Packs and vests

You’ll need a way to carry your shells, turkey calls, first aid kit, extra gloves, lunch, water and other gear into the field. The most popular choices are a daypack or a specialized turkey hunting vest.

Daypacks are simple and affordable

A daypack is a simple and affordable option. It will hold a lot of stuff, most have some pockets to help you organize your gear, and some are hydration bladder compatible to help you stay hydrated during hot, dry hunts.

Keep these things in mind when packing a daypack:

• Make sure the things in your daypack are secure and don’t shift, rattle or make any noise.
• Put you most-used items (calls, shells) in easily accessible places like pockets or on the top of the main compartment.
• Include a cushion to sit on. Sometimes it’s easiest to strap this to the outside of the pack.

Specialized vests are most efficient

If you’re going to get serious about turkey hunting, consider a specialized turkey hunting vest.

Each pocket of a turkey vest has been designed for a purpose. Some pockets hold box calls, some hold pot calls, others hold strikers and locator calls. Some vests even feature mesh pouches to hold diaphragm calls that allow proper airflow for the calls to dry out after use.

There are pockets and pouches for knives, shears, shotgun shells and much more, and they are designed to keep gear secure so it’s not moving around creating wear and unwanted noise.

There also are larger pockets for extra gear and a game pouch that can haul lunch and water -- maybe even your bird. Some also are hydration bladder compatible.

The amount of gear a turkey hunting vests can hold is surprising, making it an efficient system as you start to accumulate more gear each season.

One of the best features of a good turkey vest is a built-in padded cushion to sit on. It won’t take too many hours of sitting on the ground to appreciate having a cushion conveniently on hand.

Be sure and try on multiple vests to see which one you like the best. Make sure you can easily operate the seat pad and access all the pockets. There are several designs when it comes to turkey vests, so find one that meets your needs and feels most comfortable. You may be wearing it for many seasons to come.

Fanny packs for traveling light

For shorter hunts, a large fanny pack may be enough. Simply add what essential gear you’ll need for a brief hunt, and you’re set. If you’ll be sitting on the ground, it’s worth carrying a cushion to sit on. If you’re also carrying carrying a cushion or turkey decoy on your hunt, you might want a sling for your shotgun or bow to help free up your hands.

One final tip: Take a hike

Before heading out on a turkey hunt, try on your vest or pack, grab your gun or bow, and go on a hike. Make sure everything fits snugly, and that calls and gear aren’t moving around and making noise. Get comfortable with working your turkey vest or pack, and practice setting up with all your gear on. Practice drawing your bow and shouldering your shotgun. When it comes time to hunt, you should be comfortable and confident in your gear.