Gun Dog Forum

Looking for a new vest. I like something front loading and want it to be comfortable. I had previously posted a post asking about the Pella vest with no response, so I thought I would just ask for overall vest opinions.

Pella would be my second choice of a vest. I really like Mother's. It's newly redesigned this year with bigger pockets and easier loading. I have an old Mother's and it is absolutely the most comfortable and toughest vest I've ever had. It is hard to get birds in though; I take mine off to put a bird in.

I'm using a Remington vest, mesh top that I like pretty much. It was presented to me for judging a trial, so I didn't buy it.

I've kinda been looking at the one Cabela's sells with Tom Dokken's name on it with the transmitter pockets etc. I don't really want one with the camel back. I care one of my horseback jugs on my belt with a carbiner, and we both share.

The Guide Series from Gander Mountain works fine for me. Blaze orange, front loading, large zippered pockets, easy to find and grab shell loops, and made of mesh for warmer days (can always throw on a jacket, but can't always vent every vest). Hits every checkmark requirement I can throw at it, and it was cheap.

(On any vest, make sure you have the requisite amount of blaze orange, check your State and local laws/ordinances)

My hunting buddy has a pella, I have a browning. Wouldn't buy the browning again, it is comfortable, but it doesn't have enough places to separate stuff and no water pockets. He swears by his pella.

I went through several vests before I settled on my Gamehide.
http://www.gamehide.com/product/product ... eriesid=40
They are very reasonably priced, functional and sharp looking.

Using a 6 yr old Columbia with a neoprene yoke that helps when it's getting heavy (more often water than birds). Sierra Trading Post occasionally has them pretty cheap and Cabelas carries them.

gonehuntin' wrote:Pella would be my second choice of a vest. I really like Mother's. It's newly redesigned this year with bigger pockets and easier loading. I have an old Mother's and it is absolutely the most comfortable and toughest vest I've ever had. It is hard to get birds in though; I take mine off to put a bird in.

I agree, the loading of birds into the vest is the tough part..i have to take mine off as well.

I've had my Quilomene Vest for 6 years now and love it.

http://www.quilomene.com/page/995744

A good hunting vest is one that is blaze orange, can be loaded from the front, and has pockets for shells and all of the other stuff you carry.

Ezzy

My hunting buddy uses a Pella, I am going to buy one before next season. He traded me for a day and I LOVED it. I ended up carrying a couple chukar and a nice sized rabbit and it sure made the load more comfortable.

I like the Filson Strap Vest. Very comfortable with plenty of room for game and all the "stuff". It distributes the weight evenly across my shoulders. It comes with or without blaze orange.

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp ... age=family

I just bought one of these -

Cabela's Ultimate Field Dog™ System Vest

and so far, I like it. Note that several of the reader reviews say they had problems with birds falling out the front of the vest. I've just been using mine for training, but nothing I've put in the front like gloves, etc. have fallen out, so maybe they fixed that particular issue.

I got one of these also..but mine was old enough not to have the transmitter pocket...has two elastic openings in the back to carry water for the dogs and enough pockets all around for anything...have had mine for 6 years...a little beaten up but still the best I've had...I've seen them go on sale on occasion.

NJ GSP wrote:I just bought one of these -

Cabela's Ultimate Field Dog™ System Vest

and so far, I like it. Note that several of the reader reviews say they had problems with birds falling out the front of the vest. I've just been using mine for training, but nothing I've put in the front like gloves, etc. have fallen out, so maybe they fixed that particular issue.

I use the GameHide vest for trials and hunting. Both a front load and very comfortable to wear. I also have a cabela's vest that is nice. Both brands are very durable and a great value. $30. i looked at the higher priced vest but they were heavy and settled on these. Ive been very happy with all. Good luck on your purchase

Well, I am not too particular, I carry one water bottle and like two pockets for shells.
I have a couple of Columbia vests, and an old nylon red head and a cabelas strap vest. I like some hunters orange, but not 100%
My biggest complaint is the last two years they shrunk! I am moving up to XL.....

rosiesdad wrote:My biggest complaint is the last two years they shrunk!

It's funny how they do that!

The Columbia Grouse X gets my vote! But it will shrink too if you don't watch you taters.