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Filson Pro Guide Strap Vest Key Features:

We have looked at many strap vests in our time a field and Filson’s Pro Guide Strap Vest stands out due to its heavy, quality construction and well placed pockets. We will start at the top, and review a few aspects of this bird hunters dream.

Let’s start with the padded shoulder straps. The padded shoulder straps are wide- this allows weight such as #6 pheasant loads, a few training dummies or birds to feel feather light and evenly distributed. Note that Filson has omitted metal strap length adjustments so you don’t end up scratching your gun.

Pockets that expand, and expand and expand! We love these pockets! Both front pockets of this Tin cloth vest are “bellows style” pockets that supply ample storage for all kinds of bird dog training gear, whistles ammo or check cords . If you don’t like to have your ammo floating around- don’t worry! The pro guide strap vest includes 12 universal interior shell loops as well! Since the pockets are pleated, when they are empty they form fit flat against the vest.

Buckle Closures. There are two front buckle vest closures and both are fully adjustable. The lower closure tightens the waist belt and lumbar support (for dealing with any weight distribution). The upper closure pulls the 2 shoulder straps in, or allows you to leave them spread apart for maximum comfort.

Another major feature we look for in strap vests is the ability to load from rear OR the front. The Pro Guide Vest by Filson gives you that (No Problem!). By the way- the front load openings to the game bag are SO huge that a pheasant is easily placed through it quickly. On both sides of the Pro Guide Strap Vest you will find loops for transmitters for left or right-handed trainers and hunters. Our final impression is that this is a higher end vest, but definitely feature rich and well thought out. We know from personal experience that bird dog trainers and upland hunters can be tough on gear- and the Pro Guide Strap Vest is a worthy piece of field equipment!

 

Selecting a Strap Vest-

Bird hunters and dog trainers have a variety of features available to us from an upland strap vest. A strap vest is the ultimate in versatility. The hardcore pheasant hunting guides we know prefer a strap style vest such as Filson’s Tin Cloth game bag or Pella’s Bird N Lite upland strap vest. These upland strap vests can be useful in warm weather for training your dog, and provide the extra “hands free storage” for water bottles, check cords, deadfowl trainers and pheasant wings. Strap vests are ideal for early season hunting- all you need is an orange shirt and your vest. Some of these upland vests provide straps that adjust where you carry the weight of the load, making your pack vest feel lighter.

Some of our favorite pack vests have additional storage pockets in back and these are typically separate from the blood proof game bag. As you hike and get warm, your additional layers can be safely stowed in any of these pockets. Newer strap vests provide options for hydration bladders that can contain enough water for you and your dog during a long walk hunting for scaled quail or huns. As the season becomes colder adjustments can be made to provide for an ideal fit over your favorite duck hunting jacket or orange coat of choice!