Review of Quilomene Vest, Q5 Outdoor Products
Oct., 2015 In 2018 started using the H-Back version!
The last 3 hunts of the 2014-2015 season I wore the Quilomene strap vest. My friend, Dan Priest, owner of Q5 Outdoor Products, asked if I wanted to give it a try. I hunt mostly Ariz desert birds, so vests to me must be light, cool, and simple. Most hikes are for many hours, so I need to carry water for the Britts and me. I found the game bag to be plenty big and easy to use. Birds easily slipped into the back. |
First, I loved the quality of the vest. The cordura material and the adjustable straps -- belt, back strap, and sternum strap are outstanding! All the straps were easily and quickly adjustable. And over the course of the 3 hunts, I micro-adjusted several times. As the weight of the vest changed -- with different numbers of shells, more or fewer birds. Having the weight properly distributed and carried mostly around the waist rather than the shoulders was very important.
A water bottle container and smaller, zippered pockets were optional, but I evolved into carrying only the two larger shell holders with velcro closures. (See photos.) |
This strap vest had a built in water bladder holder. When I put my bladder in that holder, it felt just right, but when I filled it with 70 oz of water, the weight of the water was too low on my back. You will notice where my Camelback carrier rides up high between my shoulders. That distributed the weight better it seemed. Interestingly, you will see that the Quilomene Upland Bird Vest has the bladder holder up higher, so if you carry a bladder like I do, that upgrade would definitely be worth your consideration. Click the link to view.
http://www.q5outdoorproducts.com/Quilomene-Upland-Bird-Vest_p_9.html
http://www.q5outdoorproducts.com/Quilomene-Upland-Bird-Vest_p_9.html
So, what did I carry where?
1. I carried ~25 shells evenly distributed between the two large left and right shell pockets.
2. A two-way radio was in the left shell pocket. (I reload from my right shell pocket.)
3. I carried the remote for my Britt GPS collars in my upper left strap. (I shoot right handed. Anything in your upper right shirt pocket may hinder gun mount.)
4. My leatherman and small digital camera were on my belt.
5. My quail call and comb for cacti were carried in my jeans pockets.
6. I carried my 70 oz water bladder in a separate bladder. (See photos.)
7. In the back cargo pocket I carried TP, gloves, granola bars, and some dog emergency vet supplies.
1. I carried ~25 shells evenly distributed between the two large left and right shell pockets.
2. A two-way radio was in the left shell pocket. (I reload from my right shell pocket.)
3. I carried the remote for my Britt GPS collars in my upper left strap. (I shoot right handed. Anything in your upper right shirt pocket may hinder gun mount.)
4. My leatherman and small digital camera were on my belt.
5. My quail call and comb for cacti were carried in my jeans pockets.
6. I carried my 70 oz water bladder in a separate bladder. (See photos.)
7. In the back cargo pocket I carried TP, gloves, granola bars, and some dog emergency vet supplies.
Summary and Recommendations:
The quality of materials & workmanship along with the variations and options of the Quilomene and Q5 Outdoor Products strap vests definitely deserve your consideration.
1. If you hunt like I do -- light, simple, 2-5 hour circles, carrying plenty of water, in sometimes warmer conditions, the Quilomene strap vest would be your best option. As of 2015 the vest has an "H-Back" improved model. Looks to be a great upgrade.
2.The Quilomene Upland Bird Vest has a built-in pouch for carrying a water hydration bladder with the weight mostly carried on your waist rather than your shoulders.
3. If you hunt carrying many tools of the trade, lunch, water bottles, hydration bladders, GPS training devices, radios, and especially if you hunt for larger game birds such as pheasants, grouse, huns, or chukar -- consider upgrading to one of the signature Q5 Upland Bird Vests. http://www.q5outdoorproducts.com/
See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob Corley
The quality of materials & workmanship along with the variations and options of the Quilomene and Q5 Outdoor Products strap vests definitely deserve your consideration.
1. If you hunt like I do -- light, simple, 2-5 hour circles, carrying plenty of water, in sometimes warmer conditions, the Quilomene strap vest would be your best option. As of 2015 the vest has an "H-Back" improved model. Looks to be a great upgrade.
2.The Quilomene Upland Bird Vest has a built-in pouch for carrying a water hydration bladder with the weight mostly carried on your waist rather than your shoulders.
3. If you hunt carrying many tools of the trade, lunch, water bottles, hydration bladders, GPS training devices, radios, and especially if you hunt for larger game birds such as pheasants, grouse, huns, or chukar -- consider upgrading to one of the signature Q5 Upland Bird Vests. http://www.q5outdoorproducts.com/
See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob Corley