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Best Turkey Vests Reviewed
Successful turkey hunting means having the right gear for the job. But you can’t be fumbling around with box calls, shot shells, and decoys when that big boss gobbler struts across your path.
It’s in a hunting moment like that that you’ll be glad that you invested in acquiring one of the best turkey vests on the market.
With pockets and specially designed holders for all your turkey hunting accessories, a turkey vest can make the difference between bagging or losing that trophy turkey.
That’s why our team here at Rustic Pursuits brings you our take on the best turkey hunting vests, along with detailed reviews so that you can make the next right investment for your hunting gear collection.
Turkey vests are decidedly one of the most difficult products to select online. We love hunting, and we love hunting gear that gets the job done. We want you to find a turkey vest that works for you.
Which style and size hunting vest will get-it-done for you is going to depend on your gear carrying needs and preferences. There are numerous approaches to turkey hunting and a wide variety of gear that assists hunters in their pursuits. Your favorite ways to hunt turkeys will guide your choice on which turkey hunting vest will provide for your particular needs.
Top Turkey Vest Comparison Chart
Best Turkey Vests
1. ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
Our top choice for turkey hunting vests is the Grand Slam from Alps OutdoorZ. The Grand Slam provides a great middle ground between a feature rich and capable vest while still emphasizing affordability. This vest continues to exceed hunter’s expectations.
This comfortable and effective hunting vest earns its keep whether you are calling in your turkeys or running and gunning. With camo patterns in both Mossy Oak Bottomland and Mossy Oak Obsession, the Grand Slam offers concealment for a variety of environments.
This vest comes through for hunters with a ‘sit anywhere’ kickstand frame and a thick padded fold away seat. For additional comfort the vest offers padded mesh-lined shoulder straps. The straps are quick release for hunters who like to get their shoulder straps out of the way when shooting. Two water bottle pockets are available to keep you hydrated while you are on the hunt.
Storage options in this turkey vest are nicely placed and well balanced for the most effective approaches to turkey hunting. The vest features an internal clear smart-phone sleeve that allows you to use your phone while it’s still in the pack. A stretchy box call pocket is purpose-made to hold the call tightly and keep your call silent so you won’t make any unwanted noise.
Internal shot shell loops are also featured as well as loops to hold strikers for your slate or pot calls. Of course, the pack includes circular pockets for slate or pot calls as well. On the shoulder strap you will find a hard plastic removable diaphragm call pocket which can clip onto either side.
The rear of the Grand Slam offers a large game bag that is perfect for carrying decoys or even a jacket. This large pocket is also equipped with a blaze safety flag for a safe walk from the field after a successful hunt.
- Comfortable and versatile turkey vest with sit-anywhere removable kickstand frame and memory foam fold-away seat
- Adjustable legs with fast-locking technology and large swivel feet helps with stability and prevents you from sinking into the ground
- Organize your calls and strikers in a variety of different sized pockets strategically placed throughout the vest
- Large game bag, two side water bottle pockets, hydration compatible, and two mesh zippered pockets inside the vest
- Weight with frame: 7 lbs. 2 oz.; Weight without frame: 4 lbs. 10 oz.; Waist Size: Fits up to 48"
2. TENZING Reclining Turkey Vests
TENZING Reclining Turkey Vests
We chose the TENZING Reclining Turkey Vest for our second choice due to the easy access pockets, comfort, as well as it’s stealthy features. This turkey vest keeps all the necessary pockets nicely within reach and features silent closures for super stealth run and gun turkey hunting.
This is a lightweight turkey vest that really appeals to hunters who need to be ready to move at a moments notice, while maintaining a great amount of comfort. With all the storage a turkey hunter needs, this vest doesn’t fail to impress. The pockets feature a modular style that allows for interchangeable box and pan call storage pockets.
Staying comfortable on the hunt will help to keep your focus on dropping gobblers. Padded shoulder straps, a soft collar, and raised back cushions maximize comfort and ventilation even while sitting against a tree.
This model by TENZING also covers your backside with the attached ‘Big Cheeks’ foam seat that flips down easily for a fast and comfortable setup. While also offering a unique stool design that allows for hunters to grab a seat virtually anywhere they decide to set up for the big shot.
Storing your calls and gear in this Turkey Vest isn’t going to be a challenge. This vest has more than enough pockets for hunters that like to bring multiple calls and extra gear along for the hunt.
The back features a large open pocket for carrying decoys or your game after a rewarding hunt. And the pocket features an orange safety flag for the walk out. Mesh side pockets are perfect to hold a water bottle on one side and your rolled ground blind on the other.
- Tenzing Premium Hunting Packs | Go Further. Hunt Longer. Every Tenzing product is torture-tested in the field to outlast a lifetime of the most brutal hunts. We re-work, re-design and re-test until we exceed every metric
- Tenzing TR18 carries everything you need to slip in, set up and work the birds | Structured internal aluminum frame holds seat rigidity with spring-loaded adjustable alminum legs | Dual-layer fold-out foam seat provides superior comfort during long sits
- High-performance air mesh back panel and shoulder straps with extra padding and channeled, air-cooled back rest keep you cool and comfortable when you are on the move or sitting
- Loaded with multiple specialized, strategically-located pockets that provide quiet, efficient access to all your calls and shells | Two hand-warming pockets have also been included so you can comfortably wait for your shot to develop.
- H2O compatible port at top of pack for water bladder (not included) | Weight: 5 lbs 4 oz | Type: Turkey Recliner | Compartments: 10 | Organization Pockets: 5 | Volume: 3200 cubic inches
3. Knight & Hale Run N’ Gun Turkey Vest
Knight & Hale Run N’ Gun Turkey Vest
The RNG 200 is a lightweight vest that is great of men, women, or even kids. The vest allows for a great range of motion and doesn’t cause over-heating like some bulky vests can. It holds all your calls and personal items while still avoiding weighing you down, so you can get on the move quickly.
Of course comfort is super important when you are working those boss gobblers within shooting range. The RNG 200 doesn’t fail to deliver with big-time comfort. Aside from keeping you cool, the vest features a highly adjustable cinch seat system. The quick-adjust straps firmly hold a removable six-layer cushion exactly where you want it. So whether you are sitting or moving, you can be sure to have your hands free to drop that spur-daddy when he crosses your path.
We really like the storage in this turkey vest. The RNG 200 is streamlined and doesn’t have floppy pockets and gadgets wiggling all around. Even so, it can hold your box call, 2 slate calls, diaphragm calls, shot shells, cell phone, and plenty more in the 375 cubic inch backpack with bladder compatibility. In addition to the 12 other accessory pockets, the vest also includes a decoy sling and turkey harvest sling.
Point being, the RNG 200 from Knight and Hale stores all your gear within reach. But unlike many turkey vests, the RNG 200 is effective and feels athletic whether run fully-loaded or light and limber. It is truly an unusual turkey vest in that regard.
- 10-Point adjustment System for a custom fit for man, woman, or child. Always perfect for any body type, size, or age
- Fits close in the midsection eliminates the bagginess and looseness of other vests, so you won't get caught on limbs
- Carries Everything without weighing you down. The lightest turkey vest on the market, just over 1.5 pounds
- Cinching seat System holds the removable six-layer cushion against your butt for hands-free sitting or cinches out of the way for trekking
4. Primos Rocker Strap Turkey Vest
Primos Rocker Strap Turkey Vest
- Molded pot call and box call pockets keeps your calls protected
- Waterproof cell phone pocket you can use your phone in
5. Tenzing TZ TV18 Turkey Vest
Tenzing TZ TV18 Turkey Vest
- Tenzing Premium Hunting Packs | Go Further. Hunt Longer. Every Tenzing product is torture-tested in the field to outlast a lifetime of the most brutal hunts. We re-work, re-design and re-test until we exceed every metric
- Tenzing TV18 tackles gobbler season with streamlined design for ultimate comfort and easier access to all your turkey gear | Multi-layer design provides easy access to calls and accessories
- High-performance air mesh back panel and shoulder straps with extra padding keep you cool and comfortable when you are on the move or sitting
- Dual-layer fold-out padded foam seat keeps you comfortable during long sits | Extra-large turkey pocket makes sure your bird stays intact
- Specs: Weight: 3 lbs | Type: Turkey Vest | Compartments: 12 | Organization Pocets: 5 | Volume: 2500 cubic inches
Turkey Vest Features To Consider
Hunters have used vests for many years while hunting turkeys, but new aspects that optimize their effectiveness have been added in recent years. Along with rethinking pockets for calls and decoys, designers have integrated comfortable seating and the newest camo patterns to maximize concealment and comfort.
Camo Pattern
Turkeys have very keen eyesight and choosing the right camo pattern to match your hunting grounds is key. Springtime hunts can vary in color and shade considerably. Forested environments in spring foliage will provide various shades of bright green undergrowth. Areas with less undergrowth might still hold the colors of brown fallen leaves and shaded tree bark as your backdrop. Part of your turkey scouting should be getting a sense for what camouflage will provide the best concealment.
Gear Carrying
Your turkey hunting vest has the primary role of holding your gear where it can be accessed when needed. Some vests do a better job of that than others, but its worthwhile to avoid over doing it. It is easy to pack way more gear than you need or will use. That extra weight can wear you out and make noise that will spook turkeys.
Diaphragm calls, slate calls, and decoys are pretty easy to keep quiet when they’re stashed away in your vest. On the other hand, box calls can make unwelcome pops and yelps if not secured properly. Aside from all your particular gear carrying needs, a tight pocket to keep your box call quiet can be a big help.
Seating
Do you like a comfortable seat while you are waiting for that big gobbler? If so then you will want to look at a turkey vest with integrated seating. Removable kickstand frames and thick seat pads are sometimes built into the back of the vest so your seat automatically goes wherever you go. This feature keeps you comfortable and allows for hands-free carrying when you are on the move.