Can you smell it? Can you hear it? That’s right. Turkey season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh parade of vests and packs. The hunting world’s marketing machine is at full throttle, and these new designs demand a look. Some are pure function, some are pure eye candy, and a few are both. Either way, they’re impossible to ignore. So, without holding you back, feast your eyes on some of the newest turkey hunting vests available this year.
Avian-X Ridge Runner (and Ridge Runner X) Limited Edition Turkey Vest
The Avian-X Ridge Runner and Ridge Runner X Limited Edition Turkey Vests are new to the scene this year. Avian-X has been rooted in conservation and decoy design since 2011, and now it’s bringing that same quality to turkey hunting vests.
This vest is loaded with thoughtful features. A molded, 2-inch-thick high-density strip adds comfort, while the backpack-style design, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and seat bungees give you flexibility in the field. Magnetic strips hold your seat securely, and EVA-molded pockets keep diaphragms, pot calls, shotshells, and more organized. It also has a full-access game pouch for decoys or dead turkeys, plus two fleece-lined hand pockets and four zippered internal pockets for all your other gear.
I give this vest my stamp of approval. I’ve been using it myself, and it hits all the marks for what I need in a good turkey hunting vest. It’s primed for comfort and has plenty of capacity to carry the load. It’s a totally modernized version of the traditional turkey vest.
Knight & Hale Run ‘N’ Gun (RNG) 300
The new RNG 300 Vest from Knight & Hale continues the brand’s tradition of practical ingenuity. This offering has all the pockets you need, but it’s built on a lighter frame.
It’s heralded as the premier option for the run-and-gun turkey hunter. It features a better fit, lower weight, improved mobility, and extensive gear space. With 375 cubic inches of backpack space, hunters can keep all the items they need on their person. The organizational design is top-shelf, and it has plenty of storage to handle a turkey hunter’s load.
Drilling further down on the details, it has six internal pockets, zippered accessory pockets (with four striker slots), easy-access pot-call pockets, a full-length zippered accessory pocket, a box call pocket, etc. It also has three quick-dry diaphragm pockets, a zippered formed pouch, a ThermaCell holder, a magnetic quick-access phone slot, a vented back cushion, and a terrain-proof bottom.
It even sports a cinching seat system and a six-layer cushion. This turkey hunting vest's thoughtful extras include a quick-grab handle, bladder compatibility, a license-attachment clip, nylon webbing with a cinch, a water-bottle pouch, MOLLE connections, and shell holders that accommodate .410 bore, 20-gauge, and 12-gauge ammo.
ALPS Outdoorz Traditions Vintage Premium Turkey Vest
The new Vintage Premium Turkey Vest by ALPS Outdoorz is a solid pick for spring. This is the epitome of simple, practical design. Every pocket is exactly where you want it. No trap doors, secret compartments, or enigma needed to break its zippered code. Just a straightforward, reliable turkey vest, which is a welcome change in a world where every new thing is “innovative.” Sometimes you just need a vest that won’t rip on every twig, snag, or barbed-wire fence it crosses.
It comes with a 3-inch-thick memory foam seat, two pot call pockets, multiple large accessory pockets, and an extra-large game bag for that heavy gobbler. Adjustable shoulder straps and a 40– to 61-inch waist make it easy to customize fit, and the vest weighs just 2 pounds, 6 ounces.
ALPS Outdoorz IMPACT PRO
The IMPACT PRO by ALPS Outdoorz is another great pick. This upscaled turkey hunting vest adds a few extra features for hunters who want a little more. Its “Sit Anywhere” design prioritizes comfort on the ground, while a 1-inch-thick molded seat flips down for extra support or flips around to reinforce weight in the oversized game bag.
Furthermore, this one comes with molded front pockets, which are perfect for a wide variety of turkey calls and other gear. It even sports a removable box call pocket. And the MOLLE webbing attachments on the front panels are handy.
It adjusts easily to accommodate a wide range of hunter sizes. The backrest dimensions are 19 inches by 17 inches. The seat dimensions are 17 inches by 16 inches. It weighs 5 pounds.
Ol’ Tom Turkey Strap Vest
The Turkey Strap Vest by Ol’ Tom isn’t one you’ll easily forget. External quick-draw slate call pouches, horizontal storage, and mesh pockets keep everything within reach. A removable padded seat cushion with rubber-coated Magnattach makes deployment and repositioning quick and easy. Dual nylon webbing straps adjust the shoulders and sides for a balanced, customized fit.
High-visibility blaze-orange flagging meets safety requirements without sacrificing functionality, and the vest is made from 100 percent polyester with 300-denier rip-stop fabric for durability.
Grounded Turkey Hunting Vests
Grounded is a newer company making a splash in the turkey hunting world. The company, whose mission is rooted in faith, has rolled out an entire lineup of turkey hunting vests this season. Hunters who care about quality, conservation, and America’s greatest game bird, this brand is a great choice.
Check out the Hybrid Pack or Hybrid Pack 2.0. Both are designed for adjustability and are perfect for switching between a full vest and a chest pack. The Impact Vest 2.0 is more of a traditional turkey vest, offering solid storage and a familiar fit for turkey chasers who like to keep things classic.
More Notable New Turkey Hunting Vests
Here are some other great options for turkey hunters looking to upgrade their vests this spring.
The Banded Air Elite is a solid option for those who want a lightweight design. It’s not robust, but some hunters prefer it that way.
Chene’s Deception showcases common-sense features and designs that work for turkey hunters. This one screams practicality.
The Treeline Vest by First Lite isn’t one to sleep on. This thing brings a refreshed look to the table with unique design points.
The Spring Legion Turkey Hunting Vest is a solid choice. It incorporates a lot of obvious R&D from dedicated turkey hunters.
Take Your Pick
Choosing the right turkey hunting vest comes down to one question: what’s your style? Once you know that, picking the right vest gets a lot easier. Match your gear to the way you hunt, then grab the vest that fits. This year’s lineup has something for everyone, so take your pick. This year, it’s quite the lineup.
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