First Thoughts on the Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack by Bone Collector promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters tired of bulky vests and fumbling for calls. It’s designed to optimize access to your essential calls while keeping your hands free. Could this be the end of my frustrating call-organizing woes in the field?
My turkey vest, while functional, had become a black hole of calls, strikers, and miscellaneous gear. I needed a streamlined solution that kept everything readily accessible, without the weight and bulk of a traditional vest. The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack seemed to offer just that.
Unboxing the pack, I was initially impressed by the compact design and thoughtful layout. The materials felt durable, and the stitching appeared solid. My initial impression was that it seemed lighter and more streamlined than expected. I had been debating between this chest pack, a dedicated call holster system from another company, and even a minimalist fanny pack. The chest pack won out due to its promise of balanced weight distribution and quick access.
I was excited to try it out in the field and see if it lived up to its promise of being a streamlined and efficient call management system. I was hoping this would solve my issues of call management while turkey hunting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test took place during a late-season turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of Southern Missouri. The weather was damp and cool, typical for spring turkey season. Immediately, I appreciated how the chest pack distributed the weight of my calls evenly across my chest, unlike my old vest which often felt lopsided.
Reaching for my pot call and striker was effortless, thanks to the designated pockets. The box call sleeve kept my call secure and silent as I moved through the woods. There were no issues using the chest pack and everything seemed to work as intended.
After the first hunt I noticed that the elastic straps for my locator calls were difficult to use with one hand. The mouth call pockets were also a tight fit, especially when my hands were cold.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting, spanning several states and various terrains, the Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. There are no signs of tearing or fraying, despite being subjected to brush, rain, and the occasional accidental scrape against rocks. The stitching has held up well, and the elastic straps, while initially tight, have loosened slightly over time without losing their grip.
Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and mud. Compared to my old turkey vest, which required occasional washing and drying, the chest pack is significantly easier to maintain. While it hasn’t completely replaced my vest for all scenarios (I still prefer the extra storage of a vest for longer hunts), it has become my go-to choice for quick morning hunts or when I want to travel light and fast.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack
Specifications
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack is designed for turkey hunters seeking a streamlined way to carry and access their calls. It features a quick-access multi-pocket design intended to replace cumbersome vests. Key features include a back zipper pocket for three strikers, elastic straps for two locator calls, three separate pockets for mouth calls, two pockets for pot calls, and a separate sleeve underneath for a box call.
These specifications are crucial for turkey hunters. Organized call storage and easy access can make all the difference when trying to quickly imitate a hen.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack performs its intended job reasonably well, providing a compact and organized system for carrying turkey calls. Access to pot calls and strikers is quick and easy, while the box call sleeve keeps the call secure and silent. The locator call straps function as intended.
The mouth call pockets are somewhat tight, and the elastic straps for locator calls require two hands to operate efficiently. For a product designed for fast, one-handed operation, these aspects could use improvement. Overall it does meet the basic expectations of call management.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price, with durable materials and solid stitching. The chest pack is lightweight and comfortable to wear, distributing weight evenly across the chest.
While the design is functional, the ergonomics could be improved. The tight mouth call pockets and somewhat cumbersome locator call straps detract from the overall user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack appears to be reasonably durable, withstanding a full season of hunting without any significant wear and tear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Given the materials and construction, it should last for several seasons with proper care. The quality of materials seems appropriate for the price point.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack does not come with any additional accessories. There are no real customization options available for this chest pack.
It is designed to be a standalone call management system. You cannot add other accessories, but you don’t need to.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack
Pros
- Italics Quick access to pot calls and strikers allows for seamless transitions during calling sequences.
- Italics Lightweight and comfortable design distributes weight evenly, reducing fatigue during long hunts.
- Italics Dedicated box call sleeve keeps the call secure and silent while moving.
- Italics Affordable price makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious hunters.
- Italics Compact design reduces bulk compared to traditional turkey vests.
Cons
- Italics Tight mouth call pockets can be difficult to access quickly, especially with cold hands.
- Italics Elastic straps for locator calls require two hands to operate efficiently.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack?
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack is perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize mobility and streamlined call management. It is also great for those looking to ditch the bulk and weight of a traditional vest, especially those who primarily use pot calls and box calls. This is a solid option for budget-conscious hunters seeking an upgrade from basic call lanyards or pockets.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who require extensive storage for other gear, such as extra shells, snacks, or first-aid supplies. Also, those who rely heavily on mouth calls or frequently use locator calls might find the design limitations frustrating. A must-have modification is a small tether for the striker(s) to prevent loss.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack
The Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack offers a decent solution for turkey hunters seeking a lightweight and organized way to carry their calls. While it has some limitations, such as the tight mouth call pockets and somewhat cumbersome locator call straps, it provides quick access to essential calls and reduces the bulk of a traditional vest.
At $46.99, the price is justified for the functionality and convenience it offers. It provides a more streamlined and organized approach to call management.
I would recommend the Bone Collector Quick Call Chest Pack to turkey hunters looking for a budget-friendly and lightweight alternative to a full vest, especially if their focus is on pot calls and box calls. Ditch the vest and streamline your hunt!