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Whenever you are on the water it makes sense to wear a personal flotation device, otherwise known as a life jacket or life vest, and when you are kayaking even more so. Kayaks are perhaps the least stable of watercraft and often encounter conditions when falling overboard is possible. Imagine your body shooting cold water rapids, which could be quickly debilitating. How about if you hit your head on a rock or the kayak, itself? In any of those circumstances, a PFD could truly be life-saving.
There are many life vests on the market today specially designed for kayaking. What should you look for? Which features are important?
In order to assist in your selection process, some top models are reviewed below. A comparison table is presented followed by descriptions and important features of each model with photos and videos to further elucidate. Afterward is a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
Best Life Vest Kayaking
- Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Kayak Life Vest
- Astral V-Eight Kayak Life Vest
- Stohlquist Edge Kayak Life Vest
- NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD Kayak Life Vest
- Stohlquist Fishermen Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest
- NRS Chinook Fishing PFD Kayak Life Vest
- Stohlquist Women’s Flo Personal Flotation Device Kayak Life Vest
- Stohlquist Trekker Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest
- Onyx Youth Paddle Kayak Life Vest
- Astral BlueJacket PFD Kayak Life Vest
Best Life Vest Kayaking Comparison Table
| Picture | Life Vest | Flotation | USCG Rating | Weight | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Kayak Life Vest | 15.5 pounds | Type III | 26.24 ounces | 3 | $ |
  | Astral V-Eight Kayak Life Vest | 16 pounds | Type III | 19.52 ounces | 3 | $$ |
  | Stohlquist Edge Kayak Life Vest | 15.8 pounds | Type III | 26.5 ounces | 3 | $$ |
  | NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD Kayak Life Vest | 16.5 pounds | Type III | 30.4 ounces | 3 | $$$ |
  | Stohlquist Fishermen Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest | 16.75 pounds | Type III | unlisted | 3 | $$$ |
  | NRS Chinook Fishing PFD Kayak Life Vest | 16.5 pounds | Type III | 29 ounces | 4 | $$$ |
  | Stohlquist Women's Flo Personal Flotation Device Kayak Life Vest | 16.125 pounds | Type III | 22 ounces | 3 | $ |
  | Stohlquist Trekker Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest | 16.75 pounds | Type III | 32 ounces | 3 | $$ |
  | Onyx Youth Paddle Kayak Life Vest | Not Available | Type III | Not Available | 1 | $ |
  | Astral BlueJacket PFD Kayak Life Vest | 16.3 pounds | Type III | 32 ounces | 3 | $$$$ |
| Picture | Life Vest | Material | USCG Rating | Weight | Sizes | Price |
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Kayak Life Vest
The Onyx MoveVent vest has durable 200 denier nylon construction with vented channels and a mesh back to keep you cool as you paddle. It has a flexible, sculpted design, and adjustable shoulder straps padded with neoprene for comfort along with reflective material for visibility, and a whistle to attract attention. Ample storage is available in the expandable mesh pocket and lash tab for small accessories. It comes in 4 color combinations and three sizes and is easy to get on and off with the durable front zipper.
- Durable nylon construction
- Mesh lower back
- Adjustable shoulder straps with neoprene padding
- Durable zipper
- Adjustable side belts
- Drying loop on the back
- Expandable mesh pocket with zipper
- Lash tab for accessories
- Whistle, SOLAs grade reflective material
- Flotation: 15.5 pounds
- Weight: 26.24 ounces
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL
- USCG Rating: Type III
Astral V-Eight Kayak Life Vest
The Astral V-Eight Kayak Life Vest has a high mesh back and open sides in their Airescape system to keep paddlers cool when working hard in warm climates. The 4 adjustable side and 2 shoulder straps create a conforming comfortable fit which combined with the open sides allows significant freedom of movement for paddling. It comes with exceptionally durable hardware, YKK central self-locking zipper, fabrics, and non-polluting foam, and the 2 expandable mesh front pockets provide substantial storage.
- Durable nylon shell
- Polyester mesh lining, Polypro nylon webbing, and a high mesh back
- Heavy-duty hardware
- YKK self-locking front central zipper
- PE and EVA foam flotation
- 2 large zippered expandable mesh front pockets
- Shoulder straps and 4 adjustable side straps
- Flotation: 16 pounds
- Weight: 19.52 ounces
- Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
- USCG Rating: Type III
The Stohlquist Edge has an ergonomic design and large arm openings that facilitate freedom of movement. Combined with mesh sides you can feel comfortable paddling even on the long hot days of summer. The design includes an offset main-zipper for overhead donning and doffing which enables the positioning of a large top-loading central pocket for storage. There are also 3M reflective accents for enhanced visibility.
- Durable nylon shell and liner
- Ergonomically shaped torso
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- 4 adjustable side and front waist straps
- Offset front zipper
- Large top-loading zippered central pocket
- Reflective accents for visibility
- Mesh sides and large arm openings
- Comes in black, red, royal blue, and mango
- Flotation: 15.8 pounds (S/M model)
- Weight: 26.5 ounces (S/M model)
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- USCG Rating: Type III
NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD Kayak Life Vest
The NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD has numerous storage options including zippered and clamshell pockets, lash tabs, and D-rings, great for guides and photographers or for extended touring. High back flotation is suitable for sea kayaking seats and a mesh lower back is good for cooling on long days of paddling. There’s a central zipper for easy on and off and 6 adjustable shoulder and side straps for a comfortable form fit.
- Durable nylon shell and liner
- High back flotation
- Mesh lower back
- Front entry zipper
- 2 shoulder and 4 side adjustable straps
- 2 lash tabs, several D-rings for storage
- 2 large zippered pockets, 2 smaller clamshell pockets
- Reflective accents and patches for visibility
- Comes in red and lime
- Flotation: 16.5 pounds
- Weight: 30.4 ounces
- Sizes: XS/M, L/XL, XL/XXL
- USCG Rating: Type III
Stohlquist Fishermen Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest
The Stohlquist Fisherman PFD is cleverly set up with kayak fishing in mind. For fishing tackle, there are numerous loops and tool hangers and specially designed pockets for storage and easy access. Adjustable cross-chest cinch straps and neoprene padded shoulder straps ensure a good fit while the high-back mesh design, mesh side panels, and open sides allow a range of movement, ventilation, and comfort for paddling and casting.
- Durable nylon shell and liner
- Adjustable padded neoprene shoulder straps
- Durable, soft, stretchy Gaia foam
- High back flotation
- Cross-chest cinch strap
- Mesh side panels
- Two drop-down zippered pouch pockets with tool hangers and mesh zippered pockets inside
- Pouch pockets reinforced with an EVA shell which doubles as a shelf when the pocket is laid open
- External tool hangers
- Storage loops
- Comes in cactus color
- Flotation: 16.75 pounds
- Weight: unlisted (1 pound shipping weight)
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- USCG Rating: Type III
NRS Chinook Fishing PFD Kayak Life Vest
The NRS Chinook Fishing PFD is a medium profile multi-use life vest with a large number of loops, D-rings, and 7 pockets to serve you well for fishing or otherwise want to have a number of items close-at-hand. A mesh lower back and 8 adjustable points enable a ventilated, comfortable form-fit for a day of fishing and paddling. It also has a coil tool retractor and is currently available in 5 colors and 4 sizes to fit all body types.
- Durable urethane-coated nylon shell
- Soft foam flotation
- Mesh lower back
- Front zipper entry
- 8 adjustable points to customize fit
- 7 front pockets
- Coil tool retractor
- Strobe holder loop, D-ring on the back
- Rod holder loops, multiple attachment loops, lash tab, and D-rings
- Comes in bayberry, black, charcoal, orange, and red
- Flotation: 16.5 pounds
- Weight: 29 ounces
- Sizes: XS/M, S/M, L/XL, XL/XXL
- USCG Rating: Type III
Stohlquist Women’s Flo Personal Flotation Device Kayak Life Vest
The Stohlquist Women’s Flo PFD is very lightweight and configured to suit a woman’s contours. It has a comfortable neoprene waistband and cross-chest cinch strap to eliminate riding up. High-back flotation, a mesh lower back and shoulders, and open sides provide good ventilation and flexibility and there is substantial storage in the large bellows side pockets. Easy to get on and off with the center zip it comes in 3 sizes to fit all body types and 2 attractive color combinations.
- Durable nylon shell
- High-back PE foam flotation
- Neoprene padded waistband
- Open sides, mesh shoulders and lower back
- Cross-chest cinch strap
- Webbing shoulder, side, and belt straps
- Self-draining bellows side pockets
- Center YKK zipper
- 4-way lash tabs front and back
- Comes in orange/gray, purple/gray
- Flotation: 16.125 pounds
- Weight: 22 ounces
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L, Plus
- USCG Rating: Type III
Stohlquist Trekker Personal Floatation Device Kayak Life Vest
Another ergonomic model from Stohlquist, the Trekker has a comfortable design with ventilated shoulder and back pads and an open structure for ease of movement and cooling. This model has a central zipper for easy entry and a cross-chest cinch harness and webbing belt for a trim, low-profile fit. It has large zippered side pockets, a 4-way rear lash tab for storage, comes in 3 colors, and has reflective accents to increase visibility.
- Durable nylon shell and liner
- Ergonomically shaped torso
- Adjustable shoulder straps and cross-chest cinch harness
- Ventilated back and shoulder pad
- High mesh back and open sides
- Central zipper
- Webbing belt
- 2 large zippered pockets
- 4-way rear lash tab for accessories
- Reflective accents for visibility
- Comes in black, fireball red, and mango
- Flotation: 16.75 pounds
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- USCG Rating: Type III
Onyx Youth Paddle Kayak Life Vest
The Onyx Youth Paddle Kayak Life Vest is sized for young people from 50-90 pounds. Lightweight and low-priced it has a durable 200 denier nylon shell and high foam back suitable for high-back seats. With 2 adjustments on each side and at the shoulders it will conform to a range of body types in the weight range and has large armholes for a good range of motion. One large pocket with mesh drainage is located on the right side and it is convenient to get on and off with a center zipper and security bottom-center belt buckle. The kids can choose between red or bright yellow.
- Durable nylon shell
- High foam back
- Neoprene padded shoulders
- 6 adjustment straps on sides and shoulders
- Front center zipper, low belt buckle
- Zippered expandable pocket with mesh drainage
- Lightweight
- Comes in red or yellow
- Flotation: not available
- Weight: not available
- Sizes: 1 size fits a 50-90 pound person
- USCG Rating: Type III
Astral BlueJacket PFD Kayak Life Vest
The Astral BlueJacket PFD was inspired by sea kayaking but is versatile enough for river or lake paddling, as well. It has a side-release buckle entry which leaves a spot for the large clamshell front pocket with internal zippered pockets. The design includes multiple adjustment points, body-molding PE foam, and inner and outer panels that move independently for more freedom of movement. It also has special features including a fleece-lined handwarmer pocket, internal back hydration sleeve (for a hydration bladder that is sold separately), strobe light attachment point, and reflective accents for visibility. To top it off there are 4 attractive color combinations to choose from.
- Durable nylon shell
- PE foam
- Polypro nylon webbing
- Independent inner and outer panels
- Side release buckle entry
- Multiple adjustment points
- Fleece-lined handwarmer pocket
- Clamshell front zippered pocket with internal zippered pockets
- Integrated hydration sleeve
- Strobe light attachment point
- Reflective accents
- Comes in 4 color combinations
- Flotation: 16.4 pounds
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
- USCG Rating: Type III
Best Life Vest Kayaking Buying Guide
USCG Classification of Life Vests
The USCG (United States Coast Guard) has a system to classify vests into five categories. Most for kayaking fit into Type III or Type V. All reviewed above are Type III.
Type I – These are used for remote offshore conditions where rescue could take a long period of time. They are the most buoyant, designed to keep you face up. They are usually bulky and come in a bright color for the best visibility.
Type II – These are vests for use close to shore in calmer water with a better chance of a quick rescue. They are less bulky than Type I vests and will be capable of keeping the face of an unconscious person out of the water in most, but not all circumstances. These are often the inexpensive models stowed for general use on most boats to meet USCG regulations.
Type III – These are the “flotation aids” to use when there is a chance of a quick rescue. They allow more flexibility in movement, are more comfortable, and are designed for the user to be kept in a face-up position but not automatically like a Type I vest would do.
Type IV – This type is designed to be thrown into the water for a person to grab onto like a circular lifebuoy or a cushion. It is not meant for rough water or unconscious individuals and is a backup for other PFDs.
Type V – This designation is used for PFDs that are specialized for particular activities. Such activities include kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, and others. They typically have more flotation than Type II or Type III vests and must have a label that clearly defines the activity in order to pass acceptance by the USCG.
Buoyancy or Flotation – This refers to the amount of force necessary to stay on the surface. For kayaking, we are concerned with keeping a person’s head above water while wearing a life vest. Factors that influence a body’s buoyancy include weight, body fat ratio, and whether it is in salt or freshwater. Adults normally require from 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to float. The US Coast Guard requires that PFDs categorized as Type III must have at least a buoyancy of 15.5 pounds.
Materials – Different versions of nylon are usually the material used for the shell of a life vest. It is resistant to scrapes and abrasions, as well as water, and the effects of UV rays.
Different varieties of foam are used to provide flotation. The most important factor to consider is the buoyancy as described above.
Sizing and Fit – Sizing is based primarily on your chest measurement keeping in mind that there is enough flotation for your weight. The vest should fit comfortably but snugly while allowing the range of motion to paddle without any chafing.
Entry Method – The most common and probably most convenient entry-type is with a front zipper. There are also models with zippers offset or to the side or no zipper at all which can allow for a large central pocket in the design. One potential problem for a central zipper is that it can get hung up when getting back onto the kayak after falling off. Also, zippers can jam which can be inconvenient. No-zipper designs will require pulling it on over your head. It is pretty much a matter of preference.
Pockets and Storage – Kayakers can benefit from an ergonomically designed life vest that provides easy access to items needed. This can be especially useful for fishermen with a variety of gear, lures, tools, etc. in use. Front or side pockets with inner compartments, mesh pockets, lash tabs, D-rings, clips, loops, and other options can add a lot of convenience. Zippers provide secure storage and clamshell pockets allow for quick access.
Reflectivity – If you end up in the water at a time of low light, visibility is extremely important. Many models come with strips or portions that are reflective for that purpose. Otherwise, bright colors are easier to see and a whistle can be an effective safety alert, as well.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Canoes
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