Table of Contents

Whether you’re kayaking, paddling, boating, or snorkeling, you enjoy being on the water, but as you surely know, safety comes first. 

And that is exactly what we will discuss in this shopping guide – life jackets and life vests.

Every time you go out on the water, you must wear a life jacket or life vest. 

And the simple explanation is that it is extremely dependable and can, without exaggeration, save your life. 

Some life jackets are more expensive and have more features, while others are less expensive and have fewer functions. In any event, you’ll find some of the top life jackets on both the cheap and high end of the pricing spectrum in this guide. 

You may rest easy knowing that this tutorial will teach you all you need to know about buying a life jacket vest.

Let’s get right to it now:

The best budget life jackets

As previously stated, if you’re looking for a low-cost option, here is the place to go.

At the same time, it must be durable and reliable enough to keep you secure.

In this budget section, we’ll look at four of the best low-cost PFDs available. 

O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG Life Vest

The O’Neil Men’s Superlite is the most cost-effective life jacket available. It’s ultra-lightweight and has a fashionable design. The life vest can be used when water skiing, tubing, swimming, or just as a floating device.

It doesn’t have a bulky design, so you’ll have more room to walk around. The jacket has a strong outer and is composed of a durable coated polyester shell.

This is the jacket to choose if you need a dependable jacket. The coat is warm and lightweight, and it dries rapidly. Four safety buckles are included in the jacket to ensure your safety. If safety is your top priority, the vest is a great investment. 

Specs & Features:

  • Durable and strong exterior.
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Easy to move in.
  • Mesh provides quick drainage.
  • Dries quickly.

Pros

  • It has four safety buckles to keep the vest secure
  • It employs overlock stitching, which ensures that the seams are strong and durable.
  • The armhole size is carefully calculated to ensure maximum safety in any situation.

Cons

  • Some consumers remark that the jacket is larger than it needs to be. Simply order one size smaller to avoid this problem. 

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Jacket

The ONYX movement is suitable for any outdoor activities that you participate in. The back of the life vest has mesh in case you have high back seats, which can be uncomfortable.

The jacket is made of SOLAS-grade reflective material for added safety. When you’re in the water, this makes you stand out. To keep your belongings safe, the coat incorporates expanded zipper pockets.

Your safety is assured with this life jacket. Every step has been taken to ensure you receive the best vest possible. The whistle can be used to warn people of an impending emergency. 

The life jacket can be adjusted to fit you properly.

Additionally, the jacket includes neoprene comfort padding. This jacket is made from heavy-duty material. It is, however, still light, allowing your body to move freely.

Specs & Features:

  • Heavy-duty nylon fabric.
  • Expandable zippered pocket.
  • Shoulder adjustments.
  • Has reflective material.

Pros

  • The SOLAS fabric helps your jacket stand out.
  • The life jacket incorporates a mesh drainage system that allows it to dry faster.
  • A whistle is attached to the life jacket as an added precaution that can be used in an emergency.
  • In warm weather, the vest does not breathe effectively

Cons

  • When left in the sun, the jacket gets hot

Stohlquist Fit Life Jacket

Because of its robust design, the Stohlquist Life Jacket will keep you out of a lot of trouble. It includes three clasp straps in the front to keep you secure in inclement weather. This PFD has been approved by the Coast Guard. The vest is ultra-lightweight, weighing only 7 pounds. 

Specs & Features:

  • Adjustable three-buckle system.
  • Sheer back panel.
  • Lightweight at 7 lbs.
  • Fits adults with more significantly than 90 lbs and with a 30”-52” chest.
  • Bright red and grey color.

Pros

  • The life jacket has a loop at the top that may be used for a natural drying and storing after use. 
  • Box stitching is used on the straps. This improves the jacket’s longevity. 
  • The PFD is approved by the Coast Guard, which gives you further peace of mind.

Cons

  • It doesn’t fit women’s size 6 nicely.
  • This life jacket is designed to meet all of your floating needs
  • The USCG has approved the 16-pound jacket. As a result, it can support a weight of up to 90 pounds and a chest size of 30” to 52”. The universal fit of the life jacket allows it to support a larger number of individuals

Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest

If you’re seeking a comfy alternative for you and your spouse, the universal Stearns Series life jacket is a good choice. It is designed to fit people of all sizes. If you’re a bit more substantial or skinny, you might want to look into a jacket that’s made just for your weight and size.

Because the PFD can loosen and slip off your body if you don’t feel it firm enough when you dive into the water. And if you’re in danger, you’ll want to get out of it as soon as possible. Because it’s constructed of nylon, you’ll be able to move and paddle freely.

Kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and other water sports are all possible with it. The vest has three adjustable straps for added comfort and convenience. You can adjust them according to your comfort and preference. 

Overall, it’s a very appealing option. That’s because it has a simple look yet is quite comfy and can keep you going for a long time. There are three straps for optimum adjustability. If you don’t know what will be the most practical choice for you and you need a few pairs for your wife and kids, this is the best option if you’re on a budget. 

Specs & Features:

  • The vest is available in 2 colors: Red and Blue.
  • Constructed from Nylon
  • 3 buckle straps are available
  • It’s suitable for adults who weigh over 90 pounds.
  • It’s priced at $25

Pros

  • Its design includes nylon foam, which provides enhanced comfort and convenience when putting on the life jacket.
  • Suitable for a variety of water activities. It’s unquestionably a dependable alternative that you can utilize at any moment, including while diving. 
  • The PFD is easy to modify, so it will fit your size and provide the desired comfort with no effort.

Cons

  • It’s not particularly suited to people of all sizes. As previously stated, whether you are overweight or extremely thin, you should look for a different life jacket that fits your weight and size.

Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket

Pros

  • Durable 
  • Comfortable
  • Automatically inflates

Cons

  • A recharge kit is required
  • One size fits all

The Onyx A/M-24 Deluxe Inflatable Life Jacket from Absolute Outdoor is made of tough 420-denier ripstop nylon and is USCG-approved as a Type V PFD with Type III performance. To inflate the vest, pull the “Jerk to Expand” lever or let it inflate automatically when submerged.

At any time, you can switch from auto/manual inflation to manual-only inflation. When inflated, the life vest delivers a minimum buoyancy of 22.5 pounds. 

It’s also quite comfortable, thanks to its low-profile, lightweight construction. Soft neoprene around the neckline prevents chafing, while padded air mesh panels cover the bottom part, back, and straps.

The reflective piping improves visibility at night, and the D-ring connector allows you to attach safety devices such as a whistle or torch. Put your sunglasses in the padded, fleece-lined sunglasses pocket and your other belongings in the utility pockets on the vest.

It’s just for persons over the age of 16 (or who weigh more than 80 pounds), and it’s not for weak or non-swimmers. 

Specs & Features:

  • Sizes: One-size
  • Certification: USCG-approved
  • Weight: 22.5 lb.

Astral V-Eight Life Jacket

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Boxy
  • Mesh pockets

The Astral Buoyancy V-Eight Life Jacket is available in blue, gray, or orange and has an ergonomic design and lightweight construction. It may be used for a variety of watersports, but it is particularly well suited to kayaking.

For starters, cutting-edge ventilation technology minimizes excessive heat build-up, keeping you cool even when you’re working out in hot weather. The mesh back, on the other hand, provides a comfortable fit against high seat backs. 

16.2 pounds of always-ready buoyancy is provided by pre-shaped foam panels, adequate for a confident swimmer in an area where a speedy rescue is likely. A spacious front pocket, a quick access tab for attaching a knife, and an inside storage sleeve are also useful features.

The USCG-approved vest is available in a variety of sizes and features reflective trim to improve visibility in low light.

Specs & Features:

  • Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
  • Certification: USCG-approved
  • Weight: 16.2 lb.

NRS Chinook Fishing PFD

We can see by the name that the Chinook life jacket is primarily used for kayak fishing, fly fishing, and general fishing. The NRS vest has a lot of pockets of various sizes, which is a big plus for fishermen.

In the vest’s pockets, you’ll be able to store whatever shade or accessory you need. This model, like the previous one, has a mesh back that allows for better airflow and comfort. 

Overall, among all other mid-range life jackets, this would be the finest option for you if you are a fisherman searching for an effective PFD. This vest’s appeal stems from its comfort and functionality. A fantastic choice that any angler should have in their arsenal.

Specs & Features:

  • A great pick for fishing
  • Several different-sized pockets
  • Mesh back design
  • Priced at $85

Pros

  • As you may be aware, the various extra compartments provide outstanding efficacy to every angler.
  • A rod-holder is supplied, as well as a D-ring for Net attachment
  • Follows the US Coast Guard’s guidelines

Cons

  • Overheating may occur due to the huge and hefty front design.

O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest

The O’Neill jacket has you covered if you’re looking for a robust and lightweight vest. The Men’ Assault by O’Neill is made of neoprene polyester, which has a beautiful style and is quite trendy. You’ll constantly be floating upright with this jacket. The coat may also support any amount of weight.

The vest is authorized by the USCG and is suitable for a variety of water sports. The O’Neill Men’s Assault boasts a low-bulk construction that allows you to move freely in the water. 

The O’Neill is a black jacket that is one of the most durable on the market. You will have a lot of breathing room and flexibility with this product. Your back will also benefit from additional protection and comfort. Your swimming and open water supplies will benefit greatly from the life jacket.

Specs & Features:

  • Lightweight neoprene shell.
  • Uses nitro lite foam.
  • Minimal bulk design.
  • It comes with two strap buckles.
  • Long zipper in front of the jacket.

Pros

  • The jacket has nitro lite foam that absorbs 15-20% less water.
  • The zipper is long enough to keep the life jacket in a stable position.
  • The jacket provides you with lower back lumbar pads for extra support for your core.

Cons

  • When left in the sun, the dark material absorbs heat
  • The jacket is a little snug than I anticipated

Astral GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD for Whitewater Rescue, Sea, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding

It would be impolite not to mention the Astral Greenjacket life jacket PFD while discussing high-end life jackets. To be honest, this is the most expensive option on our list, with a price tag of $270. However, there is no better option on the market when it comes to rescue missions.

The vest has a pullover entry, so you can put it on and take it off in a matter of seconds. As with other high-end PFDs, this one is loaded with features like PE foam inserts, PVC-free Gaia, sturdy Nylon, and a slew of others that contribute to the jacket’s overall comfort and design.

Overall, it is well worth the money. If you don’t have a budget and are willing to invest in the actual thing, this is the best alternative for you. 

Specs & Features:

  • Features high-quality material – nylon
  • Additional pockets are available.
  • Attractive and comfortable design
  • Highly expensive – $270

Pros

  • The life jacket is equally suitable for river guides and expedition paddlers.
  • PE foam inserts have been added to the design to allow you to move freely and comfortably while engaging in paddle activities. 
  • It’s made to last, so it can be your “friend” life jacket for a long time. You won’t have to look for another vest for a long time.

Cons

  • The high price is the only drawback we can find. Go buy it if you can afford it; it’s arguably the greatest option on the market.

Astral Ronny Fisher Life Jacket PFD for Fishing, Recreation, and Touring Kayaking

The Astral Ronny Fisher PFD is created specifically for skilled fishers, as the name implies. It has a front zip entry and several storage options so you can keep your things close at hand.

The increased cushion and mesh back design make this life jacket even better. This provides unparalleled comfort and allows you to relax in your seat without pressing your skin on the jacket.

In summary, this is a great choice for any experienced angler who wants to have a good fishing campaign. The numerous compartments let you keep a knife, whistle, and other important items within easy reach. It is unquestionably worth the money.

Specs & Features:

  • Primarily made for fishing.
  • Features front center zip entry.
  • Made from nylon
  • It’s priced at $183

Pros

  • It’s quite comfy, and it has multiple different-sized compartments to keep your things within easy reach.
  • The mesh-back design allows for better airflow, so you won’t end up with a sweaty back.

Cons

  • The life vest is pretty big, and you won’t be able to see your feet if you want to dive. Keep in mind that it’s also fairly heavy.

What is a personal flotation device (PFD)?

A personal floatation device is a piece of safety equipment designed to keep you afloat in the water. It can be wearable, ‘like a life jacket or life vest, or ‘throwable,’ like a life ring or ‘seat cushion’ that’s designed to be flung to someone who’s gone overboard.

What do life jackets do?

Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat (read: alive) if you fall overboard, as the name implies. While it may seem self-evident, you must ensure that you have the proper life vest. Here’s how to pick a life jacket that might just save your life:

  • Choose a model tailored for the water sport you intend to participate in.
  • Examine the jacket’s weight restrictions and ensure it is a good fit for you.
  • Make certain it is in good working order, with no holes or tears
  • Put it on!

What is the difference between a life jacket and a PFD?

In a nutshell, life jackets are designed to be worn on boats by poor swimmers and children, whereas Personal Floatation Devices are designed to be worn all of the time in and around the water. 

The performance of the two life-saving technologies differs as well. PFDs enable mobility while participating in an active water sport, whereas life vests are meant to assist you in gaining consciousness. 

What are the different types of life jackets?

There are three types of life jackets available:

Inherently buoyant PFD

These life jackets include collars that go around the back of the head, allowing an unconscious wearer to be turned face-up. They provide the most protection, but they are also the bulkiest. It’s the ideal style for preserving body heat and keeping your head high above the water, thanks to the added foam and fabric.

For cruising, racing, and offshore fishing, these jackets are ideal. They’re especially useful for non-swimmers because all child-size life jackets are buoyant by nature. For jet skis and wake sports, most states mandate naturally buoyant life vests. 

Inflatable PFD

Pre-inflating PFDs is usually done with an oral inflation tube. We cautioned that these should not be worn by anyone under the age of 16 or weighing less than 80 pounds. In hot weather, they can be far more comfortable than inherently buoyant life jackets.

Manually inflated jackets and belt packs, on the other hand, are best for strong swimmers because they will need to take extra steps to get the jacket inflated and in place. They are also best for people who will be close to help in the event of an emergency.

Hybrid PFD

Almost all hybrid personal floatation devices are ‘special use devices,’ which means they are designed for a specific activity and are only certified while used. The most frequent type is the paddle jacket, but there are a few others designed for commercial use.

“Sailboard harnesses, deck suits, paddle vests, commercial white water vests, and float jackets are just a few of the unique applications. 

USCG life jacket ratings type 1-5 and throw devices

The effectiveness of life jackets is graded on a scale of one to five. The amount of buoyancy they supply the user is one of the elements used to determine the rating. For a life jacket to be classified as a US Coast Guard Type I, it must provide adults with a minimum buoyancy of 22 pounds for foam life jackets and 33 pounds for inflated life jackets.

Foam jackets of Type II and Type III are only required to offer 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. In addition, there are Type IV devices such as throw rings and cushions. Rings must have a buoyancy of 16.5 pounds, whereas cushions must have an 18-pound buoyancy. Type V devices are a combination of foam and inflation. 

Type I devices must also meet SOLAS regulations for more evident relative labeling. Type I devices are designed to keep an unconscious person’s head above water so they can breathe. A Type III device is designed to assist a conscious person in staying afloat in the water.

Having said that, Type III life jackets are the most popular among adults. This is because they are quite comfortable to wear while on a boat. They’re also ideal for high-speed water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Type I life jackets are heavy and inconvenient to wear, but they are kept on vessels in case of an offshore emergency.

A PLB or EPIRB, in addition to life jackets, should be carried on the boat. 

Buying guide to finding the best life jackets

Before purchasing a life jacket, there are a few important factors to consider. To get a vest that completely fits your particular style and preferences, you’ll need to know key features like size, design, weight capacity, color, and others that contribute significantly to the PFD’s overall performance.

Use

The amount of flexibility your vest should have can vary greatly depending on the type of activity you have planned – for example, water skiing vs. sailing. Below are a few possibilities that are suitable for all sports and activities, as well as a few that are best suited for certain sports and activities.

Coast Guard-approved

The US Coast Guard has approved all but one of the vests.

Fit

There will be no perfect fit; however, following each vest maker’s sizing standards will greatly increase your chances of being comfortable. Selecting a vest with numerous adjustable straps is another approach to ensure flexibility.

Storage

Do you enjoy and require pockets to store all of your water sports equipment? Some vests include them, whereas others do not.

Size

The size of the life jacket determines everything. There will be movement restrictions if the vest is too small. You’ll have a hard time staying afloat if it’s too large. When you have the jacket on and someone tugs on the PFD, you will know what size you are. Congratulations, you’ve discovered your right size if the jacket doesn’t go up to your neck and nose and stays put.

Design

The addition of mesh drain panels to the life jacket is critical. They allow the PFD to dry faster (hours faster) and provide adequate ventilation. As a result, you’ll be able to provide exceptional back care while avoiding sweating and perspiration.

Weight capacity

When purchasing a life vest, it’s critical to consider the floating capacity. Aside from size, weight plays an important role in our guidance list. This is because if you are overweight and purchase a jacket designed for lighter individuals, you may discover it to be completely worthless.

Color

Right now, the thought “color is unimportant” is undoubtedly running through your head, but let me explain why this is incorrect. Visibility is improved by using brighter colors, particularly orange and yellow. Even if you are 100 meters away, people will be able to see you. As a result, you must be rescued. 

Materials

The final pillar supports the purchasing choice. The materials you need are nylon and neoprene. They have a longer lifespan than other materials. A polyester life vest, for example, can last up to 5 years, whereas a neoprene one can last up to 6 and a half years.

So, now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you know why a life vest is so important for your safety and how to choose one. If you don’t want to deal with purchasing decisions, we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the finest life jackets based on your budget.

Inflation method

Manually or mechanically inflatable personal floatation devices are available (and some offer both options). You can swim with the PFD uninflated and just pull the string to inflate the vest if necessary using manual inflation. Automatic inflation, on the other hand, means that if you’re in trouble. 

FAQs

Can you drown with a life jacket?

Your odds of drowning with a life jacket are exceedingly minimal unless you are locked inside a watercraft, dragged under by the undercurrent, or stuck with your feet to an inanimate item in the water.

A life jacket, like snorkel fins that assist you to propel through the water quickly or water shoes that protect your feet from wounds, is designed to keep you safe when you’re in the water. 

How should a life jacket properly fit?

Normal vest-type life jackets should fit snugly without riding up over your ears when you’re floating in the water, though this varies on the form of the life jacket.

She suggests putting your life jacket through its paces by leaping in the water and watching how you float while wearing it. It should not be worn higher than the chin. 

How does proper fit affect safety?

“A life jacket that is overly big puts the wearer at risk of slipping out,” she explained. “It may not provide enough buoyancy or be uncomfortable if it’s too tiny, and you won’t want to wear it. Your life jacket will not save you if you are not wearing it.”

Do I have to service my life jacket?

A buoyant life jacket will not require much regular maintenance. Your intrinsically buoyant life jacket is ready to go as long as the straps and zippers work and there are no rips, tears, or discoloration. 

An inflated life jacket, on the other hand, should be checked every time it is worn. It’s critical to check the inflator is operational and that the CO2 cartridge is free of corrosion. 

Automatically inflated life jackets will also include an inflator trigger mechanism that needs to be checked on a regular basis. The CO2 cartridge in an inflated life jacket must be replaced every time it is used. 

Do life jackets and PFDs have to be replaced? 

Do not attempt to repair your life jacket if it is broken in any way. It’s time to replace your life jacket when the buckles or zippers break. Another factor is fabric discoloration: if the fabric has been exposed to enough UV radiation and water to discolor, the foam is likely to deteriorate as well.

Your life jackets should endure for many years if you store and maintain them properly, draining off any saltwater and storing them out of direct sunlight. 

What is the best way to clean my life jacket and PFD?

The ideal cleaning solution is mild soap and water. To avoid mildew, never use strong chemicals like bleach; instead, let them air dry before storing. 

What is the best life jacket for calm waters? How about rough waters?

A Type 1 or 2 may be the greatest choice for both calm and turbulent glasses of water because they will most likely last long enough until help arrives. A Type 1 life jacket is buoyant by nature and is best used in open, distant, or choppy water where assistance may be delayed.

Type 2 life jackets are less buoyant and more comfortable than Type 1 life jackets since they are intrinsically buoyant or inflated. When in a sheltered inland area when immediate rescue is likely, these are advised. 

Are there any accessories that would be useful in case of a water-related emergency?

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that may be activated in the event of an emergency and transmit a signal through a satellite that you need help is an added layer of security for boaters heading offshore or in locations where help may be far away.

It’s also a good idea to bring a whistle and a torch.