If you plan on kayaking, then you’ll want to wear a suitable life vest to stay safe in the water. Wearing a suitable PFD will keep your body afloat if you happen to capsize your kayak. If you’re in the ocean, on a lake, or river, you also have the option to use a specific kayak PFD.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best kayak PFD:
Who Needs To Use A Kayak PFD?
Anyone who spends time outside in a kayak should wear a decent kayak PFD. The personal flotation device keeps you safe when out on the water. Life vests go over top of clothes and fasten secure across the chest and shoulders. Their core design helps to keep the wearer afloat, even if they’re conscious or unconscious.
The following YouTube video shows how to choose a kayak PFD:
Are Kayak PFDs Different To Regular PFD’s?
Kayak PFDs feature a different build style to other more traditional PFDs available. Instead of a large back and front pad, a kayak PFD features a smaller more form factor design. The back of the PFD will rest higher for compatibility any size kayak seat. Kayak life vests also have larger arm holes to make paddling much easier. This allows for the arms and shoulder joints to move free without restriction from the vest.
Additionally, a kayak PFD features a lot of extra pockets for storage. These pouches usually have zippers to keep them secure as well. Moreover, kayak life vests have D-rings for leashing phones or other handheld equipment. Some life jackets even feature a rod holder for those kayak fishing.
How Do I Choose A Kayak PFD?
One of the most important parts of a kayak PFD is the level of mobility you get from the vest. Find a kayak life vest that fits your body, and provides plenty of movement room for paddling. Most life jackets feature lightweight foam, and a range of sizes to choose from.
Buy a kayak PFD that matches your personal needs. Many vests have specialized features for certain people. If you plan on kayak fishing, find a life vest with plenty of pockets for tackle gear. If you’re a woman, there are some life jackets designed with extra room for breast comfort.
Choose a kayak life vest that is well made so it lasts. Your PFD will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Additionally, you want your vest to keep you safe at all times.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a kayak PFD:
- Ensure the life vest has room for paddling.
- Buy a PFD that matches your personal needs.
- Choose a kayak PFD that is well made.
What Is The Best Kayak PFD?
We’ve looked at a range of kayak PFDs that are suitable for all styles of kayaking and have selected five life vests. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the special features. We’ve reviewed these five kayak PFDs and listed some pros and cons for each PFD.
our #1 rated
OYNX
MoveVent Dynamic
Quality
Price
Our rating
The ONYX MoveVent Dynamic paddle life vest is available in a range of sizes and four color options. The PFD has a bubble foam on the inner back for added comfort. Additionally, the life vest features an expandable zippered pocket with mesh drainage.
Customers who purchased this vest liked that it has easy movement without any bulk. People said that the arm holes are so large that nothing bothers you while paddling. Customers also said that the vest came with a whistle attached to a cord in case of any emergencies.
A few customers who used this life vest for kayaking found the color to be less brown and more dark grey. Some people also said the zippered pocket was a tad small. Some customers said the PFD was well made, yet at the same time bulky to wear.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
OYNX
MoveVent Curve
Quality
Price
Our rating
This MoveVent curve paddle vest from ONYX is available in a range of sizes and two color options. The PFD features a soft lightweight flotation foam with a nylon outer shell. The life vest also has extra mobility for paddling and front side ventilation.
Customers who purchased this kayak PFD said that it’s comfortable when paddling. Many customers also said that the arm holes are so large there was no obstruction. Other customers commented that the mesh allows for extra ventilation to stay cool.
Some people who purchased this PFD said that the front zipper was awkward and difficult to use. Others reported that the life vest was too bulky for them. A few customers also said that it was hard to zip up past the padding.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Stohlquist
Flo Life Jacket
Quality
Price
Our rating
This women’s life jacket made by Stohlquist is available in a range of sizes and two color options. The PFD features lightweight PE foam with inner mesh lining for coolness. The waistband of the vest also features neoprene padding. Additionally, the life jacket’s design leaves extra room for breasts.
Customers who purchased this PFD found that it wasn’t bulky and gave full range of motion for the arms. People also said that this PFD works well as a life vest for large breasted women. Many customers were to find a life jacket made for women. One customer in particular said that the vest saved her life when she fell out of her kayak and into rapids.
Some customers who purchased this life vest said that it was bulky and tedious to adjust. Other people commented that the PFD was short on them and fit awkward. A few customers also said that the bottom did not feature any neoprene padding.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
NRS
Chinook Fishing PFD
Quality
Price
Our rating
The NRS Chinook Fishing PFD is available in a range of sizes and five color options to choose from. The life vest features a mesh lower back that gives ventilation for warm weather. The PFD also has extra pockets, a knife holder, and a rod loop for fishing.
Customers who purchased this PFD for kayak fishing found the back of the vest to work well on kayak seats. People said the life vest fits well and the straps leave extra room for layered clothing. Customers also commented that the PFD has great comfort and durable material.
Other people who used this PFD said that it was uncomfortable to sit in a fishing boat all day with. Customers also said that the life jacket did not have any pocket clips for securing gear. Some customers reported that the vest can be cumbersome when loaded.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Stohlquist
Fisherman PFD
Quality
Price
Our rating
This fisherman PFD made by Stohlquist is available in several sizes and one cactus color. The life jacket features high back flotation above the back rest for large kayak seats. The kayak PFD also has neoprene padded shoulders and open sides for ventilation.
People who purchased this fishing PFD said it’s the best life jacket they’re ever owned. Other customers also said that it has lots of room for gear and tools on their chest with easy access. Customers said that the vest is like having a small tackle box on your body.
Some customers who used this PFD found that it was a bit bulky to fish with. A few customers also said the life vest was too cumbersome while sitting back in their seat. Additionally, some people said that the vest was not female friendly.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each kayak PFD we’ve reviewed works for those looking to stay safe while out on the water. All the PFDs have decent comfort, ventilation and large arm holes, along with a portable size.
After comparing all the products the best kayak PFD is the ONYX MoveVent Dynamic paddle vest.
This PFD is both lightweight and durable, making it perfect for those paddling on a kayak. The PFD can work for recreational kayaking and for water sports. We also like the fact that the life vest supports a knife holder and a front pocket for additional storage.