[IANative]

A guide buddy of mine swears by the Tenzing vest. I got the new ALPS vest to try out this year... no feedback yet. FWIW, I've hunted birds for 30+ years wearing only the cheap sh!t offered by WalMart, Bass Pro and the like, and it never seemed to make any difference to the birds. The only difference now is that I can afford nicer things.

 

[gsca1676]

I have a LL bean upland vest and like it and it has held up well even though it's imported.
Most of my hunting buddies use the Cabellas or Guide gear vests.

 

[eightbore]

In my hunting room, there is every bird vest anyone could want. Watch the obituaries.

 

[Yoda117]

WingWorks is the top of the heap, no question.

If you want something damn good but not quite as expensive, Quilomene fits that bill.

+1 to this.

I know it's an older thread, but I've not been impressed with Filson's tradition style vest.

I find myself gravitating to the Browning PF vests more often than not. I'd like some better fabric on it, but it's been holding up rather well after several seasons, and frankly, it has room enough for everything I use in the field save for hydration (and I use a pouch from thewilderness.com for that, radio, etc.).

 

[Molimestone]

Second on the LL Bean. Not where I expected to find the vest of choice, but ordered many and its the one I kept. Hunted with it for four days and really liked it. The internal waist belt takes a little weight off the shoulders.

 

[eff10mm]

I have used a Filson for over 10 years. Only complaint would be the narrow shoulder straps are hard on my shoulders when loaded down with birds. On the other hand the straps never get in the way of a good gun mount. He was today's photo of the season closer.

 

[Sea Duck]

Nitro, I SECOND THAT!! FILSON!! I have 6 dogs, 2 setters,2pointers,2 labs, I'm at it full time and so are my FILSONS!!
You get what you pay for,plus it's AMERICAN!!

 

[shooter55812]

Has anyone used Orvis upland jackets before? I know of Filson and know they are quite expensive. I'm not sure if their stuff is US made, but it looks extremely durable and nice. I've used their stuff fly fishing and never had issues. I found one solid review of them, Best Upland Hunting Jacket of 2018 | The Upland Hunter but wanted to check and see if anyone had used the toughshell before I bought one. Thanks.

 

[duckbuster]

I use Bird N Lite for guiding, carrying as many as 15 pheasants at one time. Absolutely love it.

 

[Setterman]

I use a Tenzing strap vest when it's cold, and just an old light vest when it's warm. When we go out West to pheasant hunt, or if I'm guiding on a canned hunt I'll use the Tenzing cause the dogs bring all the birds to me. The wider shoulder straps and cross tie straps make big difference toting birds.

The strap vests can fit tight and be hot when it's fairly warm. Some weigh quite a bit more than a standard vest too. Check out shipping weight for comparison when you buy.

 

[dklees]

It's been so hot here that I've been using the cheap light weight mesh type from Sportsman's. Wearing it over a simple white T-shirt. Been hunting up to about 10 or 11 am and then packing it in because it's too hot. Even on days where its 44 at 5 am, it gets to 80 by noon. I think we have had only one night that got down to freezing. I hate the flimsy cheap Chinese made mesh, but they are cool and I don't overheat as much.

 

[K-Hornet]

I bought a new coat 29 yrs ago while hunting in Scotland with my brother in law and I just can't where it out. It has a removable lining and no orange panels. I just looked at the tag and it says Field Gear, made in Hong Kong. out side of blood stains it looks almost good as new. The leather collar is warn quite a bit and as I remember I paid about 350-400$ for it. Bought a shoulder vest without back and a strap in front, but I used that so much I went by the wayside about 15 yrs ago. That was also by the same manufacture.

 

[Swampy16]

I have several Filson products and like them all. Never tried the vest though. I have an Orvis waxed cotton vest and it has amazed me. They're not made in the USA but Orvis will replace or refund for any issues for the
Life of their garments. Its tough as nails and very comfortable with gobs of storage. If i can get 3 seasons of grouse hunting out of it ill be pleased. I ve never had any upland garment lastbthat long, They put some kind of metal spring in the pocket opening that will hold the pocket open for you. I will not hunt with anything else.

 

[Chicken630]

I've had Felson I like them I've had McAllister I like them. There's so many new vest coming out it's hard to say you'll have to hope someone you know has one you can try before you buy. It's about getting them load off of your back and under your shoulders that it's so that it is distributed so you don't feel it walking all day I hope this helps

 

[ssgred]

I got the vest in the mail today and I like it so far. Now we will see how long the shell pockets hold out. These always seem to be the first to wear out. The material is a little lighter than I expected but the best part is that it is Made IN The USA from" Imported Materials " !! I guess there's a little bit of China in everything. lol

Just wondering what you think of the vest after using it for a season?

 

[poacherjoe]

I am a big guy and it's to small or I should say short. When you reach around to place a bird in the back you have to reach upwards to get it in there. If it was longer that would solve the problem. I used it a lot and the shell pockets are holding up great. All in all I like it . To bad they don't have a store close buy where someone could try all the different brands on to help make the purchase more satisfying.

 

[TexasTBag]

If you want something damn good but not quite as expensive, Quilomene fits that bill.

Ordered a Q5 Rimfire (wife said to pick out a birthday present the kids could give me) can’t wait to get it.

 

[8 Straight]

Look into the Easy Loader vest by Tiemann's of Priddy TX. I bought 2 about 20 years ago, one to set up for 12 ga. and the other for 28g. They are comfortable, and wear like iron. Check them out at Tiemann's Product 5

 

[Wilhnt4]

I have a Wing Works vest that is very nice but a little on the bulky side. I wear it in cooler weather but use my Orvis vest when it’s warm or I want to travel light.

 

[Mayhem79]

I have a Boyt Harness strap vest I have had for 25 years I still use it some but I bought a Wing Works this year and really like it.