Updated September 21, 2023
Whenever you are out on the water participating in a sporting activity involving a watercraft, such as fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing, or just as a passenger on a vessel, you would like to be free from worry that in an emergency and you end up in the water unexpectedly that you won’t be putting your life in danger. We all know that a life jacket is what is called for and even mandatory by law in many jurisdictions.
One life jacket option is an inflatable version using a CO2 cartridge. These are capable of inflating in a few seconds and are available with completely automatic systems. They are lightweight and trim and do little to impede arm movement or otherwise inhibit activity prior to inflation.
Below a number of the best CO2 inflatable life jackets are reviewed as an introduction to help in your selection process. To begin there is a simple table comparison, followed by descriptions with key features, photos, and videos, and a basic buying guide to finish.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
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Best Inflatable Life Jackets Reviews
- Absolute Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Absolute Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Mustang Survival Corp M.I.T. 100 Auto Activation Life Jacket
- Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Crewsaver Crewfit 35 Sport Automatic Life Jacket
- Eyson Slim Inflatable Automatic/Manual Life Jacket
- Lifesaving Pro Premium Inflatable Youth Automatic/Manual Life Jacket
- Onyx Impulse A/M-33 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- Slimline Advanced Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket
Inflatable Life Jackets Comparison Table
| Picture | Life Jacket | Inflation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Absolute Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Absolute Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Life Jacket | Manual Only | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Mustang Survival Corp M.I.T. 100 Auto Activation Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.9 | $$$ |
 | Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Manual Inflatable Life Jacket | Manual Only | 4.4 | $ |
 | Crewsaver Crewfit 35 Sport Automatic Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Eyson Slim Inflatable Automatic/Manual Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.4 | $ |
 | Lifesaving Pro Premium Inflatable Youth Automatic/Manual Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.4 | $ |
  | Onyx Impulse A-33 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.9 | $$$ |
  | Slimline Advanced Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket | Automatic/Manual | 4.6 | $$ |
| Picture | Life Jacket | Inflation | Rating | Price |
Absolute Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
Made with a durable 200 denier nylon cover, it has a comfortable neoprene neckline and low profile and is inflated automatically or with the pull of a handle, or can also be inflated orally.
Although classified by the USCG as a Type V life jacket, it has the performance characteristics of a Type III (which is better). The pricing is moderate and it comes in blue or pink.
- Materials: durable 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon Oxford cover, soft neoprene neckline
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- USCG Type V jacket with Type III performance
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- Has in-sight feature (shows green when ready to go)
- Uses A/M rearming kit 1352
- 1-inch buckle and body belt
- Comfortable padded air mesh on lower panels, back, and straps
- Available in blue or pink
- Price: $$
View More From Absolute Outdoors
Absolute Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
The major modification is that there is no automatic inflation feature, which some boaters resist.
This jacket requires a pull of the handle for inflation while still having oral inflation as a backup capability.
There is also the addition of a small fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses.
It comes in at a little lower price and is available in red or Realtree Max-5 coloring.
- Materials: durable 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon Oxford cover, soft neoprene neckline
- Weight: 1.46 pounds
- USCG Type V jacket with Type III performance
- Manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- Has in-sight feature (shows green when ready to go)
- Uses A/M rearming kit 1352
- 1-inch buckle and body belt
- Comfortable padded air mesh on lower panels, back, and straps
- Includes a padded fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses
- Available in red or Realtree Max-5
- Price: $$
Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
It inflates automatically or with the pull of a handle and has a tube for backup oral inflation, as well.
Two large reflector strips will keep you visible once in the water and there is also an attached whistle to further attract attention.
While not having USCG approval, the jacket has met the CE standards of Europe.
It comes in at a moderate price and is available in yellow, red, blue, gray, or black.
- Materials: durable nylon + TPU, neoprene, polyester
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- CE certification, not USCG approved
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- 2 large SOLAS-approved reflector strips
- Adjustable belt
- Includes an emergency whistle
- Available in red, blue, gray, black, or yellow
- Price: $$
Mustang Survival Corp M.I.T. 100 Auto Activation Life Jacket
With 28 pounds of buoyancy, it meets USCG standards of flotation for Type III for recreation and Type V for commercial use.
Suitable for most adults over 80 pounds, this is an automatic inflation jacket with a manual handle and an oral inflator tube.
Available in 4 color combinations with an emergency whistle and reflective tape for visibility, this premium life jacket comes at a mid-range price.
- Materials: 500 denier Cordura
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Membrane inflatable technology for a comfortable fit and streamlining
- Wicking mesh liner
- USCG approved Type III for recreation and Type V for commercial
- Inflator inspection window with access flap
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- Reflective tape for visibility
- Emergency whistle included
- Single buckle with side adjustment fits a wide range of sizes comfortably
- Available in black/pink, gray/fluorescent yellow-green, mossy oak shadow grass blades, orange/black
- Price: $$$
View More From Mustang Survival Corp
Lifesaving Pro Premium Quality Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
This model has the manual method of inflation only through the use of a pull handle.
It has the same quality nylon shell and a comfortable soft neoprene neckline.
It is lightweight and adjusts to fit a range of adults up to 330 pounds, and comes with reflector strips for visibility and an emergency whistle.
At this time the yellow color is all that is available.
Pricing is quite low and below that of the automatic model.
- Materials: durable nylon + TPU, neoprene, polyester
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Soft neoprene neckline
- CE certification, not USCG approved
- Manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- 2 large SOLAS-approved reflector strips
- Adjustable belt
- Includes an emergency whistle
- Currently available in yellow
- Price: $
Crewsaver Crewfit 35 Sport Automatic Life Jacket
The Crewsaver Crewfit 35 Sport Automatic Life Jacket with 35 pounds of buoyancy, has Fusion 3D technology for a comfortable fit with chin support after inflation to ensure a clear airway.
The automatic or manual inflation system uses fast YKK quick-burst technology. Reflective tape has been placed on the bladder for visibility, and the jacket includes an emergency whistle and a light attachment point.
A secure adjustable fit is attained with a single buckle and twin side adjustors.
This premium jacket comes in blue at a mid-range price.
- Materials: durable shell (material not specified)
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Form-fitting neckline and comfortable Fusion 3D shaping for a body-conforming fit after inflation
- Inflatable chin support keeps the airway clear
- USCG approved
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- YKK quick-burst zip for fast inflation
- Reflective tape on the bladder for visibility after inflation
- Emergency whistle included
- Can be fitted with personal AIS and includes a light attachment point
- Single buckle with twin side adjustors fits a wide range of sizes comfortably
- Available in blue
- Price: $$$
Eyson Slim Inflatable Automatic/Manual Life Jacket
Constructed of durable nylon and polyester, it has a comfortable neoprene neckline and can be adjusted to fit a range of adults up to 330 pounds.
With 150N (33 pounds) of buoyancy, it will do the job but note that it has not received USCG approval, though it is CE-approved.
It has reflector strips on the airbag for visibility, includes a high-penetration whistle to attract attention, and comes in 6 attractive colors and color combos.
- Materials: durable nylon + TPU, neoprene, polyester
- Weight: 2 pounds (shipping weight)
- Comfortable neoprene neckline
- CE certification, not USCG approved
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- 2 SOLAS-approved reflector strips on the airbag
- Quick-release buckle
- Adjusts to fit adults under 330 pounds
- D-ring for storage
- Includes a high-penetration emergency whistle
- Available in black, black/red, blue, red, olive, or yellow
- Price: $
Lifesaving Pro Premium Inflatable Youth Automatic/Manual Life Jacket
With 80N (17.6 pounds) of buoyancy, it is slightly below the USCG Type V standard for adults but most likely adequate for most youths.
This model has automatic/manual and oral inflation capabilities and reflective strips for visibility, an emergency whistle, and a waterproof zippered pocket for cell phones, IDs, and personal items.
Note that as with the other Lifesaving Pro jackets, this one is CE but not USCG-approved. It comes in attractive red, blue, yellow, black, or gray.
- Materials: durable nylon + TPU, neoprene, polyester
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- CE certification, not USCG approved
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- 2 large SOLAS-approved reflector strips
- Adjustable belt
- Zippered waterproof pocket for cell phones, keys, and personal items
- Includes an emergency whistle
- Universal sizing suitable for youths under 170 pounds
- Available in black, red, blue, yellow, or gray
- Price: $
Onyx Impulse A/M-33 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
It is equipped with automatic inflation and a quick-burst zipper to make it fast.
The comfortable fit is achieved with a V-back, air mesh fabric at contact points, a sailing harness, a 1.5-inch belt with dual adjustments, and a short front zipper for closure.
The in-sight feature provides a quick glance capability to know if the inflator is armed.
Reflective material on the inflation chamber and a marine whistle set you up for emergencies and it also comes with a handy hanging loop for drying.
- Materials: cover of 400 denier nylon oxford and 500 denier Cordura
- Weight: 1.45 pounds
- USCG Type V jacket with Type II performance
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- Quick-burst zipper for fast inflation
- Has in-sight feature (shows green when ready to go)
- SOLAS grade reflection material is on the inflation chamber for visibility
- Front zipper closure
- 1.5-inch buckle and body belt and dual adjustments
- V-back and air mesh in contact areas for a comfortable fit
- Fits all sizes up to a 65-inch chest
- Hanging loop for drying
- Marine whistle for emergencies
- Available in black/gray
- Price: $$$
Slimline Advanced Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket
It’s a streamlined auto-inflate model with 26 pounds of buoyancy suitable for those 16 years and older with chest sizes from 30-56.
It has an in-sight inflator inspection window, reflective piping for visibility, a couple of handy pockets, and a D-ring for storage.
It comes only in the pictured red and black design and is moderately priced.
- Materials: durable 300 D polyester cover, neoprene
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- USCG-approved Type III
- Automatic/manual inflation with backup oral inflation
- Inflator inspection window in-sight feature
- Back mesh load chassis for aerated comfort
- Comfortable neoprene-gusseted collar
- D-ring and an external zippered pocket for storage
- Internal spare CO2 cartridge pocket
- Reflective piping for visibility
- Fits chest sizes from 30-56 inches
- Available in red/black
- Price: $$
Inflatable Life Jacket Buying Guide
Type of Activity
The selection of an inflatable life jacket, especially one using a CO2 cartridge, should depend on the activity you have in mind. The restrictive factor is that once the cartridge is ignited for the first use on an outing, it will need to be replaced and the jacket restored to its original deflated condition, which takes some time and effort. If you are involved in an activity where you plan to enter the water more than once or repeatedly, then this type of life jacket is not for you. Jetskiing and kayaking are probably not suitable whereas sailing or fishing from stable watercraft are good candidates
Flotation
A certain level of buoyancy is necessary to keep a person on the surface in a position to breathe. The US Coast Guard has a system of categories describing 5 types of flotation devices. CO2 inflatable life jackets generally fit into Type V which requires a minimum of 22.5 pounds of buoyancy. (USCG Life Jacket Types)
Note that locations in the United States require that a life jacket has USCG certification.
Inflation System
The life jackets reviewed here all use CO2 cartridges for inflation that can be ignited by pulling a cord. Most of them also will do it automatically upon entry into the water, which is great if for some reason you are unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. All of them also have an oral inflation tube which allows you to inflate by breathing into it.
A nice feature is an in-sight system that allows you to easily see visually whether the CO2 system is set up and ready to go.
Comfort
When you’re out for a period of time on the water your comfort is important. Fortunately, the minimalist designs of CO2 inflatable life jackets don’t encapsulate your torso. It is important for a good fit, though. Make sure that adjustable straps can accommodate your size. The manufacturers usually provide pretty clear guidelines for an appropriate fit.
Neoprene around the collar or neckline is a comfortable feature to look for. Mesh materials in contact areas also aid in breathability.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Kayak Fishing Life Jackets SUP Life Vests Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Boat Anchors Kayak Anchors Kayak Bilge Pumps Inflatable Canoes Electric Pumps for Inflatables Pedal Kayaks Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles 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
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