I’ve tested a ton of turkey hunting vests over the years. None of them fit or function exactly as you hope, and almost all of them require some type of modification.

　　However, First Lite’s new Treeline turkey vest almost nails the mark. Its intuitive, economical storage gives you just enough room for your best calls, but it’s also designed with the run-and-gun turkey hunter in mind.

　　It’s comfortable enough for the patient turkey hunter who camps out over fresh sign. Yet, its streamlined design and storage capacity make it feasible (and comfortable) to run and gun all day. If you’re looking for a versatile turkey vest that you can easily tailor to your style of hunting, you should consider the Treeline turkey vest.

　　In short: First Lite’s Treeline turkey vest offers excellent adjustability and storage without excessive baggage.

　　Looking for the gear that will help you bag a gobbler this upcoming season? Check out our Turkey Hunting Gear 101 guide.

　　First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest Review check price at first litecheck price at amazon

　　9.2 How we rate products Specifications Material: Polyester Back panel: Vented back panel Storage: Zippered backpack pouch Hydration compatibility: Hydration bladder compatible Seat: Dual density foam seat Game bag: Expandable game bag Attachment system: MOLLE compatible Pros Backpack/game bag combo Super comfortable seat Quiet material Highly modular Cons Seat adjustments could be quicker Adam Moore First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest Review Testing the First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest

　　The First Lite Treeline vest was used throughout opening week in varying conditions with a full loadout for extended hunts; (photo/Adam Moore) I had the privilege of testing the First Lite Treeline Turkey Vest just in time for my state’s opening week of turkey season. I loaded it with calls, extra gear, and enough snacks for an all-day hunt. Luckily, on my first full day of hunting, I was able to load this vest with a longbeard. Here are a few of my first impressions of the Treeline.

　　Call Pockets

　　The vest’s front pockets were packed with pot calls, strikers, and mouth calls for quick, quiet access in the field; (photo/Adam Moore) The vest has two main zippered pockets on the front, specifically designed for calls. Some vests feel like they have more pockets than you could ever hope to fill. They’re excessive and unnecessary.

　　The Treeline’s call storage feels like you only have room for the best calls, which is plenty. It even has a detachable box call pocket that allows you to strip the vest down even further. Don’t get me wrong — this isn’t a minimalist vest, but every pocket has a purpose.

　　We used the main compartments to carry essential calls, while the detachable box call pocket offered added flexibility; (photo/Adam Moore) Inside the main pouches on the front of the vest, you can store a pot call and two strikers on each side. There are also a few zippered pockets to hold sandpaper, box chalks, or other miscellaneous items. On the outside, each front compartment has three slots for mouth calls, so you can quickly and silently access them if you need.

　　Economical Storage

　　The game bag carried a longbeard on a hike out, with compression straps keeping the load secure and balanced; (photo/Adam Moore) After killing a longbeard, I had a decent trek back to the car. Instead of toting it over my shoulder the entire way, I loaded it in the game bag. The detachable straps allow you to separate the top of the pack from the game bag, so I loaded up my bird and then cinched the straps down to secure it during the walk. The straps kept it in place and made for an enjoyable hike out.

　　The game bag/pack combo is one of my favorite features about the vest. It has plenty of room and easy access in the game bag, and the pack provides room for a hydration bladder or gear that you need to keep zippered up.

　　This vest also has MOLLE attachments on the front straps, so you can add more customizable storage, such as shell holders or other pockets.

　　Comfortable Seat

　　The foam seat provided lasting comfort during long sits and didn’t add bulk while hiking or adjusting position; (photo/Adam Moore) Other vests typically include oversized seats that only deflate. The Treeline’s seat strikes a balanced approach. It has just enough padding that it doesn’t deflate, but it also doesn’t feel like you’re carrying around an inflatable life raft.

　　I spent several hours on this seat, and it didn’t deflate like other vests that I’ve used. It also stows away nicely. However, its Goldilocks size won’t slow you down when you need to make a quick setup adjustment. If you prefer the no-seat route, you can also ditch it.

　　What the Treeline Turkey Vest Does Best

　　What stood out most was the dual setup of game bag and detachable pack, which made carrying gear and a bird seamless; (photo/Adam Moore) Most packs have either a game bag or a pack. The Treeline has both, and I’m a huge fan. The convenience of the game bag allows you to easily access bug spray, a water bottle (if you don’t run a hydration bladder), or decoys. Yet, the pack gives you an extra bit of storage for camera gear, extra layers, or a place to stash your keys.

　　The detachable pack feels like a Western frame pack. If you’re lucky enough to fill a tag, you can stash your bird in the game bag and cinch down the pack’s compression straps for an easy pack out.

　　Where the Treeline Turkey Vest Can Improve

　　While testing, we found the call pocket zippers could open wider for easier access, especially with gloved hands; (photo/Adam Moore) I think the amount of storage works well for the Treeline, but I could see the argument for more specialized pockets. Maybe I’m just accustomed to turkey vests having too many. However, I do wish the zippers on the two main call pockets opened up just a tad more.

　　Final Thoughts

　　After multiple full-day hunts, the vest proved adaptable for different hunting styles and carried gear without excess bulk; (photo/Adam Moore) I think this vest’s streamlined yet spacious footprint suits a variety of hunters. If you’re looking for a premium vest with intuitive, thoughtful storage, the First Lite Treeline turkey vest should give you many years of reliable service.

　　Turkey Hunting Gear 101: The Kit You Need to Tag Your GobblerWe've put together a list of turkey hunting gear that will help you be successful and comfortable while you're out chasing gobblers. Read more