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We spent hours in life jackets, vests, and belts from Astral, NRS, Stohlquist, Onyx and more to help you find the right match for all your water-based adventures
Looking to get on the water with the best life jacket that will keep you safe and comfortable? Since 2019, we've tested scores of the best vests side-by-side, in real-world situations, to bring you this lineup of the top most promising and most popular options on the market today. With hundreds of competitors to choose from and dozens of outdoor activities for you to enjoy, we chose a range of personal flotation devices (PFDs) and activities. We've tried everything from value buys and perfect paddle partners to fisherman's friends and even some options for your kids and dog. We swam, paddled, floated, and frolicked in the water, testing every model's flotation, comfort, and technical components. Whether you're a pontoon partier or a solo SUPer, we've found a great vest for you.
Intended Use: Recreational, touring, fishing | Entry Style: Front zip
REASONS TO BUY
Articulated, ultra-comfortable fit
Good arm mobility
Thin profile back works with a seat back
Multiple pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Closes with zipper only
Pockets not that large
The Astral E-Ronny is a stand-out life jacket due to its comfortable slim line fit, simple closure system, and dialed features, including pockets and attachment points. The zipper-only front closure provides an exceedingly comfortable fit. The lack of a waist clip ensures you can avoid that uncomfortably tight squeezing of the stomach that so many other vests create after hours of sitting in a boat. In addition, the side adjustments create an evenly distributed overall feel that we love. Many testers appreciated the thinner top front section, which gives it a natural contour. Narrow shoulder straps and large armholes help keep your arms free enough for longer paddling journeys or activities such as fly fishing. The thinly padded back works well with boat seatbacks, and vented sections in numerous places provide breathability.
In addition to comfort, the E-Ronny is also a utilitarian workhorse. A mid-sized pocket accommodates phones, radios, or tackle, and a smaller pocket is perfect for snack bars and multi-tools. Functional lapels tuck away loose ends such as a radio antenna or straps. If you prefer a more streamlined approach, consider the Astral E-Linda, which is almost identical but with smaller pockets. If you're the kind of fishing fanatic who loves to keep half a tackle box's worth of gear in your PFD pockets, you may want to consider the NRS Chinook, which stands out for its larger pocket capacity. If you're on the hunt for a life jacket that's comfortable, versatile, and great for paddling, the E-Ronny is one of our favorites.
Intended Use: Paddling, sailing | Entry Style: Over the head
REASONS TO BUY
Non-restrictive articulated cut
Low profile
NEW internal stash pocket
REASONS TO AVOID
No attachment tabs for the center pocket
The Astral YTV 2.0 stands out for its simplicity and low-profile design, making it one of the most comfortable life jackets to wear when on the move. Thanks to the articulated panels, this vest is non-restrictive but secure, giving you that comfortable hug-like experience. The shoulder straps are narrow, with a wide range of adjustability to get that just-right fit. The bottom panel secures around the lower torso, leaving full freedom of movement for the upper body. For those needing to move around a lot when wearing their PFD, the YTV is hard to beat.
The soft interior fabric that lines the YTV offers a comfortable feel against your bare skin, ensuring a cool and pleasant experience, even during intense paddling sessions. For the untrained eye, the Astral YTV 2.0 looks almost identical to its award-winning predecessor; however, in addition to the side pickets, the YTV 2.0 now sports a hidden padded pocket in the cleavage of the front panel, which is just big enough to fit a large smartphone. Our only complaint is that this pocket doesn't have an attachment tab to help secure your essentials.
The Astral YTV is easy to put on, has a low profile, a comfortable design, and just the right amount of pockets to keep our testing team happy in most situations.
Intended Use: Paddling | Entry Style: Side entry, 2 side clips
REASONS TO BUY
Flexible fit
Excellent arm mobility
Durable construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly long on the torso
Lacks pockets
The NRS Vapor is a comfortable and simple solution for a full day on the water while costing less than most of its paddle-focused competitors. This side-entry jacket consists of six different flexible flotation panels that readily conform to the shape of your torso. Side adjustment helps this vest stay comfortable, uniformly secure, and not too tight in any specific place. Exceptionally large armholes eliminate underarm paddle rash, and the interior fabric helps wick any sweat you work up while powering your kayak.
If you appreciate places to stash things, look elsewhere. Though this vest boasts quality construction, there's not a single pocket or knife attachment anywhere. The sister jacket, the NRS Siren, is almost identical in design but sports two small and useful pockets. Depending on your stature, both of these may be a bit longer in the torso than is ideal for kayaking. And, of course, its full coverage doesn't offer the same breathability as a vest with large mesh panels. Yet, for a simple, comfortable, and effective paddle jacket, we're fans of this one's performance and its reasonable price tag.
Intended Use: Recreational | Entry Style: 3 front clips
REASONS TO BUY
Universal sizing
Accommodating for larger chests and women
Spacious armholes are comfortable
Good strap management
REASONS TO AVOID
Top strap is harder to pull tight
Lots of seams around the edges
The Stohlquist Fit is a “universal-sized” life vest that is surprisingly comfortable in the range of sizes it manages to accommodate. Both large and small testers across genders find this vest easy to wear and simple to adjust to the correct fit. A thinner top front section allows this vest to bend more easily than many others, which our female testers particularly appreciated. Some similar life jackets we tested fit too high and tight around the neck and collar bones, but we found this one to be just right. Relatively large armholes keep it decently comfortable and potentially even spacious enough for you to wear on a short paddling trip. Numerous loops all the way around the vest also help keep strap tails secure.
Slimmer folks should be aware that the top strap's first containment loop is a bit too close to the buckle, making it more challenging to tighten completely. And, while the jacket is thin enough to be comfortable leaning back in your boat, it's on the long side for activities requiring scrunched-up postures like kayaking. Though it's unlikely to blow your Aqua Socks off, this simple design is comfortable enough that you'll actually be able to wear it all day. If you need a life jacket that offers better mobility, check out the Astral YTV 2.0.
Intended Use: Whitewater, sea paddling, touring, SUP, sailing | Entry Style: Side entry, zip and clip
REASONS TO BUY
Articulated comfortable fit
Convenient pocket
Adjustable with great sizing options
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks ventilation
Runs slightly large
The Astral Layla is a popular life jacket due to its comfortable fit and high-quality construction. Many PFDs claim to be designed for females, but women know we're all different shapes, and finding something that fits properly can be challenging. Enter the Layla, which is unanimously loved by all our female testers, representing a wide variety of body shapes and bust-to-waist ratios. This jacket has more size offerings and more adjustable straps than most competitors, allowing the user to adjust it to provide the perfect fit. In addition, an articulated cut enables this jacket to flex and move with your body.
Astral prioritizes safety in their designs, and the updated Layla sports an extra velcro tab to help ensure that the zipper stays zipped up. Although previous versions of this jacket allowed users to add a quick-release belt, this feature has been removed from the latest version. For those looking for a more budget-friendly female option, the Stohlquist Flo is a strong contender. It offers a similar durable ripstop outer shell and a tapered fit thanks to the hand cross-chest cinch strap.
The Astral Layla is made from more durable, natural foam than many of its competitors and fits a wide range of differently shaped women comfortably and with ease.
If you're a very confident swimmer but still need something to wear on your paddleboard to keep you safe and legal, the NRS Zephyr is ideal. Although it's not the smallest belt pack we tested, it is the most comfortable. This inflatable belt features a wide strap with smooth fabric backing the pack. A single large pocket is big enough to fit a large smartphone, and it has a key clip as well. The pull tab to inflate the vest portion is off-center to avoid getting caught between your legs. When triggered, the Zephyr inflates relatively quickly and is easily rearmed with a 24g CO2 canister. When pulled over your head, the inflated belt achieves a snug fit, helping keep you safely afloat when needed.
In our tests, the Zephyr was the fastest and most reliable belt to inflate. Once inflated, it reveals a simple vest delivering above-average floatation. There are no additional straps to worry about pulling on over your head. However, the hole that your head is supposed to slip through is quite narrow, resulting in some modest struggles for our large-headed testers while treading water. This belt officially re-arms with a kit that includes a 24g CO2 cartridge and a little green plastic tab that flies off when you pull the deployment string, leaving trash in the water. If you don't mind not having the green indicator tab, you can rearm the belt without it, using just a new CO2 canister. If you'd prefer an option with a more available (and more affordable) CO2 cartridge size, the Mustang Minimalist Belt is a solid, fanny-pack-like model. But, out of all the belt packs we tested, the Zephyr offers the best combination of comfort, mobility, and reliable functionality when you really need it.
It's important to remember that inflatable flotation devices like the NRS Zephyr are intended only for very confident swimmers in calm conditions where there is no chance of cold water shock. The user has to be able to pull the red tab in order for this jacket to be usable. It also should not be used for whitewater situations.
Intended Use: Children 50-90 lbs | Entry Style: 3 center clips, optional leg strap
REASONS TO BUY
Integrated rescue handle
Adjustable at torso and shoulders
Has pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Pockets are small
Not suitable for kids under 50 pounds
The Astral Otter 2.0 stands out as an exceptional youth PFD due to its secure and comfortable fit, integrated safety features, and attention to design quality. The short torso length makes this more comfortable than most other youth jackets, particularly when sitting (i.e., on a boat, raft, or kayak). The Otter doesn't rise up when young ones bend, sit, swim, or crawl. In addition, the large arm holes allow for excellent freedom of movement when paddling, swimming, or cannonballing off a boat. This was the easiest jacket to achieve a secure fit in, the wrap around side panels provide extra protection.
The Otter has an integrated grab handle on the back of the jacket that is perfectly positioned to rescue a child who falls in the water. This handle has a reliable grip, is the easiest to carry children in, and was the most comfortable for the wearer. Each jacket also comes with additional leg loops that can be added for smaller adventurists. Suitable for children 50-90 pounds, this jacket is ready to grow with your child as they progress from a water nymph to a white water ninja. However, if your child is not 50 pounds, this is not the right jacket for them yet. The Stohlquist Child offers a more cumbersome design but is suitable for kids between 30-50 pounds.
The Astral Otter 2.0 is easy to secure and adjust providing a snug fit for smaller paddlers.
The Ruffwear Float Coat is a full-coverage life vest for your dog. This model comes in a wide variety of shapes and proportions, allowing you to find the best fit for your doggie's dimensions. PVC-free foam paneling extends not just on Fido's back, but around the neck and under the chest as well. This extra security helps even the densest dogs float without compromising their legs' range of motion for swimming. Cleverly concealed buckles keep straps and clips from pinching or chafing, and velcro bands secure loose ends. A sturdy handle on the back lets you pull your dog out of the water if needed. Abrasion-resistant fabric and robust construction give this doggie life jacket an extra boost of durability.
Whether your dog is timid around water or prone to charging big waves and swimming for hours on end, this vest's flotation and comfort are ideal. However, the extra coverage — and the thickness and stiffness of that coverage — make the Float Coat less breathable. If your dog spends more time enjoying the water from inside the boat or on the shore, this added warmth could be too much for a hot summer's day. This life vest is optimal for a dog who spends a lot of time in the water and could use the impressive flotation it provides. If you want to save a few bucks, we also like the more breathable NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket.
The adjustment straps on the Ruffwear Float Coat were the easiest to adjust and benefit from velcro tabs for management of any excess straps.
Credit: Sara James
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We tested the full gamut of life jackets for this review.
Credit: Sara James
Why Trust GearLab
In order to identify the best life jackets for the job, every year since 2019, we test the best in head-to-head comparisons. To find out what makes each Coast Guard-approved model different from the rest, we start by connecting with other water users to find out what they were using. We then scour the internet for the best options for paddling, fishing, children, dogs, and just generally enjoying the water safely. After choosing the best models available, we purchase the whole lineup and wear them for hours on end, taking dips and voyaging on extended paddling adventures. We test every feature, examining each model for functionality and durability. We wore them on and in the water, from boats to swimming pools, assessing comfort in the hot sun, mobility while splashing about, and the quality of each stitch and seam. By pitting these jackets directly against each other, we were able to tease apart differences big and small, identifying the best and worst aspects of each one.
Our comprehensive tests for all our life jackets spanned five rating metrics:
Fit (30% of overall score weighting)
Comfort and Mobility (25% weighting)
Quality of Construction (20% weighting)
Features and Versatility (15% weighting)
Flotation (10% weighting)
This review is headed by life-long water-lovers Maggie Nichols and Sara James, along with their friends, family, and a small army of dogs. Maggie has been paddling for 25+ years, from the completion of an ACA canoe touring program in high school to working as a whitewater rafting and kayaking guide for four years and an ocean kayak guide for another year. She's guided thousands of water lovers on hundreds of adventures over the last 15+ years. She also heads up our best inflatable kayak review.
River adventures dominated Sara's 20s, where she spent all her free time seeking white water river trips around the world. A three-month trip to California turned into a decade of summers working on the American River as a kayak instructor, safety kayaker, and whitewater photographer. Sara has logged thousands of miles on the water in a raft, kayak, or SUP, and has also spent a lot of time IN the water, sometimes on purpose and many times accidentally. From wild river rapids to serene alpine lakes, if there is water, Sara loves it, and she always carries an appropriate PFD. Sara also tests kayaks, kayak paddles, and dry bags for GearLab.
Available in only one universal size, this jacket is very comfortable for a mid sized paddler and good enough for most other sizes.
The Astral Otter 2.0 is designed to provide 11.5 pounds of floatation. This is less than an adult PFD, but plenty sufficient for a 50 to 90-pound kiddo.
We put together a crew of all shapes, sizes, and ages to test the life jackets in this review.
We pit every jacket head to head to see which ones are really the best for whom and in what situations.
Analysis and Test Results
To adequately assess every contender, we designed a battery of tests and comparisons encompassing the components of every life jacket's performance: their flotation, fit, comfort, mobility, features, versatility, and quality of construction. We scored every PFD's performance across each metric and combined those scores — weighted based on their overall importance to usability — to get a final score measuring how each model does overall. To better inform your purchase decisions, we outline the individual metrics and detail which life jackets score best in specific areas.
What's the Best Value?
These water jackets come with a wide range of possible price tags. It's pretty easy to walk into most sporting goods stores and pick up an inexpensive life jacket that's Coast Guard-approved. However, there are a lot of less-than-comfortable cheap vests on the market, and if it's not comfortable enough to wear all day, you're unlikely to have your PFD on when your life depends on it. When it comes to the money you invest in the right jacket, we've noticed that the comfortability of vests significantly increases when you're willing to invest a little more into this life-saving piece of gear. Premium life vests offer a new tier of designs that almost always make them more mobile and comfortable. We tested the full gamut to see which of the pricier options are worth the extra cost and which budget-friendly models are actually worth wearing.
We tested a wide range of life jacket options.
Credit: Sara James
Even with price and performance being fairly well-correlated, certain pieces stand out from the crowd with exceptional performance for their cost. The Stohlquist Fit is one of the best universally useful, low-cost models we tested that's still enjoyable to wear. It fits the full range of its advertised chest size capacity and feels pretty good against the skin. The Stearns Adult Classic is another solid value pick, though it's not quite as nice to wear or move in as the Fit. The NRS Vapor and Onyx MoveVent Dynamic are also noteworthy in this regard. They bring reasonable wearability while costing less than most — great if you're trying to save money while still staying safe. The Vapor is a particularly popular budget option for smaller paddlers, as it's lower-profile and more adjustable. Some higher-priced options, like the women-specific Astral Layla and the unisex Astral YTV 2.0, offer enough extra durability, comfort, and fit versatility to make them worth a little extra investment if you can swing it.
The Stohlquist Fit isn't fancy, but it's affordable, decently comfortable, and matches the brief for typical casual watersports.
Credit: Sara James
Fit
We all come in different shapes and sizes, and finding a life jacket that fits you well is essential to the effectiveness of your life jacket. We evaluated the fit of each vest and belt by observing how well they adapt to the varying sizes of the humans they're advertised to fit.
With multiple points of adjustability and a contored fit, the Astral YTV 2.0 was the best-fitting jacket-style PFD we tested. This jacket, based on a design for freestyle kayak paddlers, really has movement in mind. When swimming in water, the YTV continued to lead in this metric.
Shown here in two different colorways, the YTV was a tester favorite for excellent fit and mobility.
Credit: Sara James
The NRS Siren and NRS Vapor both feature six panels in their construction that wrap around the torso to provide a more personal and comfortable fit. These two jackets are particularly comfortable for those with smaller frames. You can ignore the gender tags on these, as both jackets offer an identical low profile but a snug fit.
The NRS Vapor and its sister, the Siren, have the same foam profile boasting six panels that help it conform to your body shape and move as you move.
Credit: Sara James
The Astral Layla is a favorite among our female testers of many shapes and sizes. The Layla has the most significant accommodations for people with breasts and stands out for having four sizes and three adjustable side straps that allow for a more personalized fit. It also has three panels on the front that cleverly and effectively wrap around the torso.
The updated Layla has a velcro tab at the top of the zipper to ensure this does not accidentally come undone.
Credit: Sara James
The Stohlquist Flo boasts a chest “cinch” strap unique to the Stohlquist brand. This can be used to loosen or tighten the top front panel of the jacket around the chest. Smaller and larger-breasted paddlers of all genders appreciated this feature. It makes the PFD more comfortable and secure and will be less bothersome if and when you are floating in the water.
The cinch chest straps on the Stohlquist Flo ensure that these jackets provide a secure fit for whatever shaped paddler is using them.
Credit: Cheyenne Summers
For plus-sized paddlers, the Kokatat Naiad and Kokatat Hustle are available in larger sizes, and they are notable for their accommodating design. The Astral E-Linda is also noteworthy for its contoured paneling, which is designed to give a more comfortable fit.
The Kokatat Naiad is a comfortable vest designed specifically for the female form and comes in a truly wide range of sizes so just about everyone can find the perfect fit.
Credit: Sara James
The NRS Ninja is a good choice for folks with a shorter torso, as it has less padding confined to a smaller area. That said, larger paddlers also enjoy the minimalism of the Ninja. If you can try before you buy, that's ideal. This vest and the Chinook are also available in larger sizes than most.
The low profile cut of the NRS Ninja (front, red) makes is a great choice for paddling adventures.
Credit: Sara James
While the Stohlquist Fit and Stearns Adult Classic don't score the highest in this metric, they are worth mentioning due to their adjustability. The Fit is available to fit the widest range of sizes in our lineup, including Youth/Adult XS, Universal, and Adult XL. We purchased the Universal and expected it to fit on the bulky side, but we were impressed with how the adjustability of the paneling allows this jacket to be tightened down to suit a much smaller framed paddler. The Stearns only offers two sizes, Universal (30-52") and Oversized (52-62"), but these cover almost the widest range of sizes of any model we tested. These are worth considering for those looking to have a spare jacket covering all bases for visiting friends and family.
The universally sized Stearns Adult jacket really does fit a huge range of body sizes.
Credit: Sara James
The simplicity of the NSR Zephyr waist belt also makes it suitable for a very wide range of body sizes. The waist strap can be cinched tight for narrow waists as small as 27 inches and expanded full length for those with up to 50-inch waists. That said, although it may fit youth under the age of 17, it is not considered appropriate, as this type of PFD is only legal (and safe) for expert swimmers.
Once a PFD waist belt is activated, you still need to fit the inflated portion over your head. Those with larger heads found it harder to get these on. Remember, you should be able to quickly and comfortably do this while treading water. For this reason, inflatable PFD belts should only be used on flat water and by those who are already very strong swimmers.
When you first put them on, the waistbelt inflatables all offer a really comfortable fit. The NRS Zephyr, Astral Airbelt 2.0, and Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt are all simple to fit as they have just one waist strap and accommodate a similar range (30-50 inches). The Zephyr goes slightly smaller if needed (down to 27 inches), and the Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt is adjustable to reach 52 inches. Paddlers of all sizes appreciated the adjustability of the inflatable waist belts, easily accommodating layers, bumps, and lumps.
The waist strap on the NRS Zephyr is easy to adjust for smaller or larger paddlers.
Credit: Sara James
However, when inflated, this type of PFD drops to the bottom of the pack for fit, as the inflated version does not fit the same as when it's not yet activated. The inflated portions of the Astral Airhead, Mustang Minimalist, and NRS Zephyr are all shaped like an emergency vest from an airplane, and they have no additional straps to adjust once inflated. Instead, this big yellow vest has a small opening to stick your head through with two short straps to pull the sides away from each other as you work to squeeze your head into this tight contraption. Some of our testers had difficulty getting this part on, but it's very secure and will keep your head afloat.
Because it can be difficult to actually put on an inflated vest, this style of life jacket is recommended only for expert swimmers.
Credit: Sara James
The one belt outlier here is the Onyx M-16. When activated, the M-16 is a rectangular, pillow-like inflatable with a single adjustable strap to loop over your head and hold the air pillow close to your stomach. Less awkward than some, it is far from a secure 'fit.' Given the limited environments that inflatable PFDs are appropriate for, users should strongly consider what type will suit their needs best.
The M-16 inflates a rectangular pillow that includes a neck strap to keep it tight against your chest.
Credit: Jason Peters
Comfort and Mobility
Comfort and mobility are important aspects of any life jacket or PFD. We asked people of many shapes and sizes to try on each model in our lineup to assess these aspects across activities. To adequately evaluate the complete picture of this metric, we considered how it feels to sit, paddle, and float in each vest. We also tried each model on over clothes, on bare skin, and during as many activities as possible to assess where they rub, which ones breathe best, and which ones you forget you're even wearing. Every life vest in our lineup has several buckles, clips, or zippers, and we tested them all to see how easy they are to use and adjust.
One of the biggest factors affecting the comfort of vest-style models is the number and configuration of their foam panels. Simple, single-panel PFDs tend to flex less and offer less mobility; multi-panel options are much more comfortable to move in. The Astral YTV 2.0 stood out for its contoured fit, with the bottom section locking around the lower rib cage (likened to "a nice hug") while also delivering freedom of movement in the upper body and arms. With minimal buckles restricting movement, this is a jacket we could wear for days on end.
Whichever direction you like to move around in, the Astral YTV 2.0 is sure to accommodate you.
Credit: Sara James
The Astral E-Ronny, Astral E-Linda, NRS Ninja, and NRS Vapor also are leaders for their comfort and mobility. These jackets also sport very wide armholes, allowing for excellent freedom of movement and comfort regardless of whether you're wearing them on a kayak, SUP, or in the water. In addition, the contoured paneling on these PFDs provides a secure wrap around the lower torso, keeping bulky sides from impeding your paddling. This is particularly noted in the E-Ronny, which has two side adjustment straps to get the ideal snug fit.
Testing side by side you can see how the Astral YTV (left, red) and the Kokotat Hustle (right, yellow) wrap around the torso.
Credit: Sara James
No surprise, the NSR Zephyr waist belt also shines in this metric. The soft finish is comfortable against the skin, and the compact design makes it easy to forget you are even wearing a flotation device. Strong swimmers paddling in sheltered waters or calm, predictable conditions will appreciate this belt's minimalism. Once inflated, the jacket portion isn't the most comfortable to put on over your head, but this didn't stop us from being able to use it safely.
Once inflated, the Zephyr slides on over your head without any extra straps or adjustments required.
Credit: Sara James
Quality of Construction
Over several months and multiple summers pushing these personal floatation devices to their limit, we noticed some noteworthy trends and issues. Although they all have the same goal in mind, not all jackets are constructed equally. Depending on construction, materials, and use, the life span of these pieces of gear can vary. Taking good care of your gear and storing it clean, dry, and away from sunlight will go a long way in preserving its integrity. However, the fact is that most life jackets will be thrown around and abused. Those designed with robust outer shells and reinforced stitching stand a better chance of avoiding the frays of time.
Astral stands out as a top-quality manufacturer of durable PFD construction. The E-Ronny, Layla, and YTV 2.0 were all top scorers, standing head and shoulders above the rest for their robust stitching, high-denier outer shells, and overall attention to design and construction detail. We have seen these jackets on the water for many years and don't see broken buckles or frayed seams. These Astral jackets dried quicker than some of our other tested jackets, which also helps to keep them fresh and ready to perform year after year.
The Astral YTV is very durably constructed and has withstood the hard conditions we put it through year after year.
Credit: Sara James
With a 500-denier outer shell, the Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt uses the most durable materials of any PFD we tested. Following close behind are the Astral Layla and NRS Vapor, which use 400D and 420D ripstop nylon shells, respectively. Upon close inspection, the Ninja, Vapor, and Siren have some of the cleanest and most reinforced constructions of the models we tested. With thick seams, no loose ends sticking out, and helpful placement of buckles and straps, these models performed among the best in our testing. We found very few complaints from other online users about these vests' durability when doing our extensive research.
The NRS Siren is one of the most cleanly constructed vests we tested.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg
From the youth jackets we tested, the Astral Otter 2.0 was head and shoulders above the rest for quality of design and materials. Sporting a high-denier ripstop material and careful consideration for the integration of the features of the jacket, we have seen no signs that these jackets will wear out before your child grows out of them.
On the left is a brand new Astral Otter 2.0 and on the right is one that has had four seasons of heavy use.
Credit: Sara James
Almost every life vest we tested comes with instructions to clean by dunking and hanging to dry in a shady location for storage, which is fairly standard for any PFD. Several gave directions for testing the functionality and continued use of the jacket or belt to ensure it still works before you rely on it to save your life. Most vests require replacing every few years, depending on how you use and care for them, and just about all of them are “dead” if punctured. The only exceptions to this puncture rule are the Astral Layla and E-Ronny, which have front panels filled with organic kapok fiber. Unlike the plasticizers in foam that inevitably leach out over time and cause the jacket to lose buoyancy, kapok never does. It also can be dried, resealed, and used again. This is a great feature, though only the front panels are kapok-filled — the back panels consist of standard PE foam.
While the back panels of the E-Ronny are filled with regular PE foam, the front panels are filled with buoyant, natural kapok fiber, which, unlike PE panels, can be dried and repaired if punctured.
Credit: Sara James
Features and Versatility
Specific features make each model unique and can help you decide if a jacket is suitable for your chosen activities. For some jackets, simple versatility is their winning ticket. Each model in our review has a stated purpose for which it has been designed and approved. We evaluated the functionality of each feature and kept track of things like adjustable straps, pockets, padding, lash points, and any other unique attributes like breathable mesh panels or self-inflation.
The award-winning E-Ronny has been well thought out, with close attention to minor details. The mesh-lined patches increase comfort, and the pockets are appreciated so we can store essentials close at hand. A buckle-free design also makes this jacket stand out.
The E-Ronny was a popular choice with those who like to keep their essentials close at hand.
Credit: Sara James
A number of top-end manufacturers have upgraded to offer some form of clamshell pocket for certain life jackets. The updated NRS Ninja features a front pocket with a built-in structure, giving you better access to the contents of your jacket. NRS has also added some reflective detailing to the front lapels.
The newest version of the NRS Ninja has a reimagined front pocket with clever organizational features.
Credit: Sara James
Among women's models, the Astral Layla stands out with well-designed pockets and an easy fit that works well for a wide variety of uses, including rafting, sailing, and kayaking. In their latest update, Astral removed the slots that previously enabled this jacket to be compatible with a post-market rescue harness.
Comparing feature sets side by side. From left to right we have the Astral Layla, Astral E-Ronny, and NRS Ninja.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Astral EV-Eight is notable for its features. With the highest back of all the models we tested, it easily accommodates just about any seat height while simultaneously leaving your back open to the breeze for maximum ventilation. Mesh cut-outs on the front add even more breathability, with large, expandable pockets that allow you to keep items on your person. On top of that, for extra strap maintenance, there is velcro on the tails of the shoulder straps that quickly and easily secures to the top of the vest, keeping those pesky ends from dangling in your way. In an attempt to solve this same problem, the Layla, E-Linda, and MoveVent Dynamic have lapels by the shoulders so you can tuck away extra straps. Some users preferred these options to velcro, which can catch long hair.
We zipped every zipper and clipped every clip, testing out the features of each jacket.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The NRS Ninja and the Kokotat Naiad are the only models we tested that enable you to attach a hydration pack to the outside of the jacket. For those wanting easily accessible hydration, this feature really made these vests stand out.
A hydration pack can be added to just a handful of models we tested, like the Kokatat Naiad.
Credit: Sara James
Inflatable PFD belts are a unique product for those who are close to the shore in warm water and are strong swimmers. The ability to inflate at the pull of a string makes them particularly helpful for those who don't want to wear a bulky vest while recreating on flat water like lakes or calm estuaries. No matter the inflated sections' shape, they all have printed directions describing how to repack them into their velcro-encased fanny packs. The NRS Zephyr is fairly easy to use, packing down into a simple three-sided velcro pouch. It is our favorite belt model, and it stood out for its useful pocket, large enough to fit a phone, and the inclusion of a D-ring to secure a fin or car key. The Onyx M-16 is easier to fold, as it's a simple rectangle, but requires you to slide the end covers on, which takes some practice to get right. While the M-16, Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt, and Astral Airbelt 2.0 all take widely available 16g CO2 cartridges, the Zephyr requires a 24g version, which is harder (and more expensive) to replace.
With the pull of a tab, the low profile NRS Zephyr will self inflate providing users with 27.8 lbs of buoyancy.
Credit: Sara James
Flotation
The primary purpose of all of these products is to keep you afloat, so flotation is, unsurprisingly, a crucial metric in this review. Basic swimming skills are still required to use these PFDs safely. These jackets are not designed for people recreating far away from potential rescue, and they will not float a helpless body or turn an unconscious swimmer. That said, with USCG certification standards, all approved life jackets will at least meet the same minimum standard.
Still, we researched the design flotation advertised for each model of life vest and compared it against the results from our in-house flotation testing. Finally, we donned each model and hopped into the water ourselves, comparing how floating felt in a real-world scenario. All the life jackets met the required minimum flotation (as you would expect); what surprised us was how some models significantly outperformed their advertised flotation.
We put the floatation of every one of these vests, jackets, and belts to the test by floating and swimming in them.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
When worn in the water, the Astral YTV 2.0 , Layla, and Kokotat Hustle outshine all of the competitors, as they deliver a more secure fit and, therefore, don't have a tendency to ride up when you are swimming. That said, there isn't a widespread in scores here because every PFD is designed — and guaranteed — to provide at least the minimum amount of flotation as defined by the USCG.
The Layla's even foam distribution delivers a comfortable floating experience.
Credit: Sara James
When deployed, the inflatable waist belt devices are designed to deliver the most flotation, with the NRS Zephyr boasting 27.8 pounds. The Onyx M-16 can get close to that amount of flotation through additional oral inflation. Although all are designed to deliver more buoyancy than the life jackets we tested, once activated, none of the inflatable options were as comfortable as the vests for actually floating and swimming in the water.
It is imperative to be aware that the type of inflatable PFD belts we tested require manual activation. If you forget to pull the tab or can't access it for some reason, no flotation is provided. For example, a capsized kayaker may have to tread water for a moment before they can initiate this process, so it is essential all users of these belts are strong swimmers.
Nothing like a day of testing out on beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Credit: Sara James
Conclusion
From river trips to evening lake floats, a life jacket is a critical piece of equipment designed to help save your life. Whether you are a college athlete, a nervous swimmer, or even a dog, a life jacket is one piece of gear that should not be overlooked. According to the American Boating Association, over 80% of all boating fatalities happen to people who aren't wearing a PFD. We think it's worth finding the life jacket you can wear without counting down the minutes until you can take it off. With your comfort and safety in mind, we tested some of the top flotation wearables out there so you can identify the perfect fit for your needs. We hope our efforts help you find your perfect PFD to stay above water and happy no matter where your adventures take you.
