neoprene dog vests???

I personally have not used a neoprene vest for my labs and have been through all the usual good/bad and ugly weather. Although my truck does have a topper and the vest might be nice for traveling around in the cold. Those vests also seem to rub.

If you are looking for protection the "skid plate" works well.

Labs probably shouldn't have any vest on them unless they are in tip-top shape.  Early season can be hard on ANY dog if they aren't in shape or even in shape.  With warm temperatures you will want your dog to be able to cool down.  If you feel like you want something to help with burrs, etc I'd also go with a more skid type plate vest.  That way the dog can cool down.

Neo probably works well with water conditions and I wonder if it doesn't work pretty good for snow conditions.  I know with my springer the more loose fitting skid style vests can get snow between him and the vest.  It clumps sometimes and drives him nuts.  A lot of that has to do with fit however.  We did get a better fitting vest and it has worked pretty good.

I like the skid plate when a pooch is young and unaware of the damage a wire fence can do to the belly and chest... They seem to catch on to the fence thing pretty quick.

Can't wait to chase after a few Sharpies!!!! Sounds like the numbers are way down though.

For upland hunting I doubt they'd need them at all for warmth.  Just use mine when it's below freezing while waterfowl hunting.   

I ordered a Cabela's neoprene vest, it looks like it will be too warm for starting upland season, so intend on using it after we have snow on the ground. At Sportmans Loft I found a Browning vest for warmer weather. I liked the design and lightness of it but all they had was extra large left; did some internet surfing and found the item was discontinued by Browning. Called one of the retailers and found a helpful person who found me a medium and large in the warehouse (their pc showed out of stock).

I am after the chest protection, my wifes, uncles chocolate lab allready got 7' gash in his shoulder this fall from a culvert in the ditch while early goose hunting.

imho, unless you are sending them out to retrieve ducks over water, it has got to get pretty darn cold before you would need a vest on a dog (especially a lab) to protect it from the cold.  for protection from burs, thickets, fences, sickle plows (don't ask), etc.. they have their place.  but, when a dog is working, it is pretty hard for them to get too cold in any place but their feet on even the coldest winter days.  but, on the other hand, it is very easy for them to overheat with a vest on even on those days when it might feel a little chilly to us.  use it only when you think it is absolutely necessary.

My short hair gets to use hers when we hunt ducks and only after the snow flies for upland birds.  Its a bigger danger for them to overheat than get cold.  The skids on the chest work well for fences and sticks but they aren't kevelar.   Remember to bring extra water with you in the field early in the season.  for the dog and you..

 my dog hates a vest they dont fit right on him they are either to snug or to loose.

I wouldn't think a lab would need a neoprene vest for anything above zero degrees.  Seriously!

My shorthairs will hunt in their neoprene at -10 to -20 and even at 30-40 degrees out they only wear a skidplate to keep them from overheating.