I have owned and used so many different types of hunting vests. For this post, I would consider myself a very informed user. Some of my favorites are the Filson tin cloth vest, but it is HOT. I have the Beckbe strap vest, which is the best on the market. I have the Carhartt hunting vest, but the sizing is a bit weird, and it’s a little long. My ideal set up for quail is using a shell bag (one of the two Kingfisher sizes, depending on the walk) and a vest. I like having a lot of pockets to carry my stuff – my phone, sunflower seeds, gloves, sunglasses, chapstick, etc.
I came across these old ‘Chukkar Vests’ on eBay a long time ago and pulled the trigger. I mistakenly bought a Large, but it was $25, so no biggie. Honestly, I’ve never found anything better. It is the perfect vest. This one is for ‘Gamehide’, but you’ll find them with a ton of different tags. A manufacturer made them and multiple companies sold them. I now own two (mediums) – this one and one that is all brown tones. Here’s why it’s the best vest:
- Vintage camo fabric. Mine are 100% cotton canvas, so it’s tough and breathable.
- The large front pockets are deep, and easily accessible. They’ll hold a ton.
- The bird pocket(s) – accessible from the front chest as well as the back.
- Plenty of shell holders, but I don’t really use these.
- The length hits right at my waist and allows me to wear the shell case on my belt without any bunching
These are easily found on eBay for $20-30. Be sure to check the measurements and the condition, regardless of what size is on the tag. Get one that works for you. I’d recommend an inch or two wider than you normally prefer to accommodate an extra layer.
When you receive it, spray the whole thing with some sort of prewash (Zout) and wash it in cold water. Then dry it on low and it will come out fresh and ready to perform.
The feeling of ‘they don’t make ’em like they used to’ rings true with this one. Here are some images:
I’m a sucker for a good game vest. I’m going to get one and wax it.