Which PFD do you have?

[UCanoe_2]

Kokatat Bahia Tour. This model may have been discontinued, but there are several other Bahia PFDs. 17 lb floatation in Large size. Partial mesh back to accommodate kayak seats (not important to open canoeists). Big mesh pockets to carry lots of stuff, including a dedicated pocket for a radio or GPS. Lashing patch for a knife. The reflective stripes are SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) compliant. Personally I think every PFD should have these to make it easier for rescuers to locate a swimmer. I bought this PFD to do double duty as a paddling and sailing vest. The SOLAS stripes and the radio pocket are perhaps more important for sailing than for paddling. I like this vest pretty well and find it comfortable to wear all day. The only downside is that it is bulky, and my strong side paddling arm rubs the pocket.

 

[SouthernKevlar]

Famous LAST words...I don't need no stinkin' PFD!

GLUB...GLUB...GL

 

[jdeerfoot]

A question: I'm still using the old SEDA pfd--it's comfortable, in good shape, has pockets, lightweight. I've tried on newer pfd's, but mine's more comfortable, lighter, paid for. I had an earlier SEDA, but retired it after sun exposure caused the nylon to be a bit brittle, and the foam was starting to peak through. My current one is still solid, and has not had the sun exposure like my previous one (I guess I should get out more, but the Rockies aren't exactly canoe country). Why should I consider replacing it?

I also use a SEDA vest.

 

[Patrick Corry]

Just came across this...

Minimalist Manual Inflatable Belt Pack

A discrete inflatable belt pack for inshore paddles that provides up to 16.9 lbs (75N) of buoyancy in a pillow-style bladder when inflated.

mustangsurvival.com

18 lbs buoyancy. According to typical standards, a 200 lb person requires 10 lbs of buoyancy. Harmonized level 70 rating = to the old Type III designation.

Seems like a worthy option for flat water & mild river paddling. The attached waist belt could also support a reasonable-sized emergency fanny pack to carry essentials. Certainly promotes wearing a pfd since it won't interfere with comfort or paddle strokes!

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Just came across this...

Minimalist Manual Inflatable Belt Pack

A discrete inflatable belt pack for inshore paddles that provides up to 16.9 lbs (75N) of buoyancy in a pillow-style bladder when inflated.

mustangsurvival.com

18 lbs buoyancy. According to typical standards, a 200 lb person requires 10 lbs of buoyancy. Harmonized level 70 rating = to the old Type III designation.

Seems like a worthy option for flat water & mild river paddling. The attached waist belt could also support a reasonable-sized emergency fanny pack to carry essentials. Certainly promotes wearing a pfd since it won't interfere with comfort or paddle strokes!

If I were going to use an inflatable PFD, I'd use one of the many that go around your neck. There's a chance that those vests will keep an unconscious paddler's head out of the water.

 

[Erica]

I finally found a new pfd that fits and has a knife lash tab. I’ve been wearing. Stolquist pfd designed for women, but it lacks a lash tab. It never occurred to me a pdf would be sold without a lash tab.

Astral Layla is my new pfd. Comfortable and fits well over the curves. One lash tab. Pockets are not great, but this is the best for me in terms of fit and function. Got it on sale at REI.

Astral Layla

 

[Pseudonym]

Stohlquist Descent Rescue Lifejacket (PFD). I've never used the rescue swim ring strap and removed it because doing so simplifies donning the vest. Not too bulky and nicely organized pockets.

 

[PaddlingPika]

Stohlquist Flo. Reasonably comfortable, tolerable to wear in hot weather. The pockets on the older version I have are almost useless though. Looks like the style has been updated with different pockets now.

 

[Ralph]

Astral V-8. I bought it because I tend to run hot and wanted a cooler PFD. It's quite cool and is fine. I wish it had bigger pockets. I'll be looking for something cool with bigger pockets for the next one.

 

[TrailBlaser]

NRS Chinook - I love all the pockets and the attachment points to keep the essentials handy. Less time going into the thwart bag while paddling.

 

[Craig]

Stohlquist Fisherman, I've been using this PDF for a few years now. I really like the front pockets, so handy.

 

[RickR]

Astral YTV. Comfortable, functional and basic. I like simple.

 

[TrailBlaser]

NRS Chinook

 

[Sweetfancymoses]

Kokatat Bahia, a 2007 model that has been discontinued. The partial mesh back allows for some ventilation. Mine doesn't have much pocket space so I added a US surplus First Aid/Compass Pouch to the lashing point using the ALICE clip to hold my compass.

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[Jabberwocky]

A green Hiko Cinch, with harness. No idea whether Hiko exports overseas but here in Central Europe they are a reputable manufacturer.