Table of Contents
Best Life Jacket for Kayaking Reviews 2020
When it comes to kayaking or any other water sports, you should always be wearing a life jacket. Generally speaking, kayaking is normally done alone as there is only one seat. With that being said, you never know if and when an emergency should come up so stay protected with a life jacket. Kayaks can go far, and sometimes you may not even recognize how quick the distance of the shoreline disappears. In this review, we will discuss the best five kayaking life jackets of 2019 and what to look for when choosing your ideal life jacket. You will be able to see how each kayak life jacket can provide you protection and maneuverability and a FAQ near the end.
Best Seller – Stohlquist Rocker Personal Floatation Device
- "Garage" on top with secure D-ring to park your whistle, keys or chapstick.
- Ventilated lumbar pad.
- Hand wash soap and water
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The Rocker is an ideal Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 16.8 pounds for long days on the water. The ballistic nylon shoulders have stiffeners for protection; yet, it gives the comfortability and security needed for kayaking and other water sports. The six adjustments on the Stohlquist Rocker help to contour around every curve of your body along with the side pull and waist closure you will have the ideal fit.
It also has a low cut, offset front-zip entry with a zipper grip tab for easy on and off accessibility. Along those same lines, the ergonomic WrapTure shaped torso works together with these features to enhance its secure and relaxed fit. The adjustable cross-chest cinch prevents the life jacket from riding up giving it a more secure fit. Front accessory lash tabs provide a place to put your river knife, strobe light, and other accessories.
Features:
- Six adjustments, side pulls, and front waist closure
- Adjustable cross-chest cinch harness
- Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 16.8 pounds
- Expandable mesh pocket
- Ergonomic WRAPTURE shaped torso
- Low cut, offset front-zip entry with zipper grip tab
- Large, streamline main pocket for secure storage
- Ventilated lumbar pad
- High visibility 3M reflective accents
- US Coast Guard and is transport Canada approved
Verdict: The Rocker is designed for kayaking experts that weigh 90 pounds or more. It holds the best seller in this design with its high visibility 3M reflective accents and is US Coast Guard and is transport Canada approved. The expandable mesh pocket gives you a convenient place to place a cold beverage.
Pros:
- Six adjustments for the perfect fit
- US Coast Guard and is transport Canada approved
- Has excellent airflow to the lumbar
- Plenty of pockets for two accessories
Cons:
- Has lower visibility without the 3D reflective accents
Top Pick – Onyx Curve MoveVent Paddle Sports PFD
- Mesh in lower back fits high back seats;
- Heavy-duty nylon fabric for durability
- Adjustable side belts
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Despite its close fit adaptability, the Onyx Curve MoveVent has exquisite mobility for those who enjoy kayaking. The lower back mesh design provides a secure and comfortable sit for high back seats, which are remarkable to have during water sports such as kayaking or canoeing. This kayak Onyx Curve life jacket shapes to your torso similar to a glove; its innovative vented channels still supply an adequate amount of breeze that flows through into the front and back of your body regardless of the close style fit.
The 200 denier nylon protective shell encircles around the sculpted foam design to protect against punctures and tears. The Curve is furnished with air ventilation through the lower mesh backing and the front to reduce the heat index against your torso. On the inner backside of the Onyx Curve, the structure is designed with bubble foam and flotation foam.
Features:
- US Coast Guard approved
- Lightweight design
- 200-denier nylon outer shell
- Designed for those who are 90 pounds or over
- Front panel ventilation
- Adjustable shoulder, neoprene pads
- Side belts for the proper fit
- Lower back mesh design that fits great in high-back seats
- Designed for 90 pounds and over
- Lightweight bubble foam and flotation foam
Verdict: In truth, a brilliant selection for all water sports, this Move Vent Paddle Sports PFD is one of the top-ranking floatation foam designs and our top pick in this review. It is designed for kayakers or water sport enthusiasts who are 90 pounds or over and adaptable to chest sizes of 44 to 56 inches.
Pros:
- It is sculpted to your body, but still gives excellent maneuverability
- Provides plenty of airflow with its mesh lower backing
- It has a lightweight design
- Allows for plenty of maneuverability
Cons:
- No D-ring provided
- No pockets provided
Best Value – Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest
- Adjustable belts and chest strap to keep vest from riding up
- Lightweight durable flotation foam
- Large armholes for comfort
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The Onyx General Purpose life vest comes with high visibility colors, which will help rescuers to spot you quicker if you fall overboard. This life vest has the standard three quick buckle design with two 1-inch belts that go across the torso, and one chest strap gives you the ultimate security and comfortable fit. The structure of this life vest design is constructed with 200 denier nylon and 150 denier poly-twill.
Onyx General Purpose life jacket comes with several protective and comfort features for and superior kayaking experience. The jacket comes with large armholes that allow you to move freely in your kayak with no riding up or chafing. This open-side styling design is constructed without a zipper, pockets, or D-ring, but it has plenty of styles that give you the best value when it comes to a relaxed fit and protection.
Features:
- Open-sided styling
- Adjustable 1-inch belts and chest strap
- Large armholes for comfort
- Lightweight, durable foam
- US Coast Guard approved
- Quick-release buckles
- High visibility with its bright color design
- Designed for those who are 90 pounds or over
- 200 denier nylon and 150 denier poly-twill
Verdict: This Onyx design is ideal for those are 90 pounds, and the adult universal fits chest sizes of 30 inches – 52 inches; the oversize vest fits chest sizes of 40 inches – 60 inches. It is available in youth, infant, and child sizes as well. This lightweight durable foam design is US Coast Guard approved and has the best value for your money.
Pros:
- Has high visibility
- Easy to get in and out of with its quick release buckle design
- Has large armholes for better maneuverability
Cons:
- No D-ring or pockets
- No zipper closure
Runner Up – Astral Ronny Life Jacket PFD for Recreation, Fishing, and Touring Kayaking
- MADE FOR SAFETY: Stay afloat with PE foam inserts; Buoyancy rating of 16 lbs; USCG Type III Approval
- RECREATIONAL FIT: Back panel made of super thin foam and mesh that keeps you cool and lets you lean back against the tallest seats; Center...
- DURABLE: Made to last for many adventures; 200 Denier High Tenacity Nylon shell and liner; PolyPro webbing, heavy duty hardware and zippers...
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The Astral Ronny PFD is designed for bringing comfort when taking a journey in recreational kayaks with high-seat backs. The back panel is made out of super-thin foam and mesh for a super comfortable fit and maneuverability for kayaking and other recreational sports; it allows you to also recline in the tallest of seats. For added convenience, it has multiple storage pockets for fishing gear or other accessories; one is a collapsible pocket specifically designed for placing a cool beverage to help keep you hydrated.
It also has an accessory lash tab that provides easy access and a secure place for an attachable rescue knife. The 200 denier high tenacity nylon shell envelopes over the thin foam design, but it leaves plenty of room for thin polypro liner webbing. The mesh liner webbing provides additional breathability along the spine that allows moisture to escape and help keep you cool in the hot summer heat. The Astral Ronny is designed with heavy hardware and zippers with self-locking vision teeth for superior hold.
Features:
- Mesh liner for additional breathability
- Multiple front storage pockets
- 200 denier high tenacity nylon shell and liner with PolyPro webbing
- Heavy-duty hardware and zippers with self-locking vision teeth
- Back panel made out of super-thin foam and mesh
- Center front zip and adjustable buckles at side
- Lightweight design and only weighs 1.02-pounds
Verdict: The Astral Ronny is designed for those who have a 31-inch to a 51-inch chest size and is 90 pounds or more. This runner-up design offer six adjustment points to give a snug, customized fit. This PFD Ronny design carries a US Coast Guard Certification through trails and testing by the Underwriters Laboratories.
Pros:
- Provides breathability to help keep you comfortable
- Has plenty of pockets for accessories
- Has heavy-duty hardware
Cons:
- No Crotch Strap
- No harness hold clip
Also Consider – SALVS Automatic and Manual Inflatable Life Jackets
- Automatic or Manual Inflatable life jacket; full mobility without compromising safety
- Life vest will self inflates when submerged in water; reuse by installing a re-arming kit B07DPDTRBH
- Our PFD is perfect for Kayaking Fishing Sailing and any watercraft offshore
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The SALVS automatic device provides a conventional and trouble-free design that is fit for kayaking and other water sports. The universal adjustable webbing design is compatible with both men and women and offers a broad range of sizing as well. The SALVS life vest comes with a soft neoprene neckline and heavy-duty nylon fabric that resist tears and punctures.
If you for some reason your kayak flips over in a massive water current, then the life vest will self inflate the second you get submerged in water. The red tab manual boosting system enlarges within a matter of seconds. This life vest has two fully adjustable straps around the waist and in the back like suspenders. The SALZS automatic, manual design has high visibility reflectors on the airbag, which will help others locate you during a water tragedy.
Features:
- Life vest will self inflates when submerged in water
- Red tab manual boosting system enlarges in a matter of seconds
- Fully adjustable along the waistline and back
- Soft neoprene neckline
- Reflectors on the airbag
- Durable ripstop fabric resists tears and punctures
- Quick-release buckles
- Heavy-duty nylon fabric
- Adjustable webbing offers universal sizing
- Designed for those who are under 330 pounds
Verdict: The SALVS life jacket is intended for those who weigh less than 330 pounds. This design was also considered due to its durable riptop fabric which resists punctures and tears. It has quick-release buckles that make it simple to put on and remove.
Pros:
- Inflates automatically in three to five seconds
- Great visibility in darkness
- Provides comfort and safety
- Can be used multiple times by merely installing a new CO2 kit
Cons:
- Does not come with a spare CO2 canister kit
- Color is not the best for visibility
Best Life Jacket for Kayaking Buying Guide 2019
Features to Consider
The level of Buoyancy
The buoyancy rating is essential to the floating concept of a life jacket. Not only does it help you to stay afloat without having to swim, but it also works hand-in-hand with your bodyweight. For kayaking enthusiasts, a life vest will need 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep a 90 pound afloat. Always check the label inside of a kayaking life jacket to determine if the buoyancy along with your weight will keep you afloat.
Safety and Security
You will always want to be safe and secure while you are out on the water. To help make that possible, you should wear a kayak life jacket that is US Coast Guard approved. You also should always be sure that you are wearing a life vest that is intended for water sports if you plan on going kayaking.
Reflective Piping
Reflective piping usually is placed on the life jacket to give higher visibility. The reflective tape or piping will shine brightly in the sunlight and under a spotlight making it easier to find if an emergency should occur. Having this feature benefits those who intend to be out kayaking during high tide.
Pockets
Pockets are a worthy feature that you can put accessories in that are needed out on the water. It is not suggested to take valuables out on the water, but you may want to take a whistle, snack, or even a pocket knife. A zip lock bag will be sufficient enough to keep your accessories dry.
Whistle
Having a whistle along will give you a way to alert others of an emergency or even help someone locate you. Anything can happen out on the water and having a whistle will provide you with some added assistance if your kayak has sprung a leak. Whistles can easily be attached to a D-ring for easy accessibility.
Buckles and zippers
Many kayak life jackets come with zippers for easy on and off. While others have a quick buckle release feature that is connected to a strap. The buckle mechanism is typically the gadget that helps with the adjustability of the strap as well. Some kayak life jackets have both features that provide a comfortable and safe fit. The most important aspect is that you are securely fastened in your life vest before going kayaking.
Breathability
Being out on a kayak all day in the hot sun tends to give a scorching feeling on the skin; a life jacket that has breathability in the design will keep you much cooler and help to prevent heatstroke. These types of life jackets are great for those who are kayakers and sports enthusiast.
Comfort
When kayaking, you will be using your shoulders a lot and torso muscles, having a life jacket that is bulky and uncomfortable can lead to chafing and irritation. Choosing the right size and style of a life jacket will make it fit your body better and give you a more comfortable feel as you’re rowing your kayak down the river or out on a lake.
Automatic Inflation
Since you’re out on the water alone, when you’re kayaking, it is best to have an automatic inflation life vest. This way, if you should get into life-threatening incident out on the water, such as getting knocked on conscious, your life jacket will inflate automatically and keep your face out of the water until help can arrive. Consider the automatic feature when purchasing a kayak life jacket.
Adjustability
Having a life jacket that can’t be adjusted to your body can leave it being too loose that it begins to ride up into your underarms, which can cause chafing. Having the right amount of adjustability will give you a snug fit, but still allow you plenty of movement to row your kayak.
What to Look for in Kayaking Life Vest
Harness
If you are going near any rapids, you have a good chance of falling out of your kayak; always keep a life jacket that is geared towards kayaking along with you that has harness support. The harness clips right onto your kayak life jacket and to a solid part of the boat making it safer and easier to pull you in during a water emergency.
Padding
If you intend to be out on your kayak most of the day, then the kayaking life vest that you desire will require enough padding to keep you secure yet comfortable for the length of time you’re out on the water. If the PFD has a minimal amount of padding, it could rise under your armpits and cause a lot of discomforts while you’re kayaking.
Having enough padding around the shoulder area and lower back will keep that area comfortable throughout the day. Many life jackets that are intended for water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and skiing will have the right amount of padding.
Color and Visibility
Accidents happen out on the water, and when you’re out kayaking alone, you will want a bright visible life jacket. If you have gone missing due to a water tragedy, a bright colored life vest could make it easier for a rescuer to find you. The most dazzling colors available today are: Yellow, orange, red, and there are even bicentennial ones.
Sizing
A kayak life vest should be individually sized to make sure that it works the way it was intended. You must look at your body structure size and weight. An excellent way to be positive of your size is to get measured or to determine what your exact measurements are before making a purchase. If your life jacket is to snug, it can be hard to move freely out on the water.
Type
If you plan on going kayaking, you need to use the kind of PFD that is designed for water sports. Why is this concept so important? It has a lot to do with the amount of safety features that are placed in these types. For instance, you would want to be out on the water with a Type I or Type IV life preserver when you need a Type III life jacket. Life preservers are those that look like circle doughnuts; floatation device that a lifeguard throws at you when you’re struggling to swim or drowning are the Type I or Type IV. However, if you are out kayaking, you will need a Type III life jacket that is geared for water sports.
Frequent Asked Questions
Do you need a life jacket for kayaking?
Yes, anytime you are in a kayak on other vessel it is required to wear a life vest according to the US Coast Guard laws. It would also be helpful to have a whistle, rescue knife, and a flashlight connected to your life vest or in one of its pockets. These things may come in handy if a water tragedy should happen.
Does the sizing of the kayak life jacket have an impact on its ability?
Yes, the sizing does matter. Having the proper size will ensure life jackets capabilities and adequate protection. If your life vest is too large, then it will be too bulky to do its job; not to mention how easy it will be able to ride up over your head. On the other hand, if it is too small, then you may be uncomfortable while trying to row your kayak. It is always best to have the correct size for your body. Many life jackets offer adjustability to accommodate many body shapes.
Is it essential to have pockets or D-ring on a kayak life jacket?
It’s not a primary deal breaker if you don’t; however, having pockets will give you a place to put accessories that you may need out on the water. Some life jackets even have flexible pockets to place a cold beverage. The D-ring is also great to have as you can put a whistle, keys, or other small trinkets. All-in-all having these features is a benefit and can make carrying things much more manageable.
If you can swim well, then is it necessary to have a kayak life jacket?
No matter what your level of expertise is, things happen quickly out on the water that may catch you off guard. These instances may have an impact on your ability to functions properly having a life vest on will help you get to shore or keep you afloat until help arrives. Always be safe and wear a life jacket.
Which is the best kayak life vest? Standard or inflatable?
Either choice will work for kayaking. Still, inflatable and standard life vests have different strengths and abilities. The standard life jackets are for those who are beginners just learning how to maneuver a kayak. Some of the benefits of a standard life jacket are the buoyancy level, pockets, D-ring, and adaptability. However, some of them could be bulky and hot.
The inflatable life jackets are geared towards someone who already knows how to swim. The inflatable style is the most popular amongst kayakers because of its automatic and manual inflation method and comfortability. The automatic technique is a smart way to quickly inflate a life vest and is excellent for maneuverability as well.
Are kayak life jackets universal?
Some are universal, but many are not. You will need to look at the label to determine its abilities for both men and women. In some cases, universal life jackets don’t work well for women with a larger chest size as it would be too tight and constricted. Under those circumstances, you would want to get a women’s life vest instead.
Is it essential to have a kayak life vest that is USCG approved?
Life jackets that are not US Coast Guard approved could leave your life in danger; don’t be crazy get a life jacket that is USCG approved. Each life vest that is made and sold in the US ought to be US Coast Guard approved. When purchasing a life jacket, look inside the vest for the stamped USCG seal of approval; if it’s not there, don’t buy it.
How often does a kayak life jacket need to be replaced?
Life jackets never need to be replaced unless there are tears in the cover exposing the foam. Along those same lines, the straps need to have no small cuts or tears in them; to test the straps get someone to tug against you holding the straps like tug of war. If the nylon strap holds up, then that’s great. It is also essential to replace your life jacketwhen the inner foam lining is damaged because this will affect the flotation of the vest. If you notice anything that would jeopardize your safety, then replace it with a new one.
How much buoyancy should a kayak life jacket have?
It will depend on the user’s weight as buoyancy levels are an import aspect of the floatation feature. For instance, if someone weighing 280 pounds with 15 percent body fat will require a higher buoyancy level than 280 pounds person with 40 percent body fat who obtains natural buoyancy. Life jacket manufactures usually have this all figured out for you, so look for it inside written in the inside layer of the vest.
Are automatic life jackets reusable after inflation?
Yes, all you have to do is replace the CO2 kit, and you’re ready to go. These CO2 kits can be purchased at any sporting goods store or online carrier.
Conclusion
This finishes our discussion on the best kayak life jackets for 2019. All features were mentioned and how vital it is to have a life jacket on, especially when you’re out on the water alone kayaking. Also, in the frequent asked questions sections, the answers will clear up any misunderstanding about how important life jackets are for kayaking. It also goes over the difference between life preservers and life jacket and why you should have a type III life vest on out the water.
With any kayak life jacket, you should always look for one that can accommodate your body build and weight, have a seal of approval from the US Coast Guards, and the buoyancy rating. It is recommended that you test your life jacket for floatability; as crazy as it sounds, you would not want to end up in a water tragedy to find out that your kayak life jacket will not keep you afloat.