Astral  Ringo PFD

Everyday jacket. Love sustainable fill. Perfect fit. Front pocket perfect for phone or radio. I have two - one for each boat (sometimes in different locations.

I have a Palm Rescue PFD that I really like. It is, however, a bit bulky. When I saw the Ringo and its side Zipper, I decided to give it a chance. My Palm has 4 little pockets in which I store my knife, ear plugs, whistle and so on. Unfortunately, I can never remember what is where. The Ringo has one pocket with multiple compartments. Moreover, I don't have to latch my carabiner to anything, I just store it under the front pocket. Easy to get to and not in the way when getting ready to go out. Finding my stuff is easy. The key to this PFD, however, is the comfort level. It is not as bulky as my Palm and, therefore, much more comfortable. I barely know that it is on!

I recently purchased this PFD to replace my aging Green Jacket, which is also a fantastic PFD. What drew me to the Ringo was the lighter weight, and the front entry, while still being rescue harness compatible. While the added safety and rescue features of the Green Jacket are great when needed, they do add weight, and in my case, I just need the tether capability. The Ringo is light, fit is very comfortable and easily adjustable. I did add a harness, which is easy, and very well integrated (and also very easy to remove on days that I don't need it). Great PFD, highly recommended!

I wish it had the little fabric loop in the front like my old one so I could attach the SUP leash there. Other than that, I like it for SUP - low profile front to make it easy to get back on my board, arms are free - no chaffing when racing, good flotation.

Best life jacket I have ever owned, it does not limit your mobility and is comfortable to be in all day long. I have taken it on multiple river trips this season as well as regular river days, no issues so far. The pocket on the front has multiple sections so you can hold all of your necessities, as well as being the perfect size to hold the canned beverage of your choice!

Great fit for me, and I like how low-profile the front of this jacket is. Only nitpick is that the zipper likes to work its way down throughout the day. I clipped the zipper head off on my last Ringo, and removing that tiny amount of weight solved that problem. Well -- right up until I went to float the Grand Canyon and my Ringo would then not pass the inspection.

Wore my Ringo for six days on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Comfy and quickly adjustable. Quick in and out thanks to the zipper. The front pocket held my iPhone securely (in a dry bag) through all the whitewater. This PFD will get much more use.

I love my Ringo! I use it for bike rafting so I appreciate the range of motion it offers and the quality of the materials. the front pocket is very convenient and if you use the buckle you don't have to worry about loosing any items.

Now that I've got my Ringo to zip on, my volunteer efforts to rid the river of trash is far more comfortable. I'm very happy wearing a floatation vest that actually fits me & allows me to move my arms when I tug wet sleeping bags from under layers of mud, hurl heavy garbage bags into the raft, reach for plastic packages lurking under riprap, saw through elaborate knotted ropes for long gone temporary shelters & shake out sodden clothing to hang on branches for the unhoused person who left her wardrobe behind & will likely return to retrieve what few possessions she has left to offer her comfort. I really appreciate the kapok filling. A natural material that will biodegrade instead of filling made of synthetic fibers that break into smaller & smaller fragments that enter the web of life, the food chain, to poison us all slowly with synthetic chemicals . GREAT CHOICE OF MATERIAL! THANK YOU. On sunny days, I almost blend in with the water/sky. On overcast days, my vest brings cheer. Sending Wild Gratitude for your thoughtful design & super comfortable fit.

Great PFD, easy to cinch down and comfortable on a paddleboard or in a kayak. Only reason it doesn't get a 5th stars is that I like to compartmentalize my gear. A second or third small side pocket would make it ideal.