I’m not certain who first crossed a backpack with a bird vest to create the versatile “pack vest,” but I am certain who currently builds a great one: Chief Upland.

Check out the Chief Upland Vest - https://bit.ly/RSOChiefUpland

Before you yawn, consider this: Chief is a chocolate Labrador retriever. He doesn’t actual sew the Chief Upland packs. Nor did he design it. But he inspired his bird hunting buddy, Jake Lindemann.

You see, according to Jake, old Chief is so crazy to hunt that he always pushes Jake to go harder and farther. And in order to go farther, Jake needed more gear. And more comfortable gear. Gear that could haul a load without giving him a pain in the neck. And shoulders. And back.

*Jake and his wife with Chief and puppy.*

Build and Design

Such was the genesis for the Chief Upland vest, which is really more like a hybrid vest/pack. But with a modular, military flair. The Chief Upland starts as a vest with shoulder straps. But then it widens to a connected, padded hip belt designed to focus carry weight on your hips instead of shoulders. MOLLE connections (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) provide multiple connection points for adding a variety of pockets, water bottle holders, smart phone holsters, gun caddies and more.

Lindemann has wisely added little touches like several load tightener hooks and belts that let users tailor positioning and snugness for the most comfortable carry. Additional backpacker features include a water bladder pouch and drinking hose fasteners, height adjustable hip belt and shoulder straps, vertical back gear pouch, and multiple “hidden” pockets for keys, wallets, phones, maps and more.

Truly there is nothing wildly new about the Chief Upland vest. It’s just a new combination or amalgamation of many pack and vest features designed and used over the years. They come together beautifully to allow each hunter to tailor the Chief Upland for his or her ideal style and comfort.

*Ron shooting pheasants in South Dakota.*

Ron’s Recommendation

As I said in the video, I recommend this vest for two reasons: one, it is well designed and made. And two, it is made by a classic, all-American innovator putting his heart and soul and honor into creating a product and business to support himself and his family — Chief included — while providing a superior product for hunters interested in optimizing their days afield as much as Chief does.

Give Chief Upland a hard look. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Ron Spomer has hunted everything from squirrels to moose with dozens of packs and vests. He’s still searching for one that walks on its own but doesn’t require shoeing, packing, or feeding. Meantime, he’ll hunt with a Chief Upland.

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