Bird hunting vest
Strap or full vest? It's the first question. Strap vests are cooler and move with you—most pheasant hunters prefer them. Full vests carry more gear but can feel like wearing a backpack. If you're walking miles in warm weather, go strap. If you're out all day in cold weather and need to haul water, snacks, and layers, consider a pack-style vest.
What Separates Good from Great
Weight on hips, not shoulders
You'll carry water, shells, and birds. After a few miles, shoulder straps dig in. The best vests transfer weight to a hip belt.
Thin straps that don't interfere with your mount
Bulky shoulder padding can push your gun stock out of the pocket. Look for vests with low-profile straps on the shooting side.
Game bag you can load without taking off the vest
Some vests require awkward reaching or unbuckling. The good ones let you stuff a rooster in with one hand while still scanning for bird two.
The Call
Hip belt is a game changer for hauling water. Thin straps, big game bag.
Bombproof. Guys are on their second decade with theirs.
Does everything right at a third of the price. The vest forum hunters actually buy.
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