Yes Bill, you do need to be careful about net weight and bulkiness too for that matter. Before I switched to an inflatable vest, my PFD was rather heavy – probably overloaded whatever legal buoyancy rating the PFD had. It was a hot model (as in warm) and I was tempted to take it off in the warmer paddling seasons. Under the bungies, it would always take up a lot of foredeck space and was easily dislodged in waves, due in part do all the gear in it. My current vest has two side pockets that rest on the cockpit rim, so weight isn’t an issue.

I have considered a bail-out bag. Many of my advanced paddler friends employ their use. I’m not a fan of tethering bags in proximity to my body, though I’m sure there are short tether arrangements that could be rendered safe. I’m in a low volume kayak, so my available nook and crannies and deck space is limited. I think if I were paddling in truly remote coastline I’d consider some kind of bail-out bag. Thanks for your comments

Doug