What is the Top Life Vest PFD for Kayaking?
There are various recreational activities that we usually take part in. These activities not only help us deal with boredom but also ensure that we enjoy ourselves to the maximum. Kayaking is an example of such activities.
With this activity, you are capable of exploring nature whilst completely enjoying yourself, which is very convenient. However, just like any other sport, a successful kayaking trip is largely dependent on whether you are well equipped with the best kayaking gear.
The fact that this is an activity that is practiced in water automatically exposes you to risk. Water bodies are often unpredictable, and it is therefore upon you to ensure that you take all the necessary safety precautions.
Therefore, when choosing the best kayaking paraphernalia, you should probably start with the best kayak life jacket. This is a very fundamental safety gear that you are required to have during every kayaking trip.
It is therefore upon you to ensure that you purchase the best kayak life jacket brand. To help you do this, I will discuss a number of kayak life jacket brands, as well as the fundamental factors that make this task easier for you.
1. Onyx MoveVent
Onyx MoveVent is certainly the best option for you. It is very well-designed and competent enough to provide you with the maximum safety you require as a kayaker, which is very paramount.
Its high-quality and excellent features ensure that you certainly get value for your money, and this is extremely fundamental. The first outstanding feature of this kayak life jacket is its comfort.
Onyx MoveVent is an extremely comfortable kayak life vest. This is extremely convenient since it would be impossible for you to enjoy your kayaking trip with an uncomfortable life jacket.
This is a life vest that fits perfectly, wrapping around your body like a glove to ensure that you are extremely comfortable. In as far as mobility is concerned, this vest offers you this and so much more.
It comes with a mesh lower back that is responsible for improving mobility, hence resulting in amazing mobility, which is a very important factor. The fact that it is made of strong and dependable construction materials guarantees durability.
To further ensure that you are completely comfortable, this kayak life jacket is extremely soft and lightweight, making it easy for you to maneuver and move around.
Pros
- It is durable.
- Ventilated to keep the body cool.
- Extremely comfortable.
Cons
- It is a bit pricey.
2. NRS Chinook
In terms of versatility, NRS Chinook is a kayak life jacket that offers you this in abundance. It is therefore not only aimed at promoting your safety, but also ensuring that you have the opportunity to choose the various features that best work for you.
NRS Chinook is suitable for various water activities such as fly fishing and kayak fishing. This versatility is extremely remarkable and beneficial. Besides versatility, this kayak life jacket offers you durability.
It is made of urethane-coated ripstop nylon, which is a very strong and dependable material that is capable of surviving difficult and harsh conditions. This thereby guarantees long-lasting service.
Apart from durability, this material is also responsible for providing you with absolute comfort, which is a very fundamental factor. The fact that it is roomy is another huge plus since this ensures that you get maximum ventilation, so as to keep your body cool.
When it comes to storage space, this kayak life jacket comes with so many pockets, thereby providing you with enough room to store your belongings. It also comes with a mesh lower back, that supports your lower back hence ensuring that you sit comfortably.
Pros
- It is durable.
- It is versatile.
- It has ample storage space.
Cons
- Has few safety features.
3. MTI Adventurewear
If you are fond of fashion and style, then it is fundamental for you to choose a kayak life jacket that comes with a fashionable design. MTI Adventurewear is a kayak life jacket brand that not only offers you safety but also style.
Thereby, with this brand, you do not have to sacrifice style for safety, which is very impressive. It is very suitable for recreational kayakers as well as those who are new to kayaking. This is because it is extremely easy to use, hence very convenient.
The most outstanding feature of this kayak life jacket is its ease of use. In as far as safety features are concerned, it comes with multiple buckles as well as a safety strap that fastens securely. This is very advantageous since it guarantees your safety.
Furthermore, it comes with various pockets that are fleece-lined, which is responsible for keeping your hands warm in the event that the conditions are cool.
In as far as durability is concerned, it is made of nylon, which is a very tough and dependable material. Nylon is known as a material that is capable of withstanding the difficult conditions that you are prone to while kayaking.
Pros
- It is extremely comfortable.
- It is durable.
- Has effective safety measures.
Cons
- It is bulky.
- Does not come with D-rings.
4. Stohlquist Edge
Stohlquist is a manufacturer that is known to produce high-quality life vests, thereby assuring you that this is a brand that will certainly not disappoint. It contains amazing quality, as well as phenomenal features that provide you with the very best experience.
Stohlquist Edge is a low profile kayak life jacket, thereby offering you high mobility, which is very fundamental. If you are fond of kayaking in the white water, then this is the perfect life jacket for you. This is because it is extremely suitable for white water paddling.
It contains a top-loading pocket that is responsible for providing you with ample storage space for your accessories. The fact that it is also extremely comfortable is another very huge advantage.
When it comes to durability, this kayak life jacket offers you this and so much more. It is made of ripstop nylon, which is an extremely strong and reliable material that is capable of surviving harsh conditions.
To ensure that you are comfortable, it contains padded shoulder straps that are adjustable, therefore ensuring that you are not only comfortable but also safe and secure.
Pros
- Has ample storage space.
- It is very comfortable.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It is not suitable for tall kayakers.
5. Astral V-Eight
This is a kayak life jacket that comes with a very unique and interesting design. If you are fond of unique and different, then Astral V-Eight is certainly the life jacket for you. It comes in a teardrop shape that is very appealing and pleasant to look at.
Besides its amazing design, this kayak life jacket is made of high-quality. This, coupled with its excellent features, results in you getting the very best experience and nothing less. It is aimed at ensuring that you are extremely safe and comfortable.
It comes with big air gaps that are very convenient since they provide enough room for ventilation. This thereby ensures that you are cool, which is very advantageous especially when the conditions are too warm.
When it comes to the question of comfort, this kayak life jacket comes with numerous adjusters that are aimed at providing you with the comfort you require. These include shoulder adjustments, hence giving you the chance to get a perfectly comfortable fit.
To enhance floatation, it contains a dimpled pattern that does not only help with floatation but also further helps with ventilation.
Furthermore, this kayak life jacket comes with a mesh pocket that is roomy enough to accommodate your accessories.
Pros
- It is breathable.
- It is very comfortable.
- It is durable.
Cons
- The mesh material is of poor quality.
6. Stohlquist Fisherman
This kayak life jacket is very efficient and high-quality. Its remarkable features assure you that you will be completely safe when kayaking, which is very fundamental. You are therefore in good hands with Stohlquist Fisherman kayak life jacket.
As the name suggests, this is a kayak life jacket that is specifically designed for those who love kayak fishing. Therefore, if you are fond of kayak fishing, then this is a suitable kayak life jacket option for your kayak.
It is designed in a way that suits various fishing styles, which is very advantageous. Moreover, this is a kayak life jacket that is extremely durable. It is made of nylon, a very strong and durable material.
Similarly, the fact that it has shoulders made of neoprene is another huge plus since this guarantees one hundred percent comfort. To further ensure that you are comfortable, it contains adjustable straps that you can work on until you find the fit that best works for you.
For storage, it comes with two deep pockets that provide you with ample room for you to store your fishing tools and accessories. The fact it comes with mesh sides is very advantageous since it enables ventilation.
Pros
- Has ample storage space.
- It is durable.
- It is very comfortable.
Cons
- It has too many pockets that result in it being bulky.
7. NRS Mesh
Most kayakers are often looking for a kayak life jacket that will provide them with more than enough storage space. If you happen to fall into this category, then NRS Mesh is the best choice for you. It contains high-quality features that are aimed at ensuring safety and well-being.
NRS Mesh comes with six pockets that are responsible for providing you with enough storage room. With these, your accessories have more than enough storage room, which is really critical.
Furthermore, this kayak life jacket provides you with one hundred percent comfort, hence you do not have to worry about feeling exhausted and sore after a short while. To enhance ventilation, it contains mesh on the lower back that ensures you remain cool and relaxed all through.
The fact that it comes with eight different adjustment points on the shoulder is another huge plus since this gives you the chance to find the perfect fit for you.
When it comes to versatility, this kayak life jacket offers you this and so much more. It comes in various sizes and colors, thereby giving you the liberty to choose what best works for you.
Pros
- It is versatile.
- Has high storage space.
- It is comfortable.
Cons
- It is bulky.
8. Coleman Company
This is a kayak life jacket that is aimed at providing you with absolute comfort and relaxation. It is extremely comfortable and breathable, thereby ensuring that you are completely relaxed while kayaking.
Unlike other kayak life jackets, this brand contains a mesh fabric on both sides, which is highly advantageous. This is because the mesh is responsible for ensuring breathability, thereby resulting in you being cool and relaxed throughout your trip.
Besides your comfort, this kayak life jacket also comes with so many safety features. This guarantees one hundred percent safety, which is extremely important. It also comes with large zippered pockets that are convenient for storing your accessories.
The fact that it has large armholes is very beneficial since this enables you to freely and comfortably move around, hence high mobility.
Further, Coleman Company’s life jacket is US Coast Guard approved, which therefore means that it is suitable for cruising on rough waters without any difficulty. The fact that it is made of nylon further enhances this since nylon is a very strong and durable material.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It is extremely comfortable.
- It has an amazing design.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It is bulky.
- It is not versatile.
9. Onyx Youth Jacket
Just like the name suggests, this is a kayak life jacket that is specifically designed for young kayakers. This is very convenient since it is usually difficult to find a kayak life jacket that is specifically designed for you.
Besides being ideal for young kayakers, this is a highly efficient kayak life jacket. Its first outstanding feature is the fact that it contains so many safety features. You are thereby certain that your safety is guaranteed.
The fact that this kayak life jacket is extremely lightweight is another huge upside. With a kayak life jacket that is light in weight, you are guaranteed high mobility since movement is so much easier.
Moreover, the fact that it is lightweight also results in high portability, which is another fundamental factor. In as far as ventilation is concerned, Onyx Jacket comes with very large armholes.
These are responsible for ensuring that there is enough air circulation, hence keeping you cool and relaxed at all times. It also comes with a zippered pocket that is safe and efficient enough for you to store your accessories.
Pros
- It is very comfortable.
- It is lightweight.
- It is durable.
Cons
- Does not contain D-Strings.
10. Stohlquist Women’s Flo
It is quite obvious from the name that this is a kayak life jacket that is specifically designed for women kayakers. It has an amazing quality that when coupled with its top-notch features, guarantees you the very best.
The first outstanding feature of this brand is the fact that it is extremely durable. It is made of denier ripstop, which is a high-quality material that is capable of adequately serving you for a long while without suffering any wear and tear.
It also comes with open sides for ventilation, thereby ensuring that you are cool and relaxed which is very convenient. Stohlquist Women’s Flo is a kayak life jacket that is suitable for being used alongside sit-on-top kayaks.
Additionally, this kayak life jacket brand is ultra-lightweight is another very huge advantage since it makes it very easy to use and carry around, which is fundamental. To enhance your chest comfort, it contains a foam sculpted in the chest area which ensures that your chest is completely comfortable.
Pros
- It is very comfortable.
- It is perfect for women’s kayakers.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It is not breathable.
Factors you should consider when looking for the best kayak life jacket
You may think that it is simple, but in reality, finding the best kayak life jacket is a very demanding and fatiguing task. You are required to carefully go through numerous brands before making a decision.
How are you supposed to do this when you have no idea what you are looking for? How do you tell apart a poor quality kayak life jacket from a high-quality one? The truth of the matter is that it is impossible to do this without knowing the factors you should adhere to.
These factors provide you with some sort of reference guide that helps you either accept or dismiss a kayak life jacket brand. Therefore, by depending on the following factors, you will not have to worry about having a difficult time.
Relying on the said factors greatly reduces the chances of you making a poor choice. As a kayaker, you should avoid going shopping blindly.
Ensure that you do extensive research on various kayak life jacket brands since this equips you with the ability to distinguish a high-quality brand from a poor quality one. With this knowledge, your chances of choosing the latter are extremely minimal.
It is therefore paramount for you to understand that this is an exercise that requires a lot of dedication and commitment in order for you to make the best choice.
Are you comfortable?
The first thing you should consider when looking for the most ideal kayak life jacket is it is comfortable. It is every kayaker’s desire to enjoy their kayaking trip and this would be impossible to achieve with an uncomfortable life jacket.
The best kayaking gear is that which improves and prioritizes your wellbeing and therefore an uncomfortable kayak life jacket is certainly not the most ideal brand in the market. How then do you know whether or not a kayak life jacket is comfortable?
You do this by simply carefully assessing its features. Does the life jacket contain adjustable shoulder straps? This is very important since it assures you of an easy fit.
Nonetheless, it is certainly a huge plus if the shoulders are padded or made of neoprene, since this further guarantees maximum comfort.
What about ventilation?
Kayaking is an activity that is usually practiced when the conditions are warm. Therefore, if you are not careful, you may end up choosing kayaking gear that makes it difficult for you to enjoy your trip.
An example of such kayaking equipment is a kayaking life jacket that contains little or no features for ventilation. Such a kayak life jacket will leave you hot and sweaty, which is a very unpleasant feeling.
It is therefore impossible for you to enjoy your kayaking trip whilst battling such an uncomfortable scenario. You should therefore ensure that you choose a kayak life jacket that contains mesh sides, large armholes, as well as other features that enhance ventilation.
This usually results in you feeling very cool and relaxed, which is very fundamental in order for you to enjoy your kayaking experience.
Conclusion
By adhering to the above factors, you are not only sure that you will have an easier time, but you are also assured that you will indeed find the best choice. You are therefore capable of killing two birds with one stone.
If I were a kayaker, I would certainly go for the Onyx MoveVent kayak life jacket. This brand offers you a phenomenal experience. With this kayak life jacket, you are completely assured of maximum functionality and dependability, which is very remarkable.
Onyx MoveVent is a kayak life jacket brand that is mainly aimed at ensuring your comfort and well-being. Moreover, the fact that it completely guarantees your safety is completely beneficial.
Your safety as a kayaker is very fundamental, and thereby it is important for you to choose a brand that guarantees your safety. You are therefore capable of completely enjoying your kayaking trip without any fear since your safety is guaranteed.
All its features go hand in hand with and even surpass the above-discussed factors, making it even more apparent to you that choosing this kayak life jacket brand is the best decision you will ever make.
Therefore, today is your lucky day since you have finally found what you were looking for. Go and get your Onyx MoveVent kayak life jacket today!
