I have noticed, in several recent posts seeking recommendations on turkey vests, there are a good number of our fellow hunters who are going vest-less and are using fanny packs or a custom made satchel for calls and gear.
I am interested in a minimalist approach these days and have considered dumping my vest for a fanny pack or maybe the satchel.
My question is for you guys that are going vest-less, what are you using for a seat cushion and how are you carrying it? This is for folks that stay on the move and are not setting up in turkey chairs. As I have gotten older, sitting comfortably and still for extended periods has become a challenge.
Thanks,
GunRunner
I converted to a Brenda Green satchel a few years ago.
I use an HS Strut Turkey stool that is both comfortable and light. I have added adjustable back pack straps to the stool.
This set-up works great for me.
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This is what I use. All have carry straps. Glenda green bag. It's got a Montana collapsing decoy in it. 3/4 pots, 2 box calls, 6/7 strikers snake bite kit face mask thermacell. Holds a lot if you want pack a lot . Chair is alps vanish. It's little heavy but I can sit all day in it folds up and straps closed with carry strap attached to it(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200322/b50d6293f88bf6659b4e42c0770d17d6.jpg)
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I use the same style chair as above,but its from Cabelas and called a Gobbler Lounger. I've tried numerous chairs and that style is the best. I also use a Glenda Green Satchel. I haven't used a vest the last couple years.
I dumped the vest about 8 years ago, I first went to a Badlands Hip Pack (didn't want a fanny pack behind me/no access) used this for the first 7 years and now I have the Avian Sling Pack, still rides on my side for easy setup. As far a seat goes I have a few, my original was an old NWTF Lo-Boy Lite Turkey Seat, I modified it to have a backrest by using a H.S. seat in somewhat same style, I drilled out the rivets on the folding legs took them off and added as a backrest, added a seat pad and have been using this for around 15 years. In the last 5 years I have had a couple of Cabela's Gobbler Loungers as well.
MK M GOBL
I have a vest and hs strut turkey seat. The only time the seat comes out with me is when my 75yo father comes with.
I hunt public land and usually try to find larger tracts to hunt in with the chance I may be able to get away from the crowds. I start out with plan A but usually have to resort to B,C,D,E,......Z as the day unfolds.
I find carrying a seat around too combersome when trying to sneak through the thicker woods and briar patches that inevetably seem to find there way between me and a distant gobbler I may have the luck to hear. I've been know to crawl along a creek bed to stay out of sight trying to close the distance on active Toms. I like to keep my hands free for moving braches and keeping my balance when climbing up and over obstacles. I just don't see myself being able to carry a seat on my back and a gun over my shoulder without them clanging together at the most inopportune times.
I modified my tater 2 seat so that I can strap it around my waist. I tried carrying it one time and I kept leaving it behind as i was moving in on a gobbler. So I either strap it to me or leave it at home.
http://www.breedlovesaircushions.com/products/
Quote from: wchadw on March 21, 2020, 09:04:16 PM
This is what I use. All have carry straps. Glenda green bag. It's got a Montana collapsing decoy in it. 3/4 pots, 2 box calls, 6/7 strikers snake bite kit face mask thermacell. Holds a lot if you want pack a lot . Chair is alps vanish. It's little heavy but I can sit all day in it folds up and straps closed with carry strap attached to it(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200322/b50d6293f88bf6659b4e42c0770d17d6.jpg)
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x3 .. no wet butt either .. this same setup.
I use a chest pack from Alps, and I bought a heavy foam seat that came with a sewn in loop and attach it to my back belt loop with a carabiner. Used it all deer season in complete comfort, and it doesn't hang down past my arse to beat against my knees like an unsecured vest seat does.
Loyalist84......can you please share information on the cushion that you bought and carry? Maybe even a picture.
Thanks
GunRunnet
It's a Therm-A-Seat 1.5" thick pad, I think it's called the Predator on Amazon.com but a search should still yield up some decent results.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49697314068_036c68389e.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49698154587_1a05fb3c49.jpg)
I am bumping this back up again. I am considering going with a very light badlands pack, and a chair. I don't want a chair with legs, so looks like my best option may be a Crazy Creek Chair. They are made for backpacking are nice. Alps makes one if you have used it, would appreciate feedback. After looking at everything on the net, I am not sure i see a vest that I am in love with at this point. My preference would be a quality vest, but seems like so many are lacking quality or are darn heavy.
I use one of Glenda Greens Minimalist Vest and a Browning Turkey Lounger chair if I know I will most likely be sitting for and extended time. If not sitting for an extended time, I used to carry a boat cushion with a shoulder strap but I just purchased one of Glendas' new seats with an inflatable innertube and shoulder strap which I plan on using this year. I like the fact that it is very light and you can adjust the comfort level by letting letting some air out.
Quote from: Paulmyr on March 22, 2020, 02:43:42 PM
I have a vest and hs strut turkey seat. The only time the seat comes out with me is when my 75yo father comes with.
I hunt public land and usually try to find larger tracts to hunt in with the chance I may be able to get away from the crowds. I start out with plan A but usually have to resort to B,C,D,E,......Z as the day unfolds.
I find carrying a seat around too combersome when trying to sneak through the thicker woods and briar patches that inevetably seem to find there way between me and a distant gobbler I may have the luck to hear. I've been know to crawl along a creek bed to stay out of sight trying to close the distance on active Toms. I like to keep my hands free for moving braches and keeping my balance when climbing up and over obstacles. I just don't see myself being able to carry a seat on my back and a gun over my shoulder without them clanging together at the most inopportune times.
Same here, however I did start carrying a 2'x2' piece of cheap rain jacket I cut out in my cargo pocket. It folds up flat and light and I can't tell it's there. However, if it's wet out it goes down before I sit to prevent a wet butt.
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I've been using a Niff-T-Seat with the small post for several years for deer and turkey hunting. It folds up small and can carry it with a strap on my belt. Being it that it is a single post, you need to lean up against a tree.
I still wear a vest for turkey hunting but carry a Johnson Woolen Mill Black Powder Hunting Pouch on my belt for basic turkey calls when bow hunting for deer. Also use it during rifle season for extra ammo, flashlight, etc AND during muzzleloader season!
The most comfortable chair I've ever used is the Millennium M300. Has a shoulder strap, quiet to set up and weighs 4 pounds.
https://www.amazon.com/Millennium-Treestands-M300-Tree-Seat/dp/B000T55ZTW
This is a great thread that always emerges because we are all looking for the "holy grail" regarding efficiently carrying what we need in the turkey woods. As we see from the posts above, everyone caters their equipment to the type of hunting one does. Sitters favor chairs and comfortable cushions. Runner/gunners tend to have a more minimalist set up, an attached seat, fanny pack/satchel, or a minimalist type vest. I have different set ups for my different types of hunts. Most of the time, I am a minimalist hunter. My favorite set up is a Cabelas 1/2 vest that I modified. This was made several years ago. It is a Fanny pack type waist belt that has a lumbar cushion for back support. It has a some large zippered pockets, 2 water bottle pouches, and shell loops within smaller pockets. I added an HS Strut box call holder, and a pot call holder. I added a Glenda striker pouch that holds my strikers nicely. I added a padded set of suspenders to the set up. The best thing about this is it has the patented Cabelas Speed seat built in. This seat to me is the best. Comfortable, and stays out of your way when your on the move. Attached is a picture of the set up. The only answer to how we all carry our equipment is what works best for you. We all seem to have found out what's best for our type of hunting. This will always be an ever evolving topic in our sport in the years to come. Be safe, best of luck.....
Well I just picked up a Avian X Rundown at Cabelas and seems like I might like it. Going to give it a close look at some. I also ordered a Crazy Creek lounge chair. It may be the way I go this year.
Quote from: RiverBuck on January 28, 2021, 06:27:15 PM
The most comfortable chair I've ever used is the Millennium M300. Has a shoulder strap, quiet to set up and weighs 4 pounds.
https://www.amazon.com/Millennium-Treestands-M300-Tree-Seat/dp/B000T55ZTW
Saw that seat, sure looks well built, light.......looks good
Fanny pack/belt with a couple of HS Strut pouches. Carry a Browning chair. On the properties I hunt I know GENERALLY where the birds are going to be, I`m not one to do much running through the woods, so I spend the vast majority of time set up. I`ve found the patient approach fits my style and likes and has worked well for me.
Quote from: WTNUT on January 28, 2021, 09:13:51 PM
Well I just picked up a Avian X Rundown at Cabelas and seems like I might like it. Going to give it a close look at some. I also ordered a Crazy Creek lounge chair. It may be the way I go this year.
I have looked at this closer today. I will say you can put a ton of stuff in that little guy. I had 10 strikers, three box calls, 4 pot calls, and ton of mouth calls, a stone, pad, and some other stuff in it today and still had room. I was actually shocked. I am not 100 percent sold on the over the shoulder strap yet. I am going to wait on the three vests I ordered before I decide which I keep and which three get returned.
I went through a fascination with vests that lasted about 10 years, back when turkey vests first started to be a thing. I stopped about 20 years ago.
1) It encouraged me to carry way too many calls.
2) It was heavy and noisy
3) It was hard to remove. If I wanted to put the sneak on a bird and lose the vest, it was a major undertaking
When I got my own property, I went to a small Messenger bag for calls and ammo and such and then added a musette bag on the other side for decoys, sweater and other light/bulky things. Both were held on with shoulder straps. I could drop both off my body by unbuckling.
The Messenger bag started to deteriorate a few years ago, and I started using this:
(https://genesis9.angzva.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/3801.jpg?ver=5)
Rothco makes one called an "Advanced Tactical Bag" that you can order off Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-2348-Advanced-Tactical-Bag/dp/B006GA48RE?th=1
One thing I like about these bags is that I can open it up on the ground and place my calls on top. It keeps them dry and clean.
The musette bag I carry I made myself. It's camo and bigger than a normal musette bag. They used to sell a turkey decoy bag that would do the same thing.
Quote from: shaman on February 03, 2021, 05:50:38 AM
I went through a fascination with vests that lasted about 10 years, back when turkey vests first started to be a thing. I stopped about 20 years ago.
1) It encouraged me to carry way too many calls.
2) It was heavy and noisy
3) It was hard to remove. If I wanted to put the sneak on a bird and lose the vest, it was a major undertaking
When I got my own property, I went to a small Messenger bag for calls and ammo and such and then added a musette bag on the other side for decoys, sweater and other light/bulky things. Both were held on with shoulder straps. I could drop both off my body by unbuckling.
The Messenger bag started to deteriorate a few years ago, and I started using this:
(https://genesis9.angzva.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/3801.jpg?ver=5)
Rothco makes one called an "Advanced Tactical Bag" that you can order off Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-2348-Advanced-Tactical-Bag/dp/B006GA48RE?th=1
One thing I like about these bags is that I can open it up on the ground and place my calls on top. It keeps them dry and clean.
The musette bag I carry I made myself. It's camo and bigger than a normal musette bag. They used to sell a turkey decoy bag that would do the same thing.
Cool looking set-up
I have always preferred a Daypack. Inside is a walmart Black Step Stool that,I like to sit on. Perfect height ,wide, and comfortable.
Thought I would give everyone an update:
1. I am still liking the Avian Rundown. It holds a ton of stuff securely. I am not 100 percent sold on the over the shoulder design. It just seems a little - and I emphasize "little". So it is still in the running.
2. The Alps IMPACT vest came a couple days ago. I like the lounge style built in seat and back. They get an A plus there. However, the one size fits all is a C minus. I am 6 feet tall and 165 pounds. I am bulit for run and gun hunting. That vest is built for someone 6 feet 4 inches tall and 245 pounds. Even cinched all the way in it is way too big. It just seems awkward. At first I didn't think there were enough pockets. I was wrong there are plenty of pockets but the design is a B minus. For example, the box call pocket is too short. The pot call pockets are a tad too small. The pockets in general are very stiff but that would probably come out if you washed the vest. This vest is being shipped back with a B minus grade.
3. The badlands vest is a different story. They seem to have have a keep if you are interested in vests. It fits really really well and is up and tight not hanging on you like your high school prom tux. I will give you more on the pocket layout tomorrow. I am still checking it out. As for the seat, I really like it. It is super thick and the way it is attached to the vest is nice. This vest in combo with a Crazy Creek lounge seat is a real contender for 2021 and probably the front runner right now. Waiting to receive the Tenzing 18.
The Alps IMPACT vest came a couple days ago. I like the lounge style built in seat and back. They get an A plus there. However, the one size fits all is a C minus. I am 6 feet tall and 165 pounds. I am bulit for run and gun hunting. That vest is built for someone 6 feet 4 inches tall and 245 pounds. Even cinched all the way in it is way too big. It just seems awkward. At first I didn't think there were enough pockets. I was wrong there are plenty of pockets but the design is a B minus. For example, the box call pocket is too short. The pot call pockets are a tad too small. The pockets in general are very stiff but that would probably come out if you washed the vest. This vest is being shipped back with a B minus grade.
This is primary issue with 80% of all turkey vest.. they seem to made for guys 6'5 over 250lbs. Have you looked at the Knight & Hale RNG 200 or 300? Both are great, but I prefer the 300. I tried literally every vest made over the last 5 years. I liked this RNG vest so much that I bought 3 of them in case they stop making it. This vest is a lean "run and gun" type vest that actually fit's normal guys. It doesn't have the lounger kick stand. Read the reviews on this site, and watch some YouTube videos of the vest.
I like this for a seat.... you actually want to inflate less than you think..... straps around the waste and you can plop down anywhere. Greatest part to a good cushion is they work well on an incline.....
Allen Company - Self-Inflating Hunting Seat Cushion - Camo
HS Undertaker Chest Pack
This is the combo when not using the vest..... but I honestly love the vest
[
This is primary issue with 80% of all turkey vest.. they seem to made for guys 6'5 over 250lbs. Have you looked at the Knight & Hale RNG 200 or 300? Both are great, but I prefer the 300. I tried literally every vest made over the last 5 years. I liked this RNG vest so much that I bought 3 of them in case they stop making it. This vest is a lean "run and gun" type vest that actually fit's normal guys. It doesn't have the lounger kick stand. Read the reviews on this site, and watch some YouTube videos of the vest.
[/quote]
I am pretty darn sure I am going to stay true to a vest as opposed to a pack this spring. Been in a vest for 37 years and now that I have a badlands vest, I would be hard pressed to find one better. But, still keeping an open mind for when the Tenzing arrives.
Quote from: Tom007 on January 28, 2021, 06:32:59 PMMy favorite set up is a Cabelas 1/2 vest that I modified. This was made several years ago. It is a Fanny pack type waist belt that has a lumbar cushion for back support.
I purchased a half vest when they first came out and haven't used a traditional vest since. I found a used one a few years ago, bought it and gave it to a buddy. I wish they were still made because they are fantastic.
I like the suspender idea. I've thought about adding them but haven't yet because I really don't carry much weight.
I have an Alps "crazy creek" style seat on the way as well. I want some kind of lounger for open country but really don't want to lug around a full size chair for those just in case moments.
Well the Tenzing vest came. It was out of the box about 3 hours and went back in to the box to be returned. It fit better than the Alps impact, but I can't imagine those poles being anything but a PIA. They are hard to reach and trying to get them in place quickly on the side of a hill has to be a nightmare. I may have considered trying them IF the layout of the vest were better, but it wasn't. The designer must have thought once they added the poles the didn't have to think much about the pockets. They were a "C" at best. Overall the vest gets a B-.
So I am going with the Badlands vest which I still really like, Crazy Creek chair (the compact fold up one), and I may keep the Avian X Rundown to try. I like the layout of the pack, but there is something about the shoulder strap that leaves me at a loss.
I would love to see a pic of the "half vest" people are talking about. And, the gear bag was a good idea.
I'm a full vest to fanny pack back to minimalist vest guy.
Number of years back, I was using a MO Super Elite vest. One hot and humid late season day, I parked and grabbed the vest out of the truck cab. It was late morning I was hot and tired chasing a bird all early morning. But when I hefted it, it felt like it weighed 80 pounds. It was heavy.
Birds were quiet, so sitting in the big woods, I dumped everything out, and found because that vest had like 21 pockets I needed to have enough stuff to fill them all. I did. Sometimes double. Carrying 10 shells, etc.
I went to a larger fanny pack with a shoulder harness and foam seat sashed to the bottom of the pack, which reduced what I carried. Used it for years, lightweight, but every time I sat down to work a bird, I had to take it off, spin it around in front of me. Had to done a belt holster for my box calls, I often carry a long box and short or mini boat box so now two holsters on the belt. If I wanted a drink of water, had to take the fanny pack off to get to it. If I wanted a candy bar, stop and take the pack off. If I wanted to change pot calls or strikers, stop and take the fanny pack off. On and on.
Back to the vest I went, tried the Alps Long Spur first, and just couldn't make the layout up front on my chest work for me. I wanted it to work, the concept is ideal. But the chest pouches bounced around if it wasn't buckled down. And those pouches got in the way if I wanted to sling my shotgun across my chest to climb or descend hands free. I really wanted to like it but couldn't. Sold it.
Bought the Nomad MG vest, used that the next season. Again, just couldn't quite get there, though I did like the box call pocket design which would hold a mini boat box, and the thermacell pocket which stored my pruners perfectly and made them accessible in an instant. That was handy, as was the magnetized seat. But like the MO Elite, just too many pockets and a bit too much material overall, and I didn't have enough "stuff" to fill all those Nomad pockets, just too much vest. Sold it too.
Picked up the K&H 300 RnG. About the best design out there IMHO. Light weight, enough storage for essentials plus a bit more though they did get crazy with the shell holders. Who carries 10 or so shells, not shooting skeet LOL. Waterproof pocket for the smart phone is a plus using OnX and other apps. Two pot call holders up front, easy access to everything else. MOLLE system on the side, water bottle pocket on the other side. Interesting seat deployment design.
I see why FL-Boss bought three of these in case they stop making them. I might buy another myself. Perfect trade off between the pros/cons of a large full sized vest and the pros/cons of the fanny pack.
You can find all sorts of military satchel style bags at sportsman guide for a lot less money than the brand named ones.
Use both (Cabela's Tactical Tat'r 2 & Alps Long Spur), they are a tool and each one has it's pros and cons depending on hunting situation and style.
Early season find that the vest gets grab more often. Gives a spot to carry the layers of clothing. While later in the season and on warmer days the run-n-gun pack gets used. The main draw back is that lack of a water balder for the long hikes. This is a con on bot the vest and run-n-gun pack. Will use the Alps Vanish chair with both but find the chair being used more in late season to help see through & over the vegetation.
I use a messenger bag and also use a Breedlove's air cushion.
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 24, 2020, 10:04:36 PM
Quote from: wchadw on March 21, 2020, 09:04:16 PM
This is what I use. All have carry straps. Glenda green bag. It's got a Montana collapsing decoy in it. 3/4 pots, 2 box calls, 6/7 strikers snake bite kit face mask thermacell. Holds a lot if you want pack a lot . Chair is alps vanish. It's little heavy but I can sit all day in it folds up and straps closed with carry strap attached to it(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200322/b50d6293f88bf6659b4e42c0770d17d6.jpg)
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x3 .. no wet butt either .. this same setup.
Greg, real nice gun there. What kind, what gauge. Looks fantastic...
Quote from: Tom007 on February 13, 2021, 07:49:23 AM
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 24, 2020, 10:04:36 PM
Quote from: wchadw on March 21, 2020, 09:04:16 PM
This is what I use. All have carry straps. Glenda green bag. It's got a Montana collapsing decoy in it. 3/4 pots, 2 box calls, 6/7 strikers snake bite kit face mask thermacell. Holds a lot if you want pack a lot . Chair is alps vanish. It's little heavy but I can sit all day in it folds up and straps closed with carry strap attached to it(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200322/b50d6293f88bf6659b4e42c0770d17d6.jpg)
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x3 .. no wet butt either .. this same setup.
Greg, real nice gun there. What kind, what gauge. Looks fantastic...
It's a dipped Yildiz youth 20 o/u. Sumtoy chokes and optic mount. Trijicon rmr
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Quote from: wchadw on February 13, 2021, 08:25:12 AM
Quote from: Tom007 on February 13, 2021, 07:49:23 AM
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 24, 2020, 10:04:36 PM
Quote from: wchadw on March 21, 2020, 09:04:16 PM
This is what I use. All have carry straps. Glenda green bag. It's got a Montana collapsing decoy in it. 3/4 pots, 2 box calls, 6/7 strikers snake bite kit face mask thermacell. Holds a lot if you want pack a lot . Chair is alps vanish. It's little heavy but I can sit all day in it folds up and straps closed with carry strap attached to it(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200322/b50d6293f88bf6659b4e42c0770d17d6.jpg)
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x3 .. no wet butt either .. this same setup.
Greg, real nice gun there. What kind, what gauge. Looks fantastic...
It's a dipped Yildiz youth 20 o/u. Sumtoy chokes and optic mount. Trijicon rmr
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Sorry Chad, misread post..great looking gun. A real beauty. That's a turkey duster for sure. Be well my friend....
I still use a vest but I have taken about half of the stuff I normally carry out of it.
I have a flat zippered up case and all the stuff I removed from my vest and extra stuff goes in it. I keep it in my vest till I get to my hunting land and that bag stays in the truck.
My vest is much lighter now.
The badlands does look like a solid option.
I'm with many who think the RG300 is pretty good after trying many vest and non vest options. If you could pair the design with sit any where style seat id buy a bunch
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Has anyone used the Nomad Pursuit Convertible Turkey Vest? Was wondering if the portion on the back was just a game bag or a small backpack capable of holding a water balder.
I use a day pack to carry a few calls, water, a seat, and my shooting sticks. I like being able to strap the bird to my pack for the walk out, way better than carrying them! I have used the weekender, folded up, then folded in half, it fits in a pack alright. Last year I just started using my helinox chair one. I'm not on the ground, but the shooting sticks still work with it. It folds small and is only 2lbs. Just get one in black or coyote and sit in comfort.
Just got in the Knight N Hale 300 Run-N-Gun 300. Looks to be what I'm looking for. Will hold onto my vest but the Alps Long Spur will be going up for sale.
LL Bean messenger bag can be found on ebay for about $40 or so. Been using one for years. A vest encourages folks to carry way too much junk.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oVEAAOSwURNgMR9h/s-l1600.jpg)
I've started using hill people gear kit bags, as it keeps my calls and everything right there on my chest. My type of hunting is running and gunning as I like to walk a lot. I do carry an empty backpack that only weighs a few pounds and keeps my kill kit and buttpad in and rain gear. The kit bag is a game changer.
https://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1
Dog will hunt, dog will hunt.
When I hunted Pope County in Southern Illinois, it was a 2 hour drive and offered lots of area to "run and gun" so I traveled light. When my county opened up, it allowed me to drive 20 minutes and walk another 10 minutes to my set-up spot; however, the 40 acres here, 20 acres there, etc. changed my way of hunting so that I now spend 3-4 hours sitting in one spot. In the latter situation, I carry a portable ground chair, decoy sack, and a back pack with calls, drink, snacks, plastic bag to keep my butt dry, etc. all set up behind a 3' x 10' camo screen which allows me to make undetected movements. It's not unusual for me to take a nap or two while awaiting the toms to make their way to me in late morning. More than once I've been awakened by my decoy getting flogged by the next gobbler to ride in my truck!
If anybody is interested in another good option, knight and hale has a chest pack that holds 2 pots, 3 strikers, 1 box call and enough room to squeeze the rest of your essentials in. Definitely very minimalist though