Good vest for big guys

B

BakkenRoosterMan

New member
Outside my firearm, I'm looking to make my biggest hunting investment yet. I need a vest/game bag. Unfortunately, as a 6'5", 300 lb guy with broad shoulders, it's hard to make a decision based on what I see on the web. Add to that the fact that I like to hunt in winter with a big coat, and Im not sure what will meet my needs. Any large men out there have any suggestions?
 
You might want one that closes with belt ends rather than one that zips up. Really like my Filson strap vest. But some zip ups come in sizes too so you may prefer that. But when it's cold you'll want a field coat that keeps you warm and has the features of an upland vest - game bag, shell pockets, as well as hand warming pockets, weather flap, etc. I have a Cabelas field coat that has done well. Look on eBay for some possible used items in good shape to save $$.
 
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I have a similar build and wear this: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78256?page=technical-upland-vest-pack

Lots of adjustment for differing clothing.

It isn't perfect, the shell pockets are formed to hold a box of shells - box and all and not really suitable to store anything else. There are no other pockets on the front. I did a little surgery on mine and re-routed the camelbak tube out the waist belt for dog watering.

The electronics pockets are near worthless. I took them off.

But, overall I like it a lot and it is holding up well. Have 2 seasons in it and it looks new.
 
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similarly, I wear their partridge vest and when it gets colder I wear duluth trading wind proof fleece and firehose bibs over good long underwear and a fleece vest. This outfit will breath and even at -10 I sweat when walking. DT makes good clothes for us big guys. My ears and hands take a worse beating as I've gotten older. Good double x gloves are the hardest thing for me to find.
 
Check out the WingWorks strap vest. Best quality strap vest out there. You can tell them your height, weight and belly button waist measurement and they will make it to fit. Here's the link to their Fit & Adjust page.
http://wingworks.biz/vest-fit-and-adjust/
 
Go with wingworks, they are pricey but worth it. They will custom make it for your size and colors, and features you want. I love mine and it will outlast me for sure. Buy once, last year I had several pheasants in mine and with the custom fit and waist belt it felt like an empty vest. I hate those cheap vests where all the weight is on your shoulders.
 
Vest

Wingworks x3. I ordered one last year from advice from the guys on this site. I'm a short stubby Norwegian with a 28" inseam and they built one around me. Can't imagine finding a better made vest, especially if you wander a ways from your truck. I haul my rain gear, lunch, water bottles, and another top layer with me on long hunts. The weight sits on your waist and is almost unnoticeable. I think it was $225 but worth every penny. I wear mine around the house a couple nights a week, especially as the season nears.
 
I haven't had any issues with the bird n lite vest. Very adjustable. I have the body shape of a keg and have worn it over thick winter coats.
 
I was 6'1 320 last pheasant season, now 240 and my WingWorks vest is still good to go.
 
I just bought the Cabelas Pro Hunter upland strap vest ($99-$119). Goes up to 4X, only issue I see so far is not enough Orange on it for most states. Need to rectify before heading to Northern Michigan Grouse hunting next week......
 
WINGWORKS!!!!! Can't go wrong with them. They ain't cheap as been said, but well worth it. I'm on my 5th season with mine and it still is in great shape quality wise, and I hunt an average of 3 to 5 days a week.

Good luck!

Greg
 
Check out Gamehide products. I'm not sure what sizes they go up to. But, I'm 6' tall and break 300lbs. I have one of their zip game vests in 3X. It's a little snug when the cold weather jacket goes on, but it's livable. I'ts brown duck and blaze orange. I think was about $50 and made fairly well. I'm sure I've gotten my moneys worth out of it.
 
I have and like the Wingworks, and it's pretty much military-grade quality. (almost overkill)

Another strap vest I really like is the Orvis Open Prairie vest. It's less robust, but plenty good quality and nice for warmer weather.
 
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