Women have slightly different requirements in life jackets than do men. For a start, while most men are fairly straight up and down in build, most women have curves. And, if you’re on a boat for any length of time, or involved in sports such as kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, anything that isn’t the best fit possible will almost certainly make itself known and cause a distraction after a while.
If you’re a woman who enjoys life on the waves, you’ll be looking for a life jacket that fits you, allows you to move as you need, and is comfortable. And if it offers storage? Fantastic – who says you can’t put on your lipstick on a boat?! On a serious note, you may have things you need to have close at hand, which makes effective storage on a decent life jacket a very important consideration.
Contents
Best Life Jacket for Women Reviews 2017
| Rank | Life Jacket | Colors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser | 4 | $$ |
| 3 | MTI Adventurewear | 2 | $ |
| 2 | Kokatat MsFit | 3 | $$$$ |
| 1 | Stohlquist Betsea | 6 | $$$ |
#4 – Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser
Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser is an easy to adjust life jacket that features a padded waist for additional comfort, especially over long periods. This life vest isn’t too bulky, and allows for a range of movements. However, it isn’t great for kayaking or canoeing, as it does tend to be a little uncomfortable in kayak and canoe seats. Also, you’ll want to wear a rashguard shirt underneath, as the mesh back can prove abrasive over long periods.
Pros
- Padded waist
- Easy to adjust
- Allows for range of movement
Cons
- Not ideal for canoeing or kayaking
- Mesh back can be abrasive on bare skin
Who Is It For?
This life jacket is a good purchase option for women involved in boating, yachting, and sailing.
Value For Money?
For boating enthusiasts, this is definitely a worthwhile purchase to consider.
#3 – MTI Adventurewear
The MTI Adventurewear life jacket features a unique “Adjust-a-bust” system, which allows the chest padding to be removed – something women with a larger bust, who still want to be active on the water, may appreciate, as it means they are not feeling crushed by their life vest.
This life jacket is somewhat bulky, so may not be ideal for sailing, where you will be involved in a lot of movement, some of it quite awkward.
Pros
- Adjust-a-bust system for customized fit and comfort
Cons
- Bulky
Who Is It For?
This would be a good general boating vest for larger-breasted ladies who want to feel completely comfortable.
Value For Money?
If you value comfort in the chest area, then this is definitely a life vest to consider.
#2 – Kokatat MsFit
The Kokatat MsFit is another top-price life jacket, so again more an investment for the committed watersports and boating enthusiast. With a range of pockets, and a knife loop, this life vest is comfortable, with plenty of arm room.
It features front and rear reflective straps, and comes in a range of colors. However, it is a little bulky, which may become frustrating over long periods.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Arm room
Cons
- Bulky
Who Is It For?
This is a top-price life jacket for women regularly involved in boating, sailing, and watersports, as well as women who like their fishing – remember that handy knife strap, and all those pockets?
Value For Money?
If you’re looking for a professional quality life jacket, and have the money to spend, the Kokatat is good, but our number 1 pick, the Betsea, is better simply because it doesn’t have the issue of bulk.
#1 – Stohlquist Betsea
The Stohlquist Betsea comes in a range of colors, and features an ergonomic torso design, with built in contoured cups to offer full support. This life jacket also features a chest cinch strap, for adjustable fit, and large zippered front pockets for storage.
It is both Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved, making it ideal for long distance boat journeys.
The life vest is designed to fit to your curves, allowing complete freedom of movement and exceptional comfort.
Pros
- Full bust support
- Ergonomic design
- US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved
- Large zippered pockets for storage
Cons
- Expensive – definitely more a professional’s life jacket than a casual vacation purchase.
Who Is It For?
This life jacket would be ideal for women who are involved in either a professional or pro-am capacity with boating, yachting, sailing or watersports. This includes competitions and long-distance sailing.
Value For Money?
This is a top-price life vest, but, for the woman who is regularly on the water, and especially someone involved in long-distance sailing, this is definitely worth the money if you can afford it.
Final Decision?
If you’ve got the money to spend, we recommend the Stohlquist Betsea for all round comfort and performance, especially if you’re planning longer trips.