With turkey hunting seasons firing up across the U.S., now is the time to update your gear to ensure a successful season. (Photo courtesy West Virginia DNR)
March 14, 2025
By Larry Case
Turkey vests have become part of the turkey hunter’s uniform. Most of us would not think of getting out of the truck without our trusty vest. In my not-so-humble opinion, this makes the turkey vest great. Everything you need (or what you think you need) is crammed into that vest. It's all there, you don’t have to look for it or wonder where it is. In no particular order, this means calls, ammo, a decoy or two, toilet paper, extra gloves and face mask, water bottle and some nutrients to include Little Debbie cakes. (I am a traditionalist and favor the regular oatmeal pies; your mileage may vary)
I think for most of us, it is not a question of if we will wear a vest, but how much stuff we will cram into it. How much gear you carry has a direct connection to the style of vest you want. More stuff (most of which you probably won’t need) requires more pockets and zippers and places to put it. This is all personal preference. For me, I find I start the season with enough gear for a pack mule, then as the season progresses, I leave a little more in the truck every day.
Here for your perusal are some different vests to choose from. Bon appetite.
Columbia Luke Combs Turkey Vest Photo courtesy of Columbia Sportswear Under full disclosure here, I don’t have any Luke Combs records, (do we even say “records” anymore?) and I don’t know his music that well, but his phenomenal success in the country music world speaks for itself. Luke Combs is a turkey hunter and has partnered with Columbia Sportswear in their PHG (Performance Hunting Gear) line, and one of the items is a nice turkey vest . I am told that Combs spent three years working on this line of turkey hunting accessories and field tested it with the help of turkey hunters in Alabama, Kentucky, Wisconsin and North Carolina, so this isn’t a rush job to bring out a line of clothing. I like the Luke Combs turkey vest and I will tell you why.
Advertisement
First, I like the full vest, over-the-shoulders styling, with two straps and buckles in the front, which tends to keep the vest from sliding off the shoulders and keeps it more secure while hunting. I would put this vest in the “full feature vest” category as it has plenty of pockets to carry all your calls and other gear. The padded seat is removable—a must on any turkey vest—so you can take it off when you don’t want to use it. There are lots of pockets, including two large and deep zippered inside pockets on both sides of the vest. Generally, you only see this on one side. Here are some of the other features of this vest.
Foam padded back for comfort and support Removable foam seat for versatile comfort on the hunt Multifunctional, external zippered pockets Ammunition storage within zippered pocket Water-resistant mouth call pockets Internal mesh zipper pockets for storing essentials Dual water bottle pockets Striker pockets Decoy stake pocket Box call pocket Locator Call D-rings Zippered rear game pouch Comfort mesh collar Mesh venting at back for breathability Stowable blaze orange safety flag Adjustable straps Print features Luke’s favorite Mossy Oak Greenleaf camouflage Custom Luke Combs PHG Collection logo MSRP $200 Alps Outdoorz Grand Slam Vest Photo courtesy of Alps OutdoorZ If you have hunted turkey very much at all, you have run into the “there are no trees to sit against” scenario when dealing with a dreaded field turkey. These turkeys insist on staying in fields and open areas that are often surrounded by terrible brush without a decent tree within 100 yards. This is where a full feature, with the “kickstand” support type vest really shines. The legs on the back of the vest deploy quickly and you can set up about anywhere.
I have experience with this vest from Alps Outdoorz, both wearing it myself and guiding a hunter who used it chasing mountain turkeys in Virginia. This vest has plenty of pockets for whatever you need to carry, and something I really like is the thick memory foam seat cushion. The kickstand frame and legs are removable from the vest, which is important for the times you want to lighten up and not use the frame. Some of the features of the Alps Outdoorz Grand Slam Vest include the following.
Advertisement
Sit-anywhere, removable kickstand frame Adjustable legs and fast-locking technology Swivel feet Removable, padded, 2.5-inch-thick, fold-away seat Removable, protective diaphragm-call pocket Detachable shoulder straps for maximum shooting comfort Two slate-call pockets Breathable blood-proof game bag Striker pocket: holds three strikers and one larger locator call Locator-call pocket Protective and silent box-call pocket MSRP $189 Mossy Oak Woodsman Strap Turkey Vest Photo courtesy of Mossy Oak Long ago (right after the first ice age), I got my first turkey vest. Turkey vests were new on the scene, and sporting this new vest, I thought I was right up there with Ben Rodgers Lee. The Mossy Oak strap vest was a simple affair but worlds ahead of anything that me or my buds had up to this point. Turkey vests have come a long way since then, but the folks at Mossy Oak always seem to be mindful of their roots and what made them successful.
I wore that vest until it was in tatters—still have it somewhere if I could find it. Now, Mossy Oak has brought out a resurrected version of that vest, and I am glad to see it. The new Mossy Oak Woodsman Strap Vest is the old vest but better. Simplicity and lightness are the key here, and I would put this welcome addition to the turkey vest world in the simple, minimalist category. It will hold everything you really need and not weigh you down. If you want to run and gun, if you have crawl on dreaded field turkeys or sit for a while, this vest will do it. Here are some of the features.
Heavy-duty waxed cotton fabric A 2-inch, high-density foam quick-release circle seat cushion Quick attachment/release G-Hook front connection closures for seat cushion Zippered box call pouch Durable double striker pocket with snap closures Pot call pouch for two pots Two large dump pockets with snap closures for easy storage
Two Braided leather lanyards for locator calls and other accessories Zippered pot call pocket holds up to three pot calls
Inside panel zippered mesh pockets for mouth calls, chalk, etc. Five elastic shell holders inside zip pocket Heavy duty, adjustable side & shoulder straps MSRP $250 Nomad MG NXT Turkey Vest Photo courtesy of Nomad Outdoor Nomad seems to redesign their vests every year, and that is OK, as the improvements are always well done. The MG (MG for Meleagris Gallopavo) NXT Turkey Vest has many features the experienced turkey hunter will like. Drawing on insights from passionate hunters, guides and professionals, this vest has been reengineered to be the perfect complement to your kit.
Designed for optimal gear organization, comfort and mobility, it ensures hunters are well-prepared for every aspect of their hunt. I would put this vest in the category of lighter and more streamlined than the Alps vest but not a lightweight minimalist strap type vest like the Mossy Oak Woodsman. The Nomad vests always have a thick seat pad, which to me is a big plus. Here are some of the other features.
Dedicated box call pocket Specialized Thermacell holder Pot call storage Striker pockets Rangefinder holder Four front pockets Interior storage Large rear game bag Adjustable fit MSRP $160 Blocker Outdoors Finisher Pro II Turkey Vest Photo courtesy of Blocker Outdoors This vest is brand new from Blocker Outdoors, and they are off to a good start. Beginning with compartmentalization, this vest has several customized pouches and pockets. The front right features a pair of elongated zippered pockets for easy access to locator calls, box call and other field necessities, as well as a vertical, zippered chest pocket, perfect for your muted smartphone. On the right chest, there is a pair of shaped mouth call holders and specialty box call pouch, and a bonus zippered chest pocket. The Finisher Pro II Turkey Vest is fortified with a padded, drop-down seat cushion that is also water resistant. The Finisher Pro II Turkey Vest runs wide across the shoulders to support and balance weight. An easily deployed and retracted blaze orange safety flag is also included. Other features include the following.
Many pockets for all kinds of calls and accessories Padded shoulder straps for all-day comfort Detachable seat cushion with a water-resistant bottom Mesh back helps you stay cool on long, hot hunts Blaze orange safety flag Rear game bag attachment for hands-free carrying MSRP $119 Any vest here will serve you this spring for hunting those crazy, wily, unpredictable gobblers. Just don’t forget the Little Debbie Cakes.
