Turkey hunting requires specialized gear, and one of the most important pieces is a quality turkey vest. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine what is truly the best turkey vest for your needs. This article will break down the key factors to consider when shopping for a turkey vest, provide an overview of the top-rated models, and ultimately help you decide what is the best turkey vest in 2023.
Key Factors To Consider
Storage Capacity
One of the primary functions of a turkey vest is providing ample storage for all your hunting gear. Look for a vest with enough pockets and compartments to hold calls, ammo, snacks, gloves, and other essentials. Models with shell loops, detachable pouches, and spacious blood-proof game bags allow you to carry even more.
Adjustability
You’ll want a snug and comfortable fit, so look for turkey vests with wide padded shoulders and multiple straps/buckles for adjusting girth. Quality adjustable harnesses allow you to customize the vest vertically for your body size.
Noise Level
Stealth is crucial when hunting skittish gobblers, so opt for turkey vests made with silent fabrics like fleece and tricot. Features like magnetic or silent zipper closures further reduce noise.
Weather Considerations
Hunting conditions vary, so choose turkey vests suited for your climate. Well-ventilated and lightweight vests work best in warmer weather. For colder climates, select an insulated vest or one with room for bulky layers underneath. Waterproof fabrics are ideal for rainy spring hunts.
Seating
Many turkey vests include a seat cushion or kickstand-style seat for all-day comfort. These allow you to sit anywhere and can be easily detached when not needed. For minimalists, simple detachable pads work too.
Camouflage
Popular camo patterns for turkey hunting include Mossy Oak Bottomland, Obsession, and Realtree Edge. Choose a pattern and color scheme that matches the foliage in your hunting area.
Price
Turkey vests range from $50 to $300+. Determine your budget and look for high-quality vests with the features you need within that price point. High cost doesn’t always mean better performance.
The Top 5 Turkey Vests of 2023
After extensive field testing and research, these are my top 5 picks for the best turkey vests this year:
1. Tenzing TZ TP15 Turkey Pack
This lightweight, highly adjustable vest excels for run-and-gun hunters. The TZ TP15 features silent fleece fabric, ample storage with 12 pockets, a hydration compartment, a kickstand seat, and a unique sloped back pad for all-day comfort. It’s an ultra-functional vest perfect for mobile hunting.
2. ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
Trusted brand ALPS OutdoorZ is known for making rugged and affordable hunting gear. Their Grand Slam turkey vest has a spacious blood-proof game bag, thick padded straps, and a unique extendable seat cushion allowing you to sit anywhere comfortably. It’s built to last season after season.
3. Sitka Fanatic Hoody Vest
This premium vest from Sitka is ideal for diehard turkey fanatics. It’s super lightweight, customizable, and has special insulated pouches to keep your calls from freezing on cold morning hunts. The Fanatic Hoody Vest offers unmatched stealth and storage capabilities.
4. Primos Gobbler Vest
For hunters wanting quality at a budget-friendly price, the Primos Gobbler Vest is a great value option. It includes all the key features like a kickstand seat, breathable mesh lining, call storage, and adjustable straps. The affordable price makes it perfect for new turkey hunters.
5. Badlands Diablo Dos Hunting Backpack
The Diablo Dos gives you the best of both worlds by combining a turkey vest and backpack. The versatile design allows you to hunt in vest mode on the morning hunts and then easily convert it to a backpack for packing out your turkey afterwards.
The Verdict
When considering all the important factors like storage, adjustability, stealth, and pricing, I believe the Tenzing TZ TP15 Turkey Pack stands out as the best turkey vest for 2023. Its light yet durable construction, molded backrest, and wealth of pockets make it my top choice for both novice and expert turkey hunters this season.
Turkey vests are a vital gear investment, so take the time to evaluate your personal needs and hunting style. Hopefully this overview has shed light on the key features to look for and provided solid turkey vest recommendations to make your buying research easier. Get the right vest and you’ll be ready to bag that boss tom when opening day arrives!
Ol’ Tom Time and Motion Gunslinger Turkey Vest
While released in 2022, this vest is highly rated online and was on display at the NWTF Show. At first glance, it shares similarities in style and design to the aforementioned Dixon Vest, with its striker sleeves and rubber adjustable shoulder straps. Additionally, this vest features six more front call pockets and two detachable locator call cords. With availability in five camo variants, including fan favorites like Mossy Oak’s Greenleaf and Bottomland, there is an option no matter your preference.
Mossy Oak Mr. Fox Vest
During the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, Mossy Oak offered 200 vests a day for both Thursday and Friday. These vests drew long lines of hunters eager to get their hands on a piece of turkey hunting history. And during Saturday’s Grand National Auction, the #5 vest from the Mr. Fox limited-edition line was auctioned off for $31,000.
But the Mr. Fox Vest and its highly sought-after predecessor, the Dixon vest, are more than just honorary pieces. The Fox Vest will last a lifetime. It features leather shoulder straps, a large 3” foam cushion and ample storage for all your calls and gear. If you didn’t get one in Nashville, you’ll have a chance to get a vest in West Point, Mississippi, on March 11, 2023, and remaining vests (if there are any) will go on sale on the Mossy Oak Store on March 13.
BEST TURKEY HUNTING VEST | NWTF 2023
FAQ
What is so special about the Mr Fox turkey vest?
The Fox Vest is more than just a turkey vest, its meaning is much deeper. This vest symbolizes what it truly means to be a gamekeeper. It is a symbol of giving back to the resource more than we take. It is a symbol of hope, that by following the example that Mr.
What is the best camo pattern for turkeys?
- Best Overall: Mossy Oak Bottomland.
- Best for Green Up: Sitka Optifade Cover.
- Best for Early Season: Realtree EDGE.
- Best Late-Season: Mossy Oak Obsession.
- Best for Dry Region: First Lite Fusion.
- Best Budget: TrueTimber Strata.
- Best Low-Key: Voormi Blowdown.
- Best for Snow: TrueTimber Tundra.
What is the best weapon for Turkey?
Turkeys, like most birds, are usually hunted with shotguns rather than rifles. Out to about 50 yards, shotguns are the superior choice. In addition, hunting them with rifles is illegal in some states. So check the law before trying it.
What’s the point of a turkey vest?
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.