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??
Vest suggestions
- Thread starter tomt
- Start date
First, how do you hunt? You will get a lot of suggestions but not everyone hunts the same.
The two vests that I have extensive time wearing are the Final Rise summit and the traditional style browning vest. They both have their advantages but I almost exclusively use the Final Rise anymore.
The browning vest is great for cold weather and when you don't have to carry much water for the dog. It is essentially just another layer of clothing with respect to gun mount. When there are no birds in the back you can comfortably sit in the truck.
The Final Rise has a weight distributing belt (i.e. comfortably carry a lot of dog water) and does not enclose you so it is not as hot when you are pulling a hill and it is 70 degrees. The straps are thin and have not caused me problems with my mount.
For late season hunts that are cold and I am doing a series of 1-2 hour walks before going back to the truck, I like the browning better. For all my other hunts I prefer the Final Rise.
The two vests that I have extensive time wearing are the Final Rise summit and the traditional style browning vest. They both have their advantages but I almost exclusively use the Final Rise anymore.
The browning vest is great for cold weather and when you don't have to carry much water for the dog. It is essentially just another layer of clothing with respect to gun mount. When there are no birds in the back you can comfortably sit in the truck.
The Final Rise has a weight distributing belt (i.e. comfortably carry a lot of dog water) and does not enclose you so it is not as hot when you are pulling a hill and it is 70 degrees. The straps are thin and have not caused me problems with my mount.
For late season hunts that are cold and I am doing a series of 1-2 hour walks before going back to the truck, I like the browning better. For all my other hunts I prefer the Final Rise.
Goosemaster
Well-known member
I like my Austrian hunting jacket.
dustin mudd
Active member
Another convert to final rise. Bet they accept return if you don’t like!
I have that Orvis vest and love mine. I like it better than a way more expensive Filson strap vest that I bought last year.
AKSkeeter
Well-known member
I hunt with a 60 liter Granite Gear pack instead of a vest.
I like the ability to pack out a dog if he got injured,
and I hunt solo in big country so I tend to pack quite a load...elk antlers if I find them, etc.
I've shot with a pack for 40 years and for me I have no problem.
Plus I think a good quality pack is easier on the back relative to a vest with heavier loads.
I've shot sporting clays with a pack on versus off and the pack does not affect my shooting.
No problem continued hunting roosters after shooting this goose 2 miles from the truck in the fog last year.
I like the ability to pack out a dog if he got injured,
and I hunt solo in big country so I tend to pack quite a load...elk antlers if I find them, etc.
I've shot with a pack for 40 years and for me I have no problem.
Plus I think a good quality pack is easier on the back relative to a vest with heavier loads.
I've shot sporting clays with a pack on versus off and the pack does not affect my shooting.
No problem continued hunting roosters after shooting this goose 2 miles from the truck in the fog last year.
wingsnfins
Well-known member
I'm on my 5th year with Tenzing BV16 vest. Aside from some fading of the orange, I have been very happy with it. It's lightweight, wears well. I carry alot of gear in it plus water bladder and water bottles. Whether empty or full, support is really good. Shouldering a gun is of no issue or concern, one probably has more of an issue with a bulky sweatshirt than they would with this vest. Good sale on them right now too.
gock5
New member
I'm looking as well. Down to between the Kuiu (out of stock, https://www.kuiu.com/products/upland-field-vest-blaze-orange?variant=43394203975838) and Marsupial (https://www.marsupialgear.com/products/upland-vest). Thoughts on both?
FlushingSetters1724
Active member
If anyone is looking for a cheap option, I've had the Rogers Toughman Upland Strap Vest for a few years now. It's currently on sale for $90. I would have spent a few hundred bucks on a Kuiu/Final Rise or something similar but I received this as a gift. I've used and abused this thing for a couple years and don't have any complaints. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing with the more expensive options, but for me this vest has checked all the boxes.
Quailnerd
Well-known member
I’ve run through two tenzing vests and bought a marsupial this year.. I love it except the terrible design on shell pouch, it has a zipper instead of a flap. It is definitely the most versatile one I’ve tried, lots of water storage and shoulder straps are thin and comfy.
Quailnerd
Well-known member
I bought the low profile marsupial with an extra water bottle holder. If I was full time pheasant bird compartment would be small
Good point.
I have one of the traditional Browning vests, don't like it much as I have to keep it loose so the buckles don't get in my way.
I start hunting Sept grouse where I most often find adequate water sources for the dog, then through Montana, KS and CO pheasants where I'm often needing 2 quarts, through SD where ice and snow demand pounding cattails. I like the idea of a large capacity vest, but hate the feel of a strap between my stock and shoulder. I know it's in my head, but any little deviation in feel I experience when I mount the gun (ie the skinny thin nylon strap that is half off center or god forbid a buckle that slipped upwards while walking) just drives my ADHD crazy. maybe 2 options for different situations is an answer, but at heart I'm frugal as hell (ie I squeak when I walk I'm so tight with money)
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll look into each one.
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My right shoulder has been surgically altered, to about 40% wide. Therefore I need a plain fabric strap (Gamehide) ,as wide as possible. Any strap affair slides off what's left of my shoulder. I do insert a shoulder pad to keep it in place, which helps.Good point.
I have one of the traditional Browning vests, don't like it much as I have to keep it loose so the buckles don't get in my way.
I start hunting Sept grouse where I most often find adequate water sources for the dog, then through Montana, KS and CO pheasants where I'm often needing 2 quarts, through SD where ice and snow demand pounding cattails. I like the idea of a large capacity vest, but hate the feel of a strap between my stock and shoulder. I know it's in my head, but any little deviation in feel I experience when I mount the gun (ie the skinny thin nylon strap that is half off center or god forbid a buckle that slipped upwards while walking) just drives my ADHD crazy. maybe 2 options for different situations is an answer, but at heart I'm frugal as hell (ie I squeak when I walk I'm so tight with money)
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll look into each one.
rangerman
Member
Attachments
By traditional browning vest I meant what is in the below link. No buckle in the way of your mount but I don't like it for carrying a lot of water.Good point.
I have one of the traditional Browning vests, don't like it much as I have to keep it loose so the buckles don't get in my way.
I start hunting Sept grouse where I most often find adequate water sources for the dog, then through Montana, KS and CO pheasants where I'm often needing 2 quarts, through SD where ice and snow demand pounding cattails. I like the idea of a large capacity vest, but hate the feel of a strap between my stock and shoulder. I know it's in my head, but any little deviation in feel I experience when I mount the gun (ie the skinny thin nylon strap that is half off center or god forbid a buckle that slipped upwards while walking) just drives my ADHD crazy. maybe 2 options for different situations is an answer, but at heart I'm frugal as hell (ie I squeak when I walk I'm so tight with money)
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll look into each one.
I would look at the Final Rise and order to your size. You should not have problems with buckles in the way. I have about 75 days in the field and aside from being dirty it shows no wear so I am figuring the cost washes out in the end.
Browning Men's Sleeveless Upland Vest - Tan/Blaze - M
Invest in This VestGo into the field in style and comfort wearing this top-quality upland vest. Constructed from tough canvas material to resist the wear from brush and tough country, this vest includes the top features you need to keep track of the necessities and bring out a limit of birds.A...
north40.com
waterdog09
Active member
Go with a final rise summit, you won't be disappointed with your purchase!