Updated: January 7th, 2021
Any person who spends a large amount of time out hunting or shooting at the range will find that a shooting vest is an ideal accessory for them. It gives you the perfect storage compartment to carry important accessories you need while you are out at the range or out in the field, and also gives you a comfortable garment that is functional and easy to wear.Why Get a Shooting Vest?
The first question you may have about a shooting vest is – won’t any vest do? While it’s true you could technically wear any vest shooting, they simply won’t offer the same level of functionality as a shooting vest. A shooting vest was specifically designed to meet your needs during various shooting activities. It has everything you need for comfort, storage, visibility, and more.
Most gun enthusiasts own one of these shooting vests because of what a great accessory it is. With the ability to hold magazines, cartridges, and spent rounds, as well as provide you with additional protection against recoil, this could be the very product you need to get for yourself.
What Makes a Great Shooting Vest?
When making the right choice of a shooting vest for you, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some that will help you to make a good decision.
- Handed. While many vests are made to be ambidextrous, there are some that are specifically designed for either right-handed or left-handed shooters. This may be a deterrent for you, depending upon which handed is your dominant position when firing. Pay careful attention to the design of each vest.
- Breathability. How well the vest breathes when you’re wearing it is important as well. If you are going to be wearing this product out during hot days then it may be extremely uncomfortable to wear after a while. You may find yourself taking it off, which defeats the purpose in getting it in the first place. This is why you want something that is made with a mesh or similar material that will help you to be more comfortable when wearing it.
- Weight. Weight is obviously another important factor. The heavier the vest, the more difficult it is going to be for you to wear. Finding one that is lightweight may work better for you. But you also have to consider the fact that it may also require you to wear a jacket or heavy shirt to go along with your vest. If you do a lot of winter hunting during the time of the year when it starts to get cooler, you may be wanting a vest that is a little thicker.
- Fit. Fit is important as well. There are a number of vests you will see that come with adjustable tabs or straps that make it so that you can feel more comfortable when wearing the product.
- Storage. Often, the primary purpose for getting one of these vests is so that you can have easier access to ammo such as rounds, cartridges, and magazines. You may even want a place where you can store your spent cartridges. Some prefer a large number or a large amount of storage space.
- Durability. If you are a person who is going to be going through some rough terrain, durability is important. You don’t want your vest to become torn or tattered, and you want one that you can enjoy using for at least a few years.
- Style. We can’t deny the importance of style in any piece of clothing you buy. While it may not make a functional difference, it will certainly make a difference in how comfortable you feel while you’re wearing the vest. We recommend you first find the type of vest that fits properly and offers the functionality you need, and then choose the option that you think is the most stylish.
12 Best Rated Shooting Vests on the Market!
#1 Wild Hare Shooting Gear Heatwave Mesh Vest
There are a number of reasons why this is a sensational vest. It starts with the protective features that it adds to make your time out on the range or out hunting a lot more enjoyable and comfortable. There are protective pads on each shoulder. A padded shoulder is very effective to protect from recoil. These pads can be altered to be placed on either your left or your right shoulder depending upon how you fire.
The vest is flexible and expandable, using tabs to allow it to fit more comfortably around you if you need to secure in certain spots. This adjustable waist gives you a more comfortable fit and allows you to loosen it if you need to adjust your comfort level after a long day. This makes the vest perfect if you have a child that is still growing. A no bunch pad is even included to help keep this vest feeling comfortable to wear all day.
The shell pocket is able to hold as many as 100 shells, and the way that the vest is designed ensures that it is not unduly heavy. The weight is distributed throughout the vest, especially because of the mesh and tabs that are used. The pockets are so big that they even give you space for things like binoculars or other hunting gear.
This is made of a breathable cereal that is durable. It is lightweight and gives you great movement. What you will love is that this vest is so well constructed that the company stands behind their product. It comes with a lifetime warranty, letting you know you can depend upon it.
#2 Browning Trapper Creek Vest
If what you are looking for is a stylish vest that gives you a lot of utility, then this is going to be the option for you. Browning is a company that is known for making great products related to hunting, and this shooting vest is one of their best.
This Browning shooting vest is excellent, which is why it’s near the top of our list. It starts with the fact that this vest can be worn anytime of the year. Because of its sleek design and how lightweight it is, it is easy to wear under a jacket during the winter, and it does not cause you to overheat in the summer.
The vest is made of a mesh material that allows it to breathe well. The mesh is also quite durable, meaning that this is a vest that is going to last. The pockets are large and give you plenty of storage area to carry extra ammunition, magazines, even a pair of binoculars. There are four of them, and you’ll find that the material is built to handle your accessories without snagging or getting worn down.
This product works perfectly either as a sporting or hunting vest. This is the perfect vest for trap or skeet shooting, clay shooting, or anything of the like. The truth is that you could use this vest in a variety of different ways, many of which don’t even have to do anything with hunting. It is the perfect option for camping, birdwatching, or going on a hike. Plenty of space for you to be able to store water or snacks while you are out for a walk.
A great option for any sportsman. You will love how long it last and how comfortable it is to wear.
#3 Beretta Men’s Trap Shooting Vest
This is one of the sharpest looking vests you are going to find on the market. Plus, its unique design makes it ideal for those who need to carry a number of accessories in their vest while still feeling quite comfortable while they are out in the wild or at the range.
What is so amazing about this vest is that the designers spent a considerable amount of time examining exactly how shooters move. This would not only include preparing for shots, but how they set up, what they need to do to be able to get from one point to another, and many other movements. In doing this, they were able to design the perfect vest to accommodate the needs of the shooter and his or her ability to freely move.
This shooting vest comes in a variety of sizes ranging from XXS all the way up to 5XL. It is made of nylon and polyester materials, meaning you are going to get a comfortable feel that breathes well to prevent you from getting overheated. There is a stretch mesh included in both the front and back. Included are double entry front pockets that are expandable, and included on both sides of the vest. The is even a large rear pocket on the backside.
There are elastic inserts on each shoulder to tighten or help you conform the vest to your physical stature. An adjustable strap comes from the back around to the front to add even greater comfort and security when moving in the vest. Shooting patches included on each shoulder to help with recoil.
This is a fantastic vest that you will truly enjoy wearing. It gives you the kind of comfort you need, while providing you with the utility you deserve.
#4 Browning Men’s Shooting Vest
This is another great Browning product. This vest is made of a dependable cotton mesh that is layered in the front of the vest to add additional padding, while the back is also made of mesh. This allows it to breathe well, keeping you cool during the summer, especially if you are intending to be out in the wild for long hours of time.
The vest ranges and sizes from small all the way up to 3XL, allowing you to have the perfect vest that fits your size and comfort. It is perfect for sliding underneath your jacket while wearing during the wintertime, still giving you a great vest that comes with plenty of pocket space. In fact, if you purchase it in a larger size for the wintertime you could easily use it over your jacket.
You will love the fact that it comes with zippers to help you secure your pockets. There is a two-way zipper on the front, making it easier for you to open and close as needed.
There are adjustable side tabs that enable you to make some additional adjustments when you’re wearing the vest. There are large pockets on the front on each side of the vest. This gives you plenty of room to be able to store your items like shells, cartridges, magazines, or any other accessory you may have, while still being able to retrieve them easily.
There is also a pocket on the inside of the vest. This is perfect for you to keep your wallet or your phone. There is even a large pocket on the back of the vest. No doubt you will find this to be a great choice when you are out hunting.
#5 Bob-Allen Shooting Vest, Right Handed
If you are a right-handed person, you are going to find that this is one of the very best shooting vests available. In fact, you may find it to be the perfect option even if you are left-handed.
Honestly, it is important to understand that this was built for right-handed person. There are two additional pockets on the left side of the product, which makes it easier for a right-handed person to reach across to grab accessories they may need. Four pockets are included on the front, with three on the left side of the vest and one on the right. This should give you plenty of storage space to help you stay organized and to reach the things you need when you need them.
The vest is made of a high tensile material that makes it easy to move and that is incredibly durable. This is a vest that is made to last, and you will appreciate the fact that it is also perfectly designed to keep you cool. The base of the product is made using a mesh material so that it breathes incredibly well, and will keep you comfortable all day long.
Adjustable straps help to make it a more comfortable fit to accommodate your size and shape. You will like the color, as it is ideal for wearing outdoors. This vest is not giving you away. It truly is a fantastic product that you will find the perfect choice when you are outdoors. Great for any person no matter what size, gender, or shape you are.
#6 Champion Shooting Gear Trap Vest
Champion has long established themselves as an incredible manufacturer of sporting equipment, and this shooting vest is no exception. This is the perfect product for you to use in any kind of situation where you are intending to use your firearm, plus it is perfect for other outdoor activities, such as camping or fishing.
On the front side of the vest are two cargo pockets that are located on each side of the vest near the bottom. On the left-hand side is an additional pocket that also has two Velcro tabs that help you to attach additional accessories you may carry with you. The two bottom pockets are expandable, and they come with an exterior pocket as well. Overall, an ample amount of storage space for most of the things you wish to carry.
One thing you will really like about the design of this vest is that it does not use adjustable straps or tabs to accommodate your shape. Instead, elastic ties expand to fit your needs. This not only gives you a comfortable fit, but one that is formfitting as well without feeling too tight. However, you are able to make adjustments to change the size according to your needs.
The front and back are made with a mesh that makes it ideal for hot weather situations. You will find that this is an easy vest to wear in most types of weather. Also, the fact that it is blaze orange and gray add that additional protection you need to keep you safe while you are outdoors. It makes you extra visible in the field, which is especially important for the safety of your hunt. A product you will simply love wearing.
#7 Browning Ace Shooting Vest-Black
Here’s another quality Browning vest for you to consider. But while this is a fantastic vest, it is important to recognize the fact that it is built specifically for right-handed people. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be worn by a person who is left-handed, just that it is a lot more convenient and efficient when you are right-handed.
This vest is made of a combination of polyester, nylon, and spandex. That makes it lightweight and durable. Plus, you will find that it breathes well when you are out in the heat.
There are plenty of pockets in this vest. There are large pockets in the front that can carry an assortment of different kinds of items. Inside the vest is a secure pocket to be able to store your valuables. This makes it perfect for your phone or your wallet. There also some smaller sized pockets on the front to help you to stay better organized.
Included is a large pocket in the back where you can store empty cartridges or even hide items. There is also a pocket near the center of the vest that is a perfect place for you to store a water bottle or snacks while you are out.
What you also like about this vest is the fact that it comes with pockets that can easily fit REACTOR G2 pads. The pockets are specifically designed to prevent these pads from being able to slip or fall out.
The sides are held in place by straps that help to create a more secure fit around your waist. You can also order gel inserts for the shoulder to help to make it even more comfortable to wear. Truly a fantastic vest that is built to last.
#8 Challenger Shooting Vest
This is a vest that was specifically designed for those that like to do clay pigeon trap or skeet shooting, but can be worn for any kind of shooting activity. Challenger is one of the most popular brands when it comes to shooting vests, and the functionality of this vest makes it easy to see why this has become such a popular brand.
You want a vest that is comfortable to wear so that you don’t become overheated or worn down by the items you are carrying or by the vest itself. Because of its design it doesn’t put undue strain on your shoulders. The vest even comes with recoil padding in the shoulder shooting patch to add additional protection while you are out at the range or out hunting.
You can even adjust this protection padding to fit your size and needs. This will ensure that you are getting the stress off of your shoulder so you can have a more enjoyable time. The protective padding can be moved to either a left or right handed shooter.
Pockets are one of the most important features we have seen in these vests, and you’ll see that this product offers you a number of great options. There are smaller sized, zipper pockets on each side of the vest, which are connected to larger sized pockets. These pockets are expandable. There is also an internal pocket to help you secure your valuable items.
This vest is made of a breathable material. There is mesh on each side to help it to breathe and expand as needed. It will help to keep you cool on hot days and feel comfortable no matter what time of the year you wear.
#9 Beretta Full Mesh Vest
This Beretta product was a drastic improvement over the prior model. It starts with the fact that it is made of a much better blend, combining polyester with cotton. This not only gives you a durable fabric that is ready to handle almost any kind of environment, but one that is comfortable and breathable. This will give you the kind of protection and comfort you want.
One feature that they added in the new design is your protection loop. This helps you to ensure you don’t lose your protection, as it easily fits through the vest. There also two different layers of padding to give you additional cushion and comfort. This includes a patented recoil pad that goes along with double cotton recoil patches.
There is a mesh paneling on both the sides and the front of the vest. This makes the vest a lot more breathable and more comfortable, especially when you are wearing it for long periods of time. You are able to zip the vest in the front to give you a good comfortable fit, and it comes with adjustable snaps to make it even more comfortable.
There are large pockets that are positioned in the front of the vest. This makes it so it can fit about any accessory you need to carry with you. One thing you will really like about it is that it is a sharp looking vest. It just looks really good overall, and will be something you will enjoy wearing no matter where you go.
#10 Allen Ace Shooting Vest
This is a great product that is made of a light weight mesh that makes it so the vest is cool and comfortable to wear. It is built with a fantastic design that is ambidextrous with shooting pads on both shoulders. You’ll like the fact that it works for any person, as you could adjust for size and shape.
Both sides of the vest have large pockets included. They are the perfect size for extra cartridges, ammunition, magazines, or even for field goggles. The pockets are also elastic, meaning that they can expand to give you additional room.
Adjustable straps are included on the sides to allow you to fit the vest to your needs. This will make sure you get a comfortable fit, and that the vest is not either too tight or too loose. A zipper is included on the front to hold the zipper closed.
Because of the fact that this is a lightweight vest, there is not a lot of additional storage that is included. There is no interior pocket and no back pocket to the vest. However, if you are looking for a lightweight vest that gives you great movement and flexibility, you aren’t going to find one much better than this. The size is made for people that are a bit larger, so smaller people may not find a good option for them. That is a major detractor, as it limits who can purchase the vest.
It is a sharp looking vest as well. You’ll like that it is durable, comfortable, and will give you the kind of feel you are looking for. A great vest for sure.
#11 Browning Women’s Shooting Vest – Teal
It is true that most vests on our list can be worn by men and women. After all, most vests are designed to fit a bit looser, so it doesn’t really matter who wears them, as long as they fit. That being said, sometimes you do want a vest that has been specifically designed for that perfect fit. This vest has been designed to be a bit slimmer, and more proportioned to the typical women’s clothing size.You might even recognize this vest, as it is similar to the Browning Ace shooting vest that we examined above.
This vest is made of quality materials. It has polyester/spandex construction, so that it’s durable yet flexible. It moves with you as you move, and will never get in the way of your hunting or shooting activities. It also has a durable nylon shooting patch to absorb the impact of any recoil.
It has an adjustable waist so you can further adjust your fit, ensuring a fit that it is as form-fitting or loose as you prefer. There are also a bunch of pockets for your different gear and supplies.
Overall, it’s just a quality vest, and if you’re looking for the option that is more form-fitted for women, then look no further.
#12 Gamehide Shelterbelt Shooting Vest
Let’s round out our list with one of our favorite options – the Gamehide Shelterbelt. Upon first glance, you might notice that this is one stylish vest. It’s a subjective choice, but it might just be the coolest vest on our entire list. The muted colors work so well with the bold orange, and provide the added benefit of visibility and safety.Aside from the look, it’s a highly functional shooting vest. It’s made of a tough canvas material, which will stand up to most regular wear and tear. It has two roomy front pockets and a roomy back pocket as well. It even has external pockets for shell casings.
The one thing about this vest is that it is quite a bit thicker and less breathable than many options on our list. It’s definitely more ideal for the cold season. In fact, it’s been oversized to fit over a jacket, so it’s ideal for even the deep of winter.
If you can spare the money, we recommend you buy separate vests for different seasons. Few things are more uncomfortable than a vest which is too hot/too cold.
Overall, this is one of the best vests on our list, but definitely only for colder seasons. It would be too hot to wear in the summer. But if you need a rugged, functional vest for cold-weather hunting, this one is for you.
Comparison Chart
| Shooting Vest | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Wild Hare Shooting Gear Heatwave Mesh Vest |
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| #2 Browning Trapper Creek Vest |
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| #3 Beretta Men’s Mole Shooting Vest |
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| #4 Browning Men’s Summit Vest |
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| #5 Bob-Allen Shooting Vest |
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| #6 Champion Shooting Gear Trap Vest |
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| #7 Browning Ace Shooting Vest |
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| #8 Challenger Shooting Vest |
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| #9 Beretta Mesh Vest |
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| #10 Allen Ace Shooting Vest |
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| #11 Browning Women’s Shooting Vest – Teal |
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| #12 Gamehide Shelterbelt Shooting Vest |
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Really Need a Shooting Vest?
If you are a person who spends a large amount of time outdoors hunting or shooting at the range, then this question is a lot easier to answer. Most gun enthusiast see the benefit of getting a shooting vest, but that does not mean you need one. It just makes it a lot more convenient to get your accessories, cartridges, and magazines when you need them.
Should I Get a Different Vest for Winter?
One thing you will notice about many of the vests that have been reviewed is that they were specifically designed using a mesh material that would help it to breathe better during the summer months. This will not add additional protection for you when it is cold, but that doesn’t mean you need a different vest. The important thing to realize is that you may want a product that is a little larger in size so that it can fit over your jacket or you can simply wear it underneath.
Who Is the Best Designer?
When you review products related to hunting or shooting, one thing that you often find is that there is one brand that is far superior to most of the others. While Beretta and Browning are two of the more popular brand makers, the truth is that there are seven or eight great designers and manufacturers out there to choose from – and we’ve included most of them on our list. This gives you ample options to fit both your price range and a style you may like.
Should I Buy a Vest that Blends in or Makes Me Stand Out?
This is an exceptional question. There are many vests you will find that were specifically designed to make it harder for animals to recognize you. That makes it harder for people to find you as well. There are some vests that are specifically designed because of the color so that you do stand out, reducing the risk of you potentially being shot accidentally. The answer to this question is really based upon the level of safety in the area you where you are going. The truth is that if you are asking such a question maybe you are hunting in the wrong place.
How Many Pockets Are Necessary?
This is another good question that really depends on who you are and what you need to carry with you. Some really like the option of a back pocket that enables them to be able to store their spend rounds. Others want an interior pocket where they can place their phone, wallet, or keys. It really is dependent upon what you are taking with you and what you need to have accessible to you while you are using your firearm.
Making Your Choice
Thanks for checking out our guide to the best shooting vest on the market. We’ve given you all you need to settle on the best vest for your individual needs and preferences. The best vest is just the vest that is best for you. So evaluate the vests above, and keep your shooting needs at the front of your mind.
Stay tuned to this page for more shooting tips and the best accessories.
