Keith Lusher 04.18.25
Let me begin by saying I’m notoriously low cost in relation to looking gear. I not often purchase something new, and once I do, I often search for one thing—something—flawed with it so I can return it and maintain my cash. I’m in all probability essentially the most vital hunter you’ll meet in relation to dear gear. So once I let you know I not solely stored the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig in Strategy GT camo however truly consider it was value each penny, that’s saying one thing. For a naked minimal turkey hunter like myself, this is perhaps the uncommon exception to my “make do with what you’ve bought” rule.
Why I Purchased It
For years, considered one of my most irritating experiences whereas turkey looking has been fumbling round in a number of pockets trying to find calls or binoculars. I by no means had a devoted turkey rig till I witnessed my buddy Ben utilizing one final season. Ben’s bought 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 offered me occurred after we noticed what appeared 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 trying to find 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 stated all of it. I might virtually really feel him rolling his eyes as he whispered, “I bought 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 related depth. It occupies roughly the identical chest area with out feeling cumbersome.
The Strategy GT camo sample blends completely within the spring woods, and the general development is light-weight however powerful. I’ve brushed the fabric in opposition to a ton of bushes and not using a snag.
Within the Subject
The chest rig is meticulously designed to maintain solely the necessities at hand with fast and quick access. As Badlands places it, it has “every part you want for a dance with Captain Hook,” they usually’re not flawed. What I notably admire is the constant Strategy GT camo sample that Badlands makes use of throughout their complete turkey looking line. The sample includes a broken-up tan background with darkish brown and black sample specks that mix completely with ash, cottonwood, oak, and maple bushes in my looking space. I’m slowly constructing my assortment with the purpose of finally having the whole outfit like my buddy Ben.
Probably the most spectacular options is the The Zip-No magnetic opening. It opens simply with one hand however closes silently, which is vital once I’m making an attempt to arrange on a gobbler. The stay-open design permits 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 in opposition to your chest and a wider major compartment in entrance. My 10×42 binoculars match standing in the primary compartment or mendacity sideways, which is helpful relying on what else I’m carrying.
4 extra pockets are going through inward to the primary compartment – two in entrance, two in again – which are perfect for slate calls. The interior pot and mouth name pockets maintain every part 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 sweet once I’m experimenting with totally different masses. The zippered pocket on the lid inside runs the total size and offers me a safe spot for licenses and different objects I must maintain dry.
One function I notably admire is the included detachable field name accent pocket. It attaches securely however may be eliminated in the event you’re working 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 identify is on it, it’s coated.” There’s no positive 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.
Remaining Ideas
For run-and-gun turkey hunters bored with 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 must be some sort of miracle given how I often method looking gear purchases.
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