Best Life Jackets

10 Best Kayak Life Jackets

Life jackets are the most important piece of safety gear you should have when kayaking. That said, the best life jacket you can get is the one you don’t dread wearing. The great news is there are all sorts of different styles and fits to ensure you get the right one! The bad news is with so many to choose from, the task of where to start looking can be daunting.

Here, we will help you narrow down the styles for the life jackets and consider what kind of activity you will be doing and then give you 10 recommended options. All the best life jackets we have selected are Coast Guard approved and non-inflatable. While you always want a life jacket that is Coast Guard approved, activities like Stand Up Paddle boarding (aka SUPing) on calmer water means you are okay using an inflatable PFD.

Now, think about what kind of paddling you will be doing…If it is recreational paddling, such as on lakes and calm rivers, you can keep your life jackets relatively simple unless you want pockets for storing snacks!

If you are a kayak angler that is hoping to catch dinner, then you should consider a fishing life jacket that has more features. If you’re venturing into whitewater, it is helpful to try on your PFD (personal flotation device) to make sure you have good mobility for rolls, bracing and whatever other tricks you have up your sleeve!

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket for Kayaking

No matter what water sport you will be engaging in, your safety should always be placed number one. A life jacket is definitely one of the most important pieces of gear that you will invest in. The best life jackets will fit you well, be comfortable enough to wear, and will stay in place without the risk of slipping off.

A life jacket that is used specifically for kayaking will have larger armholes and will be able to keep the bulk of the life jacket off the shoulders and upper chest, so you have an improved range of movement in your arms and upper body while you are trying to paddle.

You may also find some life jackets for kayaking that are equipped with convenient zipper pockets so that you can carry small items such as Chapstick or sunscreen, and some may also have hydration bladders which is a nice feature to have when you are out on the water and under the hot sun all day.

The Importance of a Life Jacket

Even if you consider yourself a good swimmer, it is still a good idea to wear a life jacket while engaging in any water activities. Life jackets in the past were not made well and at times were very uncomfortable to wear. However, as we trek into the future, we are seeing a lot of innovation when it comes to life jackets, and the manufacturers are making sure that they are more comfortable to wear.

If you are knocked unconscious while you are in the water, being a good swimmer is not going to help you. A life jacket, on the other hand, when worn properly, can save your life. A lot of life jackets are made to be able to turn you over in a face-up position in the water to help prevent you from drowning.

Fatigue is another situation in which a flotation device can help you because it will keep you floating and above the water if you find that you are too tired or unable to continue swimming.

It is also important to note that the fit of the life jacket is important. If the device is not properly fitted and it is too big, then it will not be able to do its job. On the other hand, if the life jacket is too small, it will not be able to help you remain afloat either.
Before purchasing a life jacket, do not be afraid to try on a few options before choosing the final one so you can ensure the very best fit and see how comfortable it can be to wear one.

RankPrice RangeImageItemCategoryPrice
1

$

NRS Chinook

Fishing

Check Price

2

$$$$

Astral Ronny Fisher

Fishing

Check Price

3

$$$

NRS Ninja

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

4

$$

Stohlquist Fisherman

Fishing

Check Price

5

$$

Astral V-Eight

Recreational, Fishing

Check Price

6

$$$

Astral Layla

Women's Specific-Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

7

$

Astral Ronny

Recreational, Fishing, Whitewater

Check Price

8

$

Stohlquist Trekker

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

9

$

Astral Linda

Women's Specific-Recreational, Whitewater

Check Price

10

$$

Stohlquist Edge

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

1. NRS Chinook

NRS Chinook
Packed full of features from pockets to tools and loops, this life jacket serves as one of the top fishing PFDs available. The mesh lower back is a much sought after feature, so it fits more comfortably on high back seats (like on fishing kayaks) and provides ventilation on those warm days on the water.

This foam flotation device is designed to conform to your body to make it even more comfortable to wear and has a very roomy front-entry design to make it easy to take on and off.

Other features of this life jacket include rod holder loops, a knife lash tab, and multiple D-rings and loops.

2. Astral Ronny Fisher

Astral Ronny Fisher
If you like the sound of the Astral Ronny but desire a bit more in features for your fishing escapades, this is your life jacket. Thin-vent back panel meets 2 front flip-down pockets to make sure you are more prepared for a potentially long and technical day on the water.

This life jacket also features a bright yellow hood that adds high visibility while you are in the water and is also useful for rain protection. It is the perfect jacket for kayak anglers due to the many pockets they can use to store smaller items such as small tools and even tackle.

3. NRS Ninja

NRS Ninja
This is the best low-profile design around, which means the closed-cell foam is concentrated into smaller spots. With this life jacket, you have a wide range of mobility, and it is also a great option for those with short torsos.

The NRS Ninja is ideal for paddling, rowing, and swimming and is also good for people that usually have a harder time wearing a life jacket. The soft and stretchy material makes it more comfortable to wear due to the enhanced breathability the material offers.

4. Stohlquist Fisherman

Stohlquist Fisherman
There are two stiffened outer shells on the front pockets of this life jacket to protect any fragile gear. The front pockets can also fold down and be used as workstations. High back flotation provides a comfortable day reeling in a big one or lounging in your seat. For those gear heads out there, this the life vest for you, look at all those pockets!

It is the ideal jacket for a kayak angler because of its many storage opportunities which makes it very functional and useful as well as a life saving device.

5. Astral V-Eight


Like the NRS Chinook, this life jacket also has the mesh back to allow you to sit back comfortably and enjoy being on the water. Airescape® technology allows warm air to escape the jacket while providing ventilation of fresh cooler air in. Even though this life vest is unisex, it is a great option for women because of how the front closed-cell foam is sculpted.

This life jacket is good for recreational kayaking and provides 16 pounds of average flotation while also being Coast Guard Type III approved. The average weight of this life jacket is also a low 1.24 pounds, so it is easy and comfortable to wear.

6. Astral Layla

Astral Layla
Here is another life jacket designed for the ladies! Adjustable straps to find your fit go very well with the internally sculpted bust cups making it feel like this life jacket was created just for you! There is also room for your belongings in the front snap pocket with internal dividers. This life jacket is compatible with quick-release belt for when you upgrade your recreational paddling to being equipped for a rescue.

This life jacket is a suitable choice for a variety of water sports and is intended for whitewater, sea kayaking, tour kayaking, and SUP.

7. Astral Ronny

Astral Ronny
The combination of Astral’s Thin-Vent Back and the ventilation channel through the closed-cell foam back make for a happy paddler. There are a total of four front pockets, including one that expands to hold the necessities for a relaxing day out on the water! This life vest has a place for everything.

This life jacket is ideal for recreational kayaking, fishing and whitewater.

8. Stohlquist Trekker

Stohlquist Trekker
Another well-loved option because of the mesh back allowing for breathability and comfort with the seat of your kayak. It has a low profile fit and design and is Coast Guard approved.

This life jacket comes with plenty of mobility and space around the arms and less closed-cell foam on the side, so your elbow won’t catch, and you will find that paddling will be much easier. For the ladies, check out the Cruiser for a better fit.

The included cross-chest cinch harness helps prevent any ride-up while wearing this life jacket and the shoulder and back pad are both ventilated for improved comfort and breathability.

9. Astral Linda

Astral Linda
This women’s specific PFD life jacket has a sleek design with great breathability. This life jacket offers two large zippered pockets in the front and six adjustment points to get you that customized and comfortable fit!  It is similar fit to the Layla but features a slightly lower profile.

It is an approved flotation device that offers 16 pounds of buoyancy and weighs a low 16.32-ounces. It is the perfect choice for the woman that is interested in recreational kayaking and will work well with high back seat kayaks.

It also features reflective trim for high visibility while in the water which is a great safety feature to include on a life jacket for kayakers.

10. Stohlquist Edge

Stohlquist Edge
The Stohlquist Edge is a low profile and high mobility life jacket best used for whitewater paddling. In addition to the comfort, there is still a top loading pocket for any gear needed while you are on the river. A key characteristic of a whitewater PFD is the large armholes for easier paddling and no restrictions!

The reflective strips offer high visibility and this life jacket also offers an offset front-zip entry to make it easier to get on and off.

 

RankPrice RangeImageItemCategoryPrice
1

$

NRS Chinook

Fishing

Check Price

2

$$$$

Astral Ronny Fisher

Fishing

Check Price

3

$$$

NRS Ninja

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

4

$$

Stohlquist Fisherman

Fishing

Check Price

5

$$

Astral V-Eight

Recreational, Fishing

Check Price

6

$$$

Astral Layla

Women's Specific-Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

7

$

Astral Ronny

Recreational, Fishing, Whitewater

Check Price

8

$

Stohlquist Trekker

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

9

$

Astral Linda

Women's Specific-Recreational, Whitewater

Check Price

10

$$

Stohlquist Edge

Whitewater, Recreational

Check Price

 

A few more things to mention…

When you start looking at the information on the best life jackets, you’ll notice the different “Types” which range from Type I to Type V, set by the coast guard standards. As an adult kayaker, you will most likely want a Type III PFD. There is the biggest variety in this type from recreational to fishing to whitewater kayaking. This means you are able to place yourself face-up in the water to help quicken the rescue process. Type V life vests are the other option for kayaking which means it is either high flotation (with head support) or it is equipped with what you need for rescue. If you have not taken a swift water rescue course (make sure it is a proper class that discusses safety and rescue determined by the coast guard), you do not need a Type V PFD, it is bulkier so you would be more comfortable in a Type III.

Now that you think you’ve found your perfect PFD for what type of paddling you will be doing, go ahead try it on! There are different sizes for life jackets and how to measure that is by chest size which will be stated on the inside of the PFD. There are different sizes for kids too: infant, child, and youth.

How to Fit your Life Jacket:
  1. Loosen all straps on life jacket
  2. Put on life jacket
  3. Buckle and/or zip all the straps
  4. Find your belly button, this is where the bottom strap should sit when tightened
  5. Bottom strap first
  6. Then shoulder straps
  7. Work your way up the straps
  8. Get your PFD nice and snug, like a lovable hug!
  9. Test it out, get someone to pull up on the shoulder straps and your PFD should stay relatively in place.

 

Ten Best Features in Kayak Life Jackets: From Construction to Materials

Buying a life jacket for kayaking is going to mean making a buying a decision based on dozens of brand names. It can become overwhelming knowing what to look for without insight on what other people buy and overall quality.

What’s most important is to whittle your life jacket choice down to the most essential aspects. This ranges from how it’s made, the fit, materials, and what you’ll use the life jacket for during your kayaking trip.

Certain life jacket features can also help you in specific kayaking situations, including life-threatening emergencies.

Take a look at the ten best features to scope out before you buy.

1. Life Jackets With a Mesh Lower Back

One thing to consider first for kayaking life jackets is whether they have a mesh lower back as a material feature. Many people look out for these because it enables more comfort when sitting on high back fishing kayak seats.

How many times have you been on fishing kayak trips and felt extreme discomfort from a boat seat because you didn’t have any flotation foam? The latter is another good material to look out for on the back.

A mesh lower back is also necessary for ventilation on hot days. As an avid kayaking fan, you probably do at least some kayaking in the summer. Mesh is going to keep you feeling cool so you’re not drenched in sweat by the end of the day.

2. Pockets for Storage

Buying any type of clothing with pockets is important if you’re going to wear it out in nature. For your life jacket, make sure yours has well-designed pockets. Flip-down pockets are a good feature because they help protect items you have inside while on the water.

Having these flip-down pockets in the front enables you to quickly reach for any items you need during a long excursion.

Amazon notes front flip-down pockets work as a form of platform that allows you to hold various important things. They’re a great place to store emergency items, or even small kayaking gear. Many pockets in life jackets have more space to hold things than they initially appear.

You’ll even find some pockets suitable for holding beverages or for storing knives.

3. Life Jackets With Custom Sizes

Not all kayak life jackets are “one size fits all”, even if you always thought so. You need one that fits well with your body shape so you don’t feel uncomfortable. Plus, you want to make sure it works well since it may not if oversized.

To find the right fit, measure your chest size when shopping. If you’re not sure, have someone place a tape measure over your chest to see what your size really is.

What’s important is to try on your life jacket before you buy. All kayak life jackets should fit snugly like a hug. Don’t ever buy one if it feels constricting or not snug enough.

4. Finding a Life Jacket for Women

Not all life jackets are unisex either, even though you’ll find some products like that on the market. Women need to find life jackets with a specific design for a more proper fit and added safety.

The best jackets provide sculpted bust cups designed for a realistic woman’s shape. It allows all women to find a custom shape so it won’t feel like they’re stuck in a straight jacket when kayaking for long hours.

These jackets usually come with front snap pockets and internal dividers to allow plenty of convenient storage while on the water.

5. Kid Size Life Jacket

Finding the right size life jacket for a child is different than how you would for an adult. Where you want to measure chest size to determine the size for an adult PFD (Personal Floatation Device), you use weight for the child. You can find the sizing information on the inside of the back, here is typically what you will see:

  • Infant PFDs: up to 30 pounds
  • Child PFDs: 30 to 50 pounds
  • Youth PFDs: 50 to 90 pounds

It is important to find the right fit for your child because you want them to be safe and comfortable, making positive memories on the river.

6. Life Jackets for Infants

If you have a baby on any type of boat with you it is important that they are also wearing a life jacket. It is not safe enough for you to simply just be holding them in yours. All infant PFDs have a head float so just in case baby is in the water they will always have their head above water. This does make the life jacket bulkier of course and it might not be your little one’s favorite thing to wear. Plan ahead for a slightly uncomfortable baby and bring some distractions for him or her! As mentioned above all Infant life jackets are for babies under 30 pounds.

7. Life Jackets With More Mobility

Life jackets should never constrict mobility around your arms or legs. When shopping, try to find life jackets with large arm holes and side straps so you can adjust things to prevent restrictions.

Once you start kayaking, you need your arms to feel as mobile as possible when paddling the boat. The same goes with your legs so you can stand up quickly when you have to.

Less foam on the sides of the life jacket also prevents your elbows from catching on something. However, the amount of foam you’ll have depends on how much protection you’re going to need on your kayaking trip.

8. Finding a Life Jacket Exclusive to Fishing

With three different types of kayaking, you’ll want to find a life jacket fitting the activity. If you’re doing a fishing kayak trip, look for some specific features that help you be able to fish in freedom without obstructions.

Finding life jackets made of nylon gives you a lot more durability during fishing excursions. Since you’ll be giving your jacket a lot of wear and tear when hauling in fish, nylon is one of the best materials to hold up long-term.

In a lot of cases, you’ll find nylon life jackets with UV reflective qualities to protect you from the sun. Also, nylon is more affordable than other materials.

Look out for pockets that can safely hold some of your fishing gear.

9. A Life Jacket for Whitewater Kayaking

Doing whitewater kayaking is also a demanding sport, so you’ll need something equally durable for rolls and bracing. Nylon is again a good material choice. It’s also worth looking into buoyancy weight and finding something around 16 lbs. for easy mobility.

Always look for extra ventilation on these since the fast pace of whitewater kayaking is going to make you sweat, no matter the season.

Top-loading pockets are the best type of designs for whitewater kayaking. These pockets bring easy accessibility while adding a secure zipper so nothing falls out while on challenging waters.

10. A Life Jacket for Recreational Kayaking

Those of you who only plan recreational kayaking shouldn’t necessarily skimp on buying something durable. You’ll still want ergonomic design and lightweight construction for easy movement.

Sweat around the torso area is always a problem during recreational kayaking. Finding an open-weave mesh lining helps prevent sweat on this part of your body. Vent ports in strategic parts of the jacket help bring in cooler air as well to avoid worry about overheating when hitting the rapids.

11. Life Jackets With Bright Colors

Color might not initially mean much to you on a life jacket. Consider that if you require rescue, a brighter color can help a rescue crew find you faster.

It’s always worth preparing for the possibilities in getting lost when out in the wild, or perhaps becoming injured while on the rapids. What if you couldn’t walk and had to rely on rescue crews to find you from the air?

A bright-colored life jacket would scope you out immediately from a rescue helicopter.

12. Type III or V Life Jackets

All PFD’s have five categories based on USCG classifications. Type III  are the most comfortable for kayaking, so always look for these category numbers on your life jackets.

Type III jackets are the most comfortable and give you considerable freedom in movement. They also come in inflatable and hybrid designs.

Type V jackets come with some similar designs as the Type III, though considered a special-use device. You have to wear these at all times to adhere to USCG guidelines. These are often more buoyant in their weight, but more notably used for whitewater rescue.

Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket Types Defined:

Generally you always want to be wearing a life vest and there are no exceptions in rougher or remote water. But if you are on a public, calm lake you may be able to have it just with you in your boat. Make sure you check out your state’s life jacket requirements. General rule of thumb is you do what the U.S. Coast Guard says because they know best! You will see “minimum buoyancy” on each type of life jacket. Get out your calculator because how this number is determined requires a little math. The human body is about 80% water, meaning when you are floating in water 80% of your body isn’t weighing you down. Every body also has a percentage of body fat–average is 15%, which is lighter than water and floats. There are other factors like clothing and what type of water you are in but those are the two main factors. Math time! (We will use 150 lb person and 220 lb person as examples.)

150 lbs  x  80% water  =  120 lbs of water weight

150 lbs  x  15% fat  =  22.5 lbs of fat

150 lbs  –  120 lbs water  –  22.5 lbs fat  =  7.5 lbs

This means a person weighing 150 lbs with 15% body fat weighs 7.5 lbs in water, meaning the minimum buoyancy on the vest has to be more than 7.5 lbs.

220 lbs  x  80% water  =  176 lbs of water weight

220 lbs  x  15% body fat  =  33 lbs of fat

220 lbs  –  176 lbs water  –  33 lbs fat  =  11 lbs

Meaning, your average 220 lb person needs a minimum buoyancy of 11 lbs.

The 5 Types:
  • Type I– Designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in water. Minimum buoyancy for adults is 22 lbs and ideal for open, rough, or remote water where you may be further away from shore or rescue will take longer. It is the best for retaining body heat because of additional foam and fabric and aids in keeping your head higher above water.
  • Type II– Minimum buoyancy is 15.5 lbs for adult size but not suitable for rough waters. These life jackets are ideal for inland day cruising, close to boat, close to shore, quick rescue situations. There is some head support, turning some unconscious wearers face-up, but does not provide much protection.
  • Type III– This is the most common life jacket for kayaking and similar water activities. In adult life jackets it has minimum 15.5 lbs buoyancy. These are great for mobility as they are more comfortable than a Type I or II because they provide less flotation but they are not designed to turn an unconscious wearers face-up.
  • Type IV– These are throwable devices that are not intended for wearing because they are a ring or boat cushion. As they do provide minimum 16.5 lbs buoyancy, they should not be your first line of safety but instead a back-up. They will not do anything for an unconscious person because they will need to grab on the device.
  • Type V– Minimum buoyancy 15.5 to 22 lbs for adult size. You will see whitewater kayakers have this type because it is for special use like for swift water rescue. These life jackets contain more features than just flotation, so not necessary for your average, low-key paddle around a lake.

 

Now go be adventurous and confidently make memories on the water because you know your life jacket has your back!