CHIEF UPLAND
- Description of Vest: Chief Upland Over/Under Vest
- Cost: Online @ Chief Upland the price is currently listed at $170
- Additional components on review vest cost:
- Waterproof Ammo Box = $28.99
- Waterproof Electronics Pouch = $25.99
- Water Bottle Pouch + $23.99
- Total cost of Chief Upland Over/Under Vest reviewed = $248.97
- Additional components on review vest cost:
- Weight: 2.56lbs
- Backpack style bird vest. This vest is very versatile with many adjustment straps and a Molle system throughout the vest, an innovative adjustable Front-Loading Game Bag that holds tight to the body.
- Cost: Online @ Chief Upland the price is currently listed at $170
- Game Bag overview and Specs and features
- The bird storage area is large, starting at the front buckle area and wrapping the entire way around. In the back where the shoulder straps connect to the bird bag, a small backpack type compartment is attached. The bird bag has a flap that ties the shoulder straps and backpack together. When opened the entire bird/game bag can be accessed and cleaned. In that area is also a spot for a water bladder.
- Shell pocket Specs and features
- Waterproof ammo box – (5” x 4.6” x 3.25”) This Ammo pouch is large enough to hold a box of shot gun shells in its box without dumping them in. The pouch has a sewn-in back panel that keeps it rigid and rides close to the wearers side. The pouch has a zipper that opens three sides of the pouch with material sewn inside to keep the pocket from falling completely open. It also has a magnetic flap that goes over the top and secure to the front allowing the user to leave the shells accessible but still semi secured. There are shell holders that Velcro to the front of the pouch.
- Waterproof Electronics Pouch –(7” x 3.35”). The pouch is a good place to secure your Garmin GPS Receiver. The electronics pouch has a front mesh compartment that someone could use to secure a dog GPS but it would be hard removing and replacing it each time to locate the dogs. This pouch is a nice feature giving the user a longer pouch to secure stuff in.
- Water Bottle Pouch – This is a standard water bottle pouch with a MOLLE attachment system. The pouch has a draw string at the top allowing the user to secure multiple sizes of bottles.
- Shoulder Harness Specs and features
- The shoulder straps are thin as to not interfere with the gun stock placement. The left chest area of the strap has a mesh pocket. Potential location for some electronics or smaller items used often, i.e. Comb, multi tool or quail call. The right strap has two Molle locations. The shoulder straps have two sternum straps allowing the user to cinch down the load across their chest.
- Waist Belt Overview
- The belt is unique, and very much liked by this group. The outside of the vest belt area is covered in a MOLLE system. The description on the web site said you can add six items onto the area, three on each side. The inside of the vest has two locations for the belt to be installed. The upper location would be for a smaller framed individual. The lower location is used for a larger framed individual. This option allows the wearer to place the belt on top of their hips which helps distribute the weight from the shoulders to the shoulders and hips. The outside of the vest belt area has its own integrated belt that allows the wearer to tighten and close the bird vest side access until needed. Then simply loosen the latch or disconnect the clasp and easy access is granted. This feature gives the vest a slimmer compact shape as well as added support for the MOLLE gear and attachments, so they don’t pull open the sides or start sagging down. This helps for the overall structural integrity of the vest.
- Available sizes and options
- Colors: Earth tone, Blaze/Olive, Blaze/Coyote Brown, Full Blaze
- Sizes: S-XL (Navel Under 49”), 2XL & UP (Coming Soon)
- Pros
- The MOLLE system.
- The MOLLE system is a system used by a lot of companies. This means there are endless options to add to your vest. Anything from different sizes of pouches to a complete first aid kit made with molly gear attachments.
- Storage
- The storage options are plentiful with this vest. It’s a backpack with MOLLE attachments. Lots of options
- The MOLLE system.
- Cons
- Not Made in the USA
- Only One waterproof Ammo box included. All other accessories sold separately.
- While the vertical ribbed padding in the back allows for some air flow, the vest is on the warmer side for early season hunts/Arizona hunts.
- Value: Well built vest, built different than any other vest on the market, highly recommended for colder climates, well worth the money.
- UPLAND ARIZONA SCORE (1-10) 8