NWTF Convention Turkey Vest Roundup

Hunters evaluate vests on various criteria, including the number of pockets, overall weight, durability, comfort and price. We tracked down a variety of turkey vests at the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, and here are just a few of the ones we found.

During the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, Mossy Oak offered 200 vests a day for both Thursday and Friday. These vests drew long lines of hunters eager to get their hands on a piece of turkey hunting history. And during Saturday’s Grand National Auction, the #5 vest from the Mr. Fox limited-edition line was auctioned off for $31,000.

But the Mr. Fox Vest and its highly sought-after predecessor, the Dixon vest, are more than just honorary pieces. The Fox Vest will last a lifetime. It features leather shoulder straps, a large 3” foam cushion and ample storage for all your calls and gear. If you didn’t get one in Nashville, you’ll have a chance to get a vest in West Point, Mississippi, on March 11, 2023, and remaining vests (if there are any) will go on sale on the Mossy Oak Store on March 13.

SOLD OUT

Billed as “not being a traditional turkey vest” by Sitka, this does feel like a vest/pack hybrid. And that was Sitka’s intent, as the piece was designed for the mobile turkey hunter. I looked at the new solid Earth color vest and found the vest to be well thought out. Storage pockets are placed intentionally and with a modern design that includes the water-resistant molded clam shell for pot calls and the snug-fitting box call storage that comfortably keeps your call from letting out squawks and squeaks. The seat took some getting used to at first, but once I had it figured out, it was quite simple to deploy and tightly fasten to the back of the pack. Only time will tell if the fowl slip noose will tote turkeys comfortably. Nevertheless, this was one of my favorites of the show. Get this vest in Earth, Optifade Subalpine or Waterfowl Timber.

MSRP: $249.00

While released in 2022, this vest is highly rated online and was on display at the NWTF Show. At first glance, it shares similarities in style and design to the aforementioned Dixon Vest, with its striker sleeves and rubber adjustable shoulder straps. Additionally, this vest features six more front call pockets and two detachable locator call cords. With availability in five camo variants, including fan favorites like Mossy Oak’s Greenleaf and Bottomland, there is an option no matter your preference.

MSRP: $169.99

I didn’t get a chance to catch this vest on the floor in Nashville. But, at a recent crawfish boil, a fellow showed me his brand-new Impact Vest 2.0, and I was thoroughly impressed. At first glance, I was worried the two main pockets would be too cluttered, but the layout of the interior of each was well thought out. The non-slip material on the underside of the straps made the vest stay properly placed on my shoulders, and the weight of calls, shells, shears, etc. he had filled the vest with evenly distributed to where it didn’t weigh me down at all, as some vests can do. This vest comes in both Green Leaf and Bottomland Mossy Oak patterns.

MSRP: $220

The saddle company gave a first look at its new collaborative project with the folks from The Hunting Public during the NWTF Convention. This vest is designed with the mobile hunter in mind and features a proprietary durable and quiet fabric built with Mossy Oak called Whisper Tough. With MOLLE built into the vest at almost every turn, the vest can be modified to your liking. The American-made vest is available in Bottomland camo only.

MSRP: $299

This new-for-2023 vest has massive amounts of storage, boasting 23 pockets, so there is ample storage for a full array of calls, shells, water bottles, bladders and more. The adjustability of the vest can accommodate up to 3x sizing, and the entire vest is made of silent and waterproof fabric and mesh. If you can’t find comfort in the 2.5” inch-thick seat cushion, I am unsure what you will need. And the vest comes in their Early Season pattern.

MSRP: $199

Though this is not the first year this vest has been shown at the NWTF Convention, its long-serve comfort has hunters lining up to take one home year after year. The removable kickstand can be quickly deployed, and it is the perfect backrest when no viable tree wider than your back is present or when you are in places like Texas with no real turkey trees at all. The plastic mouth call carrier helps keep your mouth yelpers organized, and the array of pockets for pot, box and locator calls allow a hunter to have things organized and within reach. The vest is available in three camo variations on standard and x-large models.

MSRP: $199