For household breeds like the Labrador Retriever or Bluetick Coonhound, hunting season is often the most exciting time of the year. Alongside their human companions, these breeds (and many more) excel at tracking and retrieving wild game. In most cases, these traits come from centuries of purposeful breeding.
While your canine counterpart might have a natural inclination for hunting, this doesn’t mean they’re perfectly equipped for the task at hand. Investing in high-quality safety equipment, such as a reflective hunting vest, is a must before taking your dog out in the field.
Like all dog accessories, there is seemingly no end to the products currently available for purchase. With so many options, finding the ideal vest for your hunting partner isn’t easy. So, we’ve put together reviews of the best dog hunting vests to make your search a little easier.
A Quick Look at our Favorites in 2022
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest |
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Best Value | SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest |
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Premium Choice | Hurtta Polar Visibility Dog Vest |
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Funtone Colors Dog Safety Reflective Vest |
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4LegsFriend Reflective Vest |
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The 10 Best Dog Hunting Vests
1. Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest — Best Overall
Our top pick, and the best neoprene dog vest we reviewed, is the Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest. This vest camouflages your dog against the grass or trees so game animals won’t spot them. It is available in five sizes, fitting dogs from about 35 to 80 pounds, and two thicknesses. You can also choose from three unique camo patterns to best fit your hunting terrain.
While this vest can help disguise your dog’s fur out in the field, its main purpose is to keep your dog warm on chilly mornings. The material can even help your dog swim more efficiently when retrieving game from the water (please note, however, that this is not a life vest). The side and back straps are adjustable with quick-release buckles, while the overall shape of this hunting vest prevents chafing and discomfort.
Due to the wear-and-tear that this vest can expect from regular use, some owners report the seams ripping within just a couple of wears.
- Made by a trusted hunting brand
- Wide size range
- Helps maintain body temperature
- Slightly buoyant for water retrievals
- Adjustable buckles and strap system
- Disappointing stitching quality
2. SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest — Best Value
Whether your pup is brand new to hunting or you just want a budget-friendly option, the best dog hunting vest for the money is the SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest. This simple vest is excellent for situations where you want to ensure that other hunters can always identify your dog. It comes in three sizes, fitting dogs from about 14 to 60 pounds.
This blaze orange vest is a worthwhile investment for any dog who will be out and about during the hunting season. The reflective detailing ensures that your dog is highly visible, even in limited daylight. The water-resistant Oxford fabric will keep your dog dry and warm in poor weather, while the Velcro straps make it easy to take this vest on and off.
While the design of this vest is great in theory, some owners reported torn seams after little wear. The material is also prone to snagging and ripping on branches and other obstacles.
- High-visibility blaze orange and reflective details
- Water-resistant fabric
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Limited size availability
- Prone to ripping
3. Hurtta Polar Visibility Dog Vest — Premium Choice
If you’re on the hunt for a secure, high-visibility hunting vest, the Hurtta Polar Visibility Dog Vest is a great premium option. This vest comes in an extra-wide size range, including eight different sizes that fit dogs with chest measurements from 14 to 40 inches. It also comes in four high-visibility colors, but we recommend the orange version for hunting.
There is a time and a place for camouflage, but most hunters want a dog vest that will ensure that their four-legged friend is always visible. Along with the bright material, this vest features extensive reflective detailing along the sides. It is also water resistant and makes little noise, which is key when out hunting.
Unlike many dog vests, this one relies on a zipper to put on and remove. Some owners reported that the zipper broke shortly after purchasing this vest. The material also tears easily if caught on a branch or other obstacles.
- Many size options
- Bright colors and reflective detailing
- Rustle-free, water-resistant fabric
- Provides freedom of movement
- Low-quality zipper
- Material tears easily
4. Funtone Colors Dog Safety Reflective Vest
The Funtone Colors Dog Safety Reflective Vest is great for hunters who want to ensure that their dog is highly visible no matter the time of day. This simple vest comes in six different sizes, fitting dogs with chest measurements from 10 to 37 inches. It also comes in two colors, orange and yellow, but we suggest the orange color for hunting.
The durable Oxford fabric is comfortable and water-resistant, protecting your dog from all types of weather. It is also easy to clean, which is crucial after a long day of trudging through the woods and underbrush. The chest and stomach straps are constructed from stretchy, adjustable elastic.
As with many dog vests on the market, this product seems to fall short on durability from time to time. Some owners have reported tearing, especially around the straps, after minimal wear. The sizing also tends to run small.
- Highly reflective detailing
- Fits a wide range of dogs
- Adjustable elastic straps
- Water-resistant material
- Runs small
- Straps tear easily
- Does not stay on securely
5. 4LegsFriend Reflective Vest
In the modern world, every dog owner should have a reflective dog vest on hand — this is especially true for hunters and general outdoorsmen. The 4LegsFriend Reflective Vest is a high-visibility vest that’s available in five different sizes, fitting dogs with chest measurements from 15 to 41 inches.
The reflective detailing on this vest can be seen from up to 500 feet away, ensuring that you and other hunters always know where your dog is when out in the field. The water- and rip-resistant fabric helps keep your dog comfortable while withstanding the wear-and-tear that comes from being out in the woods. The Velcro straps are easy to use and adjust.
According to owners, the Velcro straps on this vest aren’t the most durable. Some reported inconsistent sizing, and the Velcro straps aren’t as adjustable as expected. The reflective detailing on this vest also isn’t as large and visible as alternative products.
- Reflective from up to 500 feet
- Water- and rip-resistant construction
- Easy-to-use Velcro straps
- Available in blaze orange
- Velcro stitching isn’t that durable
- Inconsistent sizing
- Not very adjustable
- Reflective detailing is rather small
6. Illumiseen LED Dog Vest
For many hunters, going out before sunrise is a regular occurrence. The Illumiseen LED Dog Vest is the perfect investment for ensuring that your dog is visible even when reflective detailing won’t cut it. This vest comes in five sizes, fitting dogs with chest measurements from 18.5 to 41.3 inches.
The standout feature of this hunting vest is the built-in LED strip on each side. These lights connect to a rechargeable battery that charges in as little as 30 minutes. Of course, there’s also reflective detailing for extra visibility. This vest goes on and off with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles on the stomach and chest.
While the LED lights on this vest are the most important feature, they aren’t guaranteed to work. Some owners reported that the lights quit working or became quite dim after a while. The adjustable straps are elastic, which makes this vest easy to escape from if your dog is so inclined.
- LED strips on each side
- Convenient strap and buckle system
- Recharges quickly
- LED strips dim with time
- Lights may stop working
- Runs larger than expected
- Elastic straps aren’t that secure
7. See Spot Trot Reflective Dog Safety Vest
Another basic (but effective) hunting vest is the See Spot Trot Reflective Dog Safety Vest. This vest is contoured to fit your dog without chafing or getting caught on obstacles. It comes in five different sizes, fitting dogs from about 5 to 75 pounds, and two colors.
The zippered design of this vest is simple and secure, so you don’t need to worry about buckles coming undone or straps snagging on low-hanging branches when out in the field. Each side of this vest features a large reflective strip, keeping your dog highly visible even at dawn or dusk. Because this vest is fitted to your dog’s body, you can also use an additional harness on top.
Unfortunately, this vest does not come in blaze orange. While the yellow and pink versions are still highly visible in most scenarios, they won’t cut it in all hunting environments. The sizing seems to be inconsistent and doesn’t fit many larger hunting breeds. Overall, several owners reported that the construction quality was lacking.
- Form-fitting design
- Large reflective detailing
- Secure zipper construction
- Not available in orange
- Inconsistent and insufficient size options
- Poor construction quality
- Difficult to put on
8. InnoPet Dog Vest
If your dog tends to get cold on longer hunts, the InnoPet Dog Vest is definitely worth checking out. The windbreaker-inspired design helps protect your dog from the elements while maximizing visibility in the woods, underbrush, and beyond. It comes in four sizes, fitting dogs from about 19 to 90 pounds, and two colorways. Both color options feature bright orange, which is perfect for hunting.
This hunting vest features a built-in harness with reflective detailing and adjustable straps. The vest’s outer material is both waterproof and windproof, while the inner layer is constructed of soft, warm fleece. The collar can be adjusted to fit snugly around your dog’s neck, blocking out rain, snow, and wind.
Although the attached harness is convenient, it won’t stand up to heavy pulling. The sizing tends to run a little large. Because there are no straps around the chest or stomach, some owners reported that the fit wasn’t that secure even when sized properly. The vest can also be challenging to put on and take off.
- Wide size range
- Built-in harness
- Waterproof and windproof design
- Harness isn’t durable enough for dogs who pull
- Difficult to put on and remove
- Runs larger than expected
- Doesn’t offer a super secure fit
9. RUFFWEAR Reflective Safety Vest
For dog owners looking for a hunting vest without any bells and whistles, the RUFFWEAR Reflective Safety Vest might just be the ideal fit. This simple vest comes in three sizes, fitting dogs with chest measurements from about 13 to 42 inches.
Each side of this vest features a large, full-length reflective stripe for extra visibility around vehicles and flashlights. The waterproof material means this hunting vest can double as a basic rain jacket. This vest relies on adjustable straps and buckles to achieve a good fit.
While the stomach and chest straps are adjustable, the neck opening of this vest is not. As a result, some owners reported that the neck opening was just too small to get over their dog’s head. The overall durability of this vest is also lacking, meaning it may not stand up to more than a few hunting excursions.
- Doubles as a rain jacket
- Lightweight with an adjustable fit
- Plenty of reflective detailing
- Neck opening is not adjustable
- Not as durable as expected
- Some reported sizing issues
- Buckles are difficult to use
10. rabbitgoo Cold Weather Dog Vest
The rabbitgoo Cold Weather Dog Vest is another great option if you’re looking for a hunting vest that doubles as a winter jacket. With this vest, your dog’s back and chest will be entirely covered, protecting them from the underbrush and ensuring that they stay warm in all weather conditions. This vest comes in two sizes, fitting chest measurements from about 26.1 to 32.6 inches.
This hunting vest is lined with plush fleece, while the outer material is waterproof. The adjustable strap system ensures a secure fit without restricting your dog’s movement, while the drawstring neck opening prevents rain and wind from getting inside the vest. There’s also a built-in hole for attaching a leash to your dog’s harness underneath.
Despite the fleece lining and full-coverage design, some owners reported that this vest was just too thin to keep their dog warm when it mattered most. The size chart also seems to be slightly inaccurate.
- Full-coverage design
- Built-in hole for leash
- Too thin for some dogs
- Inconsistent sizing
- Not as reflective as other vests
- Small size range
Conclusion
Any good hunter knows that safety is the most important factor of any outing, and that also applies to your dog! Investing in a proper hunting vest can protect your dog from accidents, poor weather, and the harsh underbrush present in many hunting locations.
For hunters who want to outfit their dog in the very best, our pick of the best dog vest for hunting is the Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest. Not only does this vest bear the name of a trusted hunting brand, but it also helps keep your dog warm and improves buoyancy for water retrievals. The adjustable strap system is easy to use, as long as you choose the proper size from the wide selection. Of course, please remember to add visibility to your dog with a blaze orange handkerchief, harness, or another accessory.
If you prefer something simple and affordable, we suggest the SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest. Thanks to the blaze orange material and reflective details, this vest is extremely visible in almost any weather. The water-resistant outer layer keeps your dog comfortable without weighing them down, which is key on any hunt.
On the other hand, the Hurtta Polar Visibility Dog Vest is our pick of the best dog hunting vest for dog owners who want to invest in the highest quality hunting vest possible. This vest comes in a wide size range, with plenty of high-visibility color options. The water-resistant, rustle-free fabric will keep your dog comfortable and silent when pursuing wild game. Plus, it’s designed to be extra comfortable and not restrict your dog’s movement.
Whether you hunt pheasants or wild hogs, skimping on safety gear is never a good idea. We hope that our reviews have helped you find the right hunting vest for your most-trusted companion, so you can both enjoy the hunting season to its fullest!
Featured Image Credit: Rionegro, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Look at our Favorites in 2022
- The 10 Best Dog Hunting Vests
- 1. Browning Camo Neoprene Dog Vest — Best Overall
- 2. SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest — Best Value
- 3. Hurtta Polar Visibility Dog Vest — Premium Choice
- 4. Funtone Colors Dog Safety Reflective Vest
- 5. 4LegsFriend Reflective Vest
- 6. Illumiseen LED Dog Vest
- 7. See Spot Trot Reflective Dog Safety Vest
- 8. InnoPet Dog Vest
- 9. RUFFWEAR Reflective Safety Vest
- 10. rabbitgoo Cold Weather Dog Vest
- Conclusion