Sorry, still checking in this has given me a lot of options. I'm liking the idea of the kuiu vest but the cost on that is kinda shocking me. The ability to have a small pack as well as a bird "box" on back is a neat idea. I have a gift card to Cabela's and almost pulled the trigger on an alps vest that was very similar but as soon as I decided to it went out of stock/ removed from their site...
I'm the mean time I've made myself a leash out of a carabiner and Paracord as was suggested above. Really appreciate the input
