Best Blaze Orange Vests for Western Big Game and Whitetail Deer

[Wellessportsmanshow]

With the emergence of First Lite's new Charge vest, I thought it was a perfect time to ask everyone what their preferred blaze orange vest is for Whitetail and Western Big game hunting. What's your favorite and why?

 

[peterk123]

That's an interesting vest. I have a few vests and I hate them all.

 

[ReddingArcher]

Just a cheap one. For me I’m not looking for it to do anything but meet the requirements for being legal so I don’t see the need to spend much money on one.

 

[Theringworm]

The best blaze orange vest imo is the one that is the most minimalistic, light, & cheap, yet is still legal.

From my research and what I have used the last 11 years is the cheap mesh style orange vest you can buy at Walmart and/or Academy. It weights next to nothing, dries quickly and doesn’t make you hot. Don't over think this. I own a lot of expensive name brand clothing gear, but there ain’t no place for an Orange vest that cost more than $10.

 

[aaronoto]

This is all I wear, it's $9. I've never wanted anything fancier.

 

[JGTWI]

I agree with cheap, thin & light. All it needs to do is be blaze orange, I don’t want pockets, etc….

I used something similar to the one above. I now have a thin one from black ovis that is great, the material is a little nicer and it’s not so over-sized, so fits more snug over my camo. https://www.blackovis.com/clothing/mens/vests/blackovis-blaze-orange-vest

 

[Agross]

Orange aglow. Simple. Stretchy. Easy. cheap

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

My experience with one size fits all vests is that they don't fit me (size medium) well, are secured by noisy velcro, and they flap in the wind. Last year I upgraded to a $17 MidwayUSA vest with different size options, a full length zipper, no velcro, and it has pockets. I don't use the pockets much or put anything heavy in them, but it's nice to have the option to briefly stash something in my outermost layer. They are on clearance now: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020707934?pid=267171

 

[Baron528]

I use an older Cabela's Guide Vest for still hunting whitetails without a pack. It's heavy, but the large back pocket has enough room for water, snacks, and an extra layer if needed.

For western hunting, I use a basic vest with minimal pockets that are always empty.

 

[justinspicher]

I use a Patagonia hooded pullover and an Enlightened Equipment Pullover puffy that are blaze orange. Those stupid vests just piss me off, I would rather have functional clothing that is blaze orange. However, for some reason this is too much to ask from major hunting companies.

 

[mahnster]

+1 for Orange Aglow. Their panels work slick to put on a pack as well.

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

I would rather have functional clothing that is blaze orange.

I like that idea, I'd just have to have orange base layers as well for warmer weather or higher energy output. And an orange rain/wind layer. I guess that's why I just throw a vest on top of whatever I'm wearing.

 

[TN2shot07]

I got an under armour one for Christmas years ago and that’s what I’ve worn ever since. It’s about like the midway above. I’ve enjoyed my catalyst jacket and have considered that or a stratus vest so I’m at least getting a layer out of it

 

[enbhunts]

Functional jacket or vest that is gonna fit right and be multi purpose. Maybe the charge vest will be that from FL

 

[Dazzler]

I use an older Cabela's Guide Vest for still hunting whitetails without a pack. It's heavy, but the large back pocket has enough room for water, snacks, and an extra layer if needed.

For western hunting, I use a basic vest with minimal pockets that are always empty.

Does it have snap buttons and black trim?

 

[Cahunter805]

Orange aglow. Simple. Stretchy. Easy. cheap

I bought one last year and it’s definitely the best I’ve worn. Can’t even tell your wearing it.

 

[Baron528]

Does it have snap buttons and black trim?

Yep. Black fleece lined.


Cabelas also made a plain unlined version that is about half the weight.

 

[gdiemer]

+1 for orange aglow. I use their basic mesh vest, but they have other blaze outwear for those who want more functionality

 

[BT_707]

The cheap one on Amazon!

 

[justinspicher]

I like that idea, I'd just have to have orange base layers as well for warmer weather or higher energy output. And an orange rain/wind layer. I guess that's why I just throw a vest on top of whatever I'm wearing.

I have a hooded base layer, vest, three puffy jackets and rain jacket in blaze orange for the same reason. None of it is from a hunting company. Check out ibex wool, it’s spendy though. My brimmed beanie is from FL.