Avian-X gives turkey goers a go-get-’em vest that boosts comfort, protects calls, and ups stealth. Here’s a first look at the Ridge Runner X Turkey Vest.
I spend over 60 days each spring chasing longbeards. I’ve harvested the Grand Slam three times and have killed turkeys in over 20 states. I don’t tell you this brag. I mention it so you know that when a new turkey-related product catches my eye, it should catch yours.
During my turkey hunting tenure, I’ve tested more gear than I can remember. It takes a lot to impress me, especially since the turkey gear market is heavily saturated.
Last week, Avian X’s new-for-2026 vest—the Ridge Runner X Turkey Vest—arrived at my doorstep. I penned what’s to come because the new vest caught my eye, and the more I looked it over, the more excited I got about putting it to the test in the coming months. I will include a full individual review of the vest mid-spring, but for now, here’s a first look at what I believe will be one of the hottest new turkey products of 2026.
The Avain-X Ridge Runner X Turkey Vest
I’ve tested 18 turkey vests that I know of. I’ve kept two, and that duo is what I rely on when chasing turkeys with a shotgun. Will the Avian-X Ridge Runner X Turkey Vest give me a third option? Will it kill off the other two and become my stand along go-to? We’ll find out, but for now, all signs point to it being one of the best-designed turkey vests.
One of my biggest issues with turkey vests is that they are cumbersome and restrict movement. The back-pack style deisgn of the Ridge Runner X is different. When full of must-have turkey gear, it seems to distribute the weight, and I love the padded, fully adjustable shoulder straps. The open-mesh lumbar pad boosts back support, and I love the beefiness of the pull-down seat. Not only is the seat comfortable, but it’s held in place by a series of magnets. Attaching it to the back of the vest and pulling it down is effortless and quiet. I applaud the adjustable nylon straps with buckles in the back and the push-and-pull side cord adjusters. You can tailor this vest to maximize in-the-field mobility. It doesn’t feel cumbersome, even loaded with weight, and I could move easily while wearing the vest.
The trio of EVA-molded pockets (box call, pot-and-peg/diaphragm, shosthell) pockets with hook-and-loop closure promises easy access and maximize protection while keeping calls from producing noise when you don’t want them to. I love that every Ridge Runner X pocket serves a purpose. I’ve tested too many turkey vests that have pockets on top of meaningless pockets. Every pocket the Ridge Runner X has serves a definitive purpose. The two fleece-lined hand pockets are genius. Turkey hunting can bring cold conditions, and these pockets will help boost warmth. Four zippered internal storage pockets hold extra gear, and the full-access rear game pouch lets you tote a bird or decoys with ease.
Avian-X makes excellent turkey decoys. These decoys work because they are lifelike and showcase poses that wild turkeys can’t ignore. Avian-X decoys were made for turkey hunting by turkey hunters. Expect the same when you add the Ridge Runner X Turkey Vest to your 2026 spring gear arsenal. No detail went unnoticed, and it’s obvious just by going through the vest and checking its initial build and features, that it came from the minds of serious turkey freaks!
