Inexpensive life jackets with decent accessory features

We are discussing Type 3 and 5 life jackets and whitewater life jackets in other current threads. What leaps out at me is HOW BLOODY EXPENSIVE so many of these name brand and hyped life jackets now are!

C'mon, they are all basically the same thing: a minimum of 15.5 lbs. of foam flotation, covered in nylon, with some sort of configuration of adjustment straps, pockets, lash tabs and attachment rings. I've bought several brand name life jackets over the past 45 years, but I never would again at the outrageous prices I now see. Surely, such a simple product can be bought for much less than $100 USD.

So let's try to identify some inexpensive life jackets that are decently accessorized for flat water and tripping use. By decent, I mean a Level 70 life jacket with a reasonable number of adjustment straps, pockets and attachments. (To learn about the new PFD "Levels" and icons that have replaced the former PFD "Types," see THIS SITE for example.)

You can find life jackets in the $20-$40 USD range at big box stores or at the Sportsman's Guide website, but most of them may not have enough pockets or attachment points to satisfy the canoe sophisticate. However, the $49.97 USD Onyx Pike life jacket at Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops (same company) has all the doodads that I would want, and in the L/XL size it's currently $22 less expensive there than on Amazon.







It's a Level 70 (a 16 lb. Type 3) jacket style that has: six adjustment straps, two on each side and one on each shoulder; six zippered pockets; one multi-tool/folding knife pocket; two D-rings; one lash tab; ripstop nylon fabric; and a full foam back for impact protection and seat-back comfort. The all-around foam and flat pockets reduce the front "pregnancy bulge" seen on so many modern low-cut kayak vests and fishing vests.

I may have just talked myself into buying and trying this life jacket, even though I really don't need it. I like the muted green color and the 60 day return policy.

If you know of any other inexpensive canoe life jackets with decent accessories, float them into this thread.

I want a less expensive option with NO features. I don't want pockets, rescue straps, or anything else. I carry small stuff like car keys, phone, etc in a small waterproof box. My main criteria for a PFD is that it be unobtrusive otherwise I'm less likely to wear it.

I'm going to try this one - $96 on close out.


Little longer in the torso, full back (except for the vents), two pockets in the front. Need a pocket for my camera, and it is nice to have one for sunglasses. Not sure where to put the whistle, but we'll see.

I have for many years used a Kokotat Orbit PFD. It has enough necessary pockets to hold the mandatory on-person gear required during the Yukon River races. and has served me well for five Yukon races. I forget what I paid for it more than a decade ago. For my nearby local daily paddle training (all flatwater), I save the Kokotat for more serious local race use and instead I use a cheap serviceable PFD that I don't mind giving rough daily use.

On the other hand, I also have a high buoyancy pro level swift water SAR swift watrer rated rescue PFD with quick release, multiple pockets, and attachment points and rings. From Mustang it goes for over $275. I strictly reserve it for just one use, as might be needed for a water SAR incident.