First Lite’s new Treeline turkey vest does a great job of balancing both comfort and modularity, making it perfect for everything from quick hunts before work or all day run-and-gun fests. I’m running the Treeline turkey vest this spring, and I’ve already put it to good use. Vests typically take one of two approaches: run and gun or maximum storage/comfort. The Treeline does both well.
Pack-style vests usually sacrifice the traditional game bag, but the Treeline offers both. This design takes a page from the Western pack book and brings a much-needed update to the turkey vest. Two clips allow you to quickly separate the pack from the game bag, so you can stash extra layers, decoys, or a turkey.
This spring, I harvested a turkey during the opening week of season. I had a decent hike back to the trailhead, so I decided to load the turkey in the game bag. The adjustable load lifters allowed me to cinch the pack down so that the turkey didn’t move, which made the trek back much easier.
The vest features two foam call pouches on both sides and a single, removable box call pouch. Between these two pockets and the removable pouch, the vest offers plenty of call storage. I wish the zippers on the call pockets opened just a tad more, but the pot call pocket and striker holders keep them conveniently within reach.
I’m also a huge fan of the seat, which is comfortable, fully adjustable, and removable. It quickly cinches up when you need to adjust your setup and deploys similarly. Some hunters might desire more pockets, but I think the Treeline Vest does a great job of not including unnecessary storage. If you want the convenience of a traditional vest with an economical footprint, I can’t think of a better option.
Pros
- Game bag and pack
- Hydration bladder compatible
- No unnecessary pockets/storage
- Super comfortable seat
- Adjustability makes it great for run and gun
Cons
- Some might prefer more storage
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