Vest suggestions

I bought the low profile marsupial with an extra water bottle holder. If I was full time pheasant bird compartment would be small
When I run it as a pheasant vest I just use one set of straps and run it to the back of the bird bag for the load lifter. And a cheap hobby lobby hair band for the stiffener. I knew I wouldn’t like the shell pouch and put a chief on it at the start. I hated paying the extra shipping for it. I’ve heard the magnets mess with electronics though. I’d put final rises magnetic pouch on it.
 

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I have a Final Rise for days I am walking larger sections in SD and need to carry water, first aid, wire cutters etc. I like it. For days I am hunting small fields in Iowa and hopping in and out of the truck, I like something simpler/lighter and use an old Gander Mountain strap vest that can carry a 1 liter water bottle and I can get a bird in the back without taking it off. I have a few other vests at home but they either don't have pockets for a water bottle, the water bottle pocket is too small and/or the game bag opening is too small and I have to take it off to get a bird in it. Things I didn't think about when I bought them. Live and learn.
 
I used a Folsom for a long time and finally bought a Wing works a few years ago and absolutely love it. The lumbar belt design is great for long hikes or if I know I will be stuffing the game bag. The final rise and several others seem to be based on this design and you won’t regret getting one.
 
I used a Folsom for a long time and finally bought a Wing works a few years ago and absolutely love it. The lumbar belt design is great for long hikes or if I know I will be stuffing the game bag. The final rise and several others seem to be based on this design and you won’t regret getting one.
The final rise vest is based off of the wings works vest which is the original do all strap vest. I have talked to Matt (owner) of final rise numerous times and he openly admitted that in his eyes the wings works vest was the best vest on the market for a long time. He and some hunting friends took that vest and tried to improve on the things that they didn't like about it which wasn't a lot according to him. But I would say that they did a great job improving on it. I have both vests and I can honestly say that I never thought I would retire my wings works but for the past 2 years it has hung in my closet.
 
I use a Q5 centerfire.

I can't see much difference between a final rise and what I have, but I have never held a final rise in person. My Q5 has a ton of storage area and wears very nicely. It looks like a similar configuration would put you at about $60ish cheaper than a final rise as well.
 
The final rise vest is based off of the wings works vest which is the original do all strap vest. I have talked to Matt (owner) of final rise numerous times and he openly admitted that in his eyes the wings works vest was the best vest on the market for a long time. He and some hunting friends took that vest and tried to improve on the things that they didn't like about it which wasn't a lot according to him. But I would say that they did a great job improving on it. I have both vests and I can honestly say that I never thought I would retire my wings works but for the past 2 years it has hung in my closet.
Always open to new and improved... can you expand on the improvements you see vs the WW?
 
Always open to new and improved... can you expand on the improvements you see vs the WW?
The weight is a big improvement, we weighed the vests side by side and the final rise is over 1lb lighter than the wings works. 1lb may not sound like much but when you're wearing it for as long as we do some days it all adds up. Other improvements are the vented back, as the wings works isn't vented. The molle system on the final rise is also a nice improvement as you can add different components to it, where the wings works is setup how you buy it and that's it. Like I said the final rise was based on the wings works so they are very similar vests, just a couple of improvements made the vest that much better and even more of a joy to wear out in the field.
 
The weight is a big improvement, we weighed the vests side by side and the final rise is over 1lb lighter than the wings works. 1lb may not sound like much but when you're wearing it for as long as we do some days it all adds up. Other improvements are the vented back, as the wings works isn't vented. The molle system on the final rise is also a nice improvement as you can add different components to it, where the wings works is setup how you buy it and that's it. Like I said the final rise was based on the wings works so they are very similar vests, just a couple of improvements made the vest that much better and even more of a joy to wear out in the field.
Waterdog, do you have the summit xt or just the summit?
 
I recently lost my hip belt with snare pliers, dog bowl etc somewhere along a 3 mile WPA loop. I'vebeen wanting a vest but I absolutely hate have a strap under my gun stock effecting the pull. I have had a couple iver the years but can't get over that feeling, hence the hip belt. However, walking back to the truck with a few roosters hanging off a mallard strap isn't the most comfortable situation either. I've looked at A LOT of vests online, but without taking them for a spin, I have buyers reluctance. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on any vests that don't seem to effect gun mount much? Maybe a more comfortable hip pack??

This strap vest was my Christmas present to myself. I’ve worn it on two trips so far. That said, I haven’t lost any ammo from the ammo pockets, it has a hydro pocket, lots of pockets for wallets, snacks, dog water bowl etc, the material seems pretty durable and it’s very comfortable.
 
I don't like the strap vests either for the same reasons - the strap!

I use an LL bean hunting vest. I do not think they make it any longer but this one on Ebay looks to be very similar or identical.

Front loading, game bag opens in the rear, the offset buttons on the side pockets are a great idea! I can keep buttoned to keep things in but can easily get hands in for more shells without having to unbutton. Inside phone pocket. and not very hot or heavy. Plus it's comfortable and doesn't interfere with shouldering a gun or feel weird when I do so.
 
I have been using a Q5 for 10 years now. Great vest. Tough. I will say it is difficult to load a pheasant in the back of it. Quail are easy but its difficult to get a rooster back there with one arm. Does not have front load.
 
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I've been using Chief Upland for 4-5 years. It works well for me, and I like the way you can rearrange, add or remove different attachments with the molle system and customize the vest to preferences and weather conditions. My interaction with their customer service has been outstanding.
 
My wing works is probably close to 20 years old and looks like new if you don't count the blood stains. Thin shoulder strap, no gun interference. Rides nice on my hips. Web site is
wingworks.biz
 
I'm sure I have posted this before, i have a Cabela's strap vest pre Bass Pro take over, this vest is easily 20 to 25 years old and still very functional. I'm sure I didn't spend over $70 for it and it still works well. Does it have all the bells and whistles of the newest vest no but I have a hard time justifying paying 300 plus dollars for a new vest. Does mine have water bottle holders no but I put them in the game bag. Can I carry an injured dog out, i will say yes may not be the vest but it will happen. Am I looking yes, but hard to bump up when what I have meets the needs. I will it is more selfish to upgrade for me and give my son my old one....
 
I prefer strap vests. With my 20 lb. beer gut and short legs I tend to get too hot in the button, zipper ones. Bought an Orvis waxed cotton and mesh this year. Really nice, but by the time I loaded it up, then put a couple roosters in it, it was too heavy. Went back to my old 30-year-old cotton Cabela's. Going to have to put some patches on it. I also have one of the old Filson waxed cotton ones. It's still good after decades but too small for Phez.
 
I bought the Kuiu when I first came out in September and love it so far. It just needs some more blood on it!!!
 
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