In Need of Field Testers for Hunter Orange Vest

[MtnMuley]

I have worn the same vest since Wa.required hunter orange,i can wad it up and put it in a pocket,mine looks exactly like yours.

I too, am in your same boat. Obviously whuppinstick came up with his own style, but it doesn't seem to differ at all from mine.  Super light weight, quiet, mesh, and easily stuffs in your pocket.  Wouldn't trade it for any other orange vest that I've had my hands on.

[Band]

Mine also looks identical.  I bought it at Walmart for $10.  Whuppinstick, are you familiar with the Walmart vest and is there something that sets yours apart from it?

[whuppinstick]

Mine also looks identical.  I bought it at Walmart for $10.  Whuppinstick, are you familiar with the Walmart vest and is there something that sets yours apart from it?

I'm not.  I checked there last year and they only had cotton-y, ill-fitting vests.  Would you mind sending me a picture of yours?

Edit: these are examples of what I saw there: http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/hunting-vests

[MtnMuley]

I'll happily mail you one of mine that is all tore up from hauling a bipod around on the rifle several hundred miles.......

[whuppinstick]

I'll happily mail you one of mine that is all tore up from hauling a bipod around on the rifle several hundred miles.......

You tear mine up in one season and I'll replace it for you.  Take that, Wal-Mart!

[MtnMuley]

Sign me up on your order list.

[Band]

Mine also looks identical.  I bought it at Walmart for $10.  Whuppinstick, are you familiar with the Walmart vest and is there something that sets yours apart from it?

I'm not.  I checked there last year and they only had cotton-y, ill-fitting vests.  Would you mind sending me a picture of yours?

Edit: these are examples of what I saw there: http://www.walmart.com/c/kp/hunting-vests

Im glad you pressed me on this because I now see that there is an important design difference in the vest I have.  The sides are cut out and the front and back are connected by elastic straps on the sides.  If this design is similar to the vest you saw at Walmart, I'm guessing that this difference is at the heart of your ill fitting comment.  Here is a pic of my vest.



In case you're interested, it is 100% polyester and the brand name is Breaux.  Made in China - no surprise there.

Edited to add:  I just found my previous vest that I used for years that did look identical to yours (when new) but it's ripped up pretty badly, quite faded, and missing the tag.  It's so old that I don't recall where I got it or how much I paid.  I think I got my 2 vests confused in my earlier comment.

[whuppinstick]

Im glad you pressed me on this because I now see that there is an important design difference in the vest I have.  The sides are cut out and the front and back are connected by elastic straps on the sides.  If this design is similar to the vest you saw at Walmart, I'm guessing that this difference is at the heart of your ill fitting comment.  Here is a pic of my vest.

Thanks for providing the picture!  Yes, I have seen that vest before, but mine is a step or two up in quality and fit.  The elastic on that vest will wear or stretch out quickly, I would think.  Also, my velcro closure on the front is fairly robust.

I suppose I shouldn't talk my vest up too much until I hear back from the field testers, haha.  Might have some work to do yet!

[400out]

OK I'm lost! This has to be a poke fun post right 

[JackOfAllTrades]

In my experience, Velcro doesn't last in the field on an outer garment. Anything worn that is a mesh will get caught on brush/brambles. I have a 50/50cotton/poly/camo vest that is quite worn out. The elastic on the sides is tied in a knot and I've removed the Velcro front and sewn in two lengths of parachute cord to tie it closed. I have some 25 hunting seasons on this garment.

-Steve

[Buckmark]

I am with 400 out, no offense but this style of vest is not that uncommon, i think i have like 5 or 6.
I do have one that is all mesh and agree with jackofalltrades it is a branch grabber...

[400out]

So it's not a joke    I have a bunch of these already that the kids wear   

[whuppinstick]

In my experience, Velcro doesn't last in the field on an outer garment. Anything worn that is a mesh will get caught on brush/brambles. I have a 50/50cotton/poly/camo vest that is quite worn out. The elastic on the sides is tied in a knot and I've removed the Velcro front and sewn in two lengths of parachute cord to tie it closed. I have some 25 hunting seasons on this garment.

-Steve

Thanks for your thoughts, Steve!  I am still open to ideas on the Velcro closure on the front, but I would lean towards it being simple and able to be handled with gloves rather than something that needs to be tied.  Maybe I will allow special orders for those who prefer a tie?
And I agree that mesh can get caught on brush.  I actually purposely did an eight-mile canyon walk in Utah this fall with my vest to see what kind of damage I could make.  I did get one small hole during an especially strong plow through the brush, but it held up surprisingly well considering.  BUT, my hope after I get this mesh vest off the ground is to produce a softshell vest in the future.  That would probably be a better option for heavy brush hunters.

[whuppinstick]

So it's not a joke    I have a bunch of these already that the kids wear   

Nope, not a joke!  I have seen mesh vests before, but I think my model will improve on what is currently on the market.  It won't be for everybody (like those who are happy with the options at Wal-Mart), but I am hopeful that enough people will see the value in a higher quality vest.  I might fail, but I am going to try.

[sirmissalot]

I'll be a buyer I'll tell you that.