If there’s one guarantee when paddling white water, it’s that you will need a PFD. Because at some point you’re going to fall in.
Belive me when I say that swimming through waves and rapids isn’t a lot of fun. As without a PFD you aren’t high enough in the water, thus will be a lot harder to breathe properly.
When at some point you end up in the water, you rely on your personal flotation to keep you afloat. But whitewater, or rescue PFDs need to do so much more than just float you.
In this article, we are going to look at different types of whitewater life vests and give you our thoughts of the best whitewater PFDs 2023…
What Type of PFD Do You Need for White Water?
Different Types of PFDs
Any item of life preserver or buoyancy device available for purchase is considered a personal flotation device. The US Coast Guard groups these personal flotation devices (PFDs) into five categories.
- Type I – Have the most inherent buoyancy and are designed for rough conditions or offshore. These PFDs are designed to turn unconscious casualties into a safe position.
- Type II – Designed for calmer waters or nearer shore and have the ability to turn some casualties onto their back.
- Type III – Most kayaking PFD fall into this category. These PFDs are suitable for protected waters but not for prolonged survival in open water. Not designed to turn casualties over but only to provide flotation.
- Type IV – Thrown devices to aid a struggling person to either assist rescue or keep them afloat while they await rescue.
- Type V – Sport-specific or condition-specific PFD. Each of these devices has its own specific use.
Which PFD Type is Right for Whitewater Kayaking?
Most kayaking PFDs are classified as Type III . These vests are constructed exclusively for buoyancy and require the wearer to be active in the water. Type III vests are not confining like Types I and II life jackets, so you can move freely in the water.
Whitewater rescue vests are classified as type V. We will explain the particular rescue characteristics of these items below.
How Much Flotation Do I Need?
United States Coast Guard certified life preservers possess a buoyancy range of 15.5 to 22 pounds. Most whitewater personal flotation devices (PFDs) weigh approximately between 15.5 and 17 pounds.
The amount of flotation you need is dependent on your dimensions and mass, in addition to your surroundings. If you are paddling in relatively calm, lower difficulty or grade of whitewater, you won’t need the same amount of flotation as someone who is navigating higher difficulty and greater volume river waters.
Vests with a lower amount of buoyancy are usually less imposing and less noticeable, something we will investigate further shortly. It is essential to bear in mind that the main purpose of a PFD is for it to keep you afloat and your head out of the water. No matter how far you go, do not put yourself in danger.
Features of a Quality Whitewater Life Jacket
Freedom of Movement
It is imperative for someone looking to partake in whitewater kayaking to make sure they correctly position their stroke in the appropriate spot and at the right moment. A PFD that restricts motion in any way hinders the development of any kayaking skills or diminishes the feeling of comfort in a kayak.
Most whitewater kayaks are sit-in, closed-cockpit style. Personal Flotation Devices that are excessively large or placed too high on the body can be unpleasant to wear while kayaking.
Most types of personal flotation devices designed for whitewater use concentrate the buoyancy on the abdomen and facilitate flexibility in the shoulder area.
Comfort and Cut
The previous discussion highlighted the act of maneuvering in your kayak. However, different styles of PFD have different cuts. Playboating is a type of discipline in which restrictions are reduced and liberty is emphasized.
Vests made to be worn while on a river generally cover more of the body than other outerwear, providing the user with a layer of protection as well as increased pocket space and other components.
Female-cut PFDs are available from most manufacturers, too. These clothes are tailored to fit a woman’s body nicely, thanks to their adjustable pieces and ample room in strategic places. There are also PFDs made specifically for kids .
Various designs of personal flotation device will be suitable for different body builds and requirements. When you are trying out your life vest, make sure to put it on over your paddling attire.
Storage
Unless their purpose is particular, like for canoe slalom vests, all life jackets for white water activities have some kind of compartment. A pocket typically comes with a rope for easily reaching your safety tools.
The design of the particular model will determine whether storage is featured as one pocket, several pockets, or a pocket divided into sections. We won’t spend much time here to explain how to store one’s equipment, since everyone has their own individual way of organizing their items.
It is suggested that you choose a life jacket with enough pockets to hold the necessities, at least.
What is the Difference Between a Rescue PFD and a Whitewater PFD?
Durability
Rescue Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are constructed from much stronger materials such as Cordura. This provides them with a tough exterior that can handle even the most intense usage. If you ever find yourself needing to put on a life vest, you will appreciate its robustness.
Storage
If you are in the midst of a canyon on an excursion of multiple days, you need your safety gear nearby. A personal flotation device intended for rescue is likely to have additional compartments for items compared to the typical whitewater PFD.
This storage is typically split up in a way that each separate piece of equipment can be accessed promptly and without difficulty.
Rescue Harness
The primary distinguishing feature between a Type III and Type V lifejacket is that a Type V has an integrated rescue harness.
A harness made of nylon webbing is used to secure the vest around the torso. These bands are held securely with a snap-on buckle.
Who Needs a Rescue PFD?
You need to be knowledgeable and properly trained to utilize a Type V rescue personal flotation device. A swift water rescue course will educate you on the fundamentals of correctly donning a life vest.
Operating these technical pieces of apparatus without proper instruction can put you in perilous circumstances.
Our Top Picks
NRS Ninja – Best All-around Whitewater Life Jacket
Buoyancy: 16.3 lbs. (7.39 kg) Weight: 2.15 lbs. (0.98 kg) USCG Rating: Type III
The NRS Ninja personal flotation device is designed to provide athletes with maximum flexibility and unimpeded performance. This PFD is a great fit for any kind of paddler, not just those who are recreationally kayaking in calm waters, but also those who are navigating more intense water conditions such as white-water rapids.
The Ninja offers a single low-lying buoyancy zone which facilitates higher level body rotation and flexibility while providing optimal support.
This can be especially advantageous during precarious scenarios such as white water kayaking, in which any reduction in motion can impede the ability to deliver a crucial stroke at the right moment.
The Ninja is the ideal pick for people with shorter bodies or kids who are too big for their junior life jackets.
RELATED: NRS PFDs 2022: the Ultimate Guide and Reviews
This six point adjustment design on the side entry makes it straightforward to secure the item in place, allowing you to move freely and fluidly if you are coming out of your kayak.
The Ninja has an enormous pocket on the front, shaped like a clam shell. This thing is massive. You can bring whatever supplies you need, like an emergency kit, cameras, telephones or enough candy to sustain you for the day, and it will all fit.
Best Overall Life Jacket
Astral E-Ronny
Intended Use: Recreational, touring, fishing |
Entry Style: Front zip
REASONS TO BUY
- Articulated, ultra-comfortable fit
- Great arm mobility
- Thin profile back works with a boat seat
- Multiple pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
- Closes with zipper only
- Not the highest flotation available
The Astral E-Ronny is an exceptional PFD owing to its snug and slim fit, straightforward closure system, and intricate traits such as pockets and attachment points. The zipper-only front closure provides an exceedingly comfortable fit.
This jacket does not have a waist strap, meaning you do not have to go through the unpleasant sensation of being constricted around the stomach after being in the boat for a long period of time, like other vests might.
Also, the alterations on the sides make the entire experience even and gratifying, and we are delighted with it. A lot of people testing the item liked the top front part of it being less thick, resulting in a curved shape.
Having shoulder sections that are slim and armholes that are roomy helps keep your arms comfortable while paddling on longer trips. The cushioning in the back is minimal but appropriate for boat seats, and there are several ventilated areas for ventilation.
The E-Ronny excels in terms of both comfort and usefulness. A bigger pocket can hold cell phones, radios, or supplies, and there is a smaller pocket which is ideal for granola bars and hand tools.
Lapels that are designed to do a job can hide away any untidy elements, like a radio antenna or straps. If you are a big fan of fishing who usually carries a big load of tools, the E-Ronny might not be the ideal PFD for you since it does not have very spacious pockets.
If you’d rather have something more minimal, the Astral E-Linda might be the one for you; it’s very similar to the first one but with fewer pockets.
In general, if you are hunting for a flotation vest that is cozy, adaptable, and well-suited for rowing, we highly recommend the E-Ronny.
Best Overall Women’s PFD
Astral Layla
Intended Use: Whitewater, sea paddling, touring, SUP, sailing |
Entry Style: Side zip
REASONS TO BUY
- Articulated comfortable fit
- Convenient pocket
- Compatible with a rescue harness
- Adjustable and great sizing options
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lacks ventilation
- Runs slightly large
The Astral Layla jacket is remarkable because of its snug fit, top-notch workmanship, and flexibility. Many PFDs are marketed as being suitable for women, however there is not one design that fits all female shapes, so discovering something that fits can be difficult.
The Layla earned the approval of all female testers who possess different body types and proportions between their bust and waist. This product, the Layla, stands out among its rivals since it has a greater number of adjustable straps that can be adjusted easily to ensure the ideal fit.
The articulated cut of this jacket enables it to move along with your body and provide flexibility. For those who have had experience in fundamental river rescue, the ability to add a fast-release rescue harness is a desirable characteristic that is remarkable in this kayaking jacket.
Traditionally, life jackets have been pricier and mainly catered to men, making the Astral Layla a great new alternative.
This vest has fewer open spots than some of the others, but provides more warmth than those with wide mesh vents or uncovered areas on the back. The Layla is a bit bigger than anticipated, however, there are four sizes available making it effortless to find the ideal size for you.
River professionals in need of additional pocket storage may have to look elsewhere than the Layla, yet this vest proves to be one of the best out there when it comes to women’s models, as it is both comfortable and capable of adapting to different scenarios.
Best Budget Women’s PFD
Stohlquist Flo
Intended Use: Canoeing, kayaking, sailing |
Entry Style: Front zip
REASONS TO BUY
- Comfortable, adjustable fit
- Lower mesh back for ventilation and high seat comfort
- Stays in plays
- Two pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
- Upper back panel is bulky
- Fuller chest coverage
The Stohlquist Flo is a cost-effective selection that is pleasing to wear for women. This product comes in three sizes and has customizable straps that can be adjusted to provide a custom fit for a variety of body types.
This jacket offers both durability and comfort at a reasonable cost, due to its 400×200 denier ripstop external layer and 200D soft internal liner.
Best Unisex Bang for the Buck
Stohlquist Spectrum
This product is intended for use in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and sailing, and features a front zip entry style.
REASONS TO BUY
- Comfortable fit
- Very adjustable
- Stays in place
REASONS TO AVOID
- Pockets have no closure
- Stiff front panel
The Stohlquist Spectrum is perfect for those who are looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy recreational paddling. This Personal Floatation Device can be used by many different sizes of people due to the multiple adjustable pieces (on the shoulders, chest, and lower body).
This zip-up design has been cut with big armholes so that you can stay comfortable during lengthy paddling excursions. We didn’t expect it due to its affordable cost, yet we had a great time wearing the Spectrum Personal Floatation Device.
The Spectrum has numerous compartments that can be employed to hold items like granola bars and lip salve. These pockets do not have a way to be closed securely or any option for connecting them to something, so they are practical but not ideal for storing important items.
The back is created with layers of lighter foam, providing comfort when placed against different seats in kayaks. We discovered that this life jacket was one of the most comfortable to don on a closed cockpit spray skit, as it had the shortest torso length of the ‘universal’ life jackets.
Remember that because of the universal size of the design, those with smaller frames found it to be too big, and it tended to slip up by the ears of people with a smaller torso.
If the garment fits you, then it is a good choice to think about if you are on a budget.
