NRSÂ cVest Mesh Back PFD
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Purpose-built for sea kayaks with multiple pockets and attachment points, the NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD is a Type III, medium-profile life jacket that offers 16.5 lbs. of flotation.
Shop newer version- Designed specifically for touring, the high-back flotation accommodates most sea kayaking seats; mesh lower back adds ventilation during long days on the water
- 2 lash tabs and numerous D-rings offer opportunities for attaching a rescue knife, strobe, whistle or other accessories (accessories sold separately)
- 2 large zippered pockets and 2 small, dual-entry clamshell pockets provide multiple storage options
- 6 adjustment points offer a customizable fit; front-entry zipper lets you easily slip the jacket on and off
- 400-denier ripstop nylon fabric resists tears and abrasion; 3M reflective accents throughout the jacket boost visibility in low-light conditions
- The cVest carries the US Coast Guard Certification through testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Imported.
View all NRS Men's PFDs| Best Use | Paddling |
|---|---|
| Flotation | 16.5 pounds |
| USCG Classification | Type III |
| Material(s) | 400-denier ripstop nylon |
| Lash Tab | Yes |
| Weight | Unavailable |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Outstanding PFD
I did a lot of research when it came time to replace my old PFD, and after trying on five of the top contenders the NRS cVest was the clear winner. It was by far the most comfortable of all of them which was/is critical for me on trips where I'll be paddling 8 hours or more for multiple days in a row, it's also lightweight which makes it comfortable to wear while on breaks or during portages. Pockets were also a very important criteria, the two outer pockets hold my iPhone 8 Plus (used for navigation) and LG ThinQ (primary phone) perfectly and two clam shell pockets are big enough to hold snacks, extra gloves, ear band, etc. All of this plus places to attach my Garmin InReach and other safety gadgets... super happy with this PFD!
It only works if you wear it
Ordered the lg/xl and it fits well. I'm 6'2 36 inch waist for reference. Plays well with my spray skirt and doesn't ride up. Paddled 4 hours in 80 degree heat and didn't get too warm. Front pocket holds my galaxy s9 nicely. Well made and comfortable, doesn't impede paddling motion at all. Sometimes I forget that I have it on. The wife likes that I'll actually wear it unlike others I've had. Highly recommended
Perfect PDF for kayaking
I have 2 of them and been using it now for the forth season. Looks like new. Plenty of pockets. Also it has mesh in the back - so it does not interfere with kayak seat. Very comfortable. I am 5'10" and 185, with chest 45". I wear S/M. It has the same buoyancy and L/XL.
Large gap in back
This appeared to check all my boxes. Sadly, the xs-m has a huge (6+ inches) triangular gap at the top when fully cinched at waist, and this was while standing. I didn't even bother trying to sit. This vest is not meant for anyone with a short torso. I agree with a prior review that the xs-m is too wide a span for most women. It would be helpful to include length from shoulders to waist, with upper pad sitting flush. I'm 5'4"
My Favorite PFD so far!
Features that I ABSOLUTELY love about the NRS cvest: It is smartly designed! The NRS cvest is solidly constructed with plenty of storage pockets (four zippered and two open), four D-rings for attaching a compass, whistle, tools, etc., two loop straps, and two lash tabs for attaching knives and other cool things. Extended slip resistant zipper tabs are much appreciated and make it easy for my fumbling fingers to zip/unzip the vest and pockets. Bright, colorful vest material along with reflective strips on the front and back of the vest enhance safety by increasing visibility while on the water. The cvest quickly and easily adjusts for a great fit! It is comfortable to wear whether I am standing on the dock/shore or sitting in my (sit-in) kayak. When seated in my kayak, the cvest remains in place (doesn’t ride up) due to the flotation padding positioned at the upper back portion. Breathable mesh material covers the mid to lower back section of the vest. One of my most favorite features is the freedom of shoulder range of motion I have while wearing the cvest, making it a rub-free pleasure to paddle! Like handbags and shoes, one often has to try many different brands until s/he finds the right fit! I feel that I have found the ‘right fit’ with NRS cvest!
Great paddle vest
Had a chance to take the CVest on a a couple long trips so far I have been impressed. The vest has lots of adjustment points to get comfortable and find that perfect fit. I like the multiple clip points. The pockets up front were a nice size. One for my cell phone and the other for my radio.Haven’t found anything to complain about yet.
Hi Vis and Perfect for Offshore
The biggest surprise with the cVest was the size of the clamshell pockets. I can fit my Samsung S7 Active in one of them and zip it closed without issue. That’s a great feature for me, especially when fishing tournaments. If you have a big phone or maybe a bulky case, the full-length pocket will suffice to store your phone on you but secure. I also really appreciated the double pull zippers on the pockets. The back of the cVest has high flotation and then a ventilated mesh back. That low back sweat that leads to swamp butt for us bigger guys is lessened quite a bit. With all the frame style seats now, this becomes even more important. You don’t want a full back of foam pushing you forward all day. A technical feature that is pretty cool is the foam for flotation. In almost every pfd I’ve tried, including some previous NRS models, the foam flotation is a big piece of foam for each side and the back. The new NRS cVest uses a new technology they developed using multiple sheets of thin foam which can slide around and adjust better to your body. This cuts down on the bulk and makes a more custom fit lifejacket adding even more comfort to your hours on the water.
Well-designed PFD
Quick summary: This PFD is user-friendly and ergonomic in its design. On top of that, it's attractive and easy to adjust to switch between different sized paddlers (paddling at different times, of course!). Recommend. In detail: My spouse (6'1") and I (5'4") both fit comfortably in the S/M size. I liked the mesh back for kayaking - the top padding went above my seat, so no awkward rubbing. That said, the back flotation pad did not set flush against my back. I loved the various adjustment points! The waist-cinching straps pull forward, which is intuitive and comfortable, though there are 2 on each side, which seemed like overkill for me. The shoulder straps easily pull down to tighten, and the inner buckle at the waist ensures a comfortably snug fit. While paddling, my arms didn't chafe against the arm holes, which has happened for me with other PFDs. The pockets were great - one fit my phone perfectly (though not a waterproof pocket) and other pockets could fit my hand. They were very easy to access while paddling. U rings are located on the chest for attaching a whistle/flash light. There are reflective strips on the front of the PFD. Overall, very comfortable and high-quality.
The perfect PFD for kayaking
Great range of motion with no rubbing, ample pockets and, maybe most important, there is only mesh on the lower back, so a kayak seat-back doesn’t push it up or make it uncomfortable.
Falling apart
One month of ownership and it's frayed and already falling apart