Astral  Bowen PFD

I've been waiting years for a lightweight yet super-high quality side-entry PFD with loads of flotation.... and finally, here it is. This is an awesome product. The clam shell pocket is unreal stash for anything you need handy. I use mine primarily on long coastal SUP expeditions, and any extra weight can add back strain with the repeated hip hinge of paddling, but I almost didn't notice I was wearing this jacket. Very comfortable. Usual bomb proof Astral build. Highly recommended.

It does what it’s supposed to, and more! I’ve been kept afloat physically, comfortably, and fashionably. All the convenient storage on this PFD makes it easy to keep my snacks, safety, and first aid in check and accessible. Thank you Astral!

Just did a self support kayak trip down the Grand Canyon and found this online before I went. It was the perfect life jacket for the long days in there. Lightweight + full range of motion was a must. Big clamshell pocket held my camera, snacks and safety gear easily. Plus there's these cool velcro bits on the ends of the straps which help keep things out of your way. Was really impressed with this PFD! Will be wearing it more and more on any light and fast mission I go on.

Very disappointed with this update to the Blue Jacket. While the general layout remains unchanged, a number of important details have been changed or removed that make this jacket much less suitable to advanced sea kayaking. 1. Loss of the lash tab on the left shoulder (what do you have against lefties?). 2. The clamshell pocket layout is less functional for keeping things organized on the water. 3. A lash tab on the from of the clamshell is of questionable utility; knives kept here are in the way for re-entries and generally a nuisance. 4. The loss of quick release belt compatibility makes this PFD unsuitable for many advanced paddlers. The Green Jacket is not a suitable replacement because it has a number of features that are either unnecessary for sea kayaking or does not meet our needs in other ways. Overall, very sad to see the loss of key features in the Blue Jacket and hope to see them return before I need a new PFD.

I was so happy with how well the Bowen fit that I wore it around the house the day it arrived. Smart strap management, great storage, excellent fit, and it kept me afloat after I swam on Go Left on the Main Payette. All great features. I'm 6'0 tall and 190 lbs. Size M/L was perfect.

This PFD gives more freedom of movement than any other that I've ever tried, which I greatly appreciate. Yet it still fits securely around my waist. The materials are first rate and it's comfortable to wear. This is easily the nicest PFD I've ever tried.

I was excited to get my new PFD which fit perfectly. I loved the features - the easy to access and spacious front pocket plus side mesh zippered pockets. I looked forward to the side entry because my prior Layla pfd was hard to zip close. BUT THEN I enrolled in a kayak safety class and found I could not do a self or even assisted rescue because that front pouch got on the way. It added substantial front to back girth that no amount of my pulling myself up onto the deck worked. For the pool practice session, I ended up taking off the pfd to complete the rescue. For the in the PNW water practicum - I exhausted myself to the point it was not a practice safety class. It was an actual rescue that the team leader had to do. So - no, I don’t recommend this for any kayaking outings. Maybe good for boating where the coast guard is likely nearby. I’m told theirs another pfd that is the way to go for women because it actually accommodates breasts and doesn’t add bulk right in the middle of the chest. I’ll be looking for one of those.

Love this PFD, I have been waiting forever for them to make another eggplant PFD besides the layla and I bought this one the say it came out. I love the clam shell and the hand warmers.

I've never used a pull over entry jacket before. It feels really comfortable and out of the way. The range of motion feels good too.

Love the Bowen! Everything about it is working well, and the fit is great. Couldn't be more pleased with this purchase.