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61 - 80 of 153 Posts
For me a strap vest is the only way to go. My first was a hand me down saf t bak made in Altoona. When I wore that through, I used normal vests for a while and never liked them. When I where a normal vest, it pulls down on my shoulders and I just feel hampered by the weight and lack of range of motion. A strap vest works because the weight stays close to my center instead of hanging down on my arms like that.
 
Agreed. And I have never had a problem with gunmount on vests with non padded straps. One of the questions I asked Matt before buying the final rise. The flat straps and a sternum strap keeps everything out of the way.i keep most of the weight on the belt for freedom of movement.
Another thing to check is the shell pockets. On some vests I have had they are to small to get hands in. Especially true with gloves on.
 
I'm in Kansas hunting pheasants and prairie chickens so this thread is opportune. I've used two strap vests for the last 15 years or so. The first, Filson made with their weather cloth is iron tough and most important has flat, flexible shoulder straps. The second is a "high tech" vest by LL Bean with pockets, zippers, pouches wide waste belt and padded shoulder straps. It is the latter that are the issue. They won't allow the gun butt stock to fit into your shoulder pocket. I missed a rooster yesterday because of this. We spend a lot of money making sure the gun fits then the strap vests negates all of that. I'm back to the Filson for now. There is only one outfit that admits to this issue. I haven't got their name here but the vest is called the Wingman I believe.

Birds are pretty scarce these days. Missing because of a poorly designed vest is a shame.
How much did you practice in your new vest during the off season?
 
Haven't hunted in my new Tom Beckbe yet, but I will this Friday.
I've been wearing it around the house, and I'm so confident in it, I've listed both the Hunt Redi and the Final Rise for sale here locally.

I don't have a picture with the "piece of paper with a date on it" or whatever, but I guess I should list it here as well.
 
Safe-T-Back, probably 20 years old or more. Has florescent orange panels and a detachable game pouch. Elastic shell holders have lost their gripping power. I'll watch this thread to see what brands are currently popular when time to replace.
 
Haven't hunted in my new Tom Beckbe yet, but I will this Friday.
I've been wearing it around the house, and I'm so confident in it, I've listed both the Hunt Redi and the Final Rise for sale here locally.

I don't have a picture with the "piece of paper with a date on it" or whatever, but I guess I should list it here as well.
Any updates? I have the Hunt Redi and I’m pretty satisfied. When it first came out at the PF show in Minneapolis I looked at every upland vest there and settled on that at the time since Wingworks was unobtainable and I got tired of waiting. I’d like a longer narrower zip pocket for cell phones etc. but that’s all I can think of. Final Rise seems to have more accessory items which is a plus for user configuration. Hunt Redi has the “Velcro mollie” which holds things super secure but is a PITA to put pockets on or move. Might help others if you talked pros and cons of each of the vests.
 
Hunt Redi strap vest. Mollie everywhere. Total user configurable. Different pockets, different water bottle holders, different accessory holders. Tall or regular sizes. Completely user adjustable. Modular. Get one of the newer tactical upland vests and don’t look back. There are several in the marketplace.

View attachment 64309
How are the straps on your hunt redi vest? Are they padded or nonpadded? Trying to decide on hunt redi or final rise and the harness padding may sway my decision. Thanks.
 
How are the straps on your hunt redi vest? Are they padded or nonpadded? Trying to decide on hunt redi or final rise and the harness padding may sway my decision. Thanks.
There's padding on the hunt redi, but it's very minimal. The hunt redi vest is built better. Not my opinion, it's a fact.
More durable material, double if not triple stitching on EVERY seam, better belt... The final rise is single stitched everywhere, lighter weight material, belt not as good, adjustments aren't as "stay put"...
But the final rise is lighter, and comes with better pockets and better water bottle storage. I own both. Have hunted both. Hunt Redi is my preference of the two.
Tom Beckbe strap vest is my new favorite.
 
There's padding on the hunt redi, but it's very minimal. The hunt redi vest is built better. Not my opinion, it's a fact.
More durable material, double if not triple stitching on EVERY seam, better belt... The final rise is single stitched everywhere, lighter weight material, belt not as good, adjustments aren't as "stay put"...
But the final rise is lighter, and comes with better pockets and better water bottle storage. I own both. Have hunted both. Hunt Redi is my preference of the two.
Tom Beckbe strap vest is my new favorite.
Thanks for the reply, I was hoping the hunt redi harness had very little padding as i liked the options on that vest. So thanks again.
 
How are the straps on your hunt redi vest? Are they padded or nonpadded? Trying to decide on hunt redi or final rise and the harness padding may sway my decision. Thanks.
Pic of strap with hand for rough sizing. I find no issue with the straps. Mine are pulled towards. Center chest with the sternum strap and are not present in the shoulder pocket.
Image
 
Good thread, learned a lot. Decided to go with Chief Upland. Saw a Ron Spomer video that helped make the decision.

Just got it all set up. The pouches take a bit to get dialed in. I think I have a 90% solution, but once I use it in the field I'll do my final tweaks. Ordered the olive/blaze combo package in the black Friday sale....
I had a Gun Dog Supply dog water bottle I paired with the water bottle from Chief Upland.

I like the fit and how it carries stuff. I tend to pack more emergency "stuff" than most and this vest works great for that. Shoulder straps are thin, so didn't really notice any impact with shouldering the shotgun. More to come, but happy so far.
 
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