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What features are a must have on a minimalist turkey vest? Are there any vests on the market that y'all really like? If so what makes them better than the next?

The knight &hale 300 is awful close to perfect for me.
But if I could build one:
One box call, one pot call, 2 locators, 3 strikers, a good removable water bottle holder, a spot for trimmers, and backpack style storage for a rain jacket, tp, snacks, and ability to put in a water bladder, an awesome seat cushion ...all in MO greenleaf.

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Popular topic.....It all depends on your particular definition of a minimalist vest. We all have probably tried every vest on the market throughout the years. My definition of a minimal vest is the following: Lightweight, comfortable seat (that stays out of your way when moving), spacious box call pocket, pot call pocket, striker pocket, shell loops, face mask/glove pocket with mouth call holder and comfortable shoulder straps. There are many of them out there. The ones that seem to be mentioned often are the Alps Long Spur, Knight & Hale RNG models are just a few. The best vest that I found that I consider "minimalist" and use often when I plan on moving is the Sitka Equinox Vest. I do not carry a lot of calls when I hunt. It fits the bill perfectly for me, having most the options I mentioned above. Sitka gear is high quality stuff, takes a beating in the field. The vest is pricey, it happens to be on sale right now at Midway. All vests, whether they are minimal or capable of carrying a ton of things is a personal choice, everyone's hunting style is different. The "pursuit" of the Ultimate Turkey Vest has and will continue to be an evolving target in our industry for years to come for sure....

See some people like vests, and some people don't ... I'm a satchel guy myself ... Glenda Green ....

Quote from: Greg Massey on November 30, 2023, 08:54:23 AM
See some people like vests, and some people don't ... I'm a satchel guy myself ... Glenda Green ....

Best non-vest option out there for sure. Her gear is top-notch, high quality stuff. Great person to deal with too.....

I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

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Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

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Sounds real good. If you can, post a pic of your set-up....thanks for sharing

Here you go...I attach the seat to the molle straps on the side with a carabineer. I switch out between a long box and short box depending on my mood or to switch out sounds on a particular hard hunted stubborn bird. I use the neck strap with the carabineer to carry the box call so it rides along my chest and if I fall I won't smash the call if on my belt. Along with that I carry a scratch box or two and a push button (Shannon's or Mike Lapp's) and place that in the kangaroo pouch of the leafy jacket. Very rarely do I use or carry pot calls. If I do it's for soft / tree calls so either a single slate or a friction wood is what I would tote. I do not use mouth calls, trumpets , or anything else. Took me many years to find our what I like and what the birds like. Shannon's call has been hard on the birds the last few years and most of the time it is my go to.  The cluck to me is the most underrated call and most effective and more audible call I hear then anything else in the woods these days.

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Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 02:17:28 PM
Here you go...I attach the seat to the molle straps on the side with a carabineer. I switch out between a long box and short box depending on my mood or to switch out sounds on a particular hard hunted stubborn bird. I use the neck strap with the carabineer to carry the box call so it rides along my chest and if I fall I won't smash the call if on my belt. Along with that I carry a scratch box or two and a push button (Shannon's or Mike Lapp's) and place that in the kangaroo pouch of the leafy jacket. Very rarely do I use or carry pot calls. If I do it's for soft / tree calls so either a single slate or a friction wood is what I would tote. I do not use mouth calls, trumpets , or anything else. Took me many years to find our what I like and what the birds like. Shannon's call has been hard on the birds the last few years and most of the time it is my go to.  The cluck to me is the most underrated call and most effective and more audible call I hear then anything else in the woods these days.

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Nice job! Well thought out. I too mainly hunt with the same push-pins. Your dead on with the cluck on Shannon's, to me, no cluck sounds like it. They do it all for me, I always carry two of his.......good luck this season.....

Birds eat it up...good luck to you too this upcoming season.

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Quote from: Greg Massey on November 30, 2023, 08:54:23 AM
See some people like vests, and some people don't ... I'm a satchel guy myself ... Glenda Green ....

I'm very interested in one, and will probably try one this spring.   I do not doubt her work quality one bit.  But putting all the weight on one shoulder as opposed to spreading it out with a vest doesn't sound great to me.  Still studying on the problem of vest vs. no vest.  All the options have drawbacks and all have their strong points.  I will do a lot of comparing at the NWTF convention in February.

Quote from: Tail Feathers on November 30, 2023, 05:10:59 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on November 30, 2023, 08:54:23 AM
See some people like vests, and some people don't ... I'm a satchel guy myself ... Glenda Green ....

I'm very interested in one, and will probably try one this spring.   I do not doubt her work quality one bit.  But putting all the weight on one shoulder as opposed to spreading it out with a vest doesn't sound great to me.  Still studying on the problem of vest vs. no vest.  All the options have drawbacks and all have their strong points.  I will do a lot of comparing at the NWTF convention in February.

That was my only problem with the satchels, weight on one shoulder. As a lefty, my gun also is carried on my left shoulder along with the satchel it was cumbersome for me....Some guys do love them however. There really doesn't seem to be the perfect answer, that's why there are so many options out there...

Quote from: turkeykiller22 on November 29, 2023, 09:59:46 PM
What features are a must have on a minimalist turkey vest? Are there any vests on the market that y'all really like? If so what makes them better than the next?

Two other options that I use is a "customized" Cabelas 1/2 Vest with their Speed seat. This is very minimal, but very efficient. It has a larger back pocket that holds license, flashlight, turkey-tote etc with padded back rest, 2 water bottle type pockets that carry push-pins, strikers, tube calls, crow calls, etc. Also has 2 zippered pockets that can hold shells, pot calls, gloves, mask, etc. I added an additional pot call pocket and suspenders. I use this late season when it gets warm. Also pictured is a "Yoder409" double push-pin leather holster that also can carry long or short boxes. There is lambs wool type material inside proving great protection for your calls. Yoder409 is a member on here who makes killer custom leather holsters for pretty much any type turkey call. His work is well crafted, and he is a great guy to deal with.

The 2nd option is a real simple/minimalist set-up. It has 2 "Molle" pouches that I add to my belt. I carry a stadium cushion with this set-up. This is minimalist, and is a good vest alternative. I'll use this set-up on rainy/wet days so I can have this under my rain gear keeping everything dry. This works real well.....

I own 3 knight and hale vests because i like them so much, and they arent made anymore. The past 3 years ive ran the rng200, but this past off season i acquired an rng300 that im excited to try!

I dont carry pots anymore, or box calls. I use the box call holster to carry my turkey strap/tote, and i put my pruners in the striker pocket behind the pot pockets. I have a thermacel holster that clips onto the mole straps on the side. The rest of my gear; mouth yelpers, trumpet, *toilet paper*, thermacel reloads, shells, headlamp, hoot'n stick, water bladder, and phone are spread out across the pockets. Im excited to try the RNG300 because of its extra pack space that i can carry my rain gear in, and use it to carry clothing that i shed as the day gets hotter. To be honest, i dont need more pocket space up front, so im also considering on combining one of my RNG200s with my RNG300. RNG300 pack, with RNG200 straps. As seen in the pic, i could easily swap them out for a hybrid. RNG250?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231201/37f59d8101d3b7a9ad3837e08b7aa299.jpg)

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I have been using an RNG 200 for the past 5 or so seasons, great vest.

Got a Sitka recently so haven't used it yet but like the layout and for all day mountain hunts I can carry a little more than the RNG.


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Chest pouch... Alaskan Guide Denali, and a Glenda Green butt cushion. If I can't stick it in there I don't need it.

Sam, some of us have to put it on our backs to balance out the weight of our bellys.  :TooFunny:

Ran the Sitka vest this year and it was perfect. First it was not cheaply made. When I paid the cost, though pricey, you felt you were getting your money's worth. Did not have extra pockets for the sake of pockets. Had a good organization to it. The vest is not hot. I plan to purchase a backup.

Will also add the seat is very comfortable but when moving not a bother. For longer walks you pull it up tight. It loosens quickly and if making a minor move you can just flip it. Thankfully it does not fall down like magnet style seats and slap you in the lags as you move or you have to constantly put it back up.

Quote from: davisd9 on December 02, 2023, 11:52:06 AM
Will also add the seat is very comfortable but when moving not a bother. For longer walks you pull it up tight. It loosens quickly and if making a minor move you can just flip it. Thankfully it does not fall down like magnet style seats and slap you in the lags as you move or you have to constantly put it back up.

Agree 100% on the seat. It appears to be thin material, but it holds its form better than most other seats and is very comfortable. It definitely stays out of your way with ease....well thought out for sure

Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

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Thanks for pointing out that the slumber jack is out there. Had not seen that set up before now. I may have to pick one of those up. Been using a GG satchel and an Ole Tom Essentials vest for a while and use either depending on weather and temperature. But it looks like you could get that slumber jack so close to the body and almost not even know it is there - especially at a little over a pound. One question that maybe you can help with - are you able to carry your strikers in the SJ vest? Pockets look great, but wonder if they are long enough to accommodate strikers. I would probably attach a yoder box call holder or trumpet holder on that attachment on the off left shoulder, but was not sure about strikers and knew you probably could offer some input. May pick one of those up either way as the SJ would be doable for deer scouting in warmer weather in the fall as well. Thanks for your input.

For me, I just need 1 pot call holder, 1 striker holder, shell loops, and a few pockets for snacks and odds and ends. 90% of my hunting is done with a diaphragm call and yelper of some sort. A back compartment is nice for storing clothes if the day starts to heat up.

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Quote from: davisd9 on December 02, 2023, 11:25:09 AM
Ran the Sitka vest this year and it was perfect. First it was not cheaply made. When I paid the cost, though pricey, you felt you were getting your money's worth. Did not have extra pockets for the sake of pockets. Had a good organization to it. The vest is not hot. I plan to purchase a backup.

This is one that I expected to send back when I bought it but it turned out to be a fantastic vest. I love it.  The only thing sitka that I own

hopefully this means Grounded is exploring a minimalist option?

the run n gun 200 has been great for the most part. I have had to back track several times to find pots that fell out of the chest pockets (especially 3 1/2" pots)

have tried several options for a chest pack (hs strut, knight and hale 100, bino pack) I love the concept just never found one that I liked. Nomad has a modular one that I have been thinking of setting up

nomad pursuit while ive never hunted does check most of the boxes for me, they made a few in mossy oak green leaf and I have been trying to get one for awhile. The thermacell pocket on nomad vests are a great feature imo. Hunters in the south dont get many days you can hunt without a thermacell, its nice to be able to sit down and it can still be operating in its storage pocket

Quote from: mountainhunter1 on December 04, 2023, 08:59:01 AM

Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

Thanks for pointing out that the slumber jack is out there. Had not seen that set up before now. I may have to pick one of those up. Been using a GG satchel and an Ole Tom Essentials vest for a while and use either depending on weather and temperature. But it looks like you could get that slumber jack so close to the body and almost not even know it is there - especially at a little over a pound. One question that maybe you can help with - are you able to carry your strikers in the SJ vest? Pockets look great, but wonder if they are long enough to accommodate strikers. I would probably attach a yoder box call holder or trumpet holder on that attachment on the off left shoulder, but was not sure about strikers and knew you probably could offer some input. May pick one of those up either way as the SJ would be doable for deer scouting in warmer weather in the fall as well. Thanks for your input.

On the top compartments there are hidden spaces behind the pocket to tuck in the loose tag ends but I actually use that to nestle in my striker if I am using one. It holds very well and you can actually fit one of JLH's plastic tubes if you want complete moisture control.

And yes you are 100 percent correct the vest fits so close to you that it is almost undetectable and it weighs next to nothing. Another benefit is if you are the mobile type you can easily shift around, crawl, sneak and not have stuff flying around on your shoulder like a satchel.

It works really well for a minimalist archery setup too.

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Quote from: limb_hanger on December 05, 2023, 09:26:34 AM

Quote from: mountainhunter1 on December 04, 2023, 08:59:01 AM

Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

Thanks for pointing out that the slumber jack is out there. Had not seen that set up before now. I may have to pick one of those up. Been using a GG satchel and an Ole Tom Essentials vest for a while and use either depending on weather and temperature. But it looks like you could get that slumber jack so close to the body and almost not even know it is there - especially at a little over a pound. One question that maybe you can help with - are you able to carry your strikers in the SJ vest? Pockets look great, but wonder if they are long enough to accommodate strikers. I would probably attach a yoder box call holder or trumpet holder on that attachment on the off left shoulder, but was not sure about strikers and knew you probably could offer some input. May pick one of those up either way as the SJ would be doable for deer scouting in warmer weather in the fall as well. Thanks for your input.

On the top compartments there are hidden spaces behind the pocket to tuck in the loose tag ends but I actually use that to nestle in my striker if I am using one. It holds very well and you can actually fit one of JLH's plastic tubes if you want complete moisture control.

I think you probably have already answered what I am fixing to ask, but good strikers are hard to come by and I hate to lose one - so my question, "Is that space for tucking loose tag ends secure in the sense that you are not going to be losing strikers in the woods?" I assume your answer is yes based on your last response, but I am pretty OCD on my favorite stuff and hate to lose stuff in the woods. But if that is a secure location, even if I could only carry one striker at the time, that would work.

One last question - I noticed you had gotten the Master - Mrs. Glenda to make you some additional call holders to attach to the vest. I have her seat and usually carry it attached to my pants belt with a Caribiner. Curious what she built you to attach to the vest because I have more than once got her to duplicate what she had already made for someone else. My biggest wonder is attaching a box call. I was thinking that I could use a yoder leather holster and attach it to the clip on the shoulder strap on my off hand shoulder to be out of the way when I shoulder my gun. But I am always open to better ideas. Once again, really appreciate the feedback, and if that striker is going to be secure in that area we are talking about, I am sold and I will for certain order one for sure before spring turkey season. Thanks again brother - much appreciated.

Quote from: mountainhunter1 on December 06, 2023, 10:45:08 AM

Quote from: limb_hanger on December 05, 2023, 09:26:34 AM

Quote from: mountainhunter1 on December 04, 2023, 08:59:01 AM

Quote from: limb_hanger on November 30, 2023, 01:00:31 PM
I have tried so many different things over the years (many mentioned) and used to carry so many things when I was younger and now have taken more of a minimalist approach since I know what I need and works.

With that being said - I have been using the slumber jack pursuit vest and like it a lot (similar to the knight and hale). I had Glenda green make me a seat and some call pouches I could clip to the molle straps. It's not perfect and not for everyone but works very well for my needs and is incredibly light and stays tight to my body and everything is easily accessible which are huge things for me.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

Thanks for pointing out that the slumber jack is out there. Had not seen that set up before now. I may have to pick one of those up. Been using a GG satchel and an Ole Tom Essentials vest for a while and use either depending on weather and temperature. But it looks like you could get that slumber jack so close to the body and almost not even know it is there - especially at a little over a pound. One question that maybe you can help with - are you able to carry your strikers in the SJ vest? Pockets look great, but wonder if they are long enough to accommodate strikers. I would probably attach a yoder box call holder or trumpet holder on that attachment on the off left shoulder, but was not sure about strikers and knew you probably could offer some input. May pick one of those up either way as the SJ would be doable for deer scouting in warmer weather in the fall as well. Thanks for your input.

On the top compartments there are hidden spaces behind the pocket to tuck in the loose tag ends but I actually use that to nestle in my striker if I am using one. It holds very well and you can actually fit one of JLH's plastic tubes if you want complete moisture control.

I think you probably have already answered what I am fixing to ask, but good strikers are hard to come by and I hate to lose one - so my question, "Is that space for tucking loose tag ends secure in the sense that you are not going to be losing strikers in the woods?" I assume your answer is yes based on your last response, but I am pretty OCD on my favorite stuff and hate to lose stuff in the woods. But if that is a secure location, even if I could only carry one striker at the time, that would work.

One last question - I noticed you had gotten the Master - Mrs. Glenda to make you some additional call holders to attach to the vest. I have her seat and usually carry it attached to my pants belt with a Caribiner. Curious what she built you to attach to the vest because I have more than once got her to duplicate what she had already made for someone else. My biggest wonder is attaching a box call. I was thinking that I could use a yoder leather holster and attach it to the clip on the shoulder strap on my off hand shoulder to be out of the way when I shoulder my gun. But I am always open to better ideas. Once again, really appreciate the feedback, and if that striker is going to be secure in that area we are talking about, I am sold and I will for certain order one for sure before spring turkey season. Thanks again brother - much appreciated.

The cushion from Glenda is just her standard one with tubular webbing that you can attach to the molle panel on the side of the vest with a carabineer. If I had to do it over again I would probably would have had her sewn a tubular webbing belt to the seat to wear tightly to my waist but the current setup works well.

As far as the box call pouches - my only request was no Velcro for the closure and a soft padded lining. It holds the calls very securely with no wiggle and is lighter than a leather one. I would suggest clipping it on the shoulder straps so it's within easy reach while walking and also if you fall you should be able to protect it

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Pictured below is how a striker or striker tube would be situated on the vest. It is held securely and within easy reach I will add.

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Found an amazing deal yesterday on a Nomad Pursuit Convertible vest, so will find out how I like it later this week hopefully.  Will update the thread


If this doesn't work, I may go the satchel route, but my only hand up is the seat.  I'm sure I could clip a seat to a pouch but then it starts to clutter everything up (at least in my head).


Have an ALps Impact that I don't hate, but hoping this new Nomad does it for me

Quote from: limb_hanger on December 06, 2023, 11:09:09 AM
Pictured below is how a striker or striker tube would be situated on the vest. It is held securely and within easy reach I will add.

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That will work for me as well. I will pick one of those up. I can still run the Glenda Green as well, but I think this vest would get taken to the woods a lot either way. Thanks again limb_hanger.

No disrespect to anyone, because there are a lot of good ideas in this thread.  But, as opinions are like "you-know-whats" .......  Here's mine :

There is no vest or satchel that can really be considered a "minimalist approach".  My small belt pack is more "minimalistic" by a large margin than ANY vest or satchel out there.  Yet, still.......even IT is not as minimalistic as wearing a pair of 6-pocket "cargo" pants.

That being said......... I probably carry fewer things into the turkey woods than 95%+ of other turkey hunters.

Individual definitions of "a minimalist approach" will likely vary quite widely.

Yall have reminded me, I have a Glenda Green Minimalist size in OG Bottomland I need to sell.  Is anyone currently looking for one? 

Quote from: Fillmoregandt on December 06, 2023, 12:58:54 PM
Found an amazing deal yesterday on a Nomad Pursuit Convertible vest, so will find out how I like it later this week hopefully.  Will update the thread


If this doesn't work, I may go the satchel route, but my only hand up is the seat.  I'm sure I could clip a seat to a pouch but then it starts to clutter everything up (at least in my head).


Have an ALps Impact that I don't hate, but hoping this new Nomad does it for me

Update: I've tried on the Nomad pursuit Convertible and loaded it with a few things.  Overall I'm fairly happy with it, and think that it will be a good vest for the future. If the season started tomorrow, I'd wear it.

A few pros/cons:

Pro: i like the seat;  good storage (or at least enough for what I needed); fairly lightweight; good storage while still being a "minimalist" vest

Con: the shoulder straps are a little bulky (not bad bulky but enough for me to call out); the pockets along the waist are to the side of the vest rather than in front (digging into the pockets can be difficult because I've got to move the bulky shoulder strap out of the way to turn around)

Overall not bad, and will definitely be in use this spring.  Especially as I wear it more around the house and get comfortable with the layout

Good luck with it, hope it works out for you.......

Quote from: Fillmoregandt on December 08, 2023, 04:35:41 PM

Quote from: Fillmoregandt on December 06, 2023, 12:58:54 PM
Found an amazing deal yesterday on a Nomad Pursuit Convertible vest, so will find out how I like it later this week hopefully.  Will update the thread


If this doesn't work, I may go the satchel route, but my only hand up is the seat.  I'm sure I could clip a seat to a pouch but then it starts to clutter everything up (at least in my head).


Have an ALps Impact that I don't hate, but hoping this new Nomad does it for me

Update: I've tried on the Nomad pursuit Convertible and loaded it with a few things.  Overall I'm fairly happy with it, and think that it will be a good vest for the future. If the season started tomorrow, I'd wear it.

A few pros/cons:

Pro: i like the seat;  good storage (or at least enough for what I needed); fairly lightweight; good storage while still being a "minimalist" vest

Con: the shoulder straps are a little bulky (not bad bulky but enough for me to call out); the pockets along the waist are to the side of the vest rather than in front (digging into the pockets can be difficult because I've got to move the bulky shoulder strap out of the way to turn around)

Overall not bad, and will definitely be in use this spring.  Especially as I wear it more around the house and get comfortable with the layout

. I do like the look of that Nomad convertible.  I will check several options at the NWTF convention.

'24 turkey season will be my 4th season using Ms Glenda's minimalist satchel. Couldn't be more than satisfied with. Best decision I've made Turkey hunting and deer hunting as well. Perfect for my needs, quality is as top notch as you are going to find. I Carry the cushion she makes as well and new to this season is a shotgun sling I had her make for me. Used it so far this deer season and couldn't be more pleased with how it carries my rifle.
My days with the hot, bulky and heavy turkey vest are over.


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