great if the vest has some shot shell carrying loops, usable front pockets and a game carrying back pocket. If anyone comes across such a thing I want to know too!
 
PS: I think it was last year that the CTC advertised a vest that was something close to ideal but they didn't actually have any in stock, neither in the stores here nor online. Don't go breaking my heart, CTC.
 
I used a Filson Strap vest for many years with full satisfaction. Somebody else had the same opinion I guess and stole it out of the back of my truck.
 
I really like this one I have from Texas Hunt Company.

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Darryl
 
I was unaware that they were out of business. Sorry for the bum tip. The build quality is excellent. They started up after USGI contracts ended after Desert Storm IIRC. Check out Boyt Harness companies Waxed Strap Vest on Amazon. It has similar lines as the Hunt Company vest.
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Darryl
 
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Mount Sweetness said:
Considering strap vests but need it to hold 3 big rooster pheasant or a limit of cottontail.
Don't want a cumbersome backpack style with bells and whistles.
Click to expand...

You may wish to consider the following ....

The Orvis vest will serve fine if you are shooting at game farms mainly. Has just one zippered pocket at the back though. Shell pocket mouths are spring loaded and secure - convenient but may wear out and protrude from the edges after prolonged use (mine hasn't reached that point yet). Very well built overall. May not be comfortable for long walks with a fully laden game bag. Fine for short distance hikes.

https:// ww w. orvis.com/p/waxed-cotton-strap-vest/6y15

The next two are designed after backpacks but not bulky or cumbersome at all as those may seem from initial appearance - the trick is not to succumb to temptation and fill all the pockets with "essentials." :) Both are very well built and designed for comfort. Plenty of organization. Very suitable for long hikes (15-20+ kms) in the grouse woods.

The Badlands vest is the most comfortable in every aspect. However, IMO, the magnetic ammo pockets although secure suck otherwise, particularly if you carry a compass. The shell loops between each pouch and the waist belt are useless. Too large and loose for sub gauge cartridge unless they have presently redesigned that feature. I believe even 12ga shells will fall off after some use. Looks like Badlands got rid of the useless shallow mesh pockets hugging the surface at the back of the vest.

https: // ww w.badlandsgear.com/products/upland-game-vest

The Tenzing vest is similar to the Badlands in terms of both form/function. IMHO, the shell pockets have the best design. Depending on individual physique, the waist belt may or may not fit 100% during early season.

https: // ww w.amazon.ca/Tenzing-962207-Upland-Orange-Medium/dp/B01B66YLPG

None of the above hamper in any way with fast gun mount or have "obstacles" that might scratch up the wood during movement. At least for me, all three offer great ease of one-handed reach behind into the game bag.
 
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I don't like game vests... I wear a light cotton or fleece vest with two small front pockets for a few shells and then I carry a shoulder bag for birds and extra gear... when I sit down for a rest I just slip off the shoulder bag to be comfortable... I vastly prefer it to having gear and carcasses wrap around my body.
 
hoytcanon said:
I don't like game vests... I wear a light cotton or fleece vest with two small front pockets for a few shells and then I carry a shoulder bag for birds and extra gear... when I sit down for a rest I just slip off the shoulder bag to be comfortable... I vastly prefer it to having gear and carcasses wrap around my body.
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+1 to this, I took your advice awhile back and grabbed a couple shoulder/courier bags for rabbit hunting and they work great. I can fit everything I need for the day in the bags other sections and easily stuff 4-5 rabbits in the main compartment of the bag.
 
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