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Turkey vest or backpack?

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#21 ·
Vest. Well organized so I know where everything is with easy access. Big, flip-away seat for comfort and a dry rearend.
Most important, large blood-proof gamebag. Haven't found a better way to carry turkeys out, particularly long distances, than that. Keeps the turkeys nice, me bloodless and is easy with the weight distributed across my shoulders. It's on the heavier side but I've never minded that.
 
#25 ·
I went from a vest down to a large pack and finally down to a fanny pack.
The more space that I had, the more I filled it with things. 90% of the items I never used but lugged around for years.
 
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#26 ·
mfuff said:
I went from a vest down to a large pack and finally down to a fanny pack.
The more space that I had, the more I filled it with things. 90% of the items I never used but lugged around for years.
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Can appreciate that. About 15 years ago, on a hot, humid late May day, I hoisted my NWTF vest on. It felt like it weighed the same as an SCBA.

Out in the woods that day, I dumped those 21 pockets. Quickly realized I was carrying a bunch of needless nonsense everywhere I went. Some items I had two of. Now its a tactical belt, seat, the molle pouch, and a water bottle. Also wear a North Mountain leafy pull over with a kangaroo pocket that takes the small items (clip-on flash light, chalk, spare gloves, etc.)
 
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#27 ·
Fairchild #17 said:
I have a buddy I hunt with that is always packing baby wipes. He's on to something.
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I’ve carried those small personal packs of wet wipes for years. I don’t know why your buddy carries his, but I know exactly why I carry mine. There have been quite a few times that I was very glad I had them.
 
#28 ·
When I started Spring Gobbler. I had a mouth call I carried in one of those squeezable rubber coin containers, three shells in my gun and two backup rounds in the watch pocket of my jeans and I covered a lot of ground.

Over many years I progressively moved on to side hip pockets then to a fanny pack, later to what would be a very cheap light weight vest as decoys had hit the market it made it easier to carry decoys/stakes and all my other increasing amount of calls and gear plus a camo Hot Seat. Also a box call in a holster attachable to my belt.

Now I carry about 3 mouths calls, three stricker type calls, box call, chalk, small piece of sand paper, three rounds in my gun, a small knife, a crow call, license, a zip tie for the tag, a pen, two heavy duty trash bags for emergency waders, lightweight camo foldable rain gear top, mask, three decoys, a protein bar, vehicle keys, my cell phone and a thick detachable seat. Sometimes a H.S. Strut seat with 2" legs.

These days I still cover some ground, but a lot less than a few decades ago so I tote a few extra items.
 
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#29 ·
nicholasproietto said:
Do you wear a vest or carry a backpack when turkey hunting?

I started out carrying a day pack, then went to a vest for a long time. I've gone back to the day pack because I just grew tired of putting a heavy vest on over my camo, especially my leafy suit. I find the pack much easier. First, it forces me to take less junk. Secondly, I find it easier to just take it off and plop it on the ground next to me when I'm setup.
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I've been using a very small pack for turkey for a few seasons now. There are pros and cons, though far more pros for my style. I typically don't use decoy but I always take my Montana hen with me, and I always have a camelback, so having it in thw backpack is more convenient. I typically hunt with a ML, so I carry a little bit more than I would with a normal SG. The one con for a backpack is access to calls without having to take the bag off, so I also use a real small chest rig, nothing fancy, just a simple pouch. All in all, I felt like I had to fill the pockets on thw vest to justify taking it, then I always felt like the pockets where in the way a little bit. Lastly, I've found myself having to move quickly or even run at times and the vest was not conducive to that in my experience.
 
#33 ·
I like the comfort of a Turkey Lounger that I put a sling on to carry so I wear a vest to keep things organized and slip the vest off and beside me when I settle in to call. The vest makes a great surface to set calls on to keep them clean, dry, and available.
 
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#37 ·
TrashPanda said:
I even looked around online until I could find mine that matches my camo pants. I am styling when I hunt turkeys. My initials are monogrammed on it in gold colored thread and diamonds studs.
It even has a personal hygiene pocket so I can carry supplies to freshen up when I am done hunting.
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A turkey hunting possibles bag! It'll go great with a man bun, and hemp sandals.
 
Discussion starter · #39 ·
I usually go pretty far back on my bicycle so I like the pack to carry some food, water, etc. I don't carry much gear other than a few calls, a multi tool, and a small tire repair kit in case I pop a tire. Plus my turkey seat. Gotta have that.
 
#40 ·
nicholasproietto said:
Do you wear a vest or carry a backpack when turkey hunting?

I started out carrying a day pack, then went to a vest for a long time. I've gone back to the day pack because I just grew tired of putting a heavy vest on over my camo, especially my leafy suit. I find the pack much easier. First, it forces me to take less junk. Secondly, I find it easier to just take it off and plop it on the ground next to me when I'm setup.
Click to expand...
I only carry a box call, slate and two mouth calls. Maybe a few extra shells. I have a small folding seat. Seat goes over my shoulder with the strap and the calls go in a clay bird shell pouch.
 
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