Any recommendations besides the $10 walmart special? Something with big pockets, not stiflingly hot, easy to clean, not blaze orange...

I would recommend the Dove belt bag. You can get a camo one at Academy. Don't remember the price but it was fairly inexpensive and it got the job done. Two side pouches for shells and a pouch in the back for the dove.

I prefer the belt as well.

Ive tried the belt but never really liked it. I usually take it off when I sit down, then end up without my shells when I go to pick up birds, which is apparently the universally accepted time for every dove in Texas to hit my spot. I want something light enough to wear that will hold a few shells and a water bottle.

I used old Army web gear, the suspenders, the fanny pack and 2 of the magazine pouches. The pouches hold plenty of shells, I keep a plastic bag in the fanny pack for the birds. Mine is an easy 45 years old, it has been carried for years and will be a hand me down to the grandson. In those same years I have bought a few of the store issues, they are lost to history and this one still the best. It is not hot like a vest, it is comfortable and unique, nobody has one quite like mine.

This is a pic off the Internet, I don't carry the entrenching tool or the first aid pouch, I do carry a canteen sometimes, depending on how far we are for the coolers.


On edit:

I was curious and checked prices, this route today is expensive, the basic rig will start at about $60 to $75 just for the belt, suspenders, fanny pack and 2 ammo pouches.

belt for me, otherwise cabelas has nice vests.

I use a bird n lite vest and really like it

http://www.ruggedclothing.com/store-products-2404-Bird’n-Lite®-Upland-Strap-Vest--Max-4-Camo_40156353.html

I use a Cabela's Bird Belt. I've had it for several years and it's held up great. Big bird pocket and another pocket on each side with shell loops inside. I've tried some vests. One fell apart and another one was too hot.



Go to their site and search it. The link wouldn't copy and paste.

I use the belt. holds plenty of shells and birds

I use the chair with a pouch under the seat. works great pick up the chair and doves at the same time.
I put an empty shell on the ground near me for every bird I kill to keep count.

Bucket with a lid, frozen 2 liter and 2 big freezer baggies. 1 for my shells and 1 for the birds.

WINNER !

+2. So the last time I used a vest I emptied it after the hunt to clean the birds. I always made sure that all the birds were removed. This time one must have got caught in the very end and I did not know it was there until the following weekend. That was the last time I ever used a vest.

I actually use something like this but it's not a GI special. But this is a good set up...it is not all hot like a vest but would not be falling down or pulling at your pants like a belt.

I prefer a dove belt especially during the first split. My favorite dove belt is one in brush country camo that matches my shotgun.

Im an academy and wal-mart guy. I look for the lightest, thinnest vest I can find. Camo mesh is I go with in the Texas heat.
I really like my belt but when you get about 7 or 8 birds in it plus the shells it tends to get uncomfortable and pulls pants down as marc said. Can't wear it around my waist anymore, think the strap shrunk or something, but will wear it like a bandalere at times.
Can't beat the bucket, 4 in 1. Seat, cooler, ammo holder(In pockets and in the insert lid) and game holder in the big pouch.

I have a vests and belts. Rarely use either. I usually stuff shells in the pockets of my shorts as well as birds if needed.

You too huh.

It is a mystery I gotta say

Bass Pro carries the Browning Cross Country Game Vest, for $50 it's not a bad deal. Lightweight and comes in my favorite color.... camo!

I like the Filson strap vest.
Light weight, mesh back, well made and durable.
I've used one for years.

http://www.amazon.com/Filson-16019-Mesh-...on+hunting+vest

Used some cheapo vests when I was younger and they never seemed to make it more than a couple seasons. I've got a Filson strap vest similar to this one that I've been using for about 20 years now. Only problem I've had is where I was crossing a fence and put a big rip in the game bag. Had my Mom sew it up and its good to go. Its a little warmer but I don't think it will ever wear out. Figure I'll be able to pass it down one of these days.

Never been a big fan of the bird belts.

As far as cleaning, I usually hose it out in the yard when I'm done for the season and let it dry. Easy peasy.



http://www.filson.com/products/tin-cloth...taProduct=1011/

I like using my vest but it can get warm especially in September. I now have a chair that folds up and has a large pocket under the seat for shells. For my dove, I made this.

The only thing I use a vest or belt for is to hold shells (the way I shoot I need plenty of those ) my birds go in the cooler

I use this belt from Academy. Shell Pouch
The mesh makes it easy to clean and the price is right at under $10.