Life jacket suggestions

After watching Kevin Wild's video, I started thinking about finally getting a decent PFD. For my entire career, I've used cheap life jackets, and quite frequently didn't even wear them. Kevin's looked interesting, looked like it had storage in the front. What are some top line paddling PFD's? I'm not looking for bargains, looking for comfort and practicality, money is not a deciding factor.

i think the MEC Fulcrum Guide is what he was wearing in that video.

i got a Salus Ungava a couple years back and quite like it. some storage, but minimal and unobtrusive (which is what i prefer), very comfortable for paddling. seemingly bombproof construction.

I've been eyeballing the NRS Big Water Guide. I like that it has a higher float rating than most PFDs and is longer in length, which hopefully reduces some of the bulk. Haven't seen one in person though.


Alan

I have a Stohlquist Descent, as seen in my avatar picture. The front pocket is great: folds out from the top and has lots of little compartments, so all my stuff is always in the same place (whistle, chapstick, sunblock, paddling gloves, knife, etc.). There's a perfect phone pocket and an internal lanyard clip, so it can't get lost. My only complaint is that I haven't figured out a good way to clip on a radio. It's an "over-the-head" side zip model, which bugs some people but I don't mind it.


It's swiftwater rescue ready – USCG-approved Type V PFD with a quick-release harness and tow belt compatibility - but I haven't done any training with that feature and have removed it for convenience.

memaquay said:

I started thinking about finally getting a decent PFD.

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I strongly DISbelieve in spending excessive money on life jackets for flat water, so you may want to ignore this message. My belief is that all life jackets rated for 15.7 lbs. of buoyancy (level 70) will be sufficiently buoyant for safety in non-whitewater, and that the only differences will be oft-picayune issues of fit, pockets and doodads, and name branding.

Last year I bought the excellent, non-pregnancy life jacket from Onyx discussed in THIS thread for $49 USD, but it seems not to be readily available anymore. It served me well on many trips in 2025 and has more than sufficient pocketing and lash tabbing.

HERE is a Walmart brand (non-pregnancy) life jacket for $39 USD, which also has lots of pockets and lash tabs and is rated for level 70 use in the USA and Canada.

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Video:

Glenn MacGrady said:

I strongly DISbelieve in spending excessive money on life jackets for flat water

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I tend to agree although I think a pfd specifically cut for paddling is worth spending a little bit more. Decades ago after I dumped my cheapo piece of junk I bought a Lotus which was quite nice until I lost it on a trip. For many years I used a Patagonia pfd, yeah I know not exactly know for pfd's, I have no idea who made it for them. It is suffering from UV damage after 20 years sp last year I picked up a closeout from NRS. I can put a camera in one "boob" and my InReach in the other, behind them are two larger pockets




One trend I don't like is the vented backs that are now common (probably popular in hot weather locations), the other trend is side adjustment straps going from 3 down to 2 and using narrower webbing (likely not as good either and that includes the buckles).


If you want lots of pockets look for pfd's designed for fishing