Vest or no Vest

[caveman22]

What are your thoughts on Vests? Are they worth the money or did you use it a couple of times and throw it into a shelf? If they are worth it which level do you recommend?
Regular
Regular with chest protector
Regular with chest protector and floatation.

[uplandchessies]

First, what are you hunting? What type of cover are you hunting? The vest with floatation devices are strictly for waterfowl hunting. The other two can be used for upland and/or waterfowl.

I highly recommend the use of vest! Not only do they keep the dogs warm in the colder months, they are an asset for protecting the dogs from injury. Currently I am using the neoprene version (no chest-protector) and love them. These can be easily repaired (sewn), which is a big plus. The other styles I have used in the past lasted -- at best, one season. I have used the same neo' s for three seasons now. Another added feature is the multiple-patterns that vest come in. When upland hunting, one of my dogs always has a hunter-orange vest on -- especially during deer season.

[caveman22]

I will primarily be hunting waterfowl in open water in a blind or out of a boat.

I guess my question is more.......Do they keep the dog warmer or not? Are are they more touble than they are worth? I have a golden that will retrieve in icy water without any complaints but I would like to make him as comfortable as I possibly can. Last season was his first season and it was a mild one. If it gets colder this season I am not sure if it will affect him. I have heard that they can not withstand temperatures as low as a lab.

Thanks[&:]

[uplandchessies]

Caveman,

Yes, they will help keep the dog warmer and the ones with floatation devices will aid the dog during retrieves, since the dog has to expend less energy.

[duckmstr]

I use a vest for my Chessie on extreme days. If I buy another I will look for one with a nylon strap on the back to aid getting back in the boat. I think its worth the money.