Vest modifications

[Rzrbac]

For those who have modified their vests, what did you use to sew it with. I don't have access to a heavy duty machine so I thought about checking with a boot repair shop. That's about the only place I could think of to be able to do some heavy stitching. I have an Alps Impact, it's a nice vest except for the seat. I don't rarely use it and if I do I don't like the ground side of my seat folding up and riding against my back.  I also hate the stays as they just bounce on my gun when it's slung. Those need to come out and a new more traditional seat needs affixed.

Just curious as how others go about their modifications, the only capabilities at my disposal would
consist of nuts, bolts, and 550 cord.  I'm pretty sure I don't want to go that route.

[Tom007]

My local dry cleaner has heavy duty sewing capability. She has fixed lots of my hunting gear very economically. Might give that a shot......

[Rzrbac]

My local dry cleaner has heavy duty sewing capability. She has fixed lots of my hunting gear very economically. Might give that a shot......

Thanks, never thought about a dry cleaner. Used to have them sew a lot on my uniforms. I have never seen their equipment so perhaps they do have that capability.

[Tom007]

My local dry cleaner has heavy duty sewing capability. She has fixed lots of my hunting gear very economically. Might give that a shot......

Thanks, never thought about a dry cleaner. Used to have them sew a lot on my uniforms. I have never seen their equipment so perhaps they do have that capability.

You bet, good luck...

[Mbhyman88]

Sounds like you might be happier with a more traditional vest like the grand slam or similar and just sell the impact vest or keep it for a spare.

[Rzrbac]

Sounds like you might be happier with a more traditional vest like the grand slam or similar and just sell the impact vest or keep it for a spare.

Never had one made by Alps but had a couple of the Super Elites from many years ago. I lost one in a move to a new house and wore another out. I've contemplated going back to that type vest, just want to see if I can make this one a little more customized to my taste. I have been looking at vests every year since I wore my old one out. I like the gen 2 gobbler vest but never seen one in person. Kind of like the run n' gun as well. I worry about the quality since I'm packing more expensive calls than I used to. If I mess this vest up I'll likely replace it but with what, no clue. 

[Rzrbac]

So after diffing around my house and garage, it appears my Alice straps and belt inventory are pretty low. My idea was to configure my vest with some Alice stuff that's a little heavier duty. After re thinking it I think I would just be happy making a mod to use a seat cushion like that tat'r 2 seat I've read about. Or perhaps having a cushion attached similar to a Knight and Hale run-n-gun. Anybody done that?

[tha bugman]

I bought a sewing machine a couple years ago because I knew what I wanted and trying to explain what I wanted to local vendors was difficult.

[Gobble!]

A needle and some 80lb braided line (the musky rod collects a lot of dust these days but at least the line gets used).

[Rzrbac]

Needle and thread are not my strong suit but I'm giving it a go. I'm using strong serving to sew with. It's not gonna be pretty but hopefully suits my needs.

Still have the idea for a vest that just doesn't exist on the market. Maybe I'll get proficient enough to build my own.

[THattaway]

Bow string serving thread.

[Rzrbac]

Bow string serving thread.

Yep, it was supposed to say string serving.

Finished it up, I'll put a few miles on it shed hunting to see how it holds up. Didn't do anything special just moved some straps and attached a different seat.

I may eventually just build one, or see if Kifaru comes out with anything.

[born2hunt]

I am in the process of finishing a Tat'r style seat for my kid's youth impact. I had the same concerns as you with the original seat but there are really no other options for a youth vest that is as functional as the alps so it was well worth the modification.

I will admit though, I gathered the supplies and designed the mod but recruited my Mom for the seam work. Very straight forward though. Once completed I plan on soaking the bottom of the seat cushion with flex seal or something similar to provide a moisture barrier.

[Rzrbac]

I wished I knew Aron Snyder. Used to listen to some of his podcasts on the Gritty Bowmen back when I thought I was an elk hunter. He makes/designs packs and gear for Kifaru. I've always thought if I could take him hunting some public land in southern Missouri, he would put out the perfect turkey vest. I have contemplated buying various packs and vests to cut up and piece together. I've yet to see a single vest that has really suited me. The first thing that turns me off is the made in China tag. How many turkey hunters are in China?  I'm guessing not many. The prices seem to keep going up but sadly not the quality or functionality. Guess that's all, I'll see how my "new" vest works out and go from there.

[Snood Life]

For those who have modified their vests, what did you use to sew it with. I don't have access to a heavy duty machine so I thought about checking with a boot repair shop. That's about the only place I could think of to be able to do some heavy stitching. I have an Alps Impact, it's a nice vest except for the seat. I don't rarely use it and if I do I don't like the ground side of my seat folding up and riding against my back.  I also hate the stays as they just bounce on my gun when it's slung. Those need to come out and a new more traditional seat needs affixed.

Just curious as how others go about their modifications, the only capabilities at my disposal would
consist of nuts, bolts, and 550 cord.  I'm pretty sure I don't want to go that route.

I just took my nomad vest to a cobbler. He put quake claw straps on it, similar to what is on the Dixon. His heavy duty machine worked great.