OHUB Review: Badlands Turkey Chest Rig

Let me begin by saying I’m notoriously low cost with regards to searching gear. I not often purchase something new, and once I do, I often search for one thing—something—unsuitable with it so I can return it and preserve my cash. I’m most likely probably the most vital hunter you’ll meet with regards to expensive tools. So once I let you know I not solely stored the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig in Method GT camo however truly imagine it was price each penny, that’s saying one thing. For a naked minimal turkey hunter like myself, this could be the uncommon exception to my “make do with what you’ve received” rule.

Why I Purchased It

For years, one in all my most irritating experiences whereas turkey searching has been fumbling round in a number of pockets looking for calls or binoculars. I by no means had a devoted turkey rig till I witnessed my buddy Ben utilizing one final season. Ben’s received all the Badlands turkey outfit – shirt, vest, rig, gloves, the works – and I’ll admit I felt a bit like a hillbilly subsequent to him with my hodgepodge of drugs.

The second that bought me occurred once we noticed what seemed like two toms within the distance. We each dropped to our knees behind an enormous pine, and I began the acquainted pocket-patting routine – left vest pocket, proper vest pocket, pants pockets – desperately looking for my field name. In the meantime, Ben merely opened the chest rig, which was proper above his abdomen, pulled out his name, and gave me a glance that mentioned all of it. I may virtually really feel him rolling his eyes as he whispered, “I received it.”

That was it. I ordered the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig that night time.

First Impressions

When it arrived, I used to be instantly struck by how gentle it’s – simply 1.15 kilos. The size (10″x9″x3.5″) make it wider than a bino harness however with comparable depth. It occupies roughly the identical chest area with out feeling cumbersome.

The Method GT camo sample blends completely within the spring woods, and the general development is light-weight however powerful. I’ve brushed the fabric towards a ton of bushes with out a snag.

Within the Discipline

The chest rig is meticulously designed to maintain solely the necessities at hand with fast and easy accessibility. As Badlands places it, it has “every thing you want for a dance with Captain Hook,” they usually’re not unsuitable. What I notably admire is the constant Method GT camo sample that Badlands makes use of throughout their whole turkey searching line. The sample incorporates a broken-up tan background with darkish brown and black sample specks that mix completely with ash, cottonwood, oak, and maple bushes in my searching space. I’m slowly constructing my assortment with the purpose of finally having the entire outfit like my buddy Ben.

Some of the spectacular options is the The Zip-No magnetic opening. It opens simply with one hand however closes silently, which is vital once I’m attempting to arrange on a gobbler. The stay-open design helps you to entry what you want with out the lid flopping round or closing in your hand.

Inside, the group is ideal for the cellular hunter. The inside is split lengthways, making a slim pocket towards your chest and a wider predominant compartment in entrance. My 10×42 binoculars match standing in the principle compartment or mendacity sideways, which is useful relying on what else I’m carrying.

4 further pockets are going through inward to the principle compartment – two in entrance, two in again – which are perfect for slate calls. The inner pot and mouth name pockets preserve every thing safe however accessible. Each inner and exterior striker loops guarantee I’m by no means digging round for a striker when a tom responds.

The shell loops accommodate varied shell sizes, which is good once I’m experimenting with completely different masses. The zippered pocket on the lid inside runs the complete size and offers me a safe spot for licenses and different objects I must preserve dry.

One function I notably admire is the included detachable field name accent pocket. It attaches securely however could be eliminated in case you’re operating gentle or need to mount one thing else, like a bear spray holster, beneath.

The Badlands Guarantee

Like all Badlands gear, the Turkey Chest Rig comes with their Limitless Lifetime Guarantee, which they sum up as “If our title is on it, it’s lined.” There’s no superb print or loopholes – if it breaks, they’ll repair or exchange it for all times. Having had to make use of their guarantee service earlier than, I can attest that they stand behind this promise.

Ultimate Ideas

For run-and-gun turkey hunters uninterested in being weighed down by grandpa’s turkey vest that “weighs half as a lot as you and hangs to your knees,” the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig is the reply. It retains solely the necessities at hand with fast entry, letting you keep cellular and prepared. For somebody as notoriously tight with cash as I’m, that’s saying one thing. I’m already saving up for my subsequent piece of Badlands turkey gear, which needs to be some form of miracle given how I often strategy searching tools purchases.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com