The 8 Best Life Jackets of 2025

Best Overall Life Jacket

Astral E-Ronny

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. “I appreciated the thinner top front section, which feels like a more natural contour,” our lead tester remarked, “And the narrow shoulder straps and large armholes freed up my arms enough for fly fishing and long days paddling.” The thinly padded back works well with boat seatbacks, and vented sections in numerous places provide breathability.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Recreation, touring, fishing
Intended User	Mens/Unisex
Entry Style	Front zip
Wear Type	Vest
Sizes Available	S/M (31-37”) M/L (38-44”) L/XL (45-51”)

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.

Read more: Astral E-Ronny review

Best PFD for Paddling

Astral YTV 2.0

The Astral YTV 2.0 stands out for its simplicity and low-profile design. “This was one of the most comfortable life jackets I tested for being on the move,” our tester said. Thanks to the articulated panels, this vest is non-restrictive but secure, giving you a 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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Whitewater / Tour / Sailing / SUP
Intended User	Unisex
Entry Style	Pull over; side entry, 2 side clips
Wear Type	Vest
Sizes Available	S/M (31-37”) M/L (38-44”) L/XL (45-51”)

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.

Read more: Astral YTV 2.0 review

Best Bang for Your (Paddling) Buck

NRS Vapor

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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Paddling
Intended User	Unisex
Entry Style	Pull over; side entry,1 side clip
Wear Type	Vest
Sizes Available	XS/M (30-42") L/XL (42-52") XL/XXL (50-56")

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.

Read more: NRS Vapor review

Great Value for a Universal Vest

Stohlquist Fit

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 I tested fit too high and tight around my neck and collarbone, but I found the Stohlquist Fit to be just right,” said our head tester. 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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Paddling, general boating
Intended User	Unisex
Entry Style	Front clip
Wear Type	Vest
Sizes Available	Youth (50-90 lbs) Youth L/Adult XS (75-125 lbs, 27-33" chest) Universal (30-52") Adult XL (48-60")

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.

Read more: Stohlquist Fit review

Best Women's-Specific PFD

Astral Layla

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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Whitewater, touring, SUP
Intended User	Women's
Entry Style	Pull over; side entry, off-center 3/4 zip and bottom clip
Wear Type	Vest
Sizes Available	XS/S (27-31") S/M (31-37") M/L (38-44") L/XL (45-51")

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.

Read more: Astral Layla review

Best Inflatable Belt

NRS Zephyr

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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use	Paddling but for expert swimmers only
Intended User	Unisex
Entry Style	Waist belt, clip
Wear Type	Belt (inflatable)
Sizes Available	Universal (27-50")

In our tests, the Zephyr was the fastest and most reliable belt to inflate. Once inflated, it reveals a simple vest delivering above-average flotation. 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.

Read more: NRS Zephyr review

Best Youth Life Jacket

Astral Otter 2.0

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.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use
Intended User
Entry Style
Wear Type
Sizes Available

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.

Best Flotation for Dogs

Ruffwear Float Coat

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. “I love the handle on the top, which lets me lift my dog right out of the water like a suitcase,” one tester said. Abrasion-resistant fabric and robust construction give this doggie life jacket an extra boost of durability.

Manufacturers Stated Intended Use
Intended User
Entry Style
Wear Type
Sizes Available

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.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	87	Astral YTV 2.0 Best PFD for Paddling	$150
	84	NRS Ninja	$150
	83	Kokatat Hustle	$149
	82	Astral E-Ronny Best Overall Life Jacket	$135
	82	Astral Layla Best Women's-Specific PFD	$170
	81	Astral E-Linda	$135
	79	Stohlquist Ebb	$120
	78	Kokatat Naiad	$159
	76	NRS Chinook Fishing	$160
	73	Astral EV-Eight	$140
	72	NRS Zephyr Best Inflatable Belt	$150
	71	Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt	$100
	70	NRS Siren	$120
	69	NRS Vapor Best Bang for Your (Paddling) Buck	$95
	68	Onyx MoveVent Dynamic	$90
	64	Astral Airbelt 2.0	$135
	63	Stohlquist Fit Great Value for a Universal Vest	$45
	61	O'Neill Superlite USCG	$45
	60	Stearns Adult Classic	$35
	57	Onyx M-16	$110
	52	Onyx General Purpose	$30
	27	Airhead Adult Type II	$25

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.

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.

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.

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 contoured 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quality of Construction

Over several months and multiple summers pushing these personal flotation 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.