Turkey hunting season is just around the corner in California. You have got your calls, camo, and shotgun essentials covered. However, many new hunters forget one of the most important items: the vest. It can indeed make or break your hunting day.
The right vest is more than just looking the part. It’s about being comfortable, being organized, and staying in the game from first light to midday.
Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.
Why Your Vest Matters More Than You Think?
The turkey vest is an important piece of gear because it functions as a “portable file cabinet” for your turkey hunting gear. It keeps all your calls, shells, and other gear in order and within easy reach.
This way, hunters can access the gear they need without making unnecessary movements that may alert the turkeys to their presence. This is very important when hunting turkeys because, to avoid the sharp-eyed turkeys, hunters have to remain quiet and invisible.
The Right Vest for Your Turkey Hunting Needs: Key Features to Look For
When it comes to selecting a vest, look closely at its storage, comfort, and quietness. A good turkey hunting vest is one that is easy to use, quiet, and comfortable. Here are some key features you want to look for in a vest:
- Pockets — Lots of Them, in the Right Places
You want easy access to all of your calls and other hunting gear without having to unzip everything. Here are a few things you must look for in a vest for turkey hunting:
- A large back compartment for harvested birds or a folded decoy
- Side pockets for a water bottle or a rangefinder
- Call pockets to hold box calls, pot/slate calls, and mouth calls silently.
- A sealed holster for a box call or slots for strikers.
- Internal storage for phone, keys, cards, etc.
This way, you can get everything organized, and everything has its dedicated spot.
- A Built-In Seat
Since turkey hunting often involves sitting still for a long time, a vest with a built-in seat is a big plus. This is especially true when hunting turkeys, as you can sit quietly, allowing the turkeys to get comfortable with your presence. The seat cushion must also be thick and preferably waterproof.
When shopping for a turkey chest pack with seat, look for one with a padded flip-down seat or a kickstand-style design that holds your weight on uneven ground. For example, TIDEWE’s StrutBack vest includes a 3-inch memory foam seat that folds down and can be removed or tucked away.
- Blaze Orange Safety Panel
Some states require blaze orange for the turkey hunting season. Even where it’s not required, wearing the Blaze Orange Safety Panel is a good idea. It’s out of the way when you are sitting and calling, but flips up when moving around the woods.
For example, the Nevada Department of Wildlife strongly recommends blaze orange clothing visible from all sides for safety’s sake during multi-species hunting seasons.
- Camouflage Pattern
Concealment is essential. And camouflage is the way to go. Wild turkeys have excellent eyesight and can identify colors. Thus, you will want head-to-toe camouflage.
Choose a camouflage pattern that’s appropriate for your hunting area. For example, greens are great for hunting in the woods. Browns and tans are great for hunting in the desert. The camouflage pattern will help you blend in with the trees, the bush, or the open fields.
- Breathable, Quiet Fabric
Because turkeys have such excellent eyesight and hearing, they are easily spooked by movement and noise. Therefore, the fabric of your vest should be:
- Quiet and non-rustling when moving
- Moisture-wicking to prevent you from getting too hot while hunting those early morning hours
- Designed to go with your terrain camouflage
Fleece-lined interiors and soft shell outer materials are usually the quietest. Avoid anything noisy, such as crinkly or stiff materials.
- Adjustable Fit
Spring temperatures can go from chilly to sweltering by midday. A vest with adjustable side straps and a relaxed fit allows you to layer up or down, without fighting your gear.
Padded vests distribute the weight of a loaded vest, while high-quality vests feature padded, ventilated shoulder straps to keep you cool. Quick-release buckles on the front of the vest enable you to quickly put on or take off your vest.
Proper fit is essential, especially if you are using a one-size-fits-all vest, which can result in a loose or tight fit. A poor fit can affect your gun mount.
Check that the shoulder straps adjust to your height and body. Shoulder straps that ride too high can interfere with your swing. Adjustable waist straps, multiple sizes, and sometimes a chest strap help secure your shoulder straps.
Try on the vest with gear inside if possible: add the calls and water you’d carry, and see how it feels on a walk. It shouldn’t bounce or sag.
Remember the weight, too. A fully packed vest can be heavy. Experts suggest keeping the vest itself as light as possible (while still durable) so you can carry more shells or gear without extra weight.
What to Avoid
- Bright colors or shiny zippers, which attract the attention of turkeys
- Oversized, bulky designs, they slow you down and catch on the brush
- Thin, cheap straps that may press against your back after a morning hunt
- Not getting a game bag, which you will definitely need later if you’re successful
Summary
Your vest is the equipment that you will use every turkey hunting season for many years to come. So, take a little time to choose a good one.
Consider your hunting methods, locations, and your needs. A good hunting vest is not just something that holds your equipment, but something that keeps you focused on your turkey, not your equipment.
To summarize, a good turkey hunting vest is one that is quiet, comfortable, functional, and well-fitting. If you are a beginner, you’ll want a hunting vest that has multiple easy-to-reach pockets (for calls, shells, water), silent fabric and closures, and padded straps or seats.
Get that part right, and you will be set up for a much better season.
