Turkey Vest or No Vest? Is It Necessary For Hunting?

Today, we are going to discuss hunting with a turkey vest or no vest.

Turkey hunting can be difficult if you don’t have the right gear, especially if you want to stay mobile and keep your very essentials safe. Disorganized hunter’s gear can be a struggle for organized hunters, storage can be a problem as well as discomfort during prolonged hunts.

In this article, we discuss whether or not a turkey vest solves these problems. In this one, we’ll take a look at what turkey vests are, their key features, pros and cons, how they stack up against backpacks, and the top five turkey vests we’ll review to help you decide.

A Quick Guide

What Is a Turkey Vest?

A turkey vest is a hunting accessory made with the sole purpose of keeping turkey hunters organized, comfortable, and most of all, efficient in the field.

Although many of them are suitable for use while turkey hunting, the turkey vest is a specialized dedicated vest to this form of hunting.

A turkey vest is essentially a bag designed to carry the things you need while turkey hunting—things like calls, decoys, ammunition, and perhaps even a snack. It should be quick, quiet, comfortable, convenient, and useful.

In addition, turkey vests often come with built-in seats or back padding for comfort when you’re sitting for long periods.

Types of Turkey Vests

Standard Turkey Vest: Multiple compartment designs for basic gear organization and keep calls, decoys, and other tools accessible. Normally, the vest is made with water-resistant material to protect gear from
Turkey Vest with Seat: An attached foldable seat for ground sitting is included for added comfort.
Turkey Vest with Kickstand: It features a built-in kickstand frame for back support when sitting without a tree.
Lightweight Turkey Vest: Mobility-friendly with minimal features, used for warmer weather or shorter hunts.
Customizable Vest: Vests may include hunter orange for safety or camouflage patterns to help blend in.

What Is Special About Turkey Vests?

Turkey vests are purpose-built with call-specific compartments, built-in seating, and ample storage for turkey hunting. Compared to standard hunting vests, they have padded backrests, easy access pockets for a variety of call types, and durable designs that will last out the long days in the woods.

Most vests even have water bottleholders, blaze orange panels for safety, and MOLLE-styled attachments that let you customize to your needs, and are an essential accessory for making turkey hunts more comfortable, organized, and easy.

Do You Need to Wear a Turkey Vest When Hunting?

While it’s not a rule, a turkey vest will go a long way toward making your hunting experience a little better. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced hunter, the proper gear will make a big difference in your comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

For this type of hunt, many hunters love turkey vests because of their special design. But other alternatives depend on your preferences and hunting style.

Benefits of Wearing a Turkey Hunting Vest

Organization: Turkey vests are multi-compartment carriers of hunting items such as calls, decoys, ammunition, and water. It is an organization that stores tools when they are needed quickly and quietly.
Comfort: Of course, not all vests come with the added ‘Blackstar’ of padded seats and backs, but it is a great accessory to have if you are going to be sitting and waiting for many hours of the day.
Convenience: From water bottle holders to specialized call pockets, even space for snacks, Built-in features like this are built to keep you organized and have everything you need within arm’s reach.
Mobility: Weight is distributed evenly across your shoulders and back via a vest on long hunts.
Safety: If you hunt on public land for turkeys, some turkey vests have blaze orange panels or fittings for greater visibility. Check more: Do You Wear Orange Or Camo When Turkey Hunting?

Key Features of a Turkey Vest

Built-In Seat: The seat is padded, or foldable, to let you sit comfortably for long periods without relying on terrain.
Specialized Pockets: The pot calls, box calls, and strikers have compartments designed to protect your gear and make it easily accessible.
Durable Material: Water-resistant as well as rugged fabrics make for most of the vests used for tough hunting conditions.
Camouflage Patterns: It helps you blend into your surroundings for better concealment.
Adjustability: There are adjustable straps to ensure the vest fits snuggly for hunters of all sizes.

Is a Turkey Vest Necessary?

While a turkey vest isn’t strictly necessary, it offers exceptional convenience and comfort.

The built-in features and organized storage can make your hunting experience that much better if you’re hunting in rugged terrain or for extended periods.

Other options of course will be to travel light if you wish to do that or just have to get a few essentials.

Alternatives to a Turkey Vest

Fanny Pack: Lightweight and small enough to carry minimal – a call, ammo, and small accessories. If you’re hunting short distances for minimal gear, wearing a hunting fanny pack is a good choice.
Backpack: A vest offers more storage than a vest and is suitable for heavier or bulkier gear such as snacks, decoys, and extra layers. It can be less accessible though in the critical moments.
Chest Rig: Easy to get to basics like calls and ammo without weighing yourself down on your back. It’s a compact unit that’s great for mobility in the roughest terrain, and versatile.

Top 5 Turkey Vests Hunters Love

1. Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest

The Sitka Equinox Turkey Vest is designed for the specific needs of turkey hunters, particularly those who engage in run-and-gun hunting styles or require comfort during longer sits. It features ergonomic adjustments for a customizable fit and is currently priced at around $269.00. With a high rating of 4.8 out of 5, it is clearly that this vest is popular and favored by customers.

Features:

Ample storage with dedicated compartments for calls, decoys, and other essentials.
Breathable mesh panels for ventilation.
Adjustable straps for a customized fit.
Removable padded seat for comfort during long waits.

Pros:

High-quality materials ensure longevity.
Lightweight yet sturdy design.
Exceptional organization and accessibility.

Cons:

Expensive compared to other options.
Limited camouflage patterns are available.

2. Mossy Oak Fox Turkey Vest

The Mossy Oak Fox Turkey Vest is designed for avid turkey hunters, embodying a commitment to the conservation of wild turkeys and reflecting the philosophy of a gamekeeper. It’s not just functional but also symbolizes a deeper connection to hunting traditions and wildlife management. The rugged polyester construction ensures it can handle repeated outdoor use, while its classic Mossy Oak camouflage design blends perfectly into wooded environments.

Features:

Large pockets for calls, ammo, and accessories.
Built-in padded seat with quick-release straps.
Durable polyester fabric with Mossy Oak camouflage.

Pros:

Affordable and budget-friendly.
Comfortable seating for extended hunts.
Lightweight and easy to carry.

Cons:

Limited storage for larger gear.
May not fit larger hunters comfortably.

3. Nomad Pursuit Convertible Turkey Vest

This Nomad turkey vest is versatile and can be easily converted into a fanny pack, allowing you to adapt to any hunting scenario without sacrificing storage. Equipped with multiple pockets for mouth calls, rangefinders, and game bags, it ensures you’re always prepared. Plus, the double-padded foam seat can be removed if you want a lightweight vest. Its ergonomic design and specialized compartments cater to hunters who need quick access to equipment and strike for a perfect balance between mobility and functionality.

Features:

Weather-resistant fabric to protect gear.
Can be used as a traditional vest or fanny pack.
Specialized gear pockets and game bags.
Water bottle pocket available.
Detachable seat pack.

Pros:

Excellent for hunters in varying conditions.
Comfortable for long-distance hunts.
Versatile usages.

Cons:

Slightly heavier and bulky than other options.
A bit hot during the spring season.
The belt is not longer enough for a comfy fit.

4. Drake Waterfowl Gunslinger Turkey Vest

Drake Waterfowl offers two popular turkey vests: the Time & Motion™ Easy-Rider and the Gunslinger Turkey Vest. Both are designed to be lightweight, functional, and comfortable, featuring adjustable chest and waist straps, as well as a detachable seat. These vests help hunters stay organized and quiet while in the field. Its thoughtful design includes oversized pockets for all your hunting essentials, while the reinforced shoulder straps ensure durability even under heavy loads. These turkey vests have a great review score from customers.

Features:

Multiple oversized pockets for calls, decoys, and more.
Removable seat cushion for comfort.
Reinforced shoulder straps for added durability.

Pros:

Generous storage capacity.
Comfortable and durable design.
Good value for money.

Cons:

Bulkier than some vests.
Less suitable for hot climates.

5. Primos Gobbler Turkey Vest

The Primos Gobbler Turkey Vest is designed for comfort and functionality in turkey hunting. It features a blend of mesh and Tree Hide fabric, offering a lightweight and durable option while helping hunters blend into the environment effectively. The vest is available in 5 different sizes and comes in camouflage patterns.

Features:

Lightweight design with a mesh back for breathability.
Removable padded seat.
Multiple pockets for storage.
Adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Hunter orange stripe for safety.

Pros:

Affordable and beginner-friendly.
Compact and easy to carry.
Great for short hunts.

Cons:

Limited color options.
Padded seats may lack durability over time.
May be a bit heavier.

How to Choose the Right Turkey Vest for You?

Choosing the right turkey vest comes down to personal preference and specific hunting needs. Here are key factors to consider:

Comfort: If you’ll be sitting for a good stretch, look for a vest with adjustable straps and padded sitting. This is particularly necessary when sitting wait times are involved.
Storage Needs: Determine in advance how much gear you carry. If you’d rather have the turkey calls, decoys, and other necessities as close as possible, look for a vest that sports multiple easy-to-access pockets. A vest with larger compartments or additional storage options might be a better option if the hunter carries more gear.
Weather Conditions: For warmer climates, choose a vest made of breathable materials such as mesh. If you don’t want to be too hot, or you need some padding for colder weather, layer a vest that provides extra padding and options.
Weight and Mobility:If you are traveling over long distances, a lightweight vest with a small design provides more movement. However, for stationary hunting, a heavier vest may be more appropriate.

What Do Hunters Think About Turkey Vest?

Opinions from hunters about turkey vests are mixed with some swearing by them for being practical, others that prefer them for particular hunting styles.

The vest is a favorite of many hunters for how it allows them to keep gear organized and still close at hand. The support is padded and there are built-in seats to keep you comfortable for long wait times.

Vests with hunter-orange panels help make you more visible and safer, and they have specific pockets that hold what you need, like calls and ammo.

But some hunters don’t like turkey vests to be too hot, heavy, or burdened, especially on hot days. Then, they can also be noisy, so you can’t move quietly.

Backpacks and fanny packs are often used by hunters who like more mobility, especially in rugged terrain, or long distances. More space for the gear and more weight distributed better are these alternatives.

On the whole, it comes down to personal preference and the requirements of the hunt.

Conclusion

A turkey vest can better your hunt by making you more comfortable, more organized and it can give you easy access to what you’ll need. The key is finding a vest that meets your particular requirements, whether it’s capacity for storage, breathability, or comfort while doing away with long hunts.

There are so many factors that come into play, such as weather conditions, mobility, and how much gear you are carrying.

Let’s help other hunters be informed about their choices and share your experiences and recommendations for the best turkey vests in the comments!

FAQs

What should I carry in my turkey vest?

For turkey hunting, you should carry turkey calls, ammo, a knife, a decoy, and other gear you may need to take home a turkey. A comfy padded seat cushion is also popular—though it’s not usable unless you suspend it from the seat by some means.

Can I hunt turkey with a normal hunting vest?

A turkey vest will accommodate more gear than a regular hunting vest, and many are fully enclosed, with dedicated pockets built for a better and more comfortable sitting fit.

How do you clean your turkey vest?

Also, most turkey vests can be machine washed but always read the care instructions on the label. Before washing it’s a good idea to remove any padded inserts or seat cushions.

Where can I buy the best turkey vests?

Outdoor retailers like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Amazon Marketplace have turkey vests that you can buy. Some also sell directly through their websites.

What size turkey vest should I buy?

Make sure you check the manufacturer’s sizing chart as sizes differ. A vest should be tight enough to keep people from getting caught by the vest but not tight enough to restrict movement while sitting or standing.

What color vest should you wear turkey hunting?

For turkey hunting, camouflaged vests are ideal for blending into the environment. However, some hunters opt for vests with hunter-orange features for added safety during the hunt. Make sure to check your local regulations regarding hunter orange requirements.