Astral  GreenJacket PFD

As a 5’7”, 130# raft and swiftwater instructor I love the durability of this vest; Fit (size small) is fine. floatation location could be improved - It is hard to maintain a relaxed defensive swim position with feet up, but great for aggressive swimming. The clamshell pocket is awesome for all the previously known reasons, but my raft frame tools rust immediately if I forget to open the pocket to dry out… and if the pocket is open to dry out, my tools fall out in transport. Catch 22. 5 stars for kayaking, I’m sure!

This is the best life jacket I've ever owned. One downside is it's hard to get off compared to others that unclip.

I got the Green Jacket a while back and didn't get the chance to give it a full test. But a couple weeks ago, I got to run the Green River Narrows for my first time. The PFD was awesome on the hike in, not to heavy or bulky and didn't get in your way plus the skirt clip made it easier to walk, and was even better on the river. Though I didn't have to swim, or save anybody, it did a great job protecting me for the one time I flipped. The leash works great too and the vest has enough flotation to keep you up, but not get in your way. Overall, I highly recommend this product, to beginner or advanced, you never know when you might need it!

I've used this sea kayaking for about a year now. The fit and floatation are great. Very comfortable for to wear on long days. What it lacks are usable pockets. There's no radio pocket, and the chest pocket is so flat a radio barely fits, and if you stuff one in there's not much room for anything else. You might fit a granola bar and a bandaid, but its to flat for tape and other emergency gear. The side pockets are very hard to reach without taking the pfd off, and are also too small. If it had more storage this would be a great guiding pfd. With the limited storage it has, leave it for clients who just want space for a phone and granola bar.

Great pfd for Professional Rescue and general recreation. The side profile allows for free arm movement well paddling or swimming. The front pocket is great for quick access to items. The only drawback is the front padding makes forward finish rolls more challenging, however that same front padding works great at floating you on your back if you are in the water. So if you’re not going to be doing a lot of forward finishing Greenlandic rolls it’s a none issue.

It has all the standard rescue features and more. It has all the bells and whistles you need OIT of a pfd in a super streamlined way. The greenjacket is both comfortable and solid and good looks. This pfd is perfect for paddlers of all kinds. The greatest advantage is the giant lunch tray pocket on the front with dreamlike storage. I use my GJ primarily for whitewater kayaking and when adjusted correctly won't ride up on you or be bulky. The GJ has saved me a multitude of times because of its impact protection and flotation. It's perfect for anyone looking to go huge or just get on the water

This is my, and should be your'n, Go-To PFD. My previous one, which was the LE4 2010 purple and yellow (RIP Kobe), was used and abused for a decade and saw lots whitewater all over the country. I kayak, raft, SUP, canoe, and occasionally swim Class I-V and I wouldn't want anything except the Astral Greenjacket to have and to hold (me).

Stoked about this PFD. After trying a couple of different ones Im still satisfied with the design. All the little pockets in the clamshell front are great for bits and pieces when I'm out instructing. Having the sling by the waist to clip into is a great feature for the harder kayaking trips where your PFD becomes a part of your harness to abseil into deep canyons. I really like to store my prussicks in the handy side pockets to take bulk out of the front. Helps that this PFD is comfortable and style too.

I finally bought the new Greenjacket and in true beater fashion I swam on Big Creek the first time I wore it. What can I say, new PFD's float so much better than old ones! This is a great PFD for swiftwater rescue with the quick release and the clip in webbing up front. Comfortable to wear all day long and easy to move around in when paddling, does not restrict mobility. Front pocket opens downward now and is really easy to access while in the boat. Can't think of anything it's missing?

I've used the Green Jacket since a began creek boating years ago, and I wouldn't consider using anything else. From raft guiding to teaching at World Class Kayak Academy, it has all of the essentials for personal class V expeditions and adventures as well as keeping my guests and students safe on the water. I regularly use the built in quick release and Web Tow combo to pull swamped boats to shore, and always have the astral Throw Rope readily available in the front pocket. I barely notice it here and use it more than anything to get swimmers back to my raft or to shore. I recommend the jacket to all of my students, and commonly use the built in webbing in the front to safely help lower students to tricky put ins. Incredibly well built too, these PFDs will last well over a decade of loving use!