Astral Layla PFD - Women's
No other design conforms to a curvy body better. The women's Astral Layla PFD features hinged princess seams, sculpted chest cups and supersoft organic kapok that creates a special side-entry fit.
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- Organic kapok conforms to the torso like no other buoyant material
- Large front pocket with internal compartments for easy access and organized storage
- Articulated flotation eliminates bulk and maximizes range of motion
- Secure key loop within buckled pocket
- 3/4-zip side entry for easy entry and exit
- Quick-access knife tab
- YKK auto-locking VISLON® zipper
- Heavy-duty acetal adjustment hardware
Imported.
View all Astral Women's PFDs| Best Use | Paddling |
|---|---|
| Flotation | 16.3 pounds |
| USCG Classification | Type III |
| Material(s) | Foam insert: organic kapok/PVC-free Gaia foam/polyethylene foam; shell fabric: 420 x 220-denier ripstop nylon; liner fabric: 200-denier high-tenacity nylon; webbing: polypropylene |
| Lash Tab | Yes |
| Fits Chest | XS: 27-31 inches M/L: 38-44 inches L/XL: 45-51 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 11 oz. |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Contains organically grown fibers |
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Great choice!
Excellent choice for a PFD! I bought this for my wife and she loves the fit, look, and durability. Highly recommend!
So far so good!
I am a fly-fishing guide on the CO River headwaters and bought this last season, hoping it would provide a more functional fit on my larger-busted body than the PFDs I've worn for work in past seasons. As a fly-fishing specific user, I needed something comfortable enough to back row and recirculate slower water all day, while also being safe and non-restrictive enough to make it through rapids in higher water and bonus points if I have full range for casting on the days I get to fish! I'm a HUGE fan of my Layla. It's comfortable and while there are lower profile PFDs on the market, this one doesn't feel too bulky. It fits around my larger chest without a problem, and cinches in completely around the smallest part of my waist so it doesn't ride up. I'm 5'10" and about 165lbs and the M/L is small enough to wear with a thin sun shirt on warm days but expands enough to fit well even over the top of my chest waders and jackets on cooler days. It's still in great shape after being worn 5-7 days a week all season and intermittently throughout the winter. The only downside is that it can get a little warm on long trips on hot summer days compared to some of the other PFDs I've worn. That being said, the comfort of the fit outweighs the little bit of discomfort from the extra heat in my opinion. I may be on the market for something with a little more ventilation but will be keeping and using this all spring and fall and offer it up for lady clients to use!
My Personal Favorite PFD!
I bought mine two years ago and I love it so much, I've used and tried on quite a few PFD's as I work at a sporting goods store and this one has been my favorite. The fit is the best I have ever had out of all the PFD's. It is very comfortable and has a great range of motion while still feeling secure. The materials are super soft and comfortable while still being durable. I've had mine for two years and have seen no signs of damage or significant wear. The knife clip is in an inconvenient spot but if I paddle correctly it's not an issue. Overall this PFD is one of the best choices for any female paddler looking for a comfy vest for paddling!
Pointless pockets
Honestly i find this PFD kind of dumb. It fits well, and the side zipper is neat. But the second most important feature - the front pocket - is so incredibly terribly designed. It's made of flimsy mesh, so putting anything in it will rip it. It's shaped weirdly, so if you do use the pocket, it will form a bulge. Good luck self rescuing! The pockets inside the mesh pocket are tight and ill-made. Then there's the sleeve pocket behind it.. good luck fitting anything in there! It's so tight. Honestly. Been working on it since the 90s and no one's thought "maybe we should make the pockets usable"? It's like the woman's jeans of the waterworld lol
Classic Restored!
I love this pfd. Had the Lotus design version for 18 years and was sad to have to let it retire UNTIL I realized Astral took over and made the same one! This vest is SO comfortable. I am 58 165 lbs and wear S/M which fits great. My only wish is there was a bit more storage. My lotus had two pockets which makes a big difference storing a sunscreen stick, lippy and waterproof iPhone. Small price to pay for the amazing fit (and cute color)! I tried the Astral Blue because of the storage but the way the front is shaped and compressed my chest and soft arms, Blue was not very flattering. So I bought the Layla, my true love.
Recommend snapping this up during sale.
Excellent choice for curvy women. I purchased this PFD a year ago for paddle boarding. It gets more comfortable the more you wear it. The side zip takes some getting used to but I like having the pocket in the center. I stow a protein bar, small sunscreen a whistle & lip balm. The only downside is there is so much bulk in front that it would be almost impossible to get back on the board if you fall in.
FINALLY!!
LOVE the Layla! I used to rock the old Lotus Designs, and it's great to see it come back around. The fit is very much women's specific, however even my male counterparts like the torso wrap/ low profile aspects and borrow it frequently! Using it with the QR belt is solid, too. I was a bit hesitant but for everyday simple rescue use, it's great!! As per usual, the bomber Astral materials and build are spot on and a great quality. The only issue I have is that the shoulder straps are loose- which as an instructor, means that throughout the courses as I move around, so do they... I wish that there were pockets to tuck them in like the YTV. A simple issue, but after a day of SWR or playboating instruction, it gets to be quite annoying. Aside from that, this is a great jacket!!
Old School New School
I had the original design of this jacket by Lotus for 20+ years. I was stoked to hear that Lotus had reemerged as Astral, AND that they had released an updated version of my beloved PFD. I am 5'7", 125lbs, with AA cups. I know this was designed for women with boobs, but my old one worked for 20 years and I have always appreciated the comfort of the curved seams and the ease of the side zipper. I ordered the S/M, and it is probably a tad big, because of the boob cups. On a recent raft trip, the jacket seemed to fit as it should when I wore a shirt or sweatshirt underneath. It was a tiny bit loose wearing just my swimsuit- I had to pull the shoulder and side straps as tight as possible. I wish they made this just a tad smaller or made an XS/S. Otherwise....absolutely stellar look and performance.
Astral Layla and the Average/Long Waist Girl
If you like a high-waisted shorter torso jacket this is for you. Simply letting the shoulder straps out does not make it fit properly. If you like longer belly coverage, don't get it. The velcro zipper cover is cheap and loose. It does not prevent the zipper from pulling down. A better design would be to put a neoprene or nylon pocket for the zipper pull to insert into. The jacket itself is comfortable, and the front pocket large size is nice.
Poor knife placement
Great overall life vest, but Astral overlooked one important feature. As a long time white water rafter and a female who rows her own boat, I am disappointed in the placement of the knife holder. It became evident within the first 10 forward strokes on my sticks, that the placement the safety knife would catch my L hand as my hand would come up toward my chest. This is a huge overlook by Astral. Otherwise the vest is very comfortable and stylish.