Hello,

I am interested in knowing what brands and styles of personal flotation devices you use on your BWCA trips. I'm particularly interested in some of the past comments regarding sewing items on the PFT's in order to gain access to medical kits and personal locator beacons.

I just bought an Extrasport Osprey that is currently available on Steep and Cheap for about $50. Lots of pockets & non restrictive around the arms were the big factors for me. I've had a kayak PFD and I hated it. Too much bulk in front to comfortably reach across your body when paddling a single blade paddle. The Extrasport has netting on the shoulders, so you don't run into the bulk. A Kayak PFD is made to sit high on your chest, so its always in the way. The pockets in the Extrasport are also nice. 2 large pockets maybe 5'x6' and five little pockets with drainage holes.

For the last couple of years I've worn an inflatable. I love it as its minimal bulk, but I just get nervous that it will fail when I need it. Its always in the back of my mind that I HOPE it will work at the crucial time. I just can't seem to get that out of my head anymore.

This is really going to over-simplify things, but I believe it to be true. The best PFD is the one that fits.

All PFDs are going to make you float. It's up to you to find the brand and model of the PFD that fits you best. Go to a store that has several brands and try them on. Preferably, have someone help you to offer advice, etc. You will discover very quickly that all PFDs are not made alike.

I have the extrasport stripper, it is their fishing jacket. It has pockets that will hold the small plastic tackle boxes. I don't use them for tackle but it holds my ditch kit and first aid kit.

I will challenge Jackfish and reply with, the best PFD is one that will be worn, 2nd best is one that fits.


My PFD, Kokatat SeaO2 , bought in 2005.




Small first aid kit safety pinned to mesh back panel, multitool sheath on shoulder patch, PLB on waist straps. Spare idiot strap for glasses, compass/whistle, bug spray, sunscreen, camera, kept in pockets.






New addition last fall Astral YTV first aid kit, PLB, multitool now in small belt pack. Lighter, simpler, different approach. Been lightening my gear for years it was time to do the PFD. I do not use pockets very much.

butthead

quote butthead: "I will challenge Jackfish and reply with, the best PFD is one that will be worn, 2nd best is one that fits.


My PFD, Kokatat SeaO2 , bought in 2005.





Small first aid kit safety pinned to mesh back panel, multitool sheath on shoulder patch, PLB on waist straps. Spare idiot strap for glasses, compass/whistle, bug spray, sunscreen, camera, kept in pockets.








New addition last fall Astral YTV first aid kit, PLB, multitool now in small belt pack. Lighter, simpler, different approach. Been lightening my gear for years it was time to do the PFD. I do not use pockets very much.

butthead
"

Your pics are always the best, and thanks for the Astral Link.

I don't see any challenge between Butthead and Jackfish.

The best pfd for me is one that fits and does not chafe. Ergo I put it on without thinking or dread. So I wear it.

Its not a popularity contest. If it fits X and doesn't fit you.. move on. It can take some time so be patient.

I dont care for pockets.My ditch kit is in a small fanny pack out of the way.. I can't clamber back in the boat with stuff in the pockets. But I am a girl so the extra stuff bothers me up there.

stohlquist drifter here.

I don’t always wear a PFD, but when I do, I prefer the NRS Ninja.

Stay buoyant my friends.

Hans Solo

NRS Ninja PFD

quote HansSolo: "
I don’t always wear a PFD..."

I still find that hard to believe.

Great pictures, Ken. Hope to see you again at Canoecopia.

Tomster

Best PFD

Personally I like the build quality of Stohlquist. I have been using the Brik for the last few years but I've graduated out of the medium size and decided to try the Rocker. I like that it has stiffeners in the shoulder straps for portaging.

The best PFD is always the one that fits you properly so that you'll actually wear it.

That said, the one I chose for ME was the Kokatat OutFIT Tour. The middle pocket can hold a GPS or PLB, and the other two carry a small first aid kit and an emergency blanket. Then I have their add-on back pocket, which holds my ditch kit (a 1L Nalgene packed with stuff) and a wool shirt in a dry bag. The current version is a bit taller and narrower and zippered, but I have an older design that's shorter, wider, and closes with Velcro.

I also like my Stohlquist fisherman picked up at Canoecpoia last year. I used to have an inflatable thinking that I'd never wear anything else. After reading many posting upon this forum I tested wore several brands at the big March event and landed on the Stohlquist as it meet my criteria. Typically I double blade and have found the vest very comfortable. It is also an added layer of warmth in camp on very cool days during the shoulder months. Something not attainable with an inflatable. Buy what you really like because you will be more likely to use it.

Take a look at the Astrals if your preference is as mine.
Floatation is down low. It holds me up out of the water higher.
I can attach a knife, whistle and PLB to it.

They do not tend to have lots of pockets though.

Mine is very comfortable for me.. It is not a hot weather PFD though with all that midriff foam.

Canoecopia is a great place to try PFD's on. Many different ones.

NRS Chinook...comfy and a lot of function/pockets/options for storage

Big fan of NRS

Mustang self inflating, pretty damn comfortable even in the hot summer.

I have two

kokatat OUtfit tour with the pack on the back

and

NRS Chinook

For the BWCA I wear the Kokatat as it has my ditch bag gear. Day trips the Chinook.

quote walllee: "Mustang self inflating, pretty damn comfortable even in the hot summer."

I want one so bad!

Many choices out there just remember what type of condition you will be using them in.