9 Best Kayak Life Jackets (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Are you looking for the best kayak life jacket for your next adventure? Kayaking is a fun recreational activity, but always wear your life jacket before you go out in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you know how to swim or not. Sometimes, shallow water can be dangerous too!

Kayak life vests are designed to save lives. There are different types and styles available for different activities and water conditions. Before purchasing your personal flotation device (PFD), check the label to ensure you’re using the right one.

If you are in a hurry, we have narrowed your choices. Check out these top picks.

Best Kayak PFD

Even paddling on calm water, you need to wear a life vest.  If you are a beginner, a life jacket is especially important.

This article will discuss what to look for when you buy a life jacket and show you some of the best available options. With that, let’s get right to it.

#1 NRS Ion Kayak Lifejacket (PFD)

Features:

• United States Coast Guard certified
• Flexible fit
• Type III PFD, 16.5 pounds of flotation

Review

Among the PFDs available in the market, the NRS Ion Kayak Lifejacket stands out from others on this list. The six-panel design is constructed with ultra-soft foam to move with you. The life jacket is durable and will last a long time.

While it may look bulky, the six-panel design is ultra-soft foam with padded shoulders, making it very comfy. Its single-entry design makes it easy to wear and allows you to move in any direction.

This jacket is also perfect for paddling on a hot summer day. Because of its AirMesh inner panels, ventilation throughout the jacket helps keep you cool. Its zipped pockets are also handy for your essentials.

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#2 Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest

Features:

• Reflective material for visibility
• Heavy-duty nylon fabric
• USCG approved, Type III PFD

Review

The United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada approve this life jacket. That should provide you with some confidence. It’s made from SOLAS-grade reflective materials, making you visible even in a low-light area or open water. The jacket also has an integrated whistle that you can use for emergencies.

Design-wise, it’s comfortable to use, though it feels bulky in front. It has mesh lower back ventilation in front and back that keeps you cool. The high foam back is perfect for canoe and various kayak seats. The large arm holes allow you to move freely, though sometimes your arms rub on the sides.

The pockets on the front can be safe storage for your phone or other essentials. At the same time, the lash tabs can be used for tethered items. The pocket makes for a good fishing life vest since you can store a sleeve of lures and other gear.

The only thing that I didn’t like about this product is its sizing. The sizes tend to run big, so you may need to buy a smaller size.

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#3 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx Inflatable Life Jacket

Features:

• Lightweight, durable fabric
• Manually inflates
• Soft neoprene neckline

Review

This life jacket is a Type V with Type III performance, providing excellent flotation when inflated. Its design allows a wide range of motion and movement with less bulk. It is lightweight and sleek, so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a flotation device.

Its soft neoprene neckline makes it comfortable to wear all day. The design also prevents skin abrasion. It automatically inflates when immersed in water, like if you fall overboard.  You can also manually inflate the jacket.

This sleek life jacket is not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers.

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#4 Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest

Features:

• USCG Approved
• Soft and durable
• Universal size
• Designed for adults 90 pounds or more

Review

This simple but effective kayak life jacket is perfect for a day at the lake. The Stearns Classic vest is US Coast Guard-approved. The durable construction includes a 3-buckle design and a nylon shell.

This life jacket can fit a variety of users and is intended for adults weighing over 90 pounds. It is adjustable for 30-52 inch chest sizes.

The armholes are roomy and spacious yet snug enough to keep you afloat. The adjustable web straps make this one of the best life vests for kayaking.

The only negative is that this jacket can be a little bulky and cumbersome when you paddle. This is a viable option if you are looking for an inexpensive life jacket that will keep you afloat.

Many people will buy several of these life jackets when they take people kayaking.

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#5 Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket

Features:

• SOLAS approved 3M reflectors
• Lightweight and durable
• Universal fit under 330 pounds

Review

This life jacket manually inflates in 2-3 seconds when you pull the handle, giving you time to get your head above water. It also has a backup oral inflation tube, just in case.

Like other inflatable devices, it provides comfort through its lightweight and soft design. Its rescue strap is handy in an emergency. The rescue strap can help rescuers to pull you out of the water. Also, the reflective straps aid rescue efforts too.

The fabric is sewn together with the airbag is sewn together, so it’s easy to repack and reuse.  The waterproof cover is puncture and tear-resistant. Eyson is an excellent jacket because it’s comfortable and easy to wear.

If you want a fishing life vest, look at options like the MoveVent.

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#6 NRS Zen Lifejacket (PFD)

Features:

• Reinforced shoulder straps
• Nylon with Cordura reinforcements
• Type V life jacket, 17.5 pounds of flotation

Review 

This jacket is marketed as the most comfortable life jacket rescue vest. It was designed based on a close relative, the NRS Ninja PFD. This lifejacket has essential features for experienced paddlers in fast-water rescue situations.

As for its design, the big armholes allow full mobility. The low-profile life jacket moves freely with your upper body and prevents skin abrasion. Its compartmentalized clamshell front pocket is perfect for storing a small first aid kit or other rescue essentials.

There are six adjustment points for a customized fit, and this PFD carries US Coast Guard Certification. The outer shell is 400D ripstop reinforced with nylon and Cordura.

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#7 Eyson Slim Inflatable PFD

Features:

• Universal fit for adults under 330lb
• Soft neoprene neckline
• SOLAS approved 3M reflectors

Review

This life jacket inflates manually, so you need to pull the large handle before it inflates. If the handle doesn’t work, there’s a blow-up tube as a backup. This flotation device is helpful for many water activities like water sports, flat-water paddling, or recreational boating.

Like many other inflatable PFDs, this jacket is comfortable, lightweight, low profile design, and has a soft neoprene neckline. The airbag is made of Nylon and TPU and inflates in less than 3 seconds, which is excellent if you are in swift-moving water with your kayak.

Each life jacket is pressured tested for 24 hours twice.  The large reflectors on the jacket significantly improve visibility in darkness.

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#8 Stohlquist Edge Personal Flotation Device

Features:

• Four side pulls for a snug fit
• 3M reflective material for high visibility
• Top load front pockets
• Type III PFD
• Front-zip entry

Review

The Stohlquist Edge PFD has a low-profile design that will not get in the way of your paddling stroke. The lightweight jacket is versatile and excellent for the next day on the water.

The life jacket is designed to contour the shape of your body and puts the foam where you need it. The larger jackets have more foam than the smaller ones, meaning a better individual fit. The jacket has adjustable shoulders and four side pulls for a comfortable fit.

This lightweight kayak life vest folds down small enough to fit in a medium-sized dry bag when not in use. Mesh sides provide plenty of ventilation. This is a great life jacket for sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks.

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#9 Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket

Features

• Type III PFD
• USCG approved
• Easy to wear

Review

The three-buckle design has many advantages. It makes it easier to adjust, is comfortable in and out of the water, and prevents seat-back interference. It’s designed for better mobility and comfort.

The high-profile cut-away leaves more room for movement. The upper buckle will not ride up when paddling. There’s also a hang loop for easy drying and storage.

This multi-use flotation device is excellent for many different water sports.  The life jacket is universal to fit a variety of users.  The jacket is comfortable for rowing but lacks comfort when you sit low in the kayak.

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Why You Need a Kayak Life Vest

As I have mentioned, life jackets save lives in the water. It adds buoyancy and prevents you from drowning. There are many good reasons to always wear one.

You never know what may happen while in the water. The life jacket is designed for many purposes in different situations. For example, your body temperature drops when you are in the water for an extended period.

Many life jackets are made from insulated materials to help keep you warm. It also keeps your head above the water. With that said, it helps you stay dry and stabilizes your body temperature while waiting for rescue.

Some excellent swimmers refuse to wear their life jackets because they can tread well in the water. But sometimes, excellent swimmers can also drown. Here, this is where a life jacket saves you. Its buoyancy helps you stay afloat without the need to tread water.

The colorful designs of life jackets can aid in rescue efforts. Life jackets also minimize injuries as they can absorb some impact in case of a fall. Suppose an injury occurs and you lose consciousness. A life jacket can rotate you upward, allowing you to breathe even if you’re not awake.

Most people panic when unexpected things happen in the water; they might immediately jump overboard. In this case, a life jacket is handy. It gives the wearer some time to adjust to the situation.

Types of life jackets

Here’s a guide for different types of life jackets. Let’s look at their unique features, the buoyancy they provide, and their intended use.

Type I – Offshore life jackets

Buoyancy: 22 pounds of buoyancy (adult), 11 pounds of buoyancy (child)

This type of PFD is recommended for cruising, racing, fishing offshore, or when boating alone or in stormy conditions.

Because of its high buoyancy, it is the best life jacket for survival in rough or remote water. When rescue is slow to arrive, it keeps the wearer in a safe floating position and keeps the unconscious wearer face up.

The conscious wearer limits physical effort to tread in the water and help keep body heat while waiting for rescue. Its additional foam and fabric help the wearer maintain body heat while in the water.

It is also made of high visibility colors with reflective material and makes you easy to spot in open water. Though it provides the best protection, it is uncomfortable and bulky to use and limits activities. It also makes self and assisted rescues difficult.

There are also Type I inflatable floating devices. They are less bulky, but the Coast Guard does not recommend them.

Type II – Nearshore vests (inherently buoyant)

Buoyancy: 15.5 pounds of buoyancy (adult)

This flotation device is best for light boat activities, kayaking, white water, and surf ski paddling. Most kayakers use this life jacket. Foam types are bulky but less bulky than Type I life jackets.

It is more comfortable to use. It is less buoyant but can keep your head up in the water. Some Type II PFDs can keep the wearer’s face-up position, but not all. Unlike Type l life jackets, this PFD allows you to perform self or assisted rescues.

Type II – Inflatable

Buoyancy: 34 pounds of buoyancy (adult)

They have the same purpose as the inherently buoyant. The only difference is that this type is inflatable- manual or automatic. They are popular for kayakers because it features higher flotation. It is also comfortable to wear all the time.

Type II inflatable does not guarantee that it can keep the wearer in a face-up position. Therefore it is only intended to use where there’s a good chance for a quick rescue.

Type III – Flotation Aid

Buoyancy: 15.5 pounds of buoyancy (adult)

Type III is used for towed sports or paddling activities. Float coats, fishing life vests, and vests are examples of this life jacket. It does not guarantee a face-up position for the unconscious wearer.

This flotation device is also suitable for sailors with a chance of immediate rescue. It offers freedom of movement and the comfortable for the conscious wearer. To keep a face-up position, wearers should tilt their heads back. In this way, they can avoid being face down in the water.

Buoyancy: 22.5 pounds of buoyancy (adult)

The inflatable type features higher buoyancy but features one manual inflation mechanism only. They are ideal to use near the water shore and supervised activities.

Type IV – Throwable Device

Buoyancy: 16.5 pounds of buoyancy for the ring buoy and 18 pounds for the boat cushion.

This works as a supplementary device for buoyancy for people overboard. It is thrown in the water and not to be worn. It is used for calm and inland water where rescue is always available.

This device can be grasped and held by the user until rescue arrives. Examples are buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys attached to the deck. According to Coast Guard, any throwable device must be available immediately.

They should be at arm’s length to throw for an emergency. So, putting the life jacket under the cockpit is not advisable. Remember that any throwable device is not suitable for the unconscious, non-swimmers, and children.

Type V–Special use Device

Buoyancy: 15.5–22 pounds of buoyancy

These are flotation devices that are intended for specific water activities. Special-use life jackets are designed for sailboard harnesses, deck suits, paddling vests, commercial white water vests, or float coats.

Some automatic inflation models work, like Type II life jackets. It inflates automatically when submerged in the water. Some models feature a combination of C02 inflation and built-in foam. They provide enough buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat but do not guarantee it can keep a face-up position.

Type V- Hybrid Inflation and some special notes

Buoyancy: 7.5 pounds of built-in foam buoyancy (can be inflated up to 22 pounds)

This type is recommended to use where rescue is nearby. It is designed for light boat activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddling. Most Type 5 hybrid inflatable has harnesses or over-the-head entry foam.

Compared to Type II and Type l, this model is the most comfortable and least bulky to use. However, it doesn’t provide adequate buoyancy for the unconscious wearer.

As for its inflation mechanism, it releases gas to inflate the Type V device when activated. Both manual and automatic type V devices have blow tubes as a backup system for inflation.

Some Type V special use devices are labeled on their tags like Type ll or Type III. Its label also specifies the particular use design.

Kayak life jacket – what to look for

Comfort

Comfort and design are some features you need to consider. Remember that a comfortable vest should fit snugly but not too tight.

You won’t get in and out of your personal flotation device often, but you still need to choose which design is comfortable. Life jackets come in different styles; vest, pullover, and a mix of vest and pullover. Some can be placed over the head with adjustable straps.

Pockets and pouches may not be essential, but they are handy in some situations. They can store your essentials and emergency equipment. Some PFDs have D-rings; this allows you to attach items to the exterior.

Durability

When choosing a life jacket, ensure it will last for a reasonable period. Choose a life jacket made from nylon or neoprene. These materials are durable. It won’t wear down quickly if you come into contact with a hard surface or are exposed to too much saltwater. Refrain from buying cheap PFD as they are made from cheap materials.

How Well Does It Float?

All life jackets are buoyant, but some function differently. I highly recommend the life jacket that can keep you above water in an upright position. If an accident happens, this type will keep you safe even if you lose consciousness. But the preference is still up to you.

Visibility

Brightly colored life jackets increase your visibility in the water. In case an accident happens, rescuers can easily see you.

Does It Restrict Movement?

The best life jacket for kayaking needs to allow you to move your arms freely. Bulky life jackets limit movement; make sure you avoid this type.

You should choose the one with large armholes for you to move freely when paddling.  You also need to keep in mind the clothing that you will be wearing while kayaking. 

When looking for the best kayak life jacket, find one that will fit nicely over your clothes and still provide you with room to move comfortably.

Different Kayak Life Jackets

Inflatable

Inflatable life vests come in two inflation options: manual and automatic. For a manual inflatable vest, you must pull a string to activate the C02 before it inflates. The automatic vest inflates when submerged in the water.

Most kayakers prefer to use inflatable life vests during summer because of their design. It does not cover much of your body, which makes it ideal on hot days. It also provides flexibility and does not restrict your movement.

But there are disadvantages to using one; they do not guarantee your safety. The manual inflatable vest is not buoyant. It only offers buoyancy when inflated. As for maintenance, it requires regular maintenance, as you will need to replace carbon dioxide cartridges.

They are not a good fit for everyone and specific activities like whitewater kayaking. These are not suitable for non-swimmers and children.

Paddle Vest

Paddle vests are personal flotation devices (PFD). It is made from an insulating material and stuffed with foam. That is why it can provide buoyancy that helps the wearer face upward while in the water. The insulating material also keeps the body warm.

They are commonly used in kayaking and canoeing because they allow the wearer to move freely while paddling. However, some are bulky and limit movement.

Its design is also better than an inflatable vest because it has a few pockets. They are also perfect for keeping some tools and emergency gear that an inflatable vest doesn’t have.

Conclusion

You never know what can happen while you’re in the water. There are situations where swimming ability doesn’t matter. To prevent any mishap, pick the right life jacket.

It’s hard to choose with so many designs and models available. You can use this as a guide to help you decide what to buy.

It is essential to consider a life jacket’s design, comfort, and quality. Choose the one that fits your body type perfectly and allows you to move freely.

Before engaging in any water activity, ensure your life jacket is fastened and well-adjusted.

Remember that a life jacket is not an accessory but is meant to save your life.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out.

References

https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/types/

https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php

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