Stohlquist DRIFTer PFD
This product is not available.
The Stohlquist DRIFTer PFD helps you make the most of your time on the water thanks to its comfortable fit.
Shop similar products- Durable Cordura® nylon shell stands up to the tough love of paddling
- Gaia® PVC-free foam is soft, flexible and won't break down in a wet environment
- Adjustable shoulder straps follow your movement without hindering it
- Unique cross-chest cinch strap design eliminates annoying ride up
- Hand-beveled foam lends a closer, more comfortable fit
- Roomy, zippered pockets contain warm, soft fleece and a key keeper
- Center-zip design with non-corroding zipper allows easy entry
- 4-way lash tabs on front and back let you secure accessories such as strobes or knives (not included)
- Short length won't interfere with seat backs
- Reflective accents of the Stohlquist DRIFTer PFD enhance visibility in low light
Imported.
View all Stohlquist Men's PFDs| Best Use | Paddling |
|---|---|
| Flotation | 16 lbs. 10 oz |
| Material(s) | Cordura nylon/foam |
| Lash Tab | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Most Helpful Critical Review
This PFD works great!
I liked this PFD so much that I bought another for my husband! The PFD took awhile to adjust when first put on; however, once I realized the technique needed, I found it very comfortable and easy to adjust. When friends or family have used them, I found it easy to readjust to fit me. It was comfortable when kayaking and easy to use my headlamps at night when I could see the reflections on my husband's PFD. The only limitation that I would address is that the zipper can be difficult to zip-up or down. The zipper itself works well; however, getting the zipper aligned at the base is cumbersome. I rated the PFD a five star because the only con is minor.
Great PFD
I use this PFD mostly for weekly kayaking on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon and a few rafting expeditions as well. It is well made with quality materials. I particularly like the diagonal chest adjustment straps. It does not ride up or hinder movement. One caveat is the tight pockets, they appeared as though they would expend a little, but they really don't very much. Overall, a good vest that is durable, made with quality materials and should hold up for many years of regular use.
A Great PFD
This was a replacement for a Stohlquist fishing PFD. I found the first one to be rather bulky and the large fold down pockets although in theory were a good idea they just didn't pan out for me. The drifter however is a dream. I like the zip up and bottom buckle together. The straps extend out easily to don it. There is a knife holder and nice pockets that you can warm your hands in. I paddle a Native 14.5 which is a hybrid kayak so I can't really speak for a true sit in, but it seems that the Drifter is not bulky enough to hinder any activity.
Worked Well
We bought this PFD for a 3 day kayaking trip around the San Juan Islands in WA. I didn't even notice I had it on while we paddled over 34 miles in 3 days. It was easy to adjust and fit very well.
Exactly what I wanted !
I'm a kayaker and wanted a jacket that was short and had big easy to get to pockets. The bonus is the "click" belt at the bottom. You can unzip the jacket to load and unload your gear and the jacket isn't flopping around.
Comfort & Confidence
Certainly not the cheapest PFD available, but I feel like this will be used for many years to come. I don't get to go kayaking that often outside of vacation time, and the purchase was made with years of infrequent use in mind. Superb overall quality and all-day comfort, useful pockets and clips. Highly recommended overall.
Comfortable after hours of Kayaking
Wore this PFD for for several hours paddling in the hot sun. Free movement, good ventilation and comfortable. Very stable and effective in the water. My only complaint would be the zipper tends to be difficult to start when first putting on. Once on however I had no issues with comfort or performance.
Probably better for cold weather
This PFD is well made, but the pockets seemed both bulky and tight. I wasn't quite sure why I would need a hand warmer pocket unless I was paddling in very cold weather. I think gloves would suffice, and if I wanted to put my hands in my pockets I would have to stop paddling. The pockets have a soft fabric lining instead of nylon. Whether they would accumulate dirt or stay wet would have to be tested. It was easy to adjust and fit well except for the bulk of the pockets. I really wanted to like this PFD, but in the end I didn't even bother trying in while sitting in a kayak in the store.
Snug Fit
I was looking for something that had a snug fit but yet allowed me to wear layers underneath for those cold days out on the water. This product fit my needs and after a day on the water I did not feel like it had to come off right away once I returned to shore.
Not quite right
First off, this PFD looks great, fits very well, and I love the hand warming pockets. However, when I sat down in my new OruKayak, the "short back" apparently just isn't short enough for the kayak's seat backs. The PFD back pad sits at the worst, most uncomfortable spot (about 3 inches too low) and would make for a pretty miserable trip. I'm 5'0", but also had my 5'9" partner try it out with the same results. So, while the PFD looks and feels great in its own right, it's just not a good fit in my kayak.