The Best Turkey Vests

First Lite’s new Treeline turkey vest does a great job of balancing both comfort and modularity, making it perfect for everything from quick hunts before work or all day run-and-gun fests. I’m running the Treeline turkey vest this spring, and I’ve already put it to good use. Vests typically take one of two approaches: run and gun or maximum storage/comfort. The Treeline does both well.

Pack-style vests usually sacrifice the traditional game bag, but the Treeline offers both. This design takes a page from the Western pack book and brings a much-needed update to the turkey vest. Two clips allow you to quickly separate the pack from the game bag, so you can stash extra layers, decoys, or a turkey.

This spring, I harvested a turkey during the opening week of season. I had a decent hike back to the trailhead, so I decided to load the turkey in the game bag. The adjustable load lifters allowed me to cinch the pack down so that the turkey didn’t move, which made the trek back much easier.

The vest features two foam call pouches on both sides and a single, removable box call pouch. Between these two pockets and the removable pouch, the vest offers plenty of call storage. I wish the zippers on the call pockets opened just a tad more, but the pot call pocket and striker holders keep them conveniently within reach.

I’m also a huge fan of the seat, which is comfortable, fully adjustable, and removable. It quickly cinches up when you need to adjust your setup and deploys similarly. Some hunters might desire more pockets, but I think the Treeline Vest does a great job of not including unnecessary storage. If you want the convenience of a traditional vest with an economical footprint, I can’t think of a better option.

Pros

• Game bag and pack
• Hydration bladder compatible
• No unnecessary pockets/storage
• Super comfortable seat
• Adjustability makes it great for run and gun

Cons

• Some might prefer more storage

I’ve hunted with the Sitka Equinox turkey vest since it came out, so I’ve had more than a few birds slung over this pack. The run-and-gun style pack, which allows for a hydration bladder, separated it from many other turkey vests at the time. After using it for the past three seasons, I can say that the seat on the Equinox vest inhabits a class all its own. The compact seat doesn’t just stow away conveniently, it’s the most comfortable seat I’ve ever used. Unlike other companies that use bulky, cheap seats that eventually deflate, Sitka’s doesn’t even after hours of use.

I like the idea of the pack and hydration bladder, but you do sacrifice the convenience and utility of a traditional game bag. Yes, Sitka touts the equinox as a run-and-gun specific turkey vest, but it makes carrying decoys tricky, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Otherwise, the Sitka Equinox is silent, lightweight, and the call pockets provide easy access to minimize your movement. These premium, thoughtful features command a steep price ($269) that might give most turkey hunters pause. Still, if you’re a die-hard run-and-gun turkey fiend, you should find this vest appealing.

Pros

• Hydration bladder compatible
• Generous pack space
• Compact, comfortable seat doesn’t deflate
• Intuitive pocket placements

Cons

• Most expensive vest on list

If you’re a minimalist turkey hunter, you should consider FHF’s Chest Rig and Turkey Kit. Between the internal Velcro attachments and outer MOLLE loops, it offers plenty of storage and customization right at chest height. The Chest Rig allows you to access all your calls without making a ton of movement, which makes it ideal for turkey hunting. Two-way zippers also make access quick and convenient.

If you want to maximize this minimalist setup, you can add on the FHF Apex belt, folding field seat, and pouches for every specific piece of gear you may need in the turkey woods.

Specifically, the Turkey Kit features two striker holders, a mouth call pouch for three calls, a pot call pocket, and a 3-shotgun shell holder. There’s enough room to stash a few more items, a small pair of binoculars, or snacks, and that’s the beauty of it. The price ($175 total) might be steep for a lot of turkey hunters, but the Chest Rig is a multi-season piece of gear, so you can run it well after turkey season.

Pros

• Multi-season utility
• Small footprint
• Made in U.S.
• Keeps everything at chest height
• Highly modular

Cons

• No seat included
• Add-ons get pricey

For comfort, consider the ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam, the Cadillac of turkey vests. The deployable foam seat is comfortable, though it deflates after some time, and the kickstand allows you to recline or set up without a tree. In fact, I can’t think of a better vest for those midday naps in the turkey woods.

If you’re a sucker for pockets and storage, the Grand Slam knocks it out of the park in that regard. You can carry all your calls and then some with this vest. For some, the ample pocket space might feel excessive.

The large game bag also has plenty of room for extra layers, a decoy, water bottle, etc., and the kickstand is fully removable. The kickstand does get in the way, and I would advise leaving it in the truck if you plan to run and gun. Hunters who need maximum storage and comfort should consider the ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam vest.

Pros

• Ultra-comfortable
• Ample storage
• Kickstand allows you to set up without a tree

Cons

• Excessive pockets
• Heavy
• Frame can be cumbersome

If you need to maximize your turkey call options in a minimal pack, the Sitka Turkey Tool Belt balances those two demands well. The dedicated box call pouch keeps your box secure and silent, while the front pocket has plenty of room for pots, strikers, and mouth calls. Pockets on the belt also provide quick access to extra shells, mouth calls, sandpaper, etc. On top, the main zipper can accommodate a few extra items like a knife, headlamp, or other miscellaneous gear, though there’s not ample space.

The Turkey Tool Belt also comes with a water bottle holder and padded seat. I ditched both of these because if I’m running a minimal setup, I don’t want extra baggage. However, the bottom straps allow you to stash extra gear if needed.

While the Turkey Tool Belt might have a small footprint, there’s nothing minimal about the price, which I won’t try to defend. At $229, the Tool Belt is a luxury item. Most turkey hunters will find this price hard to stomach, especially for a supped-up fanny pack.

Pros

• Quick hip adjustment straps
• Minimal footprint
• Silent box call pocket
• Versatile utility

Cons

• Super expensive for a fanny pack
• Limited space in main compartment