How to Choose a Life Jacket for Kayaking and Canoeing

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Wearing a life jacket when you're kayaking or canoeing is no more of an option than wearing your seatbelt when you're driving. But, would you wear your seatbelt all the time if it was really uncomfortable for driving? Probably not, which is why you need to get the right life jacket for paddling.
GET 15% OFF LIFE JACKETS AT OUTDOORPLAY:
Use code 'PaddleTV15' to get 15% of your next purchase at bit.ly/41iqxMu
Links to some of the life jackets in this video:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) bit.ly/3mJ6ho8
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) bit.ly/2VCfrF3
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) bit.ly/3XoaXg6
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) bit.ly/3L9h04E
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) bit.ly/43KLWQb
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) bit.ly/3mJ6ho8
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) bit.ly/3odrMxK
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) bit.ly/41yCpK0
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Dry Top bit.ly/41EvCyC
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket bit.ly/3L9awmd
NRS Axiom Dry Suit bit.ly/3A6RdUj
Jackets:
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket www.cotopaxi.com/products/fue...
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens bit.ly/3KOMegb
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt bit.ly/41jskkf
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts bit.ly/41fyAtm
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot bit.ly/3Lb8Clo
Astral PFD Sandal bit.ly/41EiFVc
Sunglasses:
Wiley X Outdoor Sun Glasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear:
NRS WRSI Current Helmet bit.ly/3L90rpz
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt bit.ly/41g8C9l
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
NOTE: These are affiliate links in which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
Outdoorplay: www.outdoorplay.com/
NRS: www.nrs.com/
Wiley X: www.wileyx.com/
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.com/paddling-buy...
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Опубликовано:

19 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 77

@charanvantijn541 Год назад

Can you please do a video about towing? Which line, how long, stretchy or not, waves versus flat water, where to attach it, how to paddle when you're towing? Thanks.

@user-ld1kw3hs9r 11 месяцев назад

I am so excited about kayaking. Tried a brief kayak a week ago. The next day I ordered 2 (with expert guidance) and am now trying to understand life vests. Your video was terrific. Thank you so much!!!

@skyxstl6653 10 месяцев назад

I have had a (probably irrational) hatred for life jackets/ floaties since I was a kid because I was always put in ones that were too clunky and came above my head when i went in the water so I could never swim properly and then I’d end up chocking on the water & I’d get tired more easily… even though I was always a strong swimmer. even now at 20 years old I feel panicked whenever I’m told to wear a life vest because it was never a good experience for me. I have fully avoided boating or water activities because of this growing up, but now as an adult I’d love to get back into outdoor water activities. I really appreciate this video because you take the time to explain different types and how to make them fit properly, it makes it all seem way less overwhelming!!

@granthaller9544 Месяц назад

My wife and I canoe in often hot weather. My PFD was always on the floor of the boat. Since we got inflatables we always wear them. I use a manual as I am a strong swimmer. My wife has an automatic. A PFD is only a help if you have it on in an emergency.

@PaddleTV Месяц назад

Yup! They're no different than seat belts. They're only useful if you wear them, and when you need them... you REALLY need them.

@soihavetoplay Час назад

I am a new subscriber, your videos are really helping me getting started on this great sport. I know I should get additional in person instruction with the local club but you guys do great work and provide fantastic information, thanks!!

@BroncLander Год назад

I chose an NRS Chinook. I spent a solid hour in the sporting goods shop trying on everything (not auto inflation) and I mean everything in their shop. Laid them all out and played the elimination game. I did not even look at price tags till I chose my top 3. And the Chinook was the most expensive. Buy once cry once. I just winced at the till and have zero regrets for buying the one that fit the best and seemed the most durable.

@kevchard5214 Год назад

Wearing a life jacket is like riding a motorcycle there are people that have crashed and those that will crash but at some time everyone will crash. I have been paddling for over 40 years in everything from ocean to rivers, lakes and streams and there has been many times a life jacket saved my life.

@itotallycare Год назад

I'm using the NRS Chinook. Expensive but such a great pfd, I don't even fish most of the time when I'm wearing it.

@PaddleTV Год назад

I'm with you! I use the Chinook as an everything lifejacket as well - in particular when using a kayak with a high back seat.

@haroldwheeler3673 Год назад

So glad you are back. Great content, please keep it coming. THANK YOU!

@PaddleTV Год назад

Thanks Harold!

@jonbrouwer6578 Год назад

The replace the CO2 yearly is a part many don't do with inflatable. Hence I try to steer people away from them. Not that inflatables don't have their place. Fit affects comfort. I tell people look at fit first, second, third. Features fourth. Colour is an afterthough.

@6yjjk Год назад

Manufacturer of mine says to inspect annually, weighing the cartridge and replacing if outside tolerance. No need otherwise. YMMV.

@jonbrouwer6578 Год назад

@@6yjjk replace/inspect as per instructions but many still don't even inspect. Any PFD should be inspected every time you go out.

@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 Год назад

I manually inflate mine every use. It takes a couple seconds, and they are still more comfortable than a regular vest, but more importantly, much more space efficient stored in the averaged size car (not SUV, not truck, not van, etc). .

@Calwinn Год назад

Great and informative video as always

@diggermolly5927 4 месяца назад

great video, very informative. This is my go to channel for kayak stuff!!

@meandmyoru Год назад

I tried on quite a few PFDs before I bought one. Fortunately the one I chose has been comfortable to wear. I like that it has a zipped up pocket so I can attach a whistle to the zip and the sides are adjustable as I'm small & need to keep it lower on my body.

@chrisbaldridge142 Год назад

Great video again, I have a tow rope from Outdoor Play that has a strap and quick release buckle that I've had to use a few times while guiding on a flat tidal river in NE Florida. I have a Onyx PFD and the paddle that was on the top of the rack behind you, the Bending Branches Navigator, worth every penny. I really wanted to like the Chinook PFD but for me it was uncomfortable. I've had my PFD for about 6 years and I get to paddle year round here and I need to start looking for a new one, mine used to be red it's now fading to a reddish pink and thinning in some areas, no holes yet but better to be ready. Thank you for all the information over the years, you've helped me become a better paddler.

@PaddleTV Год назад

Thanks Chris! I know what you mean about a red lifejacket turning pink :). I have a 'pink' one too.

@michaelsaywhat6980 10 месяцев назад

Awesome video. Thank you!

@kcontrea 3 дня назад

Excellent video!! Thanks for all the info!!!

@can5projects563 5 месяцев назад

great video thanks for the information

@alangross2277 11 месяцев назад

Research is always your friend before buying anything, especially when looking to buy something that can save your life. I'm 5'7 about 170 pounds, paddle a 12'-6" FeelFree Aventura and have found the Onyx - MoVent to be very comfortable even when paddle 8 -10 miles in a day. I have also had the opportunity to need it and it did it's job very well without hindering my movement when in the water for a self rescue.

@jordangouveia1863 15 часов назад

Two weeks ago I dumped my yak. I was wearing a self- inflating PFD. The PFD inflated kept me afloat and I got my yak to a sandbar where I was able to pump out the water and get underway again. The downside is after that accident I had no PFD for the rest of the day. It is not comfortable to wear after it is inflated. The recharge kit was about $20.00. The element that triggers the inflation should be changed about every 3 years. The cartridge is good for a long long time. I had a cartridge that was over 10 years that worked fine in a test.

@valstarkgraf Год назад

An analogy on women's specific life jackets would be women's specific backpacks for backpacking or saddles with trees designed for the body types of specific breeds of horses like Arabians and Quarter Horses. Yes, you might get something that will technically "work," but you might not get to optimally adjust it in ways that don't rub in places. It might also be like trying to fit into men's clothing. For some bodies that might work fine, but if there is bust or hip size variability, it might not fit as well in certain places. Worth a try on if you can access one.

@Celisar1 10 месяцев назад

True but unlike Arabian horses women make half the population and probably quite a good percentage in water sports.

@johnstewart8473 Год назад

Love my Astral green : )

@rumitcu 7 месяцев назад

Another great PFD topic is: when should you replace your existing PFD? I've heard many different opinions on the matter, some of which are certainly valid (e.g., if it is torn, very faded, has obviously flotation, etc.) and others that are more vague (e.g., if it is more than 5/10/etc years old, if the Coast Guard writing on the inside is difficult to read, etc.). Personally, I've tried to evaluate the flotation of my older (but otherwise in good condition) PFDs by simply seeing if they still float me in the lake. Unfortunately, that is also a less then perfect evaluation, because it's hard to know how well it floats me now versus when it was new. I've even considered wearing goggles and sitting at the bottom of a pool with a PFD attached to an analog scale to measure its actual buoyant force to compare to its originally stated flotation value. I just wish it was a little easier to evaluate when a PFD actually needs to be replaced. And I know there are going to be people who say to replace it every 5 years no matter what because your life is on the line, but that approach is just honestly not going to be followed by everyone. Anyway, I'm curious to hear your thoughts and other's thoughts on the matter.

@hntrains2 Год назад

You did return! With a video which is genuinely rich in content, leaving not much room for movement to others. This approach makes people come and check the channel out.

@PaddleTV Год назад

Ha! I'm back! :). Glad you liked the video. I know it's long... but I didn't want to gloss over the topic.

@hntrains2 Год назад

@@PaddleTV, you are very thorough; thank you for doing things right! Have a great Sunday!

@Speederaser84 Год назад

Thank you SO much for including kids. I have 5 and 9 year old girls that love kayaking and have their own kayaks. It has been INCREDIBLY difficult to find any products/information on kayaks, paddles, PFDs etc for kids their age. Certainly appreciate it, especially because here in AZ we dont have much option for paddling stores to go check things out, the options are extremely limited.

@PaddleTV Год назад

You're welcome! FYI: once my daughter reached 50lbs, she liked the NRS Vista Youth PFD best. She found it more comfortable than the NRS Crew Youth PFD. www.outdoorplay.com/products/nrs-vista-youth-lifejacket-pfd-21# Don't forget to use the code 'PaddleTV15' during checkout to get 15% off. Cheers!

@jerrys576 Год назад

Ken,Welcome Back! You were missed. I have the Onyx A/M24 set to manual inflate. I paddle mostly rivers,no rapids ,but some times moderate current. Also paddle ICW in NC. I have both 17' & 14' composite kayaks. Am I ok with this PFD? I've been dumped 1x & didnt need to inflate the vest. Am I ok with this vest? I hate my fishermans vest. Way too hot for NC.

@classicarcadeamusementpark4242 Год назад

I have a variety of life jackets, but my choice by far are inflatables (used 99% of the time) Why? The #1 reason = The small amount of space taken in the sedan! If you drive a regular size car like me, you may not have tons of free space in your vehicle. And if you like to leave a kayak or two inside your vehicle (such as inflatable, folding kayak, etc), your not going to want all that space taken up during the season when your not boating. Especially if you have a tandem kayak or in my case, I often have two inflatables in the car (A Sea Eagle Razorlite & a Sea Eagle Paddleski boat/kayak hybrid). Inflatables are also far more comfortable as you don't have anything on your back when your sitting against the seat. What about the safety? I don't have to worry about the inflates failing to inflate, because I manually inflate them every use. Sure they might look a little funny, but they work fine. It takes only a couple seconds to manually inflate them. I also don't want a C02 cartridge accidentally inflating a vest in a trunk that is jam packed with gear. It could damage the boat or something else. Inflatable vests are also ideal if your flying your boat on an airplane as they take up way less space and weight far less. I've flown my inflatable for free, but you have to keep the weight under 50 lbs with all accessories. The only situations where I wouldn't recommend an inflatable is extremely rough waters like white water rafting. I've never done that. And if the water was that rough and I had to worry that my vest might not be good enough in the lake or bay, I wouldn't be kayaking in it in the first place. Inflatable vests do cost more, so that is the main disadvantage for most. We've swam with them many times and they do work. Probably not as much flotation as a regular vest, but they should be plenty in the hopefully unlikely event you'd capsize and would rely on them vs just swimming. I always wear a vest even though I'm a strong swimmer.

@PaddleTV Год назад

Thanks for sharing!

@kdogg7882 Год назад

What about older life jackets. I have one that it probably close to 20 years old now bought for jet skiing. It is in good condition though kept in our garage

@babyyoda6771 Год назад

What would you choose for a pungo 125? Is it weird to get a fishing life jacket like the NRS chinook for a recreational kayak?

@margefrommars6905 8 месяцев назад

How about your thoughts on Pfd's with the built in camel bac? seems so convenient but I don't see many people using them .

@konserv 22 дня назад

Life jackets + spray skirt. How to choose the one that will fit?

@ed2335 8 месяцев назад

I need light unobtrusive vest for 300 lbs? Any suggestions

@OneStonedPhilosopher 5 месяцев назад

Hello Ken, Absolutely loved the video! I recently received the Astral E-Ronny PFD (Mens) on request for Christmas 😁. I believe I will love it for the same reasons you preferred the "rescue PDF". In the future I may snag one with towing capability though. I never knew that was an option but I've experienced a fatigued kayaker fighting tide before where that would have certainly been better than towing with ropes. I do a lot of sea/ocean kayaking along the Jersey Shore and chose this because I needed something to stand out around larger vessels. I noticed in some footage you played, there was a strange looking paddle being used in choppier waters. Is there a recommended paddle for sea/ocean kayakers?

@PaddleTV 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the note! The rescue vest can definitely come in handy on open water with groups! Regarding the paddle - I believe you're referring to the Greenland paddle. Here's a video I did about them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fleRcLeAvDM.html. It could be the right choice for you... but there's not siingle recommended paddle for ocean kayakers. It really depends on the type of paddler you are, and the type of paddling you do. Sorry I can't simplify it more! :)

@ed2335 8 месяцев назад

I need a lightweight unobtrusive vest for 300 lbs. Any suggestions?

@user-gi9mx9mt5c 2 месяца назад

Hello. Tell me, on Odissy vests, the sizes differ only in the long slings and belts, and the back and front are the same? Thanks for the video and for the response.

@PaddleTV 2 месяца назад

Yes and no... That was true until this year. For the new 2024 Odyssey PFD (with NRS's Orbit Fit), the shape and size of the floatation is different as well, and so it's more important to get the right size. www.nrs.com/nrs-odyssey-pfd/pxb5

@user-gi9mx9mt5c 2 месяца назад

@@PaddleTV Thank you so m! I want to buy the old model. Just like the one in your video!

@wongjefx980 Год назад

I tried to find guidelines on when I should replace my PFD. Had a Lotus Design PFD for years now, and still seems OK…if I float guess I’m good.

@PaddleTV Год назад

Good question. It really depends on how it was treated. In particular, the sun will take its toll on the material, as will staying wet. But if you're good about letting it dry after use, and not leaving it in the sun, it can last a really long time. Lotus made great stuff too (the fellow who started Lotus sold Lotus and started Astral), and so I would expect it to last very well.

@human.rationally 8 месяцев назад

Typical around the 100 days of use for me

@6yjjk Год назад

Per the manufacturer's instructions, my lifejacket should be inspected annually. The CO2 cylinder has its filled weight stamped on it, you unscrew it and weigh it, and if it's within 2 grams of that weight you don't need to replace it. Which is nice - 20€ for a cylinder plus 20€ for a firing cartridge is a good incentive not to go swimming. I went with an inflatable because I'm typically on flat water, and because I'm too fat to fasten any foam one that I could find - also because I fly with my kayak a fair bit, and I'm not trusting the bag-smashers not to put my lifejacket at the bottom of a pile of suitcases, but didn't want to deal with the bulk of a foam one in the cabin. It does mean getting the airline's permission every time, and leads to some interesting conversations at security: Goon: What's that? Me: Lifejacket. CO2, no explosives. G: You can't take that on board, has to go in the hold. M: Finnair gave me permission, and told me NOT to put it in the hold and to carry it on board. G: Well, our rules say we can't let you take it into the cabin with you. M: What's under every seat on the plane? G: *90s modem noises* ...Have a good flight, sir...

@michaelskalin5126 Год назад

How true. The life jackets on my friends aircraft are rip cord co2. Do you transport it in your carry on? Thanks for sharing your experience 🍻🇨🇦

@6yjjk Год назад

@@michaelskalin5126 Thanks :) Yes, the lifejacket always goes in my carry-on, with the pull toggle tucked inside. It usually gets inspected at security, but that's just a quick look at the cylinder to verify that it's CO2 and sometimes an explosives swab (some jackets fire with a small explosive charge, which is a no-no). Finnair are very clear that they don't want it in the hold, apparently something to do with total amount of CO2 in the hold versus any animals they might have down there. The biggest pain in the ass is having to tell the airline that I'm taking it and get their permission, which can involve an hour of waiting for a chat agent to do a 5-minute job, more like 2 now I know what the questions are and can paste the answers in right away. Finnair at least don't give any confirmation that you have that permission, it's just registered in their system; that made things very awkward in Riga, where they demanded to see that confirmation. I was nearly denied travel. That's the only time anyone's ever cared.

@deanconley5658 Год назад

Love your knowledge and experience Are you based in Bellingham wa

@PaddleTV Год назад

Thank you! I'm actually based in Ontario, Canada - but I travel around a lot. :)

@peterkitchener8787 Год назад

The one thing I hate about pfd's is you cant get spray hoods for them unlike inflatable life jackets. There nothing worst than falling out the kayak at sea and ½ drowning from waves hitting you. Right now I'm using a KRU UNIVERSAL SPRAYHOOD with my BALTIC CANOE BUOYANCY AID ONE SIZE FITS ALL ….but its not ideal.

@PaddleTV Год назад

Interesting point! Never thought of that. Thanks for sharing.

@alfredwilliamson5108 9 месяцев назад

Where can I get a rescue jacket

@victormarinelli5660 10 месяцев назад

When I was in the motorcycle industry, we had a response to the question "how much should I spend on a helmet." The response, "if you've got a five-dollar head, buy a five-dollar Helmet." You can't put a price on safety and comfort. When the time comes, you want the highest level of protection available.

@sallypeters909 Год назад

I am a short woman & I’m still looking for a life jacket that doesn’t ride up to my chin while paddling. I wear a spray skirt that makes the life jacket ride up also. So my quest is for a jacket that has long shoulder straps and a shorter foam piece in the front. I think that I own 4 jackets that choke me!😮

@PaddleTV Год назад

Ha! Yes... I know exactly what you mean. I would look at the NRS Ninja PFD. It's designed for short torsos or for people who want the lowest profile possible in front. I use it for whitewater paddling, because it sits low and provides me with maximum arm and torso mobility. Outdoorplay sells them - bit.ly/41iqxMu. If you use the code 'PaddleTV15' during the checkout, you'll get 15% off too!

@sallypeters909 Год назад

@@PaddleTV Thanks! I’ll check them out.

@sallypeters909 Год назад

@@PaddleTV I just ordered the NRS Ninja from Outdoorplay & used your code…Thanks!!!

@Celisar1 10 месяцев назад

I am looking for my first vest and in reviews I have read so often that women wrote they cannot wear the vest, it hurts, no size fits both at the top and the waist and when it doesn’t fit it’s also not safe. So when there are vests for women offering a better fit and safety- why don’t you have any? You have several different models that fit men …. PS maybe I am wrong in assuming this is your own shop?

@BobBohner4851 Год назад

Nys law says you have to have a pfd on board but not wearing it. Dumb but that’s the law

@jonbrouwer6578 Год назад

Canadian law is the same at this point in time.

@nunyabidness3075 Год назад

That’s common. My wife hardly ever wears hers. I really want to get her to practice recovery in deep water. I think she will changer habits. I need to do a class or something.

@BobBohner4851 Год назад

@@nunyabidness3075 ask her to jump in the water and try to put the pfd on. That should do it.

@PappaMike-vc1qv Год назад

Yeah a simple demonstration in water where you can not touch bottom is a real eye opener. Very difficult to find the PFD and put it on while still holding the paddle and corral the kayak, kind of impossible unless you are an octopus. Just get a comfortable PFD and wear it all the time,

@BobBohner4851 Год назад

@@PappaMike-vc1qv not to mention all the contents of the kayak floating away from you or sinking