Badlands just launched the Mag Turkey Vest, a new turkey-hunting vest built for mobility. The headline feature is a Fidlock magnetic seat attachment that lets hunters drop the seat fast, and then snap it back in place when moving again. Badlands also says the vest keeps the storage layout from its earlier turkey vest, while trimming weight and updating the fit.
We have the vest in hand now. We’ll update this piece with a full review once we’ve hunted in it and put it through its paces. But let’s take a look at it while it’s still fresh.
- Weight: 2 lbs., 8 oz.
- Colorway: Approach GT
- Fit system: Adjustable shoulder straps and waistbelt
- Seat system: Fidlock magnetic seat connection
- Seat construction: Cordura-reinforced triple-foam seat
- Outer fabric: Lightweight, breathable, water-resistant brushed fabric
- Call storage: Box call pocket, slate call pockets, vented mouth-call pocket
Updates From the Previous Vest
The main update is the seat. Badlands paired the Mag Turkey Vest with a Fidlock magnetic attachment system that releases quickly and reconnects without straps or buckles. The seat uses Cordura reinforcement and three layers of foam, and then folds away to keep bulk down when walking.
Storage stays focused on turkey hunting instead of trying to be everything for everyone. The vest includes a protective box call pocket with a magnetic closure, two zippered slate call pockets, ventilated mouth-call pockets, shell loops, striker loops, and extra zippered storage for small gear. Side water bottle pockets and an adjustable rear bird carry or gear bag round out the layout.
Badlands also built the vest with a lightweight, breathable outer fabric that has a water-resistant finish and brushed face fabric for quieter movement. The fit is handled by an adjustable one-size system with shoulder and waist adjustment.
Who’s It For
This one is clearly aimed at hunters who move a lot. If your version of turkey hunting involves covering ground, sitting down fast, then getting back on your feet again, the Mag Turkey Vest is built for that style.
It should also appeal to hunters who want a traditional turkey-vest layout without a lot of extra structure. Everything here points to a lighter, lower-bulk setup rather than a big padded lounger for long, stationary sits. That will suit some hunters well and turn others off immediately, which is normal for turkey gear.
First Look, First Thoughts?
At a glance, this is not a radical redesign. It is a lighter update to a familiar format. That is probably the smarter move. Turkey hunters tend to care a lot less about novelty than they do about whether a vest carries calls well, sits comfortably, and stays out of the way when it’s time to move.
On paper, the Badlands Mag Turkey Vest checks those boxes. Now it needs to do it in the woods. We’ve got one in hand and will update this story with a full review after field testing.
