Unusual! | c1980-90s | Cargo | hunting vest | made in USA | no record

Vintage Cargo USA Hunting Vest
Extremely Rare – No Surviving Archives – Early 1980s to Early 1990s Production

This is an exceptionally rare piece from Cargo, an American outdoor and field-wear maker whose history is so obscure that almost no archival material survives today.

The vest features a relatively light and thin, poly-cotton shell (likely) in a natural tan tone, paired with a red tartan interior that reflects the classic check linings favored in American and British field garments from the mid-20th century.

The corduroy shoulder panel is a tribute to traditional upland hunting vests, designed historically to provide a stable gun-mounting surface and extra reinforcement during long use in the field.

One of the standout details is the unusual mechanical front closure system. Instead of a standard zip and snap configuration, Cargo employed multi-piece brass-tone mechanical clasps mounted on leatherette-reinforced patches. This industrial hardware is reminiscent of vintage mountaineering closures from the 1960s–70s and is almost never seen on modern garments. It gives the vest a uniquely mechanical, tool-like appearance that appeals strongly to collectors who value unusual construction methods.

Two rivet-buttons are missing from the closure patches. These can easily be repaired with standard brass eyelets or left as is, since they do not compromise structural integrity or wearability. The vest remains fully functional and retains its original industrial character.

This piece was never meant to be luxury or pro-grade field equipment. Instead, it reflects the honest, utilitarian design philosophy found in mid-level American outdoor wear of the 1980s and early 1990s. It is built to be useful, straightforward, and wearable: a vest that focuses on doing its job rather than impressing with upscale materials.

However, this piece is simply very fashionable and useful!

Note : tagged L but feels like M size. A minor stain is present on the back. some rivets are missing.