Disappointed with Cabela's and Tat'r Pro turkey vest

[Timmer]

I have a Cabela's Tactical Tat'r turkey vest that I absolutely love.  Due to work I was struggling with getting ready for turkey hunting.  I recollected that my vest was getting pretty worn after 15+ years.  Upon inspecting it I realized it was time for a new vest.  I jumped on to Cabela's site and found the Tactical Tat'r Pro, which looked pretty close to what I had before.  Even though I wasn't leaving for 3 days, I ordered it to be overnighted.  Thankfully I did because it took Fedex 3 days to get it to me.  When I opened the package, boy was I disappointed.  It's no longer made of a quiet rugged cloth material, but rather a noisy (swishy) shiny nylon material.  I was pretty sure I was going to return it but then I realized I had to anyway because they didn't include the seat that was supposed to be attached.  I am leaving in the morning so I am going to have to tape up my old one.  I don't think it's surprising to others that things have gone down hill since Bass Pro bought them. Boy do I miss the quality and reliability of the old Cabelas!

[rakkin6]

When I bought my original Tactical Tatr I bought another brand new one from another guy that didn't like his. I hate to hear the quality has gone down. May have to look at an Alps, Grounded etc I'm the future. Thanks for the heads up and I wish you luck on your trip.

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[krm944]

I don't know that I looked at that model, but I purchased the Red Head Elite Striker Vest at Bass Pro and do not like it.

I really wish I could touch The Hunting Public's M2 vest.


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[grayfox]

I've had one since they first come out & mine has been great. I hadn't used it the last couple seasons. Been using the Alps Impact. Just last night I loaded the old Tactical Tat'r back up again with all my stuff & will use it what's left of the season here. At about 3.5 lbs empty it's one of the lightest vests out there. Definitely one of the best turkey vests ever made before Bass Pro screwed it all up. Such a shame. Good luck with finding another vest you can be pleased with.

[Gooserbat]

Like so many things that Cabela's had right, Bass Pro screwed it up.

[WildSpur]

I hear you.  My tactical tatr is wearing fast.  The elastic has lost its flexibility and some seams are coming undone.  The seat lost is cushiness.   The vest was money well spent though.  Hundreds of miles running and gunning.  Checking out what's available today makes we want to cry.   Not sure what I am going to do when my vest can go no more. 

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[zelmo1]

I have the Tactical Tatr 3 and absoloutley love it. Of course its discontinued. I dont know what I will do when it finally dies, but there will be tears. I will start shopping around after the season.  Z

[FLGobstopper]

When I found out Bass Pro discontinued the old Tactical Tat'r 2 and "improved" it I started asking around and looking online for backups. I've looked at, worn or owned and tried about every vest on the market in the past 25 years and the old Tactical Tat'r 2 has been the best and held up the best for me and my style of turkey hunting. Fortunately I was able to find several backups and have plenty to last me the rest of my lifetime or at least until I quit turkey hunting in another 150 years.

I have looked at the new version in person and everything original poster mentioned is what I also thought about them. I used to love Cabela's and the rare chance I ever got to visit one and Bass Pro was ok. It didn't take long for BP to screw that up and now I can do without either.

[eddie234]

Keep your eye open, I see the original's on eBay occasionally and here in the classifieds. I anticipated this problem and bought a spare.


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[Dazzler]

I'll be ordering a Sitka from Amazon to lay hands on.  No way I'm ordering an M2 based on previous customer service issues with Tethrd.

[Old Timer]

Cabelas =junk

[TonyTurk]

Like so many things that Cabela's had right, Bass Pro screwed it up.

This all day.

I have a Cabela's 20 minutes from my house and hardly ever go there anymore.  The decline in quality is shocking.  Last time I was there the men's room was absolutely disgusting.  I guess they can't afford to hire a custodian.

But they could pay a lady to stand at the entrance trying to convince me to apply for their credit card!

[Big Jeremy]

I agree. I have an old one, and overall it's my favorite vest I've ever owned. Still hunt it some, but trying to not completely wear it out. The new ones are trash in comparison.

I got a Grounded 2.0 this year, and so far I've been pleased with it. Good magnet for the seat, and it flips around similarly to the speed seat of the tat'r.

I've spent several of my hunts this year with a satchel and inner tube seat from Glenda, though. It's nice and light, and it's more comfortable than any seat on any vest I've ever worn. The only downside I've found is not having any padding on my back. Sure is nice for running and gunning light, though, and it'll haul everything my vest will with ease. 


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[BDeal]

It's just crazy how poorly BP is run and how superior Cabelas was. I used to spend a pile of money at Cabelas and BP has absolutely destroyed everything that was good about it.

[Dazzler]

I agree. I have an old one, and overall it's my favorite vest I've ever owned. Still hunt it some, but trying to not completely wear it out. The new ones are trash in comparison.

I got a Grounded 2.0 this year, and so far I've been pleased with it. Good magnet for the seat, and it flips around similarly to the speed seat of the tat'r.

I've spent several of my hunts this year with a satchel and inner tube seat from Glenda, though. It's nice and light, and it's more comfortable than any seat on any vest I've ever worn. The only downside I've found is not having any padding on my back. Sure is nice for running and gunning light, though, and it'll haul everything my vest will with ease. 


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I usually wear a small camelbak with 2L bladder that can carry a jacket and/or foam decoys using shock cord. It has provided back padding for setups against a tree.

I pair it with a duty belt with call holsters. If I'm carrying the kitchen sink that day I use a chest rig. It's three pieces of gear but the tube seat and camelbak are the only two I remove and that's to shed layers or deploy decoys.