Editor's Pick — Matt Gehrmann and Peter Burnham both own one.
The strap vest Matt and Peter both own. Peter's was his grandfather's.
Why we picked this
Matt Gehrmann and Peter Burnham both own a Filson Mesh Game Bag. Peter's was his grandfather's, and as Matt puts it, "that's how durable they are."
It was also the vest Matt wore before his Final Rise Summit XT. A full day working a pheasant field in it, short on water and pockets and with a sore lower back by the end, is what started his search for a new vest.
Quick specs
| Category | Vests |
| Brand | Filson |
| Materials | 11 oz oil-finish Shelter Cloth (100% cotton), polyester mesh |
| Game bag | Rear-loading, with a breathable mesh rear panel, sized for "a limit of upland birds or small game" |
| Pockets | Bellows shell pockets, two water-bottle pockets |
| Straps | Adjustable nylon shoulder straps, front buckle |
| Made in | USA |
| Price | About $169 at US dealers; not on Filson's US store when we checked (Oct. 22, 2026) |
| Owned by | Matt Gehrmann and Peter Burnham (Peter's was his grandfather's) |
| Editor's verdict | Built to be handed down. |
The full review
Filson's current Mesh Game Bag is built from 11-ounce oil-finish Shelter Cloth and polyester mesh, with a rear-loading game bag behind a breathable mesh back panel, according to Filson's European store, which says it's made in the USA. L.C. Supply lists bellows shell pockets and a Shelter Cloth waistband.
Durability is the case for it: Peter's is a second-generation vest.
The case against is a long day. When Matt went looking for a replacement, a padded belt and lumbar support were the features he wanted, and he found them in the Summit XT.
We couldn't find it on Filson's US store on Oct. 22, 2026. Filson's European store lists it, and US dealers such as L.C. Supply list it at $169.
What we love
- It lasts: Peter's was his grandfather's.
- Made in the USA.
- A mesh back panel on the game bag to let birds cool.
What to know before you buy
- No padded belt or lumbar support, the features Matt wanted in his next vest.
- Short on water and pockets for a long day, in Matt's experience.
- Hard to find on Filson's US site when we checked.
Where to buy
- Filson Mesh Game Bag at L.C. Supply (US dealer)
- Filson Mesh Game Bag at Filson Europe (brand-direct)
California Upland doesn't earn a commission on these links.
See also
- All vests
- Final Rise Summit XT Strap Vest — the vest Matt moved to
- Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest — Peter's wool layer