Gun Dog Forum

I've been looking for a nice hunting vest and haven't been having much luck so I thought I'd see what you guys were using this year.

If possible, I'd like to find one with some/all of the following characteristics:

Some/all of vest in hunter's orange (in case I go hunting with a "bleep" Cheney!! )
Lightweight (probably a strap-style instead of a full vest)
A couple easy access but secure pockets in front
Easy access bird bag in back
Possibly with a small zippered pack on the back for misc. gear/first-aid/water, etc.
Durable yet comfortable
No mesh to snag (at least on the front/sides)

Any ideas on one with these features or one you've found particularly useful would be MUCH appreciated!!!!

I'm going to use the same all orahge vest I bought 10 years ago to replace the one I had used for thity years before that. Has two large front pockets plus two sets of shell holders on each side and a front loading birdbag. Thats all I need since I can carry a water bottle in the pocket if I need to take one along and there is room for an extra pair of gloves, my camera, and a leash or two. I think it cost 20 bucks or so at a Farm King store. I even bought one for my son and my wife.

Nothing fancy but it works for me.

Ezzy

Two words... Wing Works!
You won't be dissapointed.
Very well made, and meets all of your criteria. Plus it's made for horseback hunting to boot.

Go to their website and check 'em out. I have one and it's the best I've found. They WILL get you the right size.

Sorry no link, I don't know how to do it from my phone. Just Google it.

Doug

Wing Works is the best I have ever used. I have retired my Filson to back-up status. The vest is very adjustable to get just the right fit for you. It also distributes the weight very well and is quite comfortable to wear. Several of my buddies also have them now after trying mine.

I am using the mother brand strap vest. It also works very well.

Charlie

Love my Filson,I don't generally buy the higher priced hunting clothes,but glad I spent it on the Filson vest.It was worth it.

Another happy Wingworks user here.

Charlie, is it difficult to get birds into the game bag on your Mother?

Thunderhead is correct, Wing Works is the one, saw his and had to have one. Thing can carry everything you need and more...

I am with Ezzy on this one. Wal Mart brand QU vests work just fine for me. They have held up really well. Maybe I am just lazy or utilitarian I am not sure which but a couple of pockets for a camera and a water bottle and a bird bag is about all I need. Weigh yourselves down if you want but I go light and cheap.

I have a few different vest, but the WingWorks is probably the "go to" vest . It has places for all sorts of gear, water bottle, garmin, etc... Has the small chest pockets which work well for training stuff.
Bill L.

Just got my Wing Works.

I have loaded it up and I am wearing it on my daily hikes.

I now have two dogs and need to carry a lot of water.

The Wing Works strap vest is up to the task.

I have been using a very good vest from Cabelas for a number of years; but the stress it put on my back and shoulders was not good.

Best wishes and Hunt'en Up!

This is what I'll be wearing afield this season. My wife just bought it for me for my birthday last month.



Orvis Original Waxed Cotton and Strap Vest

Orvis' most versatile all-season upland hunting vest is now also available in blaze orange for optimum visibility and safety in the field. Orvis-exclusive Easy Entry closure at front pockets gives the hunter quick and easy one-finger open and close to get at shells fast. Wears comfortably over whatever layering the weather conditions demand. Indestructible shoulder straps and belt made of heavy-duty, nylon webbing. Original rugged, waxed cotton hunting vest in dark khaki, sheds water and dirt. USA.

Available in two sizes: M/L(chest sizes 40-44), XL/XXL(chest sizes 46-52).
$149

I've been using a Quilomene for a bunch of years, but thinking about getting a Wingworks due to all the good reviews.

Browning strap vest for Grouse, Mothers for pheasant. If I can drop a quick 40, I may be able to fit in my Filson.

I dont really like wearing a vest and will be ordering one of these asap.

ACooper wrote:I dont really like wearing a vest and will be ordering one of these asap.

I love it, but it does not look like it will hold a phes.

another plug for the wingworks strap vest. much better than the quilomene that i also have.

I had been looking for a good hydration vest, and got lucky and found a Mother's Day Pack for $29 clearance at the local sporting goods store. Can't give a total review yet, but it fits comfortably and looks like it will get the job done.

BDBUzi wrote:Another happy Wingworks user here.

Charlie, is it difficult to get birds into the game bag on your Mother?

I haven't noticed any difficulty loading birds in it. I really like the vest but it does not have the room for everything the wing works has. It is comforatable and fits my needs.

Charlie

Only the best.. Filson.

I have no freakin Idea, but I need to get a new one soon as I ripped the "bleep" out of my pockets on the ole vest last year......

Hmmm...Wingworks, Mother, Pella, Filson....like the tin cloth from 'filson....I don't know yet..I gotta decide soon though.....

Chip

birddogger wrote:

BDBUzi wrote:Another happy Wingworks user here.

Charlie, is it difficult to get birds into the game bag on your Mother?

I haven't noticed any difficulty loading birds in it. I really like the vest but it does not have the room for everything the wing works has. It is comforatable and fits my needs.

Charlie

That's good to hear.
I've heard that maybe the newer models have solved that problem, but I know a couple people that have them and short of doing the Lethal Weapon shoulder dislocation, they've taken off the vest to put a bird in the bag.

I spoke to a gentleman at WingWorks about their vest today. He was VERY patient and helpful and based on the design, great reviews and outstanding customer service, I'm going to give one a try.
http://www.wingworks.biz/Vests/tabid/76/Default.aspx


I'm likely to get the Garmin holster and a shellholder too. Anyone tried these? I'd like to hear what you think......



FWIW - this looked like an interesting idea as well......
Cabela's Activ-Lite™ Shell-N-Bird Belt
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... hasJS=true

I like the Cabela's belt but there isnt a bag for the birds, the hang by loops. I am not sure I would like that.

brdhntr wrote:

ACooper wrote:I dont really like wearing a vest and will be ordering one of these asap.

I love it, but it does not look like it will hold a phes.

I have used a very similar bag for years, and on occasion have run into problems with having enough room in the gam bag, but I fiogure it is a good problem to have, and usually try and pawn my extra phez off for someone else to carry.

But honestly if I think I won't be able to make a pit stop the truck, or will need to I will go ahead and wear my browning vest.

I will be wearing my Wick vest that Linda made for me years ago. I really hated it when they went out of business as they sewed several things for me, they are quality gear that I will get years and years of service from.

I am sold on wing works!

I've got a traditional Pella Bird n Lite and like it but I'm going to get a cooler strap vest for warmer weather