Keith Lusher 04.18.25
Let me start by saying I’m notoriously cheap when it comes to hunting gear. I rarely buy anything new, and when I do, I usually look for something—anything—wrong with it so I can return it and keep my money. I’m probably the most critical hunter you’ll meet when it comes to pricey equipment. So when I tell you I not only kept the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig in Approach GT camo but actually believe it was worth every penny, that’s saying something. For a bare minimum turkey hunter like myself, this might be the rare exception to my “make do with what you’ve got” rule.
Why I Bought It
For years, one of my most frustrating experiences while turkey hunting has been fumbling around in multiple pockets searching for calls or binoculars. I never had a dedicated turkey rig until I witnessed my buddy Ben using one last season. Ben’s got the entire Badlands turkey outfit – shirt, vest, rig, gloves, the works – and I’ll admit I felt a bit like a hillbilly next to him with my hodgepodge of gear.
The moment that sold me happened when we spotted what looked like two toms in the distance. We both dropped to our knees behind a massive pine, and I started the familiar pocket-patting routine – left vest pocket, right vest pocket, pants pockets – desperately searching for my box call. Meanwhile, Ben simply opened the chest rig, which was right above his stomach, pulled out his call, and gave me a look that said it all. I could practically feel him rolling his eyes as he whispered, “I got it.”
That was it. I ordered the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig that night.
First Impressions
When it arrived, I was immediately struck by how light it is – just 1.15 pounds. The dimensions (10″x9″x3.5″) make it wider than a bino harness but with similar depth. It occupies roughly the same chest space without feeling bulky.
The Approach GT camo pattern blends perfectly in the spring woods, and the overall construction is lightweight but tough. I’ve brushed the material against a ton of trees without a snag.
In the Field
The chest rig is meticulously designed to keep only the essentials at hand with quick and easy access. As Badlands puts it, it has “everything you need for a dance with Captain Hook,” and they’re not wrong. What I particularly appreciate is the consistent Approach GT camo pattern that Badlands uses across their entire turkey hunting line. The pattern features a broken-up tan background with dark brown and black pattern specks that blend perfectly with ash, cottonwood, oak, and maple trees in my hunting area. I’m slowly building my collection with the goal of eventually having the complete outfit like my buddy Ben.
One of the most impressive features is the The Zip-No magnetic opening. It opens easily with one hand but closes silently, which is critical when I’m trying to set up on a gobbler. The stay-open design lets you access what you need without the lid flopping around or closing on your hand.
Inside, the organization is perfect for the mobile hunter. The interior is divided lengthways, creating a slim pocket against your chest and a wider main compartment in front. My 10×42 binoculars fit standing in the main compartment or lying sideways, which is handy depending on what else I’m carrying.
Four additional pockets are facing inward to the main compartment – two in front, two in back – which are ideal for slate calls. The internal pot and mouth call pockets keep everything secure but accessible. Both internal and external striker loops ensure I’m never digging around for a striker when a tom responds.
The shell loops accommodate various shell sizes, which is nice when I’m experimenting with different loads. The zippered pocket on the lid interior runs the full length and gives me a secure spot for licenses and other items I need to keep dry.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the included removable box call accessory pocket. It attaches securely but can be removed if you’re running light or want to mount something else, like a bear spray holster, underneath.
The Badlands Warranty
Like all Badlands gear, the Turkey Chest Rig comes with their Unlimited Lifetime Warranty, which they sum up as “If our name is on it, it’s covered.” There’s no fine print or loopholes – if it breaks, they’ll fix or replace it for life. Having had to use their warranty service before, I can attest that they stand behind this promise.
Final Thoughts
For run-and-gun turkey hunters tired of being weighed down by grandpa’s turkey vest that “weighs half as much as you and hangs to your knees,” the Badlands Turkey Chest Rig is the answer. It keeps only the essentials at hand with quick access, letting you stay mobile and ready. For someone as notoriously tight with money as I am, that’s saying something. I’m already saving up for my next piece of Badlands turkey gear, which has to be some kind of miracle given how I usually approach hunting equipment purchases.
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