Safety is one of the things we must consider every time we go to different places and doing activities like kayaking or fishing in saltwater or freshwater. In order for us to be safe while we fish, there is something we call, life jacket or also known as Personal Flotation Device (PFD). We wear them every time we go fishing or swimming to keep afloat in the water. Let’s see crucial tips about the best life jackets below.

How to Choose the Best Life Jacket for You

Life Jackets or PFD come in different sizes, colors, and buoyancy. Here are the guides and points in choosing the best life jacket you could always wear while fishing.[read more]

Weight Capacity

Always remember that your life jacket must not only be adjustable to fit you but also matches your weight that will support you properly.

If your life jacket gives you too much flotation then it is not the best for you. Life jacket’s capacity and weight range must always be considered before purchasing one.

Coast-Guard Safety Approved

Life jackets have criteria that were set by the Coast Guard. If your PFD meets the criteria and approved by the Coast Guard, then be assured that you are getting the safest life jacket.

Choosing a Color

Why does it need to have many different colors of life jacket? Colors are very important to consider in choosing a life jacket for it makes the rescuers to easily find, track and rescue you if something bad happens. It would be best to opt for the brightest colored life vest possible.

Size

Fitting your life jacket to your body before you go fishing or swimming is very important. To find the perfect size for you first, tighten the strap for your waist, If there are shoulder straps they should be tightened last.

Be sure to move freely and test it out in the water. If it does not ride up over your nose, then it must be the one for you.

Buoyancy

Buoyancy shows how much force you need to keep your chin above water. Your weight is composed of body fats.

If your mouth and nose are not out of the water then you need more buoyancy which means you have less body fats and find a life vest that would match how much buoyancy needed.

Adults need 6-12 pounds of buoyancy. If your chin is above water, your life vest and buoyancy match together so there is no problem at all.

The Best Life Jackets for Fishing

There are different types of life jackets you can choose based on your size, weight, and choices for fishing and kayaking. Below are the following life jackets that would definitely work out for you during fishing.

1. Stohlquist Fisherman Personal Flotation Device

This life jacket has large front pockets designed for your pliers, inner mesh pockets and customization. Its high-back mesh gives you greater comfort and ergonomics when paddling. This life jacket is the best choice for most fishermen that will satisfy your potential needs.

Best Use:

Shell:

  • 200 denier oxford liner
  • 500 denier Cordura shell

Features:

  • It has 4 sizes available
  • Neoprene padded shoulders for high back
  • Waistband and open sides for ventilation at the lower back

2. NRS Chinook Mesh Back Fishing PFD

This life jacket is not well-known as others but NRS has been at the top of class for creating fishing PFDs that perform well. It has the important features most people should find. If you have a large budget looking for the best life jacket, this NRS PFD is ideal!

Best Use:

Shell:

  • Made of 200 denier urethane-coated ripstop nylon

Features:

  • It has 3 sizes available
  • It includes 7 front pockets
  • Mesh lower back with 8 adjustment points

3. ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

This life jacket has a wider array of customizability. There are enough pockets and attachment styles for your needed accessories, sunglasses, string, walkie-talkies and anything else.

Best Use:

  • For Adult
  • Boat, Kayak and Canoe fishing

Shell:

  • Made of 400 denier nylon oxford with mesh lower back

Features:

  • It comes with 2 sizes (chest: 30’’-52’’ and 40’’-60’’)
  • It has 6 adjustment straps
  • Includes 3 large front pockets
  • One-button push drop down tray pocket holds a small tackle box

4. Flowt Mesh Fishing Adult Life Vest Type III PFD

This life jacket is using a mesh on the shoulder straps to increase the overall airflow that would make your shoulder feel relaxed and comfortable.

Best Use:

  • For Adult
  • Boat, Kayak and Canoe fishing

Shell:

  • Made of durable nylon

Features

  • It has 2 large front pockets
  • It comes with only 2 sizes (chest: 30’’-52’’ and 52’’-62’’)
  • Made of lightweight foam

The Best Life Jackets for Kayaking

1. MTI Adventure Wear Solaris PFD Life Jacket

This life jacket is ideal for some shorter paddlers for it has interference between the PFD and the kayak seat. It is perfect to use for small necessities during your kayak trip.

Best Use:

  • Kayaking, Canoeing and sailing, and general boating

Shell:

  • It is made of 210/420d Ripstop Nylon

Features:

  • Comes with 3 sizes
  • High back with mesh lower section
  • Reflective striping front and back
  • Mesh front pocket and zippered side pocket

2. ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports PFD

Its lower back makes your life jacket to fit securely while giving you an overall comfort.

Best Use:

  • Kayaking, Canoeing and sailing, and general boating

Shell:

  • Made of 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon oxford

Features:

  • It has 2 Lateral adjustment straps
  • It comes with 3 sizes
  • Made of SOLAS grade reflective material
  • Expandable zippered pockets with mesh drainage

3. Astral Buoyancy V-Eight Life Jacket

This life jacket has a plenty of room for paddling. It also has the benefits of natural air movement and cooling.

Best Use:

  • Kayaking, Canoeing and sailing, and general boating

Shell:

  • Made of 200×400 Denier Ripstop Nylon

Features:

  • It has 3 sizes available
  • 2 front pockets with an ergonomic design
  • Lightweight construction

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