How to Choose PFDs (Life Jackets)

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This breathable PFD just got even better. Made with recycled materials in a lightweight, mesh-backed, ergonomic design, the Astral EV-Eight PFD has your back—but won't let it get too sweaty.
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View all Astral Men's PFDsBest Use | Paddling |
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Flotation | 16 pounds |
USCG Classification | Type III |
Material(s) | Recycled polyester/PE/EVA |
Lash Tab | Yes |
Weight | 2 lbs. 2 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
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I've been patiently, (No, really!), waiting for REI to get this PFD in, for some time now. I lost about 120 pounds, and needed to replace my NRS Ninja, as it no longer fits. My kayak has one of those lawn chair style seats, and, I wanted a vest with a high back, which would ride above the seat back, and wouldn't be constantly pushing me forward. From the pictures, this one seemed to fit the bill. I tried it on, at REI, and the fit was wonderful. I can see many future miles ahead of me, paddling with this vest.
I am 5’5”, 140# average build. I bought this vest for SUP (paddle boarding). Some life vests are too thick on the front and shoulders and make it impossible to get back up on the board when you fall off. At least this vest zips in the front and you can take it off if you have to, but that defeats the purpose, doesn’t it. You don’t want to be out there with a flipped over boat, unable to get it turned back over and back on it without a vest. First time out with this vest, I got two large bruises under my arms where they rubbed the vest when I paddled. My arms are fit and average sized. This vest is probably good for canoe and kayak, maybe… but definitely did not work for me for paddling. The best is a very pretty eggplant purple and fits pretty good. Shame it didn’t work.
Fits great, comfortable to wear around my ample bust (40DDD) and wear all day in ky kayak
My wife and I each purchased this PFD. They are very comfortable and easily adjusted for great fit. We are using it for kayaking and we can barely tell that it’s on, that is it does not interfere with paddling.
The arm movement ability in this pfd was great but I could not adjust it comfortably across my chest. I returned it for that reason
I returned the first pfd I bought because I put not thought into how it needed to fit. This one fits perfectly and it’s high back does not interfere with a high back kayak seat. It also does not bunch up in the front and stayed where it’s needed to. It’s also light as a feather and because of the mesh is very cool. I’ll actually wear this one instead of just bringing it along because I have to! I like the knife clip up front too!
First thing you notice on this PFD is how lightweight it is. Once you put it on, it's so light, you almost forget you are wearing it. Add in the breathability, not only on the back, but through the unique air flow holes on the front (which is where air comes from when you're paddling forward!)...this is a rec paddler's dream of a life jacket.
Kayaking in the humid Summer heat is no fun when you're overheating from your PFD. With it's vented front and open mesh back this PFD provides and excellent amount of ventilation! The pocket storage for the two side pockets is pretty good, but be aware they are mesh pockets.
This is a great PFD for kayaking. It fits great and is comfortable. I got the orange vest, highly visible on the water!
wore this for a 2 day, 40 mile kayak trip and forgot I was wearing it most of the time. it was super comfy. thankfully I didnt have to test out it's floatation capabilities.