Any hot weather turkey hunters? Turkey vest question....

[Crang]

So this will be my 4th season turkey hunting. I definitely have the addiction. Benn going through my gear and curious about turkey vests. Problem is I hunt Rios in S.Texas and its often 95 degrees in the shade in April when I go. The thought of wearing extra gear that will make me hot sounds awful. Any hot weather hunters wear a really cool breathable vest? I have a hard time imagining more than a t-shirt. I usually park a (mossy oak Brush) backpack net to me. Ideas?

[Gamblinman]

Know the feeling.

I use a mesh dove vest when it gets that hot. By then, I usually know what call(s) are working and par down to a minimum. Don't forget a hydration pack or bottled water, it can literally be a lifesaver.

Gman

[CASH]

I just suffer through it so I can carry plenty of water.

[chcltlabz]

I love my Time and Essentials vest for that very reason.  The back still doesn't breathe very well, but there's definitely a lot less fabric compared to most.

[stinkpickle]

Yeah, some of the Ol Tom vests seem to be the most "meshy". 

[kevin2]

I just got one of these for hot weather...

Ol'Tom Mossy Oak Obsession Dura-Lite Vestless Mesh Back Shirt w/Spine Pad

http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-OLT233S

I also got a mesh camo leafy outfit for summer use last year. I wear shorts & a short sleeve Under Armour shirt beneath that outfit, kept me plenty comfy and cool. Keeps the bugs out too.

Shelter-Pro 3-D Leafy Bugmaster Suit

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shelter-Pro-3-D-Leafy-Bugmaster-Suit/750547.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dbug%2Bsuit%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=bug+suit&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[Redfish]

Here in Florida I've tried a couple of mesh vests but have gone back to a backpack. I was always having to take the vest off when I got setup anyway and it's easier to find things in a backpack than it is in a vest that's laying on the ground. Hunting in hot weather sucks but it's about all we get here in the spring.

[redarrow]

I envy you guys. Most times in Michigan I'm wearing long johns.

[Crang]

Appreciate all the ideas. Will have to look up some of those vest. We start getting 100+ degree days here by late March sometimes and I have definitely setup in a shaded spot only to have the sun start sinking and find myself in the direct sun with some birds in sight. Makes for some crazy hot hunts to sit in it for an hour or more at a time. Dove vest is an interesting idea too, although dove season starts here September 1 when its definitely 103 out still and I usually cant take a dove vest then either. My backpack next to me (has a hydration bladder in it) might still be the best bet.....

[kiltman]

  You should try and find a fanny pack style rig.  I used one last year in late April here in Georgia. 

[RutnNStrutn]

I mainly hunt in FLA and SC, and it gets hot there too! I have a vest, but most of the time I use my Beard Buster Belt, available through Cabelas. Here's what it looks like.



I added a couple of extra pouches to my belt to carry more stuff. I love my belt, and it doesn't get hot!
Here's the link.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Beard-Buster-Run-and-Gun-Turkey-Belt/1324016.uts

[SKFOOTER]

Ditto on the fanny pack.

[Gobblerjim]

I'm in south Florida. Hot days I drop the vest and go with a fanny pak and gobbler lounger. Carry a 32oz water bottle. 

[Crang]

That belt or a fanny pack sounds like just the ticket! I hadn't thought of that-