Blocker Outdoors’ NEW Finisher BT Strap Vest is a study in minimalistic perfection
Wild turkey conservation is one of the greatest examples of modern wildlife management. In only a few decades, the recovery and growth of the wild turkey population triggered a newfound interest in turkey hunting on a scale never imagined. The ensuing evolution of turkey gear started out with basic, rudimentary gear, and eventually progressed to today’s high-tech guns, chokes, shotgun shells, decoys, and clothing that would surely seem like alien technology to the forefathers of turkey hunting.
Despite the evolution of all-things wild turkey, the basic turkey vest sort of languished with only a modicum of advancements – you bought whatever was on the rack and it turned into a hunting tool for a few weeks, and a turkey-stuff storage container for the rest of the year. Often bulky, stiff and ill-fitting, some of the most popular turkey vests featured so many pockets the capacity was akin to a full-blown tool cabinet in the garage. It got a little out of hand, to put it mildly.
The truth is avid turkey hunters prefer simplicity. They want their go-to calls and associated accessories, and that’s about it. They like comfort, adjustability and maybe a supportive cushion to sit on when leaning against a big oak waiting on a stud longbeard. The mobile turkey hunter wants to remain light and stealthy and not be distracted by overstuffed pockets.
Why complicate simplicity when a perfect blend of modern fabric tech and a lightweight, minimalist design is exactly what so many hunters want? The turkey gurus at Blocker answered the call and went to work hatching the new Finisher BT (Boss Tom) Strap Vest.
“Our popular Finisher Pro II vest is more of a traditional style – full length and fabric that goes over each side, while the new BT Strap Vest is more of a minimalist style,” said Blocker VP of Sales Kevin Strong. “This vest is usable anytime and it’s particularly suited to warm weather situations when full fabric vests tend to overheat easily due the wide bands of fabric and bulkiness. The BT Strap Vest is a more of a backpack design with fully adjustable web straps that allow great airflow.”
Strong, who extensively tests Blocker’s turkey gear, said there were several things the design team focused on including adjustability, “We wanted it to easily fine-tune for smaller statured hunters, but offer the versatility to easily expand for bigger bodied hunters, and everybody in between. The BT Strap Vest is very easy to adjust and suitable for a broad range of body types.”
In addition, the BT Strap Vest has a removable foam seat cushion with adjustable retainer straps but also features a high-hold magnet that pairs with the back of the vest, allowing the hunter to quickly tuck the seat up against the vest for quick moves. “With this magnet setup, the cushion isn’t going to bounce or flop around on the back of your legs when you make a move,” added Strong. “The pad is big enough to support larger hunters – that is a really important feature, and it’s very comfortable and the core material recovers quickly after it has been compressed.”
Besides the removable foam seat cushion, the BT Strap Vest also features a lightly padded back for relief when leaning against the heavily figured bark of hardwoods so common in the turkey woods.
After listening to hunter input, the folks at Blocker added just the right amount of purposeful storage pockets inside and out for various style calls and related accessories, as well as a dedicated Thermacell® pocket on one side, and a water bottle pocket on the other side. The water bottle pocket is tall enough to hide the contents and keep them in place with an easily accessible pocket cinch. The Thermacell pocket also secures the appliance with a strap but allows the element to remain exposed so vapor isn’t hindered by fabric, thus still providing protection from insects.
Finisher BT Strap Vest FEATURES:
- Strap-style design for minimal bulk and weight
- Adjustable sternum strap for a secure fit
- Interior back foam padding for comfort leaning up against a tree
- Blood-proof game bag for hands free carrying of game, decoys, accessories etc.
- Dedicated pockets/storage for: a box call, pot calls, strikers, mouth calls, a water bottle, a Thermacell,
- shotgun shells, facemask & gloves, etc.
- Detachable magnetic seat for quick, on-the-go placement
Stowed blaze orange safety flag
PATTERNS: Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, Mossy Oak Greenleaf, Mossy Oak Full Foliage
