pheasant vest

[kevfish1]

What would be a good pheasant hunting vest? I have had trouble with my vests holding the shells securely in the field

[muc33]

I actually dont like the ones with shell sleeves. I have a simple backpack style with nice deep pockets and back game pouch and that is it. The full vest was becoming more of a shoulder weight than anything. I carry as few shells as possible. It only takes two or three ya know! Ha!

[jparrucci]

Like the previous poster said, I do not use the shell holders. Get a cheap light vest with a game pouch and pockets. In SD, I also put my neoprene waterfowl belt shell holder around my waist. Carying the shells around your waist is much easier than the extra weight on your shoulders all day. I have found the vests themselves to be heavy, and now just wear a cheap light one.

[MuleShack]

I actually dont like the ones with shell sleeves. I have a simple backpack style with nice deep pockets and back game pouch and that is it. The full vest was becoming more of a shoulder weight than anything. I carry as few shells as possible. It only takes two or three ya know! Ha!

Same here...

Seem to sweat in those vests last year, so I invested in one of those hiking strap ones that have just two pouches and a bird bag on the back. That way I can wear what ever under neath and just have the straps over my hunting gear. Should ride better on the shoulders too.

We will see how it does this fall.

[TruthWalleyes]

I have had trouble with my vests holding the shells securely in the field

The trick is to remove your shells from your vest when your not in the field. This will keep the material from stretching out. Then, every 10 minutes in the field do a quick hand check to be sure all your ammo is still securely in the shell holders...Lastly, expect to lose a few.

I put 5 shells on the gun stock, and the rest in a zipped pocket in my vest...and yeah, sometimes it takes more than 3 shells

[gspman]

The shell loops are a joke. Get a vest or a strap vest with closeable pockets up front. I like the Pella Bird-n-Lite strap vest.

[BLACKJACK]

You are correct, those vests with shell loops are just shell losers. Don't like the idea of having shells in a pocket, after awhile they're mixed with chaff and dirt and then you're loading them into your gun.

I have one of the vests from Columbia with the quick loading tubes in the front, they work slick, especially in SoDak when you're going thru a lot of shells, just reach down, pull the shell out, and load. They're tight enough that you don't lose shells. I like them so much that I bought a second one for spare, and also use it with my 20 gauge.

Also consider getting a vest where you can load a pheasant from the front, some of the cheap vests, you have to be a contorsionist to reach around and load the pheasant in the pouch, or you have to stop and have your buddy do it. With a front access pouch, dog brings bird back, you tuck it in and push it to the back, and keep on hunting. When the birds are flying, I want to keep moving.

Those vests aren't cheap but you get what you pay for. I've had mine for over 10 years and still going strong. It also has extra pockets for license, gloves, whistle, etc.

[GSP4ME]

Quillomene. Water, pockets all set

[Harmonica Bear]

Filson - might as well have the best.

[mwal]

I 2nd the Quillomene strap vest with hydration pack. Works great enough water for the dog and my self.

MWal

[TylerS]

Filson - might as well have the best.

Well, if you want the "best," I'd go with a Wingworks. Custom fit, darn near bullet proof, and built to last. That's if you're willing to drop 180+ bones on a vest, of course. I wasn't, and so bought an LL Bean Partridge vest last winter when they were on clearance for $40. Is it as nice as a Wingworks? No, but at that price, I can at least afford a few extra gallons of gas this season.

[Bryce]

Cabela's full vest has shell loops inside pockets. Front loading style game pouch that I have maxed out with 5 big late season rooties. Had to carry the other 2. Good field

[mnxs54]

I can carry a lot more on my hips than my shoulders so I have a very minimal vest and a shell belt.

[LightningBG]

I rarely keep anything in a vest. If I'm hunting light, I use a leather shell belt and one of these guys.

[Ufatz]

Easy decision: buy a Filson and give it to your son. Or your son in law. Or your grand son.

The more you use it the better it gets.

Go for the gold!!

[setterguy]

+3 for the Filson. Got mine as a gift about 15 years ago and it hasn't worn a bit. Simple, functional and a one time purchase. Check out ebay. Buying a used filson is almost better as its already broken in.

[Ferny]

I use a Browning upland for grouse and pheasant. I never loose shells and I leave it loaded up all year so I can grab and go. I love the bottle holders built into the back out of the way. I wouldn't mind a strap one on those hot days though!

Ferny

[Matt C]

I use the browning vest as well. Fits nice, no issues walking all day in the field. The price is also nice.

[Chef]

Columbia Vest, Orvis, LL Bean and Filson

[smalliehunter]

I know this is an old topic, but if we're talking the best vest I think Badlands upland vest needs to be mentioned. Holds 10 shells, has 2 magnetic pockets tons of storage, can bring enough water for dog and myself and I bring her a snack very light weight can wear it all day with no problem. Life time warranty, awesome awesome pack.

[Ufatz]

Filson. Buy one. No worries. Your grandson will love it.