Vests.

[Canadian]

I know this has been likely talked about a ton, but I want to start a fresh new one, to explain my own thought process and what im looking for.

The past 5 or so years, ive been using the rng200 vest, and with some small modifications, have labeled it the perfect vest 'for me'. This year, i acquired an rng300, as the larger pack space appealed to me for days where it might be nice to have rain gear, and extra water. Sometimes ill stay deep in the woods all day, and this extra gear is needed. The rng300 was pretty awesome, and i pushed its limits this spring down in the everglades. However, it does have limits, some of which i would like to talk about.

For starters, if it were possible, i would love to carry no vest at all, as ive done so much in the past. But as i grow, and listen to the advice of my grandfather, ive learned how important it is to take care of ourselves while we are young. Therefore, things such as food (fuel), water, toilet paper, and a cushion (good posture), are all becoming more and more important to me. This leads me to the conclusion, that thinking long term, a vest is beneficial. However, which one is best for me?

Where the rng200/300 lacks the most, is its vest/shoulder support. I noticed how ergonomically unhealthy they were on my shoulders, especially when the 'closest' spot i was hunting down there, was an 8 mile round trip, if i wasnt doing any 'extra' walking (which i obviously was). Im not sure if the 2.5 mile, one way trip, by bicycle may have increased the impact or not, but regardless, by the end of my trip, i felt it. I also understand that we are not immortal, and i really do push myself. Since the fall of man, we have been cursed, on this side of heaven, to these fragile, dying bodies. However, im wanting to inquire about finding something 'less bad' for me.

The next thing is how narrow the pack is. Because of how narrow it is, its a no brainer as to how this could negatively impact our posture/comfort when leaning up against a tree.

So, that being said, what do people think of the options out there? Id like it, if possible, for people to leave out biased opinions. The goal here is to find out whats best, or rather 'less bad' lol! I also illustrated some of the lengths in which i push myself for a reason. If you hunt only private (which i do myself back home), and/or walk no more than a mile from the truck (from the bottom of my heart, that is not a jab), your vest opinion is probably not going to be an adequate, true, effective suggestion for me

Im looking for lightweight, tight fitting, and ergonomically healthy, with 'some storage'. I dont carry the kitchen sink with me, just the necessities.

Would a 'full vest' style vest be better than a 'strap' style? Full vest covers more surface area, but a strap probably has more padding? Im considering the mossy oak longbeard elite, as its lightweight and comes in the 'full vest' style. I would definitely customize the heck out of it, but i feel itd be a good baseline? Also even considering the youth model, as im 5'10" and 165 pounds, and want it to fit tight incase i need to crawl.

Thoughts are appreciated. Ill also add pics of the rng straps so that people can understand the design and what im talking about, even though theyve never tested it on long, hard days.

Thanks in advance.


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[Canadian]

Rng200 straps. As you can see, there is no padding, and they have a relatively small surface area, with a rigid binding that is stiched around the border.

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[Shoreguy]

If that is the only thing you would change maybe the M2 vest yoke system could be added to the RNG vest.  I haven't used the M2 yoke but it seems to have more rigidity and padded shoulder straps. 

[Canadian]

If that is the only thing you would change maybe the M2 vest yoke system could be added to the RNG vest.  I haven't used the M2 yoke but it seems to have more rigidity and padded shoulder straps.

Yeah i wondered trying different straps... but im also wondering about a solution to the narrow backpack for leaning up on stuff... ill look more into the m2. Ive honestly never really given it much of a look.

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[RLAG]

If that is the only thing you would change maybe the M2 vest yoke system could be added to the RNG vest.  I haven't used the M2 yoke but it seems to have more rigidity and padded shoulder straps.

Yeah i wondered trying different straps... but im also wondering about a solution to the narrow backpack for leaning up on stuff... ill look more into the m2. Ive honestly never really given it much of a look.

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I ran the m2 last year hunting 4 states and logging idk how many miles. Overall pretty pleased with it. I carry 2 pots, 3 strikers, box, diaphragms, owl, crow, tube and trumpet. Having a hydration bladder was a game changer last year keeping me hydrated. I liked that I could have stuff you want to bring with you but don't need in the heat of the moment in the pack while the calls were up front. Really comfy straps and seat.

A slightly bulkier version would be the chief upland vest that just came out this year. The m2 and chief upland have the same premise of using a molle hip belt to custom fit your pockets to what you carry

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[Canadian]

Ive known about the m2 for some time now, but never really looked into it... i must say tho, it looks like a pretty awesome design! However, its like $419US to get started thats $564 Canadian... im never opposed to spending big $ for the proper gear, but sheesh. Not sure that id be confident in the strap design either, as it looks kind of similar to my K/H. I think id rather try modding my RNG first.

The chief upland however... i reeeeally like the look of its back and strap design. It actually talks about a focus on ergonomic weight distribution right in its description... its also apparently lighter than the M2... and cheaper... hmmmmm...

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[Dtrkyman]

I have no hands on experience with it but look at the Badlands.

I have been using the rng 200 for a while, zero issues with the straps for me, but I am thin and carry minimal stuff.  I did add two molle pouches when I need extra space, bought a two pack on Amazon, they have molle straps on them as well so you can use a single or stack them.

I have done some 15 plus mle days with mine and never felt like it was an issue.  I bought a Sitka to try this spring, but after loading it there are some things I didn't care for but probably more due to being used to the RNG.

[Flagobbler]

That new Banded Air Elite Turkey Vest might be up your alley. It's looks good but expensive. Think it's new for 2024 so I could not find any reviews anywhere yet. Good luck on finding your next vest.

[jdl80]

I've been using the alps little bear lumbar pack as well as the alps run and gun style bino harness. I'd say it's almost  perfect for south Florida. If I take the rain gear out, I can add extra water and just a poncho.  Depending on where I'm hunting, I'll leave the lumbar or bino harness out to cut weight. I don't use a cushion, but it would be fairly easy to adapt one to the little bears rigging system. The shoulder straps are a total game changer for lumbar or Fanny packs.

[jdl80]

Anyone good with a sewing machine could pretty easily sew the quake claw rifle slings onto a vest as better shoulder padding as well. I believe some famous YouTube guys are doing it to their vests. Ol Tom may have the same style in some of their vests as well.

[Tom007]

Your description needs fit the Sitka dead-on. I've had/have most of them out there. I always turn to the Sitka. Most adjustable/comfortable vest I've used. Finally, and most important to me is the quality, second to none. The seat WILL NOT loose it's form. Perfect amount of storage. The shell does shed water too, other vests get soaked.....good luck!

[WVhuntEER]

Your description needs fit the Sitka dead-on. I've had/have most of them out there. I always turn to the Sitka. Most adjustable/comfortable vest I've used. Finally, and most important to me is the quality, second to none. The seat WILL NOT loose it's form. Perfect amount of storage. The shell does shed water too, other vests get soaked.....good luck!

I second this on the Sitka vest. It's awesome! I had a Tactical Tat'r that's been my go to for the last 12 years or so. Finally decided I needed a new vest. Super impressed with this one. You don't have all that bulk of a traditional vest.  I love it!

[aclawrence]

Maybe if you're doing 8 mile trips and riding a bicycle and such you might benefit from wearing a good quality backpack. It will carry your layers and water more comfortably, will be more stable on riding the bike, and you can just slip it off at the tree while you're calling to a bird. I'm guessing you're probably just using mouth calls and don't need the call organization of a vest since you would prefer no vest at all.  You could clean the bird in the field and pack the meat out in the backpack on those long hikes.


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[Canadian]

Maybe if you're doing 8 mile trips and riding a bicycle and such you might benefit from wearing a good quality backpack. It will carry your layers and water more comfortably, will be more stable on riding the bike, and you can just slip it off at the tree while you're calling to a bird. I'm guessing you're probably just using mouth calls and don't need the call organization of a vest since you would prefer no vest at all.  You could clean the bird in the field and pack the meat out in the backpack on those long hikes.


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Yeah ive wondered about a backpack... im really considering it but would need to make sure its a nice tight fit to my body. Also the more i hunt, the more i realize the importance of being patient. I had a bird slip in silently, 15 mins after i called, opening morning in South Florida, and just got me thinking more about the importance of knowing when to sit and be patient - which im not good at. But maybe with a comfy seat, and knowing im in a good spot, itd be different?

Im really interested about these sitka vest suggestions... ive wondered about them for some time now. Right now id say im between the sitka and trying the new chief upland...

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[ruination]

The Sitka is very similar to the RnG.  The backpack is significantly bigger than the 200.  Pocket layout is a bit different.  But overall vest space is about the same.  It's light.  The material feels good.


I would try and find one to see if it more fits your posture needs.