Softshell Clay Shooting Vests: Meet the New REISTO® Apex Evo
Some shooting days are easy to dress for.
Twenty degrees, dry, hardly any wind. Base layer on. Shooting vest on. Done.
Then there are the other 300 or so days of the British year.
Cool mornings. Wind across an exposed shooting ground. A bit of drizzle. Sunshine ten minutes later. Too warm for a jacket, but not quite warm enough to stand around in a lightweight mesh vest.
That is exactly where a softshell clay shooting vest starts to make a lot of sense.
And it is exactly what we wanted our redesigned REISTO® Apex Evo Softshell Clay Shooting Vest to do.
The Apex has been part of REISTO before.
But this is not simply the old vest brought back.
The Apex is back. And it has evolved.
A softshell clay shooting vest designed to bridge the gap between a lightweight shooting vest and a full shooting jacket, with larger dual front pockets, a longer cut, improved fit and reinforced shooting shoulders.
What Is a Softshell Clay Shooting Vest?
A softshell shooting vest takes two familiar pieces of shooting clothing and brings them together.
You get the sleeveless freedom and practical cartridge storage of a traditional clay shooting vest, but with a more substantial softshell fabric normally associated with shooting jackets and gilets.
That makes it particularly useful when the weather is cooler, breezier or slightly less predictable.
Unlike a full jacket, your arms remain completely unrestricted.
Unlike a very lightweight summer shooting vest, you have a little more protection across your torso.
For a lot of British clay shooting conditions, that middle ground is incredibly useful.
Meet the REISTO® Apex Evo
The REISTO® Apex Evo Softshell Clay Shooting Vest is our latest interpretation of that idea.
We took the original Apex concept and looked at the areas we wanted to improve.
The result is a revised vest with:
- a longer overall cut;
- an improved fit;
- significantly larger front pockets;
- dual pocket compartments on both sides;
- weather-resistant softshell fabric;
- reinforced shoulder pads;
- contrasting two-tone styling;
- a useful internal pocket; and
- sizing from S through to 6XL.
It is still unmistakably an Apex.
We have simply made it better.
Why We Redesigned the Apex
Product development does not always need to mean starting again.
Sometimes the basic idea is right and the details can be better.
That was the Apex.
We liked the idea of combining softshell comfort with a practical clay shooting vest.
But we wanted more useful pocket capacity.
We wanted the proportions to feel better.
We wanted a slightly longer garment.
And we wanted the overall fit to work better across a much broader size range.
So rather than replacing the concept, we evolved it.
The Apex Evo is not designed to have the most features. It is designed to have the features shooters actually use.
The Big Change: Much Larger Front Pockets
Let's start with probably the most obvious change.
The pockets are bigger.
And we mean properly bigger.
Cartridge pockets are one of the defining features of any clay shooting vest, so making them too small in the pursuit of a sleek-looking garment rather misses the point.
They need to work once you actually arrive at the shooting ground.
The revised Apex Evo uses large dual front pockets on both sides.
That means each side provides two separate compartments rather than one basic pocket.
Why Dual Pockets?
Because not everything you carry needs to end up in one enormous pile.
Your main compartment can be used for cartridges while the additional section gives you somewhere separate for the smaller things you want close at hand.
Depending on how you shoot, that might include:
- additional cartridges;
- a scorecard;
- a glasses cloth;
- ear protection between stands;
- a membership card;
- small accessories; or
- the usual collection of things that somehow accumulates during a day at the ground.
There is also a small internal pocket for items you would rather keep away from the main cartridge compartments.
Why Pocket Position Matters
Huge pockets are not automatically good pockets.
They still need to sit in the right place.
When you reach for a cartridge, it should feel natural.
You should not need to lift your shoulder dramatically or look down every time you reload.
And once those pockets are loaded, the vest still needs to sit comfortably against the body.
This is why pocket design, vest length and overall fit all need to work together.
A Longer Cut
The new Apex Evo is deliberately longer than the previous design.
It is not dramatically long.
We are talking about changing the proportions enough to improve how the vest sits and feels rather than turning it into a coat.
That little bit of additional length helps the garment remain settled as you move and provides better proportions for the larger pockets.
It also makes the Apex particularly comfortable as an outer layer over a T-shirt, performance base layer or shooting shirt.
Why Softshell?
This is what really separates the Apex Evo from a conventional lightweight shooting vest.
Softshell is a brilliant material for shooting because it can provide a useful balance of:
- comfort;
- flexibility;
- wind resistance;
- light weather resistance;
- durability; and
- a little additional warmth without excessive bulk.
And when you remove the sleeves, you retain complete freedom around the arms and shoulders.
That is an excellent combination for clay shooting.
Is a Softshell Shooting Vest Waterproof?
This is an important distinction.
Weather resistant does not mean fully waterproof.
The Apex Evo is designed to cope well with the sort of cooler, breezy and changeable conditions in which softshell works brilliantly.
It is not intended to replace a dedicated waterproof jacket during persistent rain.
If the forecast looks properly wet, take appropriate waterproof outerwear.
You can browse our REISTO® Clay Shooting Jackets for additional weather protection.
Softshell Vest vs Shooting Jacket
This is probably one of the most useful ways of understanding where the Apex fits into a shooting wardrobe.
| Feature | Softshell Shooting Vest | Shooting Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Arm movement | Completely unrestricted | Depends on jacket construction |
| Torso warmth | Moderate | Greater overall coverage |
| Wind protection | Core/body | Body and arms |
| Cartridge access | Large dedicated shooting pockets | Varies by jacket |
| Best conditions | Mild, cool and breezy shooting days | Colder and more exposed conditions |
Neither is better in every situation.
They solve slightly different problems.
And What About a Lightweight Shooting Vest?
This is the other side of the equation.
REISTO also makes much lighter shooting vests for conditions where airflow and minimum weight are the priority.
The Apex Evo is different.
It is for the shooter who wants something a little more substantial without moving all the way to a jacket.
Which type of vest?
Hot summer day?
Look towards a lightweight or highly breathable shooting vest.
Typical mild or cooler British shooting day?
This is where the Apex Evo softshell design really comes into its own.
Cold, wet or exposed conditions?
Consider a dedicated shooting jacket or waterproof outer layer.
Our guide to choosing a clay shooting vest for hot weather explains the lighter end of the range in more detail.
Reinforced Shooting Shoulders
The Apex Evo features reinforced shoulder pads.
A shoulder panel on a shooting vest needs to provide a consistent area for the gun mount without becoming unnecessarily thick or cumbersome.
Too much padding can be just as distracting as too little.
The Apex uses reinforcement to add grip and durability around the mounting area while keeping the vest comfortable for repeated use.
Designed for Real Clay Shooting
Clay shooting involves the same fundamental movement over and over again.
Raise the gun. Rotate through the upper body. Mount. Take the shot. Reload. Repeat.
During a 100-target day, you perform variations of those movements hundreds of times.
That is why shooting clothing needs to work when you move, not simply look good while standing in front of a mirror.
Two-Tone Styling
We wanted the Apex Evo to look unmistakably REISTO.
The vest therefore uses contrasting side panels and layered pocket details to create its two-tone appearance.
It gives the garment more character than a completely plain softshell gilet while remaining smart enough for regular club and competition use.
How Should the Apex Evo Fit?
The Apex Evo should fit comfortably around the body while still leaving room for your normal shooting movement.
It should not feel skin tight.
It should not pull heavily across your chest when you raise your arms.
But equally, there is no advantage in buying it several sizes too large.
An excessively loose shooting vest can move around as the cartridge pockets become loaded and may shift around the shoulder during your gun mount.
Choose the size that gives you comfortable movement with the clothing you genuinely expect to wear underneath.
Measure Your Body, Not Your Favourite Jacket
For the Apex Evo, we recommend choosing your size using your actual body chest measurement.
Measure around the fullest part of your chest while standing naturally.
Do not measure an existing jacket and assume that measurement translates directly to the size guide.
The garment itself needs additional room beyond your body measurement to provide movement and comfort.
If you are between sizes, choosing the larger size is generally the safer option, particularly if you intend to layer underneath.
For more detail, read our complete guide: How Should a Clay Shooting Vest Fit?
Sizes S to 6XL
We have deliberately taken the Apex Evo all the way through to 6XL.
Shooting clothing should fit the people who actually shoot.
That sounds obvious, but finding practical shooting clothing at the larger end of the size range can still be unnecessarily difficult.
And we do not believe the answer is simply making one enormous, shapeless garment and putting a bigger size label inside it.
Fit and proportion still matter.
Always check the latest individual Apex Evo size guide on the product page before ordering.
What Should You Wear Under the Apex Evo?
One of the advantages of a softshell vest is how easy it is to layer.
For a mild shooting day, a simple performance base layer underneath may be all you need.
You can browse our REISTO® Clay Shooting Base Layers & T-Shirts.
For cooler conditions, a shooting shirt or lightweight long-sleeved layer can work brilliantly underneath.
The important thing is avoiding unnecessary bulk around your shoulders and upper arms.
A Great Autumn and Spring Shooting Vest
If we had to pick the conditions where the Apex Evo makes the most sense, it would probably be the transitional parts of the year.
Spring and autumn are awkward.
Early morning can be cold.
By lunchtime it can be surprisingly warm.
Put on a full jacket and you may spend half the day taking it off.
Wear a very lightweight summer vest and you can end up cold while waiting between stands.
A softshell vest sits neatly between those extremes.
Can You Wear the Apex Evo in Winter?
Absolutely, depending on the conditions.
Layering becomes the key.
A winter setup might consist of:
- a performance base layer;
- a lightweight fleece or suitable mid-layer;
- the Apex Evo; and
- a waterproof or warmer outer layer if the weather requires it.
The advantage is flexibility.
As temperatures change during the day, you can add or remove layers rather than being stuck in one extremely heavy garment.
Can You Wear the Apex Evo in Summer?
Yes, particularly on cooler or breezier days.
But on a genuinely hot summer day, a lighter or mesh-backed vest may be more comfortable.
There is no point pretending one shooting vest is perfect in every possible weather condition.
That is exactly why different vest designs exist.
Is the Apex Evo Suitable for Beginners?
Completely.
There is no such thing as needing to graduate to a particular shooting vest once you become experienced enough.
The same fundamentals matter whether you are attending your first lesson or shooting registered competitions every weekend:
- good fit;
- freedom of movement;
- accessible cartridge storage;
- a comfortable shoulder area; and
- clothing suitable for the weather.
The Apex Evo also demonstrates something we talk about regularly:
You do not need to spend hundreds of pounds to buy a proper clay shooting vest.
Our Best Clay Shooting Vest for Beginners guide explains this in more detail.
Is It Suitable for Competition Shooting?
Yes.
The features that make a vest useful during casual practice are the same features that matter during competition.
Practical pockets. Comfort. Movement. A consistent shoulder area.
The main consideration is weather.
For a hot summer competition, you may prefer one of our lighter vest designs.
For a cooler registered shoot, the softshell Apex Evo can make a lot of sense.
Sporting, Skeet or Trap?
The Apex Evo is not designed exclusively around one clay discipline.
It can be used for Sporting, Skeet, Trap and general clay shooting.
Different disciplines may eventually lead you towards different personal clothing preferences, but the basic requirements remain very similar.
You need to move freely, mount consistently and access your cartridges easily.
What Goes in Those Pockets?
You do not have to fill every available centimetre of storage just because it is there.
A sensible setup might be:
- cartridges in the main compartments;
- a scorecard in a secondary compartment;
- a glasses cloth;
- small personal items; and
- ear protection between stands.
For shooting glasses, our REISTO® Soft Shooting Glasses Sleeve provides a lightweight way to protect glasses or spare lenses without carrying a bulky hard case.
You can also browse the complete REISTO® Shooting Accessories collection.
Why Choose a Softshell Shooting Vest?
For us, the real strength of the Apex Evo is not one individual feature.
It is the combination.
You have the freedom of a sleeveless shooting vest.
You have a more substantial softshell body for cooler conditions.
You have proper cartridge storage.
You have reinforced shooting shoulders.
And you can easily change what you wear underneath according to the weather.
That makes the Apex particularly useful for shooters who do not want to choose between a very lightweight shooting vest and a full jacket every time the temperature drops.
Why Good Shooting Clothing Does Not Need to Cost a Fortune
There can be a slightly strange assumption in shooting that specialist clothing needs to be expensive in order to be taken seriously.
We disagree.
A shooting vest does not break more clays because it costs £150.
It needs to fit.
It needs to move.
It needs usable pockets.
It needs to be comfortable.
And it needs to survive regular shooting-ground use.
With the Apex Evo, we wanted to create genuinely good value rather than stripping away the practical features that make a shooting vest useful.
Who Is the Apex Evo For?
We think the Apex Evo makes particular sense for shooters who want:
- something more substantial than a lightweight summer vest;
- less restriction than a full jacket;
- large, practical cartridge pockets;
- room for smaller accessories;
- a modern two-tone design;
- a vest suitable for layering;
- a broad S–6XL size range; and
- a sensibly priced shooting vest for regular use.
Who Might Prefer Something Else?
If you mainly shoot during very hot weather, one of our lightweight shooting vests may be a better option.
If you prefer a more traditional structured shooting vest, look at the Signature range.
And if your main requirement is full protection from cold or persistent rain, you probably want a shooting jacket rather than a vest.
That is why we make different products.
The best vest is the one that fits the way you actually shoot.
REISTO® Apex Evo at a Glance
- Softshell construction for comfort and weather resistance.
- Revised longer cut for improved proportions and fit.
- Large dual front pockets with two compartments on each side.
- Internal pocket for smaller essentials.
- Reinforced shoulder pads for grip and durability.
- Two-tone styling with contrasting side and pocket details.
- S–6XL sizing across a broad range of shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a softshell clay shooting vest?
A softshell clay shooting vest combines the sleeveless design and cartridge storage of a traditional shooting vest with a more substantial softshell fabric. It can provide additional wind and weather resistance while keeping the arms unrestricted.
Is the REISTO Apex Evo waterproof?
The Apex Evo uses weather-resistant softshell fabric but is not intended to replace a fully waterproof shooting jacket during persistent rain.
Is the Apex Evo suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Apex Evo is suitable for beginners, regular club shooters and experienced competition shooters. Fit, comfort and practical storage matter regardless of experience level.
Can I use the Apex Evo for competition clay shooting?
Yes. It can be used for competition and practice shooting. Its softshell construction makes it particularly useful during cooler conditions when a very lightweight vest may not provide enough protection.
Does the Apex Evo have large cartridge pockets?
Yes. The redesigned Apex Evo has larger dual front pockets with two compartments on each side, giving shooters generous cartridge capacity plus additional storage.
What sizes does the Apex Evo come in?
The Apex Evo is available from S through to 6XL. Check the latest product size guide and use your actual body chest measurement when selecting your size.
Should I size up in the Apex Evo?
Use your actual body chest measurement as the starting point. If you fall between sizes or plan to wear thicker layers underneath, choosing the larger size will generally provide more room.
What should I wear underneath a softshell shooting vest?
In mild conditions, a performance base layer or T-shirt works well. During cooler weather, you can add a shooting shirt, lightweight fleece or another suitable mid-layer depending on your preference.
Is a softshell vest warmer than a normal clay shooting vest?
Generally, yes. A solid softshell construction provides more coverage and protection across the torso than a lightweight or mesh-heavy shooting vest, making it particularly useful in cooler and breezier conditions.
Is the Apex Evo suitable for Skeet, Trap and Sporting?
Yes. The Apex Evo is not discipline-specific and can be worn for Sporting, Skeet, Trap and general clay shooting.
Final Thoughts
The original Apex had a simple idea behind it:
Take the comfort of a softshell gilet and combine it with the practicality of a proper clay shooting vest.
We still like that idea.
So we did not reinvent it for the sake of it.
We made the pockets bigger.
We made the vest slightly longer.
We improved the fit.
We kept the reinforced shooting shoulders.
We kept the practical softshell construction.
And we gave the whole thing a sharper two-tone look.
That's the Evo part.
It is not designed to be the most complicated shooting vest in the world.
It is designed to be the vest you grab when the weather is a little too cool for a lightweight vest and nowhere near bad enough for a full shooting jacket.
Light. Comfortable. Big pockets. Softshell protection. S to 6XL.
The Apex is back. And it's evolved.
REISTO® Apex Evo
Softshell comfort. Proper cartridge storage. Improved fit.
Continue Reading
- How to Choose a Clay Shooting Vest: A Practical Buying Guide
- How Should a Clay Shooting Vest Fit?
- What Is the Best Clay Shooting Vest for Hot Weather?
- Clay Shooting Clothing Checklist: What to Take to the Shooting Ground
- What Should You Wear Clay Pigeon Shooting?
