Safari Vests

Page Updated: Sept 2022

When choosing your safari vest for African hunting, go for comfort above all. Your choice of safari vest really depends on whether you are going to actually wear it for hunting and load it with your essential hunting gear, rather than carrying a day bag, just wear it for warmth in the mornings and evenings, or use it for general travel purposes.

Choosing A Good Safari Vest

A safari vest needs to be comfortable for possibly many hours of wear. Get the length of the vest right for you - if you have bulky gear in the lower pockets, sitting down can be awkward if the vest is too long - especially driving in a hunting truck when all the things start to bounce on your knees.
A vest with an adjustable waist belt will help control the movement of bulky gear in the pockets.
Made of lightweight natural or hi-tech fabric that will be sweat absorbent, breathable and quiet if wearing it while stalking.
Good strong seams that won't rip with heavy items in the pockets.
Cooling features possibly vents and mesh.
Optional zip-on long sleeves to convert to a jacket.
Pockets - better to be button closure rather than velcro which can be noisy. Too many pockets can be a disadvantage for hunting if you can't remember where you put something and have to rummage through all 21 pockets to find it.
Check the distribution and size of pockets in a safari vest - if you can only put heavier or larger things in the lower front pockets, this may uncomfortably pull the vest down tight on your neck and shoulders.
Lined, waterproof pockets may be preferable if you are going to carry a camera, lenses or sunglasses/reading glasses. This will protect them against rain or sweat.
Other optional features - cartridge loops, front shoulder padding for shooting and padding on top of shoulder for carrying your rifle comfortably.
Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour.

Safari Vests For Men

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(Click on images for full details & colour options)

This cotton vest is lined with microfleece for warmth and with a bit of stretch in the fabric for a wider range of movement. There is ample pocket space including an interior zippered pocket. It comes with a sturdy 2-way antiqued brass zipper with leather pull at center front. Buy Now

This vest is tough, abrasion-resistant and water-resistant. It also delivers breathability and moisture management. The active fit features back gussets that will never restrict shooting. The pockets lie flat and won't catch on anything. Inside, the shell's lightweight, soft brushed fleece liner is warm and comfortable. Adjustable drawstring in hem. Buy Now

This durable vest has a ripstop nylon shell which is bonded to a microfleece lining. It is fully windproof with fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and a nylon overlay chest pocket. Buy Now

This ambidextrous shooting vest is made of a durable cotton/nylon blend with a mesh back. It has snap adjustments on the waist and a two-way zipper. There is a rear pocket, a zippered inside pocket and hidden zipper recoil pad pocket on both shoulders. The pad is removable. Buy Now

This lightweight fleece vest has a soft fleece interior and sweater-knit exterior. It is made of recycled polyester and comes with zippered pockets, a shaped hem with draw cord and zip front. Buy Now

This safari vest is made of 100% cotton and comes with a mesh back for ventilation, 19 pockets including 3 inside pockets and a zip front & D-ring waist adjusters. Buy Now

This durable safari vest is made of cotton and has lots of pockets for ample storage space - including a zippered wallet pocket, inside pocket, side entry hand pocket, lens pocket, passport-sized pocket, multiple zippered pockets for security and a water-resistant pocket with secure hook-and-loop closure. All of the pockets are nylon lined to help keep your valuables dry. Additional features of the vest include mesh back for ventilation, front snap enclosure and adjustable side tabs. Buy Now