Let’s Talk About Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s
The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s promises to be a versatile addition to any outdoorsman’s gear. Made by Element Outdoors, this vest aims to provide a comfortable, scent-controlled, and functional layer for hunting and other outdoor activities. It stands out with features like integrated shoulder grips, a treestand harness passthrough, and Polygiene Odor Crunch technology.
I’ve been searching for a lightweight vest that offers both warmth and freedom of movement during early-season hunts. Breathability and scent control are crucial for me, as I often find myself hiking long distances in varying temperatures. The integrated harness passthrough also appealed to me, simplifying my setup in the treestand.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the quietness of the shell fabric. The vest felt lightweight yet sturdy, and the build quality seemed excellent. The EO shoulder grips looked like a game-changer for keeping my rifle sling in place, a constant struggle I’ve faced with other vests.
I considered the Sitka Fanatic Vest and the KUIU Super Down PRO Vest, but the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s won me over with its integrated features and focus on scent control at a more accessible price point. The promise of Polygiene Odor Crunch being the end of cover scents was an attractive selling point. My initial reaction was excitement; this vest seemed to address all my key concerns for early-season hunting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s on an early-season archery hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was cool in the mornings, warming up considerably by midday. I wore the vest over a merino wool base layer.
The vest performed admirably in the varying temperatures. The breathable fabric kept me from overheating during the warmer parts of the day, while providing adequate warmth during the cooler mornings. The EO Shoulder Grips worked flawlessly, preventing my rifle sling from slipping, which allowed for much faster and easier target acquisition when a nice buck made his way into view.
The treestand harness passthrough was easy to use and kept my harness comfortably in place. There were no surprises or issues during my first use; the vest performed as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s continues to impress. The vest has held up well against brush and abrasion. There are no signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance is incredibly easy; I simply wash the vest according to the Element Outdoors‘ instructions, and the scent control technology seems to remain effective. Compared to other vests I’ve used, this one outperforms in terms of comfort, scent control, and functionality. The other vests did not integrate scent control effectively, which led to more frequent washes, which wore down their build quality over time.
Breaking Down the Features of Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s
Specifications
- Apparel Fit: Regular. A regular fit allows for layering without being too bulky.
- Age Group: Adults. The vest is designed for adult men.
- Application: Outdoor. This specification highlights the vest’s intended use for outdoor activities.
- Gender: Male. The vest is specifically tailored for the male physique.
- Pockets: 2. The number of pockets impacts storage capacity and organization.
- Quiet Shell Fabric Bonded with Inner EO Grid. This fabric is designed to minimize noise and enhance comfort.
- YKK Zippers. YKK zippers are known for their durability and reliability.
- Laminated Liner for Windproof/ Water Resistant Fabric. This feature provides protection from the elements.
- EO Shoulder Grips to Keep Slings and Packs in Place. The grips prevent slippage of slings and packs.
- Waist Cinch to Keep Out Wind. This cinch helps to seal out cold air.
- Rear Dovetail. The dovetail design provides added coverage and protection.
- Integrated Treestand Harness Passthrough. This feature allows for safe and easy use of a treestand harness.
- Treated with Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker. This treatment repels water and stains.
- Treated with Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch. This technology helps to eliminate odors.
These specifications are crucial for performance and user experience. The regular fit ensures comfort during extended wear, and the quiet shell fabric is essential for stealth in hunting scenarios. The water-resistant fabric and waist cinch provide protection from the elements, while the Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch helps to keep scent to a minimum.
Performance & Functionality
The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s excels in its intended role as a lightweight, scent-controlled layer. It is comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the EO Shoulder Grips are a game-changer for carrying rifles or bows.
The vest’s strengths lie in its comfortable fit, quiet fabric, and effective scent control. A minor weakness is the limited number of pockets; an additional internal pocket would be a welcome addition. Overall, it exceeds expectations, providing a functional and reliable layer for outdoor activities.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials feel durable, and the stitching is well-executed. The vest is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, and there’s no learning curve. The treestand harness passthrough is simple to use, and the waist cinch is easily adjustable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s appears to be built to last. The materials are durable.
Maintenance is simple; the vest can be machine-washed and dried. The Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker seems to work well, preventing stains and making the vest easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The vest does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. The lack of customization options is not a significant drawback.
Pros and Cons of Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s
Pros
- Excellent Scent Control: The Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch technology effectively minimizes human scent.
- Quiet Fabric: The quiet shell fabric is crucial for stealth in hunting situations.
- Comfortable Fit: The regular fit allows for layering without being too bulky.
- EO Shoulder Grips: Keeps slings and packs in place, preventing slippage.
- Integrated Treestand Harness Passthrough: Simplifies treestand setup and enhances safety.
Cons
- Limited Pocket Space: Only two lower hand pockets and one chest pocket.
- No Customization Options: No options for adding accessories or adjusting the fit beyond the waist cinch.
Who Should Buy Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s?
The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s is perfect for hunters seeking a lightweight, scent-controlled layer for early-season hunts. This vest is also beneficial for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a comfortable and functional vest.
Those who require a large number of pockets or extensive customization options should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a lightweight base layer to maximize the vest’s warmth and breathability.
Conclusion on Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s
The Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s is an excellent value for its price. It offers a compelling combination of comfort, functionality, and scent control. The quality is well worth the 91 dollar price tag.
I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and versatile vest for outdoor activities. It is a worthy investment for any serious outdoorsman. If you’re tired of battling scent and uncomfortable gear, give the Element Outdoors Scout Series Light/Mid Vest – Men’s a try.