Table of Contents
Best Life Jacket for Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting Reviews 2021
With summer winding down, there’s still plenty of time to get in some great action on the water, but once the water gets colder, you might want to move to activities that keep you in a craft like canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Of course, safety is even more paramount in these situations, so you need to make sure you have the proper equipment.
That’s why this list breaks down the 5 best life jackets for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, figuring out what each one does best. This list will tell which vests are right for different paddle crafts and which craft while also making sure you understand what’s important when choosing a PFD type for each paddle sport.
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 12:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Seller: ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
- U. S. Coast guard approved type V life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) with type III performance
- Automatically inflates upon immersion in water or when the wearer pulls the "jerk to inflate" handle
- Lightweight, comfortable, slender design keeps you cool in warm weather
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 12:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
When looking for life jackets for any activity, whether canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or even craftless, it’s hard not to run into the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 life vest before too long. This personal flotation device has everything you’re looking for, and while it may not be the best-performing option, it offers the best all-around value.
By far, the most impressive quality of the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 rafting life jacket is its ability to inflate as necessary without input from the wearer.
Essentially, this canoe life jacket has a pin inside that senses when the jacket submerges underwater. Once that happens, the pin releases, puncturing a CO2 canister, and inflating the raft life vest. This is great if you’re in a situation where someone might get knocked unconscious in rough water.
Of course, if you have little to no risk of falling unconscious, the automatic inflation mechanism can be a bit of a pain– especially if it happens to be one of the few inflatable life jackets that accidentally inflates when not submerged. Specifically, this kayak life jacket can occasionally inflate when in the rain which requires you to purchase and replace the CO2 canister before using it.
Thankfully, the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 rafting life vest has a convertible mechanism that allows you to switch from automatic to manual. Because of this, this inflatable PFD can handle far more situations than some of the competition. However, that’s not the only thing that this personal flotation device offers that’s superior to many other models. The low-profile design provides this kayaking PFD some of the best mobility encountered, even when inflated.
When you consider that this canoeing PFD also doesn’t have to worry about a kayak with a high seat, it might be the best kayaking life vest on the list. Of course, the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 makes it a point to offer comfort in more than just maneuverability. For starters, this is an extremely lightweight personal flotation device, only tipping the scales as a measly 0.7 lbs. On top of that, this canoeing PFD also employs neoprene around the neck where the life vest is most liable to make contact with the skin.
Features:
- Low profile offers extreme mobility
- Automatically inflates if submerged
- Can be switched to manual inflation
- Is solid due to high-quality materials
- Comfortable due to lightweight design
- Type V PFD with a Type III PFD
Pros:
- Provides plenty of buoyancy
- Has a convertible action
- Top quality design
Cons:
- Can accidentally automatically inflate
Verdict: The Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 canoeing life jacket can handle pretty much anything you might throw at it outside of turbulent open waters in the ocean. The fact that you can set it up to either inflate automatically or when you pull the cord is awesome, if only it wasn’t necessary to prevent accidental inflations.
Top Pick: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
- Mesh in lower back fits high back seats
- Shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads
- SOLAS grade reflective material for visibility
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 13:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
In a bit of an unexpected twist, Onyx takes both of the first two spots, both of which they earned by providing great performance at a good value for different price ranges. While the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic raft life vest is not quite the performer as the best seller, it is a significantly better value and averages out for most people.
One thing that should be obvious, is that this Onyx canoe life vest doesn’t share the inflatable quality, but it still performs surprisingly well in all of the relevant categories. For instance, this personal flotation device doesn’t restrict your movement as much as some of the options that use floats. This mostly comes down to this raft vest’s float design that puts most of the polyethylene float material in the front.
Aside from affording more maneuverability, this approach also has the added bonus of not requiring nearly as much float material in the back to maintain the same level of buoyancy. Because of this, the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic kayak life vest doesn’t need to block the back of the profile with cumbersome floats that can rise up when seated in a kayak with a high seat.
Even better, this life PFD doesn’t just see the opportunity to make you more comfortable while seated in a paddle boat but in other situations too. By replacing the unnecessary low back padding with mesh, this kayak jacket not only won’t ride up but doesn’t keep heat trapped within either. It also doesn’t hurt that this buoyancy aid offers a bit in the way of storage, increasing its versatility for any water sport.
It’s worth noting that the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic wearable PFD doesn’t offer the most storage, but a pocket and chest clip for gear is still a nice addition. Another great feature of this life jacket are the adjustable straps to help ensure that it fits everyone. That said, the additional foam in the front of this PFD can make it a bit bulky for people with larger chests. Still, the adjustable shoulder straps expand up to 56”.
Features:
- Sits any paddle boat with a high back
- Keeps you cool with a mesh low back
- Keep your gear secure with pockets and clips
- Fits everyone with 6 adjustable straps
- SOLAS and US Coast Guard Certified
Pros:
- More comfortable than most
- Has a pocket and clip
- Provides ample mobility
Cons:
- Bulky for bigger chests
Verdict: The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic is more of a great all-around life jacket than one specifically suited for any particular task, but it works especially well with water sports. Whether riding a kayak or canoe, this life vest provides plenty of maneuverability to paddle and a high back foam with a low back mesh to prevent the jacket from riding up on you.
Best Value: Stohlquist Adult FIT High Mobility Life Jacket | Unisex Personal Floatation Device, PFD Vest
- FEEL THE MOVEMENT - High mobility, non-restrictive cut. Higher placement of upper buckle helps reduce ride up. Thinner back panel to reduce...
- INNOVATION MEANS BETTER - All foam corners are rounded and sculpted compared to many 3-buckle PFDs. Box-stitched webbing is also more...
- COAST GUARD APPROVED - Safety is our number one concern for open water explorers. Safe is exactly as you'll feel as this PFD is approved for...
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 12:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Stohlquist Fit life jacket is a bit of a sharp departure for the list at this point as it aims to revitalize an old design, but doesn’t really push the boundaries in any meaningful way. That said, the few touches it adds definitely increase its overall performance while still allowing it to come in at a price that’s a bargain.
In terms of what it does different from your standard, boxy life jacket, this PFD contours the shape and profile so that it’s as comfortable and flexible as possible while still staying true to the classic approach. In that vein, Stohlquist Fit rafting life vest comes with thin-profile foam floats to reduce the bulk and increase your mobility. Following that line, the non-restrictive cut also further increases mobility.
To ensure that you don’t have to worry about the foam poking you at odd angles, it’s been sculpted so that the edges and corners are rounded– same thing for the seams at these points. As if that weren’t enough, the Stohlquist Fit canoe life vest is also one of the lightest options encountered at 0.7 lbs which makes it easy to wear all-day long.
It is worth noting that the Stohlquist Fit raft vest is not the best option for kayaks. Canoes and rafts? This is a great option that affords plenty of mobility without sacrificing in terms of build quality or performance. For kayaks, on the other hand, this canoeing PFD is not a great choice. The main culprit is the padding which, as thin as it is, still runs the length of the life jacket.
This design means that kayaks with tall seats will likely force the Stohlquist Fit raft jacket to ride up. It seems Stohlquist knows this which is likely why the chest strap is positioned so high up– to prevent the vest from riding completely off. That said, the straps themselves are fairly sturdy, made with box stitching instead of the common (and cheaper) than bar tack stitching.
Features:
- Has a high-mobility cut
- Rounded and sculpted foam
- Only weighs 0.7 lbs
- Has 3 box-stitched webbing straps
- Type III US Coast Guard Certification
Pros:
- Has a mobile cutIs fairly comfortable
- Is reasonably durable
Cons:
- Padded back will ride up
Verdict: The Stohlquist Fit may not be the best kayak life jacket, but it’s easily one of the better values and perfect for canoeing or rafting which doesn’t place as much stress on the back floats. It also doesn’t hurt that Stohlquist took an old-school design and added some new-school touches that significantly drags this classic into the 21st century.
Runner Up: Astral Ronny Lifejacket (PFD)
- 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...
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 12:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Astral Ronny may seem a bit odd on this particular list, but it covers some of the bases that the majority of the other entries miss: fishing. Sure, you can get on a paddle board, but it might be tough casting without a whole lot of practice. As such, this raft vest makes it a point to fill a different niche by offering something that none of the other options can come close to competing with: storage.
Quite simply, this is one of the few life jackets that can simultaneously serve as a kayak fishing vest and then turn around and work just as well on the open water. With 3 individual pockets and 4 total compartments, as well as a loop to lash or clip gear onto, the Astral Ronny canoe fishing life jacket easily stores more than the next closest competitor reviewed and could easily see itself on a list for fishing life jackets.
That said, when you consider this rafting PFD in terms of all crafts, even a paddle boarder, there are some distinct areas where it’s not the best choice. For starters, this canoe vest has the thickest foam reviewed which is great for buoyancy but not so good when trying to sit in a high-backed kayak seat. In that instance, the Astral Ronny raft fishing jacket will eventually ride up and feel uncomfortable.
On the other hand, this buoyancy aid is still reasonably comfortable thanks to the inclusion of mesh at both the chest and back. Unfortunately, the back mesh is just a single strip running vertically down the center, not the entire lower half. Not only is this why the Astral Ronny rides up in kayaks with high seat backs, but it also reduces the amount of heat released and overall breathability.
Features:
- 3 pockets to store all of your gear
- Is breathable with multiple vents
- Made out of durable materials
- Comfortable thanks to thin-profile foam
- Type III US Coast Guard Certification
Pros:
- Stores more than most
- Is fairly durable
- Wears fairly comfortably
Cons:
- Will still ride up
Verdict: The Astral Ronny rafting life jacket hits the mark with larger rafts and canoes just fine, but it’s a little thick in the back to work as well paddling kayaks as some of the other options on the list. However, it might more than make up for that particular weakness by also providing by far the most storage with enough pockets to carry all of your gear.
Also Consider: Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 Inflatable PFD Life Jacket (Deep Blue) | US Coast Guard Approved Automatic/Manual Life Vest for Adults
- US COAST GUARD-APPROVED TYPE-II PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) inflates automatically upon water immersion via replaceable CO2 cylinder...
- LIGHTWEIGHT, COOL AND COMFORTABLE: Life jacket’s ultra-breathable soft polyester collar wicks moisture away from the neck and provides...
- LARGE EASY-ACCESS ZIPPERED FRONT POCKET is great for storing sunglasses, fishing pliers, licenses, sunscreen during boating, fishing,...
Last update on 2021-09-21 at 09:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Some aficionados might think it a crime for the Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket to be so low on this list, but it’s due to context, not quality. Basically, this life vest is one of the best performing in its price range; however, it’s price range is also pretty high. As such, it’s not worth paying such a high price for a life jacket if you don’t need the specs.
A perfect example of this is buoyancy afforded which, for this list, 15.5 lbs is about what you should set the floor you’re willing to accept. Well the Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket sees that minimum and blows it out of the water by providing an incredible 35 lbs of buoyancy. That’s enough buoyancy to tackle the toughest situations where a life vest would do some good.
For instance, this is the only kayaking fishing life jacket that can also take on the most dangerous whitewater kayaking trips. It also doesn’t hurt that this vest is the only Type II model on the list which means that it will right you face up, so an unconscious person has far less risk of drowning. But, the Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket is also one of the few inflatable vests reviewed.
On top of that, this is another automatic inflatable vest that converts into a manual action but doesn’t have the same complaints of accidental inflation. Perhaps the submersion meter is more advanced (and bigger) because the Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket is noted for being relatively heavy. Still, you should be able to wear this all day as its low-profile design provides excellent mobility and the 2” belt ensures that everything stays where it’s supposed to.
Features:
- Provides an incredible 35 lbs of buoyancy
- Offers great mobility with a low-profile design
- Type II PFD with professional-grade ratings
- Can be worn all-day with a comfortable design
- Inflates automatically when submerged
- Can be converted to a manual PFD
Pros:
- More buoyancy than most
- Comfortable and maneuverable
- Is a convertible inflatable PFD
Cons:
- Not for everyone
Verdict: The Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket is an incredible option that may not necessarily hit the mark when it comes to price versus performance. While it has arguably the best performance, it’s price is also on the higher end of the spectrum, and only very particular circumstances truly demand that kind of investment.
Conclusion
As you can see, with so many different types of paddle crafts, each with their own particular techniques and demands, there really isn’t just one jacket that’s the best for all of kayaks, canoes, and rafts. For example, a kayak pfd can be used for canoeing or rafting. That said, there’s something for everyone on this list, depending on what kind of activities you have planned.
Taking the best seller spot, the Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 can definitely handle almost anything you throw at it– given it’s in Type III conditions. For larger raft rides down treacherous waters, the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic makes an excellent choice with plenty of mobility and even some storage.
If you have some extreme water sports planned, the Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 inflatable PFD life jacket provides the most buoyancy with all of the creature comforts. For fishermen, the Astral Ronny lifejacket may not have as many advanced features, but one of its classic features is priceless: pockets.
Finally, the Stohlquist Fit canoeing life jacket is your standard life vest design with a few modern updates to make it more comfortable and effective.