Best Life Jackets for Women Reviews 2021
Plenty of life vests out there are made to fit everyone with a “universal” one-size-fits-all design, but that design generally assumes that “all” of the wearers are men. As such, this can make plenty of life jackets fit oddly on women whose bodies are shaped differently and can rarely be described as “one-size-fits-all.”
That’s why this list examines the 5 best life jackets for women, breaking down what each one does best and which ones you should wear paddle boarding, sailing, or for any water sport. In the end, this list will help you make an informed decision when picking out a women’s life jacket, so your next trip out on the water is both safe and comfortable.
Last update on 2022-01-08 at 02:09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Seller: O’Neill Women’s Reactor USCG Life Vest
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device; Perfect for Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, and Swimming
- Segmented Foam Core And Anatomical Flex Points Allow Unrestricted Movement
- Quick Release Safety Buckles And Heavy Duty Front Zipper Create an Unparalleled Sense of Security
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The O’Neill Women’s Reactor USCG Life Vest takes the comfort of women seriously and introduces a number of novel and effective features to help make sure that goal succeeds. That said, this life jacket also makes it a point to take care of the other qualities that you look for when choosing a high-end life vest.
Still, there is no getting around the fact of exactly how much the O’Neill Reactor kayak PFD puts into ensuring a high level of comfort for the wearer. One great example of this is the float designs, but it’s not an inflatable life vest like a lot of the other options that eschew traditional floats. Instead, this personal flotation device changes both the number and position of the floats to not only provide a more comfortable fit but aid in maneuverability as well.
For starters, the O’Neill Reactor kayaking PFD doesn’t just shove a few floats into the shell and call it a day. No, this women’s pfd uses multiple segmented floats instead of a few large ones so that the life jacket articulates with your movement and affords significantly more mobility than normally provided. On top of that, this PFD also positions those floats in anatomically strategic points.
This design further reinforces that ease of maneuverability when wearing this life jacket and prevents the foam floats from poking into your stomach or other sensitive areas. Keeping this design in mind, these features also combine with another to make this personal flotation device one of the most comfortable reviewed. Specifically, there is a seam in the back that opens up to expand this life jacket at the bottom half.
Finally, the O’Neill Reactor life vest is just an all-around, high-quality option that goes the extra mile with the finishing touches, so you don’t have to worry about its durability season after season. For one, this is one of the few life jackets on this list that employs durable overlock stitches to prevent the life jacket from ripping its seams. On top of that, the heavy-duty zipper not only provides additional security but is less likely to come off than some of its competition.
Features:
- Has a segmented foam core
- Anatomical flex points aid mobility
- Heavy-duty zipper offers additional security
- Fits better with expansion panels
- Has durable overlock stitches
Pros:
- Is fairly comfortable
- Is reasonably secure
- Provides great mobility
Cons:
- Sizing runs small
Verdict: The O’Neill Women’s Reactor USCG Life Vest is probably one of the best sitting options on the market– assuming you can divine your right size as they run small. Still, once you do find the right size, it’ll be difficult to ignore the level of comfort and mobility afforded without sacrificing safety.
Top Pick: Airhead Women’s CAMO COOL Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket
- Fits Adults over 90 Pounds
- Zippered closure and two hidden 1.5 inch straps w/quick-release buckles
- USCG Approved Type III
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The Airhead Neolite Flex Life Jacket is another model that moves the needle when it comes to women’s comfort while also covering other desired aspects as well. That said, this women’s life jacket is fairly similar to other models but sets itself apart from the pack by offering almost the same level of performance at a significantly better value.
This life jacket follows the most popular and successful models by modifying the design so that the life vest sits better on the wearer whether stationary or moving. Keep in mind, this is another life vest that accomplishes this task without being an inflatable PFD. Granted, it doesn’t achieve this as well as some of the competition, but the use of segmented foam floats still makes a big difference in terms of maneuverability.
The Airhead Flex personal flotation device also takes the next step by articulating the floats, though once again, this feature is not quite as effective as with other models. As if that weren’t enough, this women’s vest employs oversized armholes to help put on the vest easier as well as afford you more mobility than you’d expect. Beyond mobility, this life vest also uses a variety of different materials to great effect.
For instance, this is one of the few life jackets examined that uses neoprene for the entire shell. This material choice is important because neoprene feels softer to the touch but is still durable. On top of that, neoprene stretches better than other materials which only increases the overall mobility this jacket allows. However, the neoprene also boasts a Kwik-Dry treatment, making care that much easier.
What is even more surprising is that this life jacket still provides some of the best buoyancy reviewed without sacrificing maneuverability. One of the main ways it accomplishes this is by using softer, more flexible PE foam in the front and bulkier, more buoyant PVC foam in the back. It is also worth noting that all of these comfort and design features lead the Airhead Flex vest to have a bit too much of a snug fit, as the size runs small.
Features:
- Uses NeoLite neoprene for the shell
- Has a Kwik-Dry treatment
- Employs dual PVC and PE foam
- Has oversized armholes for mobility
- Comes with a segmented design
Pros:
- Is fairly comfortable
- Provides good buoyancy
- USCG Approved Type III PFD
Cons:
- Size runs small
Verdict: The Airhead Women’s Neolite Flex Life Jacket is another option that provides exceptional mobility and comfort for your average life vest. While this women’s vest tends to provide a bit too much of a snug fit, its comfortable, quick-drying material and superior buoyancy more than make up for it.
Best Value: Stearns Women’s Infinity Series Boating Vest, Small/Medium, Blue
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If ever there was a life jacket for riding a jet ski, the Stearns Infinity Series is it with an all-around solid design that comes in under budget. And that jet ski remark isn’t a joke either as this PFD offers some of the best security available to make sure that even if tossed into rough water the PFD will stay on.
One of the big ways the Stearns Infinity Series life vest accomplishes this is with the overabundance of its adjustable strap system that eschews that fairly common shoulder strap. However, this life jacket still provides more straps than most with four webbed straps that can handle abrasions and sharp edges better than some. That said, the number of straps is only partly what makes this PFD so secure.
The other part comes in the arrangement of the straps, or more specifically, the arrangement of one strap in particular. The bottom straps all sit around the midsection where you would normally expect to find life jacket adjustable straps (if not over the shoulder). However, the Stearns Infinity Series PFD sticks the fourth strap at the chest to further secure the jacket and even offer some benefits when kayaking.
Beyond the webbed straps, this life jacket also features a durable nylon shell for both the inner and outer shell. On top of that, the Stearns Infinity Series life jacket applies an antimicrobial treatment to the nylon to prevent the development of mold or mildew. Thankfully, you shouldn’t have to worry about that too much anyway as the built-in hanging ring makes drying this life vest a breeze.
Beyond that, this life vest also switches out your standard foam floats for double Crosstech foam which is not only more durable than normal foam but more buoyant as well. Granted, the difference is between one to half a pound of buoyancy, but it helps when you’re not in calm water. One thing to consider, though, is that the double Crosstech floats, durable and buoyant as they may be, are also a bit bulky.
Features:
- Four straps for extra security
- Prevents growth of mold and mildew
- Nylon shell and webbed straps are durable
- The built-in hanging ring is convenient
- Uses double Crosstech foam
Pros:
- More secure than most
- Has antimicrobial treatments
- Has solid durability
Cons:
- Not the most maneuverable
Verdict: The Stearns Women’s Infinity Series kayaking PFD is easily one of the most secure kayak life vests out there and will do a much better job preventing the jacket from riding than others thanks to 4 adjustable straps. Even better, this kayaking life jacket features an antimicrobial outer shell, so you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew.
Runner Up: Stohlquist Women’s Flo Lifejacket
- Graded sizing creates a better, more appropriate fit for a wider range of users
- Higher mesh-back design offers increased clearance for tall seat backs
- Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up
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The Stohlquist Flo Lifejacket is definitely unique in its design and takes seriously the goal of making women’s life jackets more comfortable. Unfortunately, it misses the mark in a couple of key areas which makes this the perfect life jacket for particular women but not an ideal choice for women who’ve already run into sizing or fit issues.
The first thing to note is that the Stohlquist Flo PFD offers a few more creature comforts than most life jackets specifically tailored for women. A perfect example of this is the fact that this life vest is the only model reviewed that comes with pockets– though pockets aren’t inherently a rare commodity… most of the time. In this instance, the PFD only provides 2 pockets, but that’s still two more than you’re gonna find on many other women’s life vests.
Beyond the pockets, the Stohlquist Flo PFD is also one of the few models to employ extensive use of mesh fabric to increase breathability. However, this is where the first of a few confusing design decisions comes into play. Specifically, both the top and the back part have mesh fabric to increase breathability. However, both mesh panels are also against a float in a way to significantly reduce the amount of heat released.
In terms of mobility, the Stohlquist Flo life jacket does fairly well here with thin-profile armholes that afford far more maneuverability than some of the competition. On top of that, this life jacket also boasts a women-centric cut that is not only supposed to fit better and more comfortably but pay special attention to the chest too. Unfortunately, this idea works much better on paper than it does in practice.
Part of the issue should be obvious: just because women often have larger chests in proportion to the rest of their torso compared to men doesn’t really tell you much about how that chest is shaped. When it comes to a comfortable fit, this is a paramount quality. On top of that, the cross-chest cinch harness may do a wonderful job keeping the life jacket secure, but it further narrows the number and type of women that this jacket fits well.
Features:
- Stores gear with 2 pockets
- Has a cross-chest cinch harness
- Mesh back provides good breathability
- Thin-profile armholes offer mobility
- Has a woman-centric cut
Pros:
- More breathable than most
- More maneuverable than most
- Can store gear
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit as intended
Verdict: The Stohlquist Women’s Flo Lifejacket has its heart in the right place, but by trying to appeal to the wide and varied range of women in the world, they turn out to be an anti-Goldilocks. Instead of being just right for everyone, this kayaking PFD fits a particular type of body shape better than the rest.
Also Consider: O’Neill Women’s SuperLite USCG Life Vest
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device; Perfect For Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, And Swimming
- Minimal Bulk Design Allows Full Mobility
- Durable Coated Polyester Shell Creates A Strong Exterior
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O’Neill makes another appearance on the list, this time with the SuperLite USCG Life Vest which is easily the most secure model reviewed and likely the best sailing option. Part of that comes down to what you really need to worry about if you fall overboard while sailing. The first thing you need to make sure of is that the vest is buoyant enough to keep you afloat, but the second thing is that it stays on you where it’s supposed to.
While most life jackets on this list will satisfy the first ask, it’s the second one that can be a bit tricky depending on how deep or choppy the waters are. Even a fairly secure life vest may still slip off if turbulent currents toss you to and fro until you don’t know which way is up. That’s why the number and position of the O’Neill SuperLite life jacket’s adjustable straps make a huge difference.
Like some of its competition, this life jacket employs 4 adjustable straps to keep your life vest secure no matter what. However, this PFD goes the extra mile by positioning not one but two of the straps at the chest. This design further secures the personal flotation device and prevents it not only from coming off but from shifting too much either. There’s even a D-ring to attach a whistle or other signal– or any piece of gear really.
Beyond the security, this life jacket is also pretty comfortable both in terms of the materials used as well as the fit. While finding the right size can be a bit tricky, the O’Neill SuperLite life vest comes with large armholes to increase maneuverability as well as mesh and neoprene fabrics.
Features:
- More secure with 4 straps
- Two chest straps prevent ride ups
- Comfortable with mesh and neoprene fibers
- Has maneuverable armholes
- Has a coated polyester shell
Pros:
- More secure than most
- Is fairly comfortable
- Provides good buoyancy
Cons:
- Difficult to size
Verdict: The O’Neill Women’s SuperLite USCG Life Vest is likely the most secure kayak fishing life vest reviewed and the least likely to ride up your back when sitting in a deep-seated kayak. It also doesn’t hurt that this kayak PFD doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort to provide exceptional buoyancy– though the fit can be difficult to zero in. Curious to know what the “coating” on the polyester does, though.
Conclusion
As we can see, most women’s life jacket options start with the base assumption that the key element missing from women’s life jackets is comfort from a different fit. With generally shorter torsos and larger chests compared to their waist, women require a completely different design profile than a man’s or even a “universal fit” life jacket.
Thankfully, there’s something for everyone on this list whether you’re into water skiing, jet skiing, or riding a paddle board down calm water. For the best combination of all-around comfort, a properly designed cut, and plenty of mobility, the O’Neill Women’s Reactor USCG Life Vest is great.
If you want pretty much all of that but would prefer to trade a touch of mobility for some additional buoyancy, you should check out the Airhead Women’s Neolite Flex Life Jacket. The Stearns Women’s Infinity Series kayak life vest is a great value and provides one of the most secure fits reviewed.
The Stohlquist Women’s Flo Lifejacket might be onto something in terms of how it approaches fit but needs some refining before the product is mature and suitable for mass markets. Finally, the O’Neill Women’s SuperLite USCG Life Vest is the most secure model on the list and works better for kayaking than any of the others while also great for paddle boarders.