A high-quality hunting vest can make all the difference when you’re out in the woods. The best hunting vests have plenty of storage pockets to carry all your necessities, while also keeping everything organized. Plus, hunting vests offer extra protection from the weather and environment.

If you’re looking for a vest that’s durable enough to last through multiple seasons, you’re going to need to spend a decent amount of money. To protect that investment and ensure that your vest will last, you’ll need to take care of it.

Let’s take a look at some things you can do between hunts to keep your Bright Eyes vest in the best possible condition.

Empty After Every Use

While it may seem like a pain to take all your gear out of your vest after every use, it can help prolong its life.

Many hunters keep snacks with them while they’re in the wilderness, and it’s essential that you don’t accidentally leave food in a pocket. Depending on what you have, it could melt or go bad, damaging your vest and leaving foul odors. These smells can be difficult to wash out, so if scent control is vital to your hunt, this is even more important.

Other gear may not cause as much damage, but oils from your skin may be present on items. These oils can soak into your vest and, over time, cause extra wear and tear. Plus, you’ll want to clean your vest often, so you’ll need the pockets empty anyway.

Keep it Clean

The most obvious thing you’ll need to do is wash your vest. It’s best if you can do this after every use, to remove body odor build-up. However, this isn’t something you’ll just want to throw in the washing machine, as that can damage your vest. You’ll need to hand wash it in cold water.

It’s important that you wash all your hunting gear with soaps free of UV brighteners and scents. If you’re really concerned about scent control, you can also use baking soda to wash your vest. When you’ve finished thoroughly cleaning it, hang it up to dry. This will help to extend the performance and life of your vest.

Proper Storage

How you store your vest when it’s not in use is also important. The most important thing to remember is to make sure your vest is completely dry before you store it. The last thing you want is for your vest to start growing mold from being stored while still damp.

You’ll also want to store it somewhere you can hang it or lay it flat. Make sure that wherever you store it is cool and dry. If you’re worried about fading, you can turn your vest inside-out and store it somewhere dark to help prevent that.

Again, this may vary slightly depending on whether you’re worried about keeping the garment scent-free. If you are, your storage options change. You’ll want to put it in a sealed bag or tub to eliminate any chance of odors. However, this can lock in dampness, causing mold, so it’s extra important to make sure that your vest is completely dry before you put it in storage.

All of these steps are pretty easy and straightforward, but essential to prolonging the life and performance of your Bright Eyes vest. When you take proper care of your vest, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring a more successful hunting excursion.