Vests – Strap or Traditional

  • Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    August 27, 2012 at 1:24 pm #212278

    Looking for opinions, preferences, pros/cons for each. Can’t decide…can’t decide…

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 27, 2012 at 1:46 pm #122401

    I like the suspender style vest. Early season hunting can be warm and the last thing I want is another layer of “clothing” on.

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18625
    August 27, 2012 at 2:10 pm #122403

    I have a strap style in case its very hot but honestly it rarely gets worn. It could be worn all season if you want. I do however find that strap style usually doesnt have as big a game pouch but that may not be accurate for all brands?
    Also there are no pockets for water in your avg minimalist strap style. But again I have not needed to buy one in years so maybe there are more features on them now?
    Another consideration is where you hunt. I like the protection of the traditional vest for pushing through grouse cover even if its hot out.

    johnee
    Posts: 731
    August 27, 2012 at 2:54 pm #122405

    I find vests are like patato chips — I can’t have just one.

    I find the strap vests are great for the early and late season. Early season because they are cooler and late season because they can be adjusted to fit over any amount of clothing.

    The disadvantages of strap vests are that the bird bag is smaller and depending on the model, so are the front pockets.

    I give the nod to the traditional vest for two situations. First, where briar and thorn protection across the chest is desireable. Secondly, for hunting pheasants on “long walk” places where it may be necessary to carry multiple birds for an extended period of time.

    Grouse

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 27, 2012 at 3:35 pm #122408

    Very valid points boys!

    timmy
    Posts: 1960
    August 27, 2012 at 4:03 pm #122411

    I bought a Filson strap vest last season. I wore it all season with the exception of one weekend in SoDak when it was below zero and blowing…then I wore my upland coat for the extra protection.

    I really, really like the strap vest becaue I can dress however I want – and the vest goes over it. As far as game pouch size…. a limit of pheasants fits in mine with room to spare, so that’s a non-factor.

    johnee
    Posts: 731
    August 27, 2012 at 4:37 pm #122413

    Quote:

    I bought a Filson strap vest last season. I wore it all season with the exception of one weekend in SoDak when it was below zero and blowing…then I wore my upland coat for the extra protection.

    I really, really like the strap vest becaue I can dress however I want – and the vest goes over it. As far as game pouch size…. a limit of pheasants fits in mine with room to spare, so that’s a non-factor.

    The additional advantage to Filson is that you won’t be needing to replace it anytime soon.

    I have a Filson upland coat and while it is heavy, it is utterly indestructable AND I like the fact that it is highly water resistant, but without being as wear-prone as modern breathable materials.

    Grouse

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    August 27, 2012 at 5:29 pm #122417

    You are all making great points, but you’re not making my decision any easier.

    Filson, unfortunately, is out of my price range.

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 27, 2012 at 5:51 pm #122421

    I can vouch for other Gamehide products, I’ve got several different pieces from them. All very good product! However, for my preference, I’d get the Avery.

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    August 27, 2012 at 7:35 pm #122436

    Quote:

    Nice strap on..


    Sure, go and drag this into the gutter…

    timmy
    Posts: 1960
    August 28, 2012 at 10:40 am #122449

    Quote:

    You are all making great points, but you’re not making my decision any easier.

    Filson, unfortunately, is out of my price range.

    Buy your last vest next, Ralph.

    I paid $90 for my strap vest, and my son will not be able to wear it out. Buying a little more expensive one now will be cheaper in the long run.

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    September 5, 2012 at 2:56 am #122754

    Well, I went with the traditional Gamehide vest. It arrived today. Looks good to me. I’ll update after I’ve hunted with it a few times.

    ferny
    Stillwater, MN
    Posts: 622
    October 1, 2012 at 1:59 am #124112

    Does it have water bottle holders on the back of it? Mine does and its the reason I bought it. I just love the bottle holders!

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    October 1, 2012 at 12:00 pm #124117

    Quote:

    Does it have water bottle holders on the back of it? Mine does and its the reason I bought it. I just love the bottle holders!


    Yes, it does.

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