I have a Sitka vest but am disappointed by how few strikers I can fit in it, what kinds of vests do y'all have?
I've got an Ol' Tom, and I like it a lot. Plenty of pockets, and is actually lightweight. The best feature is the magnet closure for the rear seat. It's very handy and a lot quicker than buckles.
I have the Sitka and love it. It fits my needs. The Easy Rider by Ol Tom was great, but I hatted that magnetic seat and that it swallowed me at 6' 200#. Great layout though, it copied the limb hanger.
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I have a Grounded Impact 2.0 for when I want to pack a bunch and a badlands (discontinued, i think) for when I plan to go light.
Quote from: Drumstick-Bandit on January 02, 2026, 02:27:45 PMI have a Sitka vest but am disappointed by how few strikers I can fit in it, what kinds of vests do y'all have?
Get with Glenda Green and get one of her Striker Roll ups. These roll ups come with about 6 slots that will hold at least 12 strikers. The rollups will have a flap at the top and a buckle that will keep your strikers secure when not in use and fit in your vest or deep pants pocket while on the move. When you set up, pull out the roll up next to you and you have all you need at your fingertips. Sent you a PM. Welcome to Old Gobbler!
My favorite vest isn't a vest. I got out of using a vest over 20 years ago. I use what is generically called a "Tactical Messenger Bag"
(https://genesis9.angzva.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/712uMuTDZgL._SL1200_.jpg)
Granted, I can't carry the kitchen sink, but I found that my vest was getting too heavy and rattly.
I have a couple of vests but as of late I have moved to going lighter. I have a turkey satchel from Ms Glenda Green and a small bino harness. Feel a lot more mobile and comfortable.
Knight and hale run 'n gun 200.
I had most now M2
Alps Impact Pro and Fox vest are my go-to's. Pocket layouts and seats work for me here...
I have modified my old Ol' Tom vest so many times over the years that it's just about perfect now.
Every time I thought I needed a new vest, I could never find one that was just right, so I just decided to do it myself and modify what I had.
It's now more comfortable, quieter, lighter than light, and more efficient because I custom cut and sewed everything to hold gear right where I want it to be.
I actually enjoy modifying the vest so much now, that I'm not sure I'll ever consider it finished. :toothy12:
I'm probably the odd ball. I wear an old Liberty 4 pocket vest that carries everything I need and isn't over engineered.
I have the Final Aproach Full Strut and love it. In a way, I wish I didnt like it so much because ita always a good feeling getting a new vest lol. If I was in a market tho, I would def check out the Grounded Hybrid 2.0. Seems like a perfect setup having the bino harness included. I would just want to check the weight and seat comfort in person.
Cabela's Tactical Tat'r II. I don't use the cushion, so it's light with a lot of pockets.
If youre worried bout not having enough storage you'll prob eventually revert just a consideration.
I've had lots vests. I often give one to a new guy I'm mentoring so I've been through a few (they wear one of my spares) . Idk any vest is right. We have this same discussion every year. Some vests have no shell loops. That imo is an absolute no go. Some are way too thin, etc etc
Ive got but 3 vests left. Ive got an older tenzing. They dont make the model anymore. Was good but... the pockets zippers were way too small.
I've got 2 nomad vests. The killing time was on sale 1/2 off couple years ago. That vest imo is real good. Almost too much storage and if you want striker space you can carry way more than you need. . It's drawback it's prob slightly heavier than many vests.
Another nomad i have i forget the model but its real basic and was on super "sell them out clearance" for something crazy like $29 or something. My buds n I all got 1/2 and theyre great. I wish I'd bought a few. Having 2 vests is key anyhow. It pours and the next day, days you've got a wet vest to wear if you only have one.
If it was me I'd prob start looking w Nomad
Cabelas TacTatr. Great vest lots of storage just wish they would have put thought where they put the Box call pocket. :firefighter:
I'm still rolling with the old Little Bighorn Gobbler lounger.
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Quote from: davisd9 on January 03, 2026, 10:12:56 AMI have the Sitka and love it. It fits my needs. The Easy Rider by Ol Tom was great, but I hatted that magnetic seat and that it swallowed me at 6' 200#. Great layout though, it copied the limb hanger.
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how's the seat?
I like the Alps long spur but have unzipped the back satchel. I carry my box calls in scabbards on my belt. Tends to keep the weigh of the vest down spreads out the load
The Sitka vest was very disappointing, but the tool belt seems to fit triple the amount of stuff.
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Quote from: gaswamp on February 15, 2026, 02:38:13 PMQuote from: davisd9 on January 03, 2026, 10:12:56 AMI have the Sitka and love it. It fits my needs. The Easy Rider by Ol Tom was great, but I hatted that magnetic seat and that it swallowed me at 6' 200#. Great layout though, it copied the limb hanger.
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how's the seat?
I like it. Mimics the tactical tater style seat. Plenty of cushion and easy to deploy
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Quote from: frixhunter on February 15, 2026, 09:07:45 PMThe Sitka vest was very disappointing, but the tool belt seems to fit triple the amount of stuff.
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I have used the Sitka tool belt the last couple years. I like it so much I bought a second because every time I find something I like it gets discontinued :TooFunny:
Quote from: Zobo on February 05, 2026, 09:27:31 PMI have modified my old Ol' Tom vest so many times over the years that it's just about perfect now.
Every time I thought I needed a new vest, I could never find one that was just right, so I just decided to do it myself and modify what I had.
It's now more comfortable, quieter, lighter than light, and more efficient because I custom cut and sewed everything to hold gear right where I want it to be.
I actually enjoy modifying the vest so much now, that I'm not sure I'll ever consider it finished. :toothy12:
Shoutout to Zobo for sharing his modifications with me. He really has made the Ol Tom his own and I applaud the diy tweaks! I have the same vest and plan to start tweaking mine now.
Running a custom fhf gear apex belt, I really like how modular it is and you can set it up however you want
Never thought I'd go vest-less but gave Glenda's minimalist satchel and her seat a try last season. Man I loved it.
Did a long weekend in the VA mountains hunting some of the steepest country there is. Walked 30 miles in 4 days. Can't imagine doing that with a vest.
I've found myself using the innertube seat for a lot of other things too. I ground hunted for deer with it with my bow. Put it on top of a rolling stool while making up electrical outlets and boxes all day. Etc. etc.
I'm one of those weird guys toting a satchel to the woods, but for my style of hunting it sure is nice
A late 80's/ early 90's vest from Mossy Oak --- The original stuff they put out when they first started. That vest and I have worked on many a gobbler. I just had to have a jumpsuit and a vest (it was the cheapest way to get what I wanted, at the time), unfortunately, the size medium is getting harder to fit in for the jumpsuit. One day I'll loose this extra lbs and get back to a medium.