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There was a time, and it wasn’t that long ago, when turkey hunters didn’t wear vests. They simply put their shotshells, calls, and other gear into the pocket of their Carhartts, and off they went. Eventually, turkey vests became so popular that they were impossible to ignore. The first turkey vests to hit the market included some straps, a handful of pockets, and a few even had a pouch large enough to hold a longbeard. But the common denominator was that they were all heavy, bulky, and clumsy.
Modern turkey vests have come a long way since those early days. Now, they have integral frames, call-specific zippered pouches, lanyards, shell loops, and padding. Many have built-in seats that may even rival your lounge chair at home. And the new models seem to get lighter, slimmer, and more ergonomic each year. Here are 11 of the best turkey vests we've tested.
The Best Turkey Vests
Best Overall: Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest
Most Modular: Chief Upland Turkey Vest
Best Waist Pack: Sitka Turkey Tool Belt
Best Overall: Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: One size with adjustable straps to accommodate XS-XXL
Camo: Earth, Optifade Waterfowl Timber, Optifade Subalpine
Pockets: 14
Weight: 2 lbs. 12.5 oz.
Pros
Perfect for run-and-gun hunting style
Fully adjustable for physical size and clothing
Plenty of pockets, but gear doesn’t get ‘lost’ inside
Back portion is hydration compatible
Cons
Price point is right up there
Seat deployment can be awkward and/or slow
Underside of cushion is light gray; should be OD or camouflage
Sitka has come a long way from the days of their first waterfowl garments, and the Equinox Turkey Vest is a prime example of their closer-to-perfection journey. I wasn’t surprised, given the brand’s evolution, to find their new turkey vest a winner on several levels. For my tastes and style of hunting, it’s small and perhaps a bit too minimalist. However, the innovation involved, which includes a fully adjustable cam-lock system that fits the vest vertically precisely to the wearer, is just downright cool! There are plenty of pockets. For the most part, they’re located right where they need to be in terms of ergonomics. As for the magnetic closures, they’re undeniably quick, but I’m concerned about them ‘popping’ open unintentionally. I’m a zipper guy; call me Old School.
The clamshell pockets are the stuff of turkey-hunting dreams. For the most part, they’re located right where they need to be in terms of ergonomics. They are shaped to fit all of your calls like a glove, keeping them dry, secure, and quiet while you move through the woods. As for the magnetic closures, they’re undeniably quick and ninja-quiet. I was initially concerned that they might pop open unintentionally, but I’ve run this vest through an entire season of hard hunting and haven’t had one incident of accidental release.
I admit that I’m a little disappointed that this one doesn’t have a game pouch. But it has a removable fowl slip noose that attaches to the shoulder strap, making it a lot easier to haul a hefty longbeard back to the truck after a long hike into the turkey woods.
At $250, the Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest isn’t what I’d call budget priced. However, nothing says you can’t scrub the seat and use it for any other outdoor application—early season elk, spot-and-stalk deer hunting, squirrels, or even stream fishing—and pull 365 days out of it. —Alice Jones Webb
Most Modular: Chief Upland Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: S/M, L/XL, 2XL
Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland
Pockets: Three integral zippered pockets plus accessory pouches
Weight: 3.5 lbs. (vest only)
Pros
Ultimate modularity
Front-load game gamebag can be clipped shut
Pouches have good, easy to use, magnet closures
Cons
Expensive
Chief Upland’s new Flydown Vest takes the same modular approach as their upland vest: it gives you a number of molle loops for attaching specialized pouches where you want them. However, because turkey hunters carry more gear than uplanders, this has more optional pouches and more molle loops. You can configure this vest any way you want for no-frills running and gunning or for hauling a pile of gadgets for a long sit. This particular version of the Flydown Vest is a limited edition made in partnership with Mossy Oak and the NWTF.
The vest itself features a game bag that can be easily clipped shut for a trim fit that won’t snag on branches or barbed wire, or it can be expanded to hold decoys or extra layers. There’s also a water-bladder holder and a gusseted backpack pocket that holds a coat or whatever else you need to put back there. It has two small zippered pockets that are perfect for holding car keys as well.
The vest is sold alone or as a “starter bundle” with a cushion, ammo pouch, and pot call pouch, which is a perfect combo for minimalists. Then there is the whole “all-in” bundle with two ammo pouches (one of which I would re-purpose for accessories), a water bottle holder, box and pot call pouches, and even a pouch for a diaphragm call. The box call holder is big enough for my Lynch World Champion, which is large, and the pot call holder will take two big pot calls easily. You will need a silencer of some kind for your box call to keep it from squeaking inside this pouch, though. The electronics pouch is padded and could hold your phone, but it could also hold a bunch of strikers. There’s a D-ring, too, for attaching locator calls. —Phil Bourjaily
Best Waist Pack: Sitka Turkey Tool Belt
Specs
Sizes: One size with an adjustable belt
Camo: Earth, Optifade Waterfowl Timber, Optifade Subalpine
Pockets: 23
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Pros
Compact size perfect for run-and-gun hunting
All the pockets
Super breathable, especially in warm weather
Cons
No storage compartments for decoys
The seat pad is thin and uncomfortable
If you rely on speed and stealth and don’t want to be weighed down with a full-size vest packed full of gear, this compact, lightweight fanny pack from Sitka is an excellent option for run-and-gun turkey hunters. While the Turkey Tool Belt looks like a simple, bare-bones hip pack, it performs like a full-featured vest. It has plenty of room for all your calls (space for two pot calls, four strikers, six mouth calls, a box call, and two locator calls), but has a low enough profile that it won’t snag you up if you have to crawl your way into shooting range on a big gobbler.
The Sitka Turkey Tool Belt has two hip pockets that are the perfect size for a rangefinder, headlamps, and extra snacks. It also has a removable water bottle holder that attaches to either side of the belt. There’s plenty of room for other hunting essentials, and you can strap rain gear or an extra hunting jacket using high-quality compression straps. The belt also features a removable seat pad, which is pretty thin but will keep your backside dry even if you’re hunting damp, dew-soaked mornings. —A.J.W.
TideWe StrutBack Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: One Size Fits Most
Camo: TrueTimber Strata (tested); TrueTimber HTC Green
Pockets: 15
Weight: 7.7 pounds
Pros
Great value
Well-designed pockets and accessibility
‘Kickstand’ style backrest a plus for field edge hunting
Magnetic closure pot call pouches
Breathable
Cons
Heavy (almost 8 pounds)
I discovered TideWe less than a year ago via the company’s QuestWade chest waders and OptiVue 360 ground blind, and I’ve been impressed. The same holds true for TideWe’s StrutBack turkey vest. The StrutBack features a detachable folding backrest meant to provide support whenever and wherever a hunter might not have access to the traditional big tree. Fold the Kickstand out, hit buttons on both sides, the legs telescope to the desired angle, and you’re ready to hunt. The only downside is the vest weighs 7.7 pounds before any gear goes inside.
The StrutBack’s 2” padded seat is water-resistant, so your butt stays (reasonably) dry on those wet days. The magnetic closure pot call pouches (lower right) are a great touch too. A horizontal box call pocket sits directly above, making all your calls easily accessible. Other accessories include 16 total pockets, a draw-string style 16 ounce bottle pouch, and a cushioned back with an open desgin for good breathability. Plus, the TrueTimber strata camouflage pattern does well in most turkey hunting environments. —M.D. Johnson
Final Approach Last Strut Turkey Vest
Specs
Size: One Size Fits Most
Camo: Mossy Oak Greenleaf; Mossy Oak Bottomland
Pockets: 9 (but to be fair, we may be missing some pockets in pockets in…)
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
Removable decoy bag
Magnetic closure pot call pockets
Breathable design
Draw-up style seat cushion
Strong SBS zipper system
Twin fully covered striker pouches, one each side
Cons
Too much going on in terms of pockets and pouches
A lot of thought went into Final Approach’s Last Strut turkey vest. First, FA chose Mossy Oak Bottomland and Greenleaf camo patterns which are excellent for coast to coast applications. The huge removable decoy bag is a great design feature, as is the open, breathable build concept. The Last Strut is all about innovation, novel but quite useful tweaks like the magnetic pot call pouches, draw-up seat cushion raised into a hidden compartment, flip-down mouth call caddies built into each shoulder, and roomy front pockets with vertical T-handle (SBS) zipper pulls. Once organized, the Last Strut is the ultimate turkey hunter’s filing cabinet, with room for everything a hunter could need. —M.D.J.
Cabela’s Tactical Tat’R Pro
Specs
Sizes: One size
Camo: TrueTimber HTC Green, TrueTimber Strata
Pockets: 13
Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.
Pros
Removable blaze orange safety flag
Integrated couch cushion back padding
TrueTimber Strata and HTC Green camouflage options
Offered in both ‘Kickstand’ and non-kickstand versions
Cons
Tough to fit smaller builds; DIY modifications may be necessary
In this ‘let’s make it intricate and complicated’ world, it’s sometimes hard to find something simple, especially hunting gear that doesn’t feature 1,001 bells and whistles. Thanks to Cabela’s Tactical Tat’R Pro turkey vest, it’s possible to achieve a return to simplicity. The Tat’R Pro features wide, thus comfortable, padded shoulder straps, along with strategically designed side and lower back padding that allows for air circulation between the hunter and the fabric. Front quick-release clips are just what the physician ordered; no zippers to fool with here.
The ‘Speed Seat Technology’—again with the strange names—puts the cushion where it belongs, under your butt, in a couple of seconds. I’m not a huge fan of elastic-top pockets (two on the upper left chest), but some might be. A pair of wide vertical pockets on the lower right, a horizontal box call pocket on the lower left, an integral rear game pouch, and a removable blaze orange safety ‘flag’ round out this elemental but Have-All garment. —A.J.W.
Tethrd M2 Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: One size fits most, Big Man (4XL-7XL)
Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland
Pockets: Customizable
Weight: 3-6 lbs (depending on configuration)
Pros
Fully customizable
Comfortable and lightweight
Ultra quiet fabric
Cons
Assembly can be confusing
Expensive
Made in collaboration with The Hunting Public, Tethrd’s M2 turkey vest was designed to meet the demanding needs of the mobile hunter. This is a lightweight, highly customizable, streamlined piece of gear without all the extra nonsense that slows down fast-paced run-and-gun turkey hunting.
Like many Western hunting packs, the M2 is built around a yoke frame system. From there, hunters can add a hydration pack, a turkey bag, or both. The waist belt is also covered in molle webbing to secure extra attachments. The M2 also comes with a removable seat cushion. These features mean turkey hunters can put together a fully customized one-of-a-kind vest to meet all their individual turkey hunting needs. The vest even comes disassembled, so you can set it up exactly how you want it. Check out our full review here. —The Editors
Alps Outdoorz Impact Pro Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: One size, with adjustable straps
Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland
· Pockets: 8 integral, plus game back and two molded pockets and two removable Molle pockets
Weight: 5 lbs
Pros
Stadium-style seat lets you sit anywhere
8 pockets hold everything
Molle straps allow some customization
Cons
Pot call pockets tight for some calls
Adjusts, but still may not fit smaller hunters
This vest has a bunch of nice features, and nothing it doesn’t need. It’s built around a folding stadium-style chair, which is extremely useful in open country where big trees aren’t always handy. Even with no trees around, you still have a place to sit with a sturdy backrest. It has a roomy gamebag which is important to me because I never carry turkeys in my gamebags but they are essential for decoys, camo netting, a fan, layers I shed, and other bulky gear. It does offer a big pocket on the back of the gamebag for even more stuff, if you’re so inclined, and there’s a stake pocket on the back, too, which is smart because stakes often slide out of decoy bags in the dark.
The straps are padded and vented, and a chest strap keeps the shoulder straps from sliding off. It has a padded, silent box-call pocket and a Thermacell holder on Molle straps and a couple of crush-proof, molded, zippered pockets, one for pot calls and one for mouth calls, ammo, snacks, whatever. My only quibbles are that the zippers are a bit noisy, and the pot call holder pockets are made to hold two, but will only if the calls are small. I can’t fit two of my bulkier calls in there at the same time. I solved the problem by leaving one at home because I really like this vest. I have already moved the box call pocket, removed the Thermacell holder, and put on a small pouch I found at a surplus store to hold a couple of shells so mine is now truly my own. —P.B.
Nomad Bull Lounger
Specs
Sizes: One size with 14 points of adjustment
Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Shadow Leaf
Pockets: 23
Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz.
Pros
Soft lining protects calls
Angled backrest
Plenty of adjustability
Cons
Upright seating adjustment could be a little more ‘vertical’
Heavy
There aren’t trees to lean on everywhere, and sometimes we need to pack our own backrest into the field. This kickstand-style vest from Nomad allows you to have a stable backrest no matter where you are set up. I like the idea of an integral backrest system; however, what I like even more is that the Nomad backrest is both lightweight and removable. Don’t like the backrest? Then take it out, and use it as you would a traditional, frameless turkey vest.
I’ve invested some substantial cash on custom calls that I love but often worry about taking into the field where they’ll get scuffed up. The Bull Lounger takes away the worry thanks to the ultra-soft lining in the pot call pockets. As someone who regularly hunts mosquito-infested river bottoms in the southeast, I also appreciate this vest’s specialized Thermacell pocket, which holds the device securely in place and also opens up for proper ventilation when you’re running the repellant. —M.D.J.
Alps Outdoorz Super Elite 4.0 Turkey Vest
Specs
Sizes: M/L and XL/2XL
Camo: Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Obsession
Pockets: 22
Weight: 3 lbs. 1 oz. and 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Pros
Wide shoulders distribute weight of gear and/or gobbler
Game pouch
Seat cushion is easily removable
Cons
Can be a bit hot when the weather warms up
Too big for smaller hunters
I’m particular when it comes to a turkey vest. Year after year, I’d swap all my gear into a new vest, only to field it once, pull everything out, and go back to old reliable. But I’m giving serious thought to just leaving all my gear tucked away in the Alps Outdoorz’ Super Elite.
The Super Elite offers all the criteria a good vest should have. It’s comfortable and quiet. I often shed a vest when I set up, and the quick release clips in front allow me to drop it in short order. The box call holster does, as advertised, eliminate the unnerving squawk of an unintentional yelp. The divided pot call pocket means an end to dropping our slates in individual cloth bags to keep clean. The drop-down seat cushion is thick enough, wide enough, and, perhaps most importantly, sports a waterproof bottom, so you’re not packing around five extra pounds of morning dew, rain, snow, and mud. This vest comes in two sizes, which should fit most turkey hunters. However, if you’re on the smaller side, even the M/L version will hang like a loose sack. —M.D.J.
How We Tested Turkey Vests
I take my turkey hunting very seriously—and thus I take my turkey hunting gear very seriously, too. I require certain elements in the turkey vest I’m going to wear every day from the middle of April to the last day of May. Your needs and requirements, of course, may differ. Perhaps you hunt only one or two days each season. Maybe all your hunting is done from a ground blind, thus effectively making a vest a moot point. There are 1,001 reasons for and against a vest, and yours are without question valid.
But to help you decide, these are the criteria I used to differentiate good vests from so-so vests:
Simplicity of design/build: I want the vest to be relatively simple, without a ton of bells and whistles and widgets. Certainly, sometimes I’m proven wrong and a fully featured vest is great. However, I tend to select simple designs so that when that old Tom gobbles I’m not lost in my turkey vest.
Fit and comfort: Like shoes, fit and comfort are important. I want a vest that fits well, and is comfortable when fully loaded, even after I’ve worn it all day. If the shoulder straps cut off the circulation to my hands, it’s out. If the straps aren’t adjustable to the point I can get the fit really dialed in, it’s out. The vest is an integral part of my turkey hunting gear, and I’m wearing it every day.
Ergonomics: I want a vest to put the items I need, calls, strikers, head nets, gloves, and snacks, within quick and easy reach. I need to be able to grab them without having to take my eyes off a long beard waddling his way down the fence line.
Security of personal items: I need a vest that doesn’t lose stuff. I’m fully capable of losing strikers, gloves, and other items on my own. So, the vest I’m looking for has zippered (preferable) or hook and loop (if need be) pockets that aren’t prone to spilling my gear every time I sit or bend over. In fact, I want all the fasteners, whatever that might be, to be strong and secure.
Turkey Vest Buying Guide
Sure, it would be an easy thing to go online, throw a dart (figuratively), and buy the very first turkey vest you come across. But with the 16.5 million results that your Google search for “turkey vests” turned up, how would you know you were getting the right one? Using the following criteria can certainly make narrowing the field to only the best turkey vests a whole lot easier.
Price
I don’t know about you, but price just about always factors into the equation for me. Turkey vests run the gamut from a low-end of $30 or less to top-of-the-line garments costing $300 or more. My mantra always: Get the best you can afford without causing your wallet to hemorrhage violently. And remember, expensive doesn’t always translate into better. Some of the best turkey vests can be had for a very reasonable price.
Design
Do you want web-style shoulder straps, or would you prefer full (wide) shoulders, a sort of sleeveless shirt type of design? Do you want a removable game bag to carry your Tom after a successful day? No game bag? Do you plan on carrying your shotshells in your pockets, or do you like the convenience that shell loops provide? What about zippers, or would you prefer quick clips? Vests are like an ala carte buffet; they can be a little of this and a little of that. It just takes time to look over the menu.
Camouflage Pattern
In my opinion, Mossy Oak or Realtree are the two major players in the camouflage arena. However, there are others available. Some of this decision is personal preference. Some of it depends on where you’re hunting. The important thing is that the camouflage pattern you pick blend in in most of your hunting situations. Your call there.
Typical Weather Conditions
The best turkey hunting vest is often dictated by climate. Are you in southern Florida hunting Osceolas? Or in the Black Hills of South Dakota with six inches of snow on the ground for half the season? If you hunt Florida, you’ll want a lighter vest; something with ample airflow to help keep you cool. If you’re in Dakota, maybe that full-shouldered vest with back padding and room for a sweatshirt underneath is the ticket.
Seating Options
Most turkey vests today include some type of seat or seat cushion; some don’t. I personally don’t wear a cushioned vest, but pack an old school Bunsaver by Hunter’s Specialties in the game pouch and deploy it on each stand. Still, seating is an option, and often adds something to the final price tag. Can you get by without and save a little? Or is something like Tenzing’s TR18 vest, with its integrated support arms/backrest a little more your speed?
Bells and Whistles
Many vests are filled with gimmicks, meant to hook the fisherman rather than the fish if you know what I mean. So, think about the extra features that would benefit you. Do you really need 5,492 cubic inches of space? If you filled it up, the vest would weigh in at 1.32 metric tons. Magnetic closures. Horizontal this. Vertical that. Pockets inside pockets inside pockets. Retractable lanyards. Impressive, but do you really need it?
If you need help filling your new vest, check out our round up of the best turkey calls. We also sorted through the best shotguns for turkey hunting. And you can round out the rest of your kit with the best new turkey hunting gear. And don’t forget to check out the National Wild Turkey Federation for more info on gobblers in your area.
FAQs
Q: Do you need camo for turkey hunting?
Turkeys have impressive eyesight, so you need to stay concealed. Wearing a camo pattern that matches your surroundings is all but essential if you’re going to hunt these wary birds. Choose a pattern that closely matches the terrain and colors found wherever you hunt. Should you be truly ambitious, you might buy two vests in different patterns: one for early season browns, and the other with an emphasis on various shades of greens for the mid to late season.
Q: What should you carry in a turkey vest?
Turkey vests are perfect tools for packing all the calls you need to lure long beards, decoys, ammo, and assorted snacks to get you through the day. In addition to those items, you should carry a small first aid kit and bottle of water or two. Many vests feature a blaze orange flag that can be worn as you move from spot to spot. If yours isn’t so equipped, you should consider stashing some high-viz fabric for safe commutes from the turkey hunting grounds.
Q: How much does a turkey vest cost?
Like most items, you can find turkey vests at a wide variety of price points. Bare bones vests can be had for as little as $30, and some full featured models reach into the triple digits. But you don’t need to drop a mint for quality, with many excellent turkey vests in the $50 to $100 range.
Q: How should I wash my turkey vest?
First of all, why would anyone want to wash a turkey vest? I mean, the dirt is a badgeof honor, right? But seriously, washing a turkey vest is as easy as laundering a set ofjeans. Empty everything out of the vest, which gives you a chance to mend or replace worn items. Remove the seat cushion and, if possible, the game pouch, along with anything that might comeunintentionally detached. Launder as you would your camouflage britches, and either tumble on low or line dry.
Q: Should a turkey vest be waterproof?
Not necessarily. In fact, I don’t know of any stand-alone turkey vests that are waterproof. Light rain gear worn underneath the vest should be enough, although, in many regions during the Spring, such a combination will likely be rather warm. But what about water/rain and gear affected by moisture, e.g. box calls or pot style calls? Most vests feature pockets that help keep things like calls, smartphones, flashlights/headlamps, and other fragile items reasonably well protected.
Q: Where should I store my turkey vest during the season?
During the season, I hang my fully loaded vest where air can circulate around it and where it’s out of direct sunlight, which could over time fade the camouflage and/or damage certain items like diaphragm calls, tube calls, or electronics (if applicable).
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
