Just because you know the name of your kayaking destination and you feel ‘familiar’ with it doesn’t mean you should be throwing caution in the air. My wife and I got very familiar with each other, got hitched, and I’ve been living in the garage for the better part since then!
Anyways, you know, anything can happen, especially when you are in the water. Water is unpredictable. It can be an abrupt change in the wind or waves, or you lose balance for a moment, and you are seen struggling for life. So, you always need to stay prepared for whatever might come your way.
Now tell me, what really helps you in that moment of failure? A life jacket. No, it is not an additional cost to your budget, it was you who failed to understand its importance in the first place. My friend, you cannot put a price on safety!
Before I lecture you further on its legal requirements also, let’s dive in and fish out the best kayak life vest for your daring adventures on the water. (If you’re a beginner, you can also look at the best kayak outriggers for added safety until you get the hang of this sport).
So, read on, and let’s not transform this relaxing activity into a struggle for survival. I mean, I don’t want them to film ‘The Shallows 2”.
Product
Details
Top Pick
NRS Chinook Fishing
- Material: 400 Denier Nylon
- USCG Type: III
Ideal for Infants
Stohlquist Toddler
- Material: Polyethylene Foam
- USCG Type: III
Best for Fishing
Kokatat Leviathan
- Material: Nylon and Araprene mesh
- USCG Type: III
Best Budget life jacket
Onyx MoveVent
- Material: 200-Denier Nylon
- USCG Type: Type III kayak pfd
Most Functionl
NRS Vapor
- Material: 400-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
Most Durable
Stohlquist Men’s
- Material: 500-Denier durable Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
Eco-friendly
Astral Otter 2.0
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
Best Automatic
Eyson
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: Type III pfd
Lightweight
Mustang M.I.T. 100
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
Most Comfortable
Coleman Comfort
- Material: 200-Denier Nylon shell
- USCG Type: III
Best Life Vest for Kayaking
In this guide, you’ll find some exquisite pieces available in the market that are far better than the traditional life jackets, which I know you hate wearing!
Now let’s have a look at some of the most functional and the best life jackets and kayak life vests you can find on the market.
1. NRS Chinook Fishing
It’s not your ordinary life jacket but more like a Gucci of the kayak life vest. This medium-profile terrific jacket ensures safety, especially if you’ve got a knack for fishing.
If you talk about its exterior, you will find a Ripstop nylon shell body that feels surprisingly light and breathable. This is made possible by infusing mesh material on the lower side that dramatically reduces its weight when worn.
This versatile type III life vest is easy to don and take off, especially over multiple layers of garments as it is made immensely roomy for you to add extra layers if find necessary. The roomy profile of this kayak life vest is my favorite part though.
Well, this comfort is further augmented by the PlushFIT foam that embraces the contours of your body without putting on a show. Don’t you think it leaves no room for complaints?
Well, not just that! The NRS kayak life vests swank seven front pockets adorned with zippers and Velcros, an integrated rod holder for fishing purposes, and numerous attach points and tool holder sections to hold things in place.
Besides that, Chinook further enhances your comfort and convenience with the provision of customization options – various adjustment points. Yes! You can easily manipulate the vest as per your size.
Lastly, this epic vest gives death to many other options because it is USCG certified life jacket with a higher security rating.
Features
- Material: 400 Denier Nylon
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 16.5 pounds buoyancy
- Opening/Closure: Front Zip
- Size Availability: Extra small, Large, XX-Large
- Colors: Charcoal, Red, Bayberry
Pros
- The most adored feature of the NRS is its rod holder pocket that comes really handy when you are fishing and meanwhile struggling to keep your balance on the water.
Cons
- Our only complaint is its expensive price point.
NRS Chinook Fishing
The price of “NRS Chinook Fishing” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
When it comes to little humans, no risks should be taken. Believe me, when I say, Stohlquist just got the memo right.
The brand knows your priorities and needs, hence, tries its best to translate your needs into exceptional and super useful products. Out of the many terrific Stohlquist products, this USCG certified toddle life jacket is another amazing creation of theirs.
This USCG-approved life vest should be the top pick for the safety of your toddler. Why? Because it swanks some exceptional features like 200 denier Oxford fabric construction that is made to last and act as armor for your toddler.
However, the jacket still weighs nothing more than a few pounds. This feature makes it easy for your kid to wear it for long hours in the water without feeling agitated. It can deal with weights up to eight to thirty pounds without any issue.
Since we are speaking about comfort, allow me to mention its very ergonomic design for neck support. Yes! This kayak life vest boasts an added layer of neck support for your kid’s proper safety. It has two collars with the larger one acting as a pillow and the smaller one supporting the head of the kid and resting closer to its neck.
You know, kids tend to play and move a lot but only when they want to. They cannot stand restrained movements, and this vest heard it loud and clear. With its very useful features, the vest allows the infant/toddler to float calmly within a face-up position, which you know does not come naturally to infants.
As far as the closure is concerned, the vest has a single quick-release buckler and a front zipper for easy donning. Moreover, in case your kid happens to slip in the water, there is the availability of a rescue belt that makes catching easy.
Features
- Material: Polyethylene Foam
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 7.4 lbs buoyancy
- Opening/Closure: Front Zip
- Size Availability: 8 to 30 pounds, 30 to 50 pounds,
- Colors: Orange/Yellow, Aqua/Pink, Blue/Green
Pros
- Stohlquist Toddler jacket has a lot to offer in a single package which makes it the best kayak life vest. The most prominent features of this kayak life vest are an adjustable crotch strap, large armholes that kills immobility, security buckles, a front zipper, and most importantly the head collar.
Cons
- The only issue is its high price point.
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
The price of “Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket ” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Kokatat Leviathan
Consider our next best option for fishing ventures. It is not only a durable option but also the most functional one.
Besides epic durability and functionality, Leviathan also has to offer bags of comfort. Do you wonder how? Allow me to explain every feature of this kayak life vest for a better understanding.
Let me start with the brand itself, Kokatat has been surprising people with its awe-inspiring products since when you were not even born, and in my view, this kayak fishing PFD jacket is the result of their constant improvements.
Let’s start exploring what it has in store for you. First of all the fourteen pockets for fishing gear. Wait. What? Exactly! Don’t you think with this kayak vest you get a place for every other accessory you plan to bring with you?
Not to mention, bags of pockets does make it a bit bulkier, but it sure does not compromise its functionality.
Besides a plethora of tool-holding sections, the vest also swanks high tenacity ripstop handles, D-rings, tabs, and many attachment points. Oh, how could I forget the zippered fleece-lined pockets that stand must for cold winds? I am rooting for it!
The Leviathan boasts quick-drying breathable mesh on shoulders and back that is also breathable and also torso straps for a firm grip. It is also designed to accommodate the high seat back on kayaks.
On the other side, if we talk about its interior, you will find a supremely comfortable fit which is the courtesy of its Gaia floatation foam that molds to the wearer’s body in the finest manner.
Features
- Material: Nylon and Araprene mesh
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 16 lbs. buoyancy
- Opening/Closure: Zipper
- Size Availability: Small, Medium, Large
- Colors: Gray, Olive, Orange
Pros
- It is the best kayak life vest for a fishing tour to hold up everything in place.
Cons
- The PFD might feel bulky to some users.
Kokatat Leviathan
The price of “Kokatat Leviathan” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic
If you are looking for a budget option, the Onyx kayak Fishing Vest is definitely the one for you. How? To your surprise, this kayak life vest is going to cost you half the amount of top-notch high-end life jackets without compromising on prominent features.
Even at this low price, the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic model does not cut down the much-needed comfort, durability, functionality, and fit.
Manufactured with 200-Denier rigid nylon, the outer shell also swanks neoprene padded shoulders for extra comfort. See? It gives you the best of both worlds.
It is rigid yet comfortable in every way possible. Not to mention, the shoulder pads are customizable and very much comfortable. Trust me, you will not even feel any weight on your shoulders during your entire journey.
Let’s talk about its easy wear quality. This best life jacket opens at the front with the help of a chest zipper and a zipper tab for easy grip. Just so you know, the sides are also completely open but the belts are provided at the sides.
The adjustable straps attached at the sides are for customizability and enhanced security. With this feature, you can not only custom-fit it as well as keep it from riding up when your body moves. Superior fit and ventilation at the same time? Yikes!
Lastly, the life jacket also features zippered pockets that have a mesh drainage system formed for quick drying. If you happen to paddle in the dark, the SOLAS-grade reflective strips will also serve for maximum visibility.
Features
- Material: 200-Denier Nylon
- USCG Type: Type III kayak PFD
- Flotation: 15.5 lbs. buoyancy
- Opening/Closure: Double-crimp, funnel
- Size Availability: Small, Medium, Large
- Colors: Aqua, Orange, Purple, Yellow
Pros
- This kayak life vest is a complete package of comfort and functionality, courtesy of its features like high foam back, padding at the shoulders, and multiple adjustment points for customization.
Cons
- The life vest does not feature any pockets for storing tools and stuff.
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic
The price of “Onyx MoveVent Dynamic” varies, so check the latest price at
5. NRS Vapor
A very elevated design, simple yet chic. The NRS Vapor is the best pick for whitewater kayaking as it strikes a good balance between comfort and functionality.
Made out of foam, this feather-weight personal floatation device boasts a 400 denier durable exterior along with its padded shoulder straps to ensure sturdiness, strength, and a comfy feel.
The six-panel design with evenly infused foam allows the life vest to wrap itself around your torso without causing immobility. You know, it only advocates flexibility which means you can row however you like. Plus, the armholes are very large to further support unrestricted movement.
Speaking of the exterior, let me mention my favorite feature of this US Coast Guard-approved life vest and that is the front diagonal zipper that opens up a huge pocket for storage. With a gigantic pocket like this one, one needs not worry about storing snacks, tools, and other small items.
Not just that, there is a warmer pouch behind the zippered pocket that can provide warmth on chilly cold days. Moreover, there is also present a lash tab on the front upper chest area for other accessories.
Last but not the least, the side entry system has me going crazy. I mean, who even wants to deal with a zipper especially when you are battling with hair blowing in the wind? You know, it is a big plus for many kayakers.
Features
- Material: 400-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 16.5 lbs. buoyancy rating
- Opening/Closure: Double-crimp, funnel
- Size Availability: Small/Medium, Large, XX-Large
- Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow
Pros
- Customers really seem to praise its side-entry system as it sets one free from zippers.
Cons
- These life vests lack any extra pockets or attachment points for tool storage.
6. Stohlquist Men’s Trekker
What do we love the most about it? Its 500-denier Cordura Nylon exterior which speaks durability only! When others are fighting lakes and rivers, this sturdy life jacket is swanking the sea level buoyancy of 16 pounds.
Let’s talk about its construction. This best life jacket literally exudes confidence in water which is the result of its perfect engineering. Not only it is customizable, but it is also super lightweight and compact.
First of all, let’s share some details about its exterior. As mentioned earlier, the outer shell is manufactured using 500-denier Cordura, this kayak life vest boasts some high resistance to abrasion and wear and tear. Well, isn’t it the performance we all have been dreaming of?
Besides a sturdy outer hard shell, the life vest also features ventilated back support pads and comfy shoulder pads. Furthermore, a harness is also provided to ensure safety.
On the front, there are two zipped pockets for accessory storage and a large zipper in the center front along with a large tab for easy opening. If you need more storage, you can also use a four-way lash tab on the rear.
This lightweight yet sturdy life vest for the kayaking community also swanks a highly mounted back panel so the wearer stays comfortable. This way, the kayak seat fails to bother the rider.
As far as customizability is concerned, it lets you custom-fit it according to your needs. The adjustments straps really change the game here. In addition to that, the side openings of the life vest and the side straps attached let you breathe or tighten if feel the need.
Features
- Material: 500-Denier durable Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 16 lbs. buoyancy
- Opening/Closure: Zipper
- Size Availability: Small/Medium, Large/XX-Large, Univ Plus
- Colors: Black, Fireball Red, Mango
Pros
- The Stohlquist Men’s Trekker flaunts a high-end Ventilation system incorporated into it.
Cons
- With too many features, this best kayak life vest might feel bulky for some smart wearers.
Stohlquist Men’s Trekker
The price of “Stohlquist Men’s Trekker” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Astral Otter 2.0
The Astral Otter 2.0 PFD performs like a tiny Godzilla of the whitewater world. When it comes to small children, you cannot take any risks, agree? Here, safety is the primary concern.
That is exactly why you need a lightweight, form-fit, high-level life jacket to keep your little human safe and sound.
Before you go on a hunt for these features, allow me to unveil a product that has it all – Astral Otter. If your kid happens to fall, this life jacket lets your bud float like an otter on the water’s surface.
The Otter life vest with its 11.5 lbs. buoyancy features a low profile that has got everything you need for your toddler. On top of everything, this is super lightweight. I mean, you don’t want anything bulky for your baby, right?
Even with all the accessories like torso straps and padded shoulder straps, Astral feels like a feather.
Besides torso harnesses and adjustable shoulder straps, the life vest also encompasses chest, belly, and waist clips for added security. One can adjust them accordingly and get the perfect fit. There are also two zippered pockets designed on the front to let your kid store snacks or other necessary accessories.
The most valued quality of this life vest is its inclination towards a sustainable world. The life jacket is made out of Kapok foam that is organic (made out of plant fibers). Today’s customer is a responsible consumer more than ever.
Features
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 11.5 lbs.
- Opening/Closure: Buckles
- Size Availability: XS, S/M, M/L, L/XL
- Colors: Blue, Eggplant, Red
Pros
- The life vest also features detachable leg loops for extra safety.
Cons:
- The life vest might feel heavy on the pocket to some customers.
Astral Otter 2.0
The price of “Astral Otter 2.0” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Eyson
This life jacket will take two to three seconds only for automatic inflation. Don’t you want it already?
Mark my words, it is worth every dollar especially if you are a skilled swimmer. However, for non-skilled riders, we don’t really recommend it, as it might prove difficult to handle and operate.
Let’s explore its construction a bit. The low profile includes buckles and straps on the rear in an inverted Y shape for a comfy fit. It is one good option for people who dislike bulkiness.
Don’t you dare underestimate its durability and performance because of its size. It may not be taking much space but it sure is pulling you out of the water in your hour of need.
Furthermore, it is designed out of heavy-duty durable water repellent fabric that also supports abrasion resistance. So, say goodbye to the fear of deadly punctures already!
If we talk about its customizability, you will find its behavior very flexible. One can easily achieve the correct size by pulling the buckles and tweaking the straps however one desires. Besides all that, the life vest also features a rescue strap for an emergency.
Features
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: Type III pfd
- Flotation: 11.5 lbs.
- Opening/Closure: Buckles
- Size Availability: XS, S/M, M/L, L/XL
- Colors: Blue, Eggplant, Red
Pros
- Eyson is a great option for people who feel uncomfortable while wearing large expansive bulky jackets.
Cons
- None. The Eyson life jacket is the best personal flotation device for advanced riders.
9. Mustang M.I.T. 100
Safety and Comfort side by side? Hell Yeah! It is made possible only with the M.I.T 100 Mustang.
Mustang is renowned for producing some heavy military equipment, I think knowing this fact is enough for you to understand what comes next. Yes! the legacy remains intact in the making of life jackets also.
Let’s get into the particulars! M.I.T. stands for Membrane Inflatable Technology which refers to the pliable bladder filled with air. The jacket rests flat and compact on the wearer when not inflated. However, it puffs up to 22 lbs when inflated.
The life vest fills up with air after the CO2 cartridge gets activated with the help of a sensor. The sensor does exactly what it needs to do i.e. senses the need for inflation and blows up the moment it touches the water’s surface.
The blown life vest then keeps the wearer afloat with their face up. One can also inflate it manually with a pull cord.
I know what your next question is. Do you need to add a new cartridge every time the previous one has been used? Yes, you need to replace the previous one with a new one.
Features
- Material: 500-Denier Nylon construction
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 25.1 lbs.
- Opening/Closure: Buckles
- Size Availability: Universal Adult
- Colors: Black-Red, Gray, Orange/Black, Red
Pros
- The Mustang life jacket boasts higher buoyancy than any other foam life vest.
Cons
- The manual inflation cord might seem a hassle to some users.
Mustang M.I.T. 100
The price of “Mustang M.I.T. 100 ” varies, so check the latest price at
10. Coleman Comfort Series
Do you like kayaking in the hot summer weather? If yes, Coleman has got your back. No one wants to sweat or smell bad on a hot day, and Coleman makes sure you don’t get to experience that.
The Coleman life jacket features large arm holes and mesh panels for proper air circulation. The superior ventilation is its biggest flex.
Even though the shell is made of Nylon and lined with PE foam material for flotation, still the life vest weighs nothing but a few pounds. It still remains lightweight and super airy.
The Coleman life vest also features adjustable straps for a custom fit. Whoever desires a snug fit should go for it. Moreover, the waist belt and front zipper further assist your desired fit.
Lastly, for storage, the life vest features two big pockets on the front. These sections are large enough to store your every necessity in water.
Features
- Material: 200-Denier Nylon shell, PE Foam
- USCG Type: III
- Flotation: 15 lbs.
- Opening/Closure: Buckle and Zipper
- Size Availability: Small, Medium, Large, XX-Large
- Colors: Green
Pros
- Coleman life vest is a perfect choice for hot days.
Cons
- The only con is that its shoulders are not adjustable so it might feel bulky to some.
Coleman Comfort Series
The price of “Coleman Comfort Series” varies, so check the latest price at
Types of Life Vests
Before we proceed any further, I would like to inform you of the different categories we can divide kayak life vests into and also explore why certifications are important. Just so you know, every life-saving device mentioned in the article is certified.
Since we should not compromise on safety, especially when we are engaged in the water bodies like oceans and lakes, you should always opt for a certified life jacket.
A jacket approved by the European Standards (ES), United States Coast Guard Standards (USCGS), International Standards (IS), or Commercial Standards (CS) is mandatory for a safer ride.
A certified jacket lives up to the expectations when it comes to facing any disaster. On the flip side, uncertified armor promises nothing.
Now let’s shed some light on the different categories of kayak life vests, as each category serves a different purpose. Not to mention, you need to find your type as not every category can cater to your needs.
Better buy something relevant to your requirements and stay relevant to the people of the earth. We don’t want to lose you.
Type-I: Offshore Life Vests
This type is not only the most comfortable but also the most user-friendly type in the hour of need. You will also find these jackets super compatible with a diverse range of water bodies from lakes to oceans.
Type-II: Buoyancy Jackets
Near Shore, life jackets are made to be used in calm waters. They tend to be less buoyant than life vests but do pretty well in emergencies in still-water bodies.
Type-III: Buoyancy Aids
These life-saving devices advocate super mobility as these types are not made to hinder your movements like many other types. That is exactly why you can wear them all day long with ease.
Type-IV: Throwable Floatation Devices
This type is suitable for advanced swimmers and proves to be a backup for a life jacket.
Type-V: Special-Use Devices
Also known as personal floatation devices or PFD, these devices are made to ensure safety in a variety of watersports from kayaking to windsurfing.
Buying Guide
Let’s see what stands important while buying the right life jacket:
Comfort
Comfort is crucial for a happy ride. No one desires a bulky piece that makes oneself sweat and resists dexterity. Rather, a vest that features a less bulky profile, vents, mesh sections, and less weight is preferred.
The fabrics used should also be skin-friendly, softer, and padded for a better experience. One more thing that you should keep in mind is that a standard personal flotation device is different from a kayak vest. The rear of a kayak vest has its back positioned higher to avoid its meddling with the kayak seats.
Moreover, maximum straps, buckles, and incorporated shaped foam should be available for customizability. If you dislike foam, inflatable life vests will suit you.
Functionality
The life jackets with maximum features are said to be the most functional. Features like D-rings, pockets, tabs to hold tools, adjustment straps, small boxes, vents for maximum ventilation, etc stand essential for a worry-free ride.
While some might desire a less bulky life vest, some live for feature-rich kayak life vests. To them, features like these are mandatory to carry essentials (like a rod holder) as no one knows what comes next. That’s true!
If you happen to get separated from your deck, you might need a beacon or whistle to send signals, and only a tab or a pocket fulfills this purpose.
Design
While buying a life jacket, you should always consider the design and its other features. You need to figure out if you need a jacket with foam panels, a manually inflatable jacket, or automatic inflatable life jackets will do for you.
A foam life vest is made out of sculpted foam that hugs your body shape well. A manually inflatable life jacket demands you to pull the cord if you fall in the water. On the other hand, an automatic life vest blows up automatically with the help of a sensor. All these kayak life vests have their pros and cons, so always decide mindfully.
Safety
Besides certifications for safety, other things like torso straps, harnesses, rescue straps, and reflective accents also stand important. Not just that, your best kayak life vest should also complement your skill set.
FAQs
What Features Should I Look for in a Kayak Life Vest?
Besides the basic requirements, it is always wise to look for extra features like pockets, straps, extra padding at the back, and tabs. Well, it also depends on the type of activity you are going to get involved in. I mean, a fishing tour screams for lots of storage, you know.
What Is the Best Life Jacket for Kayaking?
Any United States Coast Guard-approved Type III jacket will do. This type is more comfortable for both types of weather i.e. cold and hot.
How Should a Life Vest Fit?
First of all, refer to the size chart given and match your weight with it. Next, put on the vest and be done with its closures. Make adjustments, like armholes should not feel too tight to restrict movement and the vest should not feel too loose or too tight overall.
Then, inhale deeply and puff up your chest. Make further adjustments with the given straps and buckles. Lastly, exhale for a snug fit and double-check your shoulder fitness and torso straps.
Final Thoughts
A life jacket is an important part of your kayaking gear. But before you go out to buy a vest, sort out your needs first. You need to figure out if you desire Type I, II, or III. What are your storage needs? What type of material are you comfortable with? What buoyancy level is suitable for you?
Answering these questions will make it easy for you to find the right size and right fit kayak life jacket for yourself. All the mentioned PFDs in the article are “the best” kayak life vests one can find on the market. I wish you luck in picking the right one! You might also want to take a look at the best gloves for kayaking to keep your hands safe and blister-free.
English (UK) 
Français 
Deutsch 
Nederlands
0 Comments