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Jul 25, 2023

Top Upland Bird Hunting Vests

This year's top pick strap vests are ready to take you and your gun dog wherever

This year's top pick strap vests are ready to take you and your gun dog wherever you need to go.

We’ve canvased the covers and polled the prairies in search of the most popular strap vests heading into the bird hunting season. No matter where or how you hunt, there is a bird hunting vest out there designed and equipped to meet your specific needs and accommodations.

Modeled after their popular Pro Series Hunting Vest, the lighter LT comes in at nearly half the weight of its older brother. Constructed of durable 1680D nylon, the LT features a padded suspension system with ultra-thin straps to increase mobility and reduce gun mounting hang ups. The rear yoke sports an adjustable cam lock allowing you to find your perfect fit. Storage options include two zippered security pockets, a large capacity, blood-proof game pouch, and a large rear pocket with hook-and-loop closure, plus two coated mesh water bottle pockets. Movable hip pockets allow you to place your shells and accessories wherever you need them.

$169 | orvis.com

The name Hunt Redi says it all—Reliable Equipment Driving Inspiration. Hunt Redi uses cutting-edge technology to create a modular vest made with materials used on the battlefield that keep the vest ultralight and durable. The Deviate Vest is innovative and enables you to customize it to your exact needs thanks to the FirstSpear 6/12 Modular Platform that allows you to connect any MOLLE/PALS accessories. A large game pouch sits at the back, while an extra-padded belt provides additional lumbar support to evenly distribute weight when your vest is loaded down. Purchase separate attachments such as pouches and hydration holsters to customize your own vest or pick up one of three variations of the Deviate Vest that come with different attachments included. The Deviate Vest is available in blaze/coyote or ranger green/coyote. Now available, the Elevate vest is a scaled-down version of their vest offerings.

$230 (vest only) | huntredi.com

Made with 1,000D nylon, the Wingman Vest from Pyke Gear is built to withstand everything from briars to cactus spines. The vest is made with a tech suede on the belt and shoulder harness for durability, while a micro-adjust strap system provides comfort for all shapes and sizes. A ventilated game bag is made to easily fit three roosters or four grouse, while a zippered accessory pouch and shell bag sit on the waist belt. An adjustable MOLLE system also sits on the waist belt to customize the placement of accessories. The vest is hydration-bladder compatible, and a water bottle holder and bottle can be purchased separately. Pyke also offers the Wingman Vest in a full blaze.

$300 | pykegear.com

The Pradlann was created specifically for the female form, so women upland hunters no longer have to settle for ill-fitting vests. Prois made sure to pay special attention to the shoulder straps, chest strap, and hip belt placement for comfort, while the adjustable-length tab in the back accommodates for optimal adjustability. A deep and expandable game bag with lower side panels enables one-armed bird storage. Two deep storage pockets on the back panel provide additional space for essential items. The Pradlann is engineered with 420D nylon ripstop for extreme durability.

$190 | proishunting.com

Set aside your weight worries as the Summit Vest was designed by a hardcore wild chukar hunter who understands what it means to your back and body when ounces add up. The handmade, hand-sewn, hydration-compatible Summit weighs just 3.25 lbs. but doesn't sacrifice any key components you need in a vest. The Final Rise system includes a weight-bearing padded waist belt, a rear bird bag with zippered internal back panel pouch and side storage compartments, a no-slip shoulder harnesses, two deep shell pockets with zippered compartments, two water bottle holders, and two pop-top bottles. The integrated lumbar pad properly distributes weight and provides lower back support, while contributing to overall comfort. Complete your order with your particular waist and torso measurements and opt in for several bonus additions and accessories. The Summit is available in five color choices: ranger green/brown, ranger green/blaze, khaki/brown, khaki/blaze or Multicam®. Be sure to check out the new Legacy Vest from Final Rise, a simplified, ultra-light model of their popular vest system.

$300-$315 | finalrise.com

A vest that's completely customizable? Count us in. Made with 1,000 Denier CORDURA waterproof fabric, the Chief Upland Over/Under Vest is made to withstand brush and briars, as well as rain and snow. MOLLE/PALS compatible panels line the hip belt to easily attach the accessories you need most (sold separately). Choose between ammo pouches, water bottle holder, or a waterproof electronic pouch, or even a gun stock rest to customize your vest. Unlike most on the market, the Over/Under features a built-in vertical hydration bladder pouch with three hanging clips to hold up to a 2-liter bladder. An internal gusset along the bottom of the game bag lays flat until birds are added and retracts when empty. The Over/Under Vest is now available in four color schemes: full blaze, blaze/olive, blaze/coyote, or earth tone.

$190 (vest only) | chiefupland.com

This new bird vest from Filson is made for long pursuits of upland birds. A wide, padded waist belt helps put the weight of your vest on your hips, rather than your shoulders. The vest features a wide array of pockets to hold the gear you’ll need when miles from the truck. Two pockets sit inside the game bag for essentials and a hydration bladder, while an exterior pocket holds more gear and features daisy-chained webbing attachment points to add additional elements as needed. A structured game bag makes loading birds easy, and D-rings sit at the front and rear for attaching e-collar remotes, and more.

$295 | filson.com

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