Our Top Pick:
Sea Eagle Low Profile PFD Belt
★★★★★
Best Value:
Sea Eagle Paddling Vest
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
Sea Eagle Life Jacket
★★★★★
Experts, as well as beginners, benefit from ensuring security while kayaking for a relaxing time. There are many products available, although choosing the best, must take into consideration, the many factors that set apart the best from the acceptable in terms of quality and safety, alongside comfort for the long hours spent kayaking. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are considered to be vessels by the Coast Guards, thereby having stringent safety precautions and regulations to abide by. Keep reading to know about the best kayak life vests available on the market, enabling a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
| Best Kayak Life Vests | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 Sea Eagle Low Profile PFD Belt | Check Price » |
| #2 Sea Eagle Paddling Vest | Check Price » |
| #3 Sea Eagle Life Jacket | Check Price » |
| #4 MoreVent Personal Flotation Device by Onyx | Check Price » |
| #5 Ion Personal Flotation Device/Jacket by NRS | Check Price » |
| #6 Curve MoveVent by Onyx | Check Price » |
| #7 Inflatable & Automatic Personal Flotation Device by Onyx | Check Price » |
| #8 Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket by Hardcore Water Sports | Check Price » |
| #9 MoreVent Torsion Personal Flotation Device by Onyx | Check Price » |
| #10 Fishing and Kayaking Personal Flotation Device by Onyx | Check Price » |
| #11 Layla Personal Floating Device or Life Jacket by Astral | Check Price » |
| #12 Watersport Classic Series Life Vest by Stearns | Check Price » |
| #13 Personal Flotation Vest or Life Jacket by Stohlquist | Check Price » |
13 Best Life Jackets for Kayaking
Here are reviews of the 13 best kayak life vests that you should invest in if you enjoy kayaking.
#1. Sea Eagle Low Profile PFD Belt
This personal flotation device is specially designed for kayakers, paddleboarders who like to stand up and paddleboard as well as anglers who do not want their life vest to hinder their movements.
Product Specifications
- Material: 100 denier nylon
- Universal fit: 30 – 52 inches chest
Why We Recommend This Product
This PFD by Sea Eagle does not obstruct your movements while you are paddling. At the same time, it gives you the assurance that you have the protection that you require. The CO2 charge offers a buoyancy of 17lb and it also has a tube for oral inflation that allows you to enhance the buoyancy by another 27lb. It is approved by the US Coast Guard.
Pros
- Low profile
- Does not compromise movements
- Comes with a D-ring attachment
- Well made
- Approved by the US Coast Guard
Cons
- Can be used just by people 16 years and older
Tip: This life vest is designed for people who are experienced swimmers
Info alert: The CO2 cartridge comes with a lifespan and needs to be replaced when it reaches expiration.
#2. Sea Eagle Paddling Vest
This life vest is designed for rowing and paddling. It is approved by the US Coast Guard. It is quite comfortable and does not obstruct movements.
Product Specifications
- Material: Denier nylon
- S/M: 30 – 42 inches chest
- L/XL: 44 – 52 inches chest
- Hood
- Adjustable straps
Why We Recommend This Product
This unisex life vest is approved by the US Coast Guard. It is designed specifically for paddlers and rowers. It is extremely comfortable and comes with deep armholes so that your arms are not obstructed while rowing or paddling. Its straps on the shoulders and sides are adjustable and it even features a hood. It is categorized as a Type III personal flotation device.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Does not hinder arm movements while paddling
- Adjustable shoulder and side straps
- High buoyancy
- Snap closure
- Two pockets
Cons
- Does not come with reflectors for visibility
Tip: This type III PFD is lightweight and you have to tilt your head in order to float while using this flotation device.
Info alert: It comes with a hood that folds into a pocket at the back of the life vest.
#3. Sea Eagle Life Jacket
This life jacket by Sea Eagle is designed for those looking for XXL or XXXL life jackets for kayaking. It is lightweight and does not hinder the movements of the hands while paddling.
Product Specifications
- Material: Waterproof nylon
- XXL/XXXL: 50 to 60 inches chest
Why We Recommend This Product
Big people finding a life jacket that fits can be an issue. Sea Eagle makes sure that is not the case. This life jacket fits comfortably and does not hamper your ability to paddle. The straps around the chest do not compress or have a tight feeling. It is approved by the US Coast Guard. It is categorized as a Type III personal flotation device. This life vest comes with adjustable straps that ensure an optimal fit.
Pros
- Approved by USCG
- Fits well
- Comfortable to wear
- Does not obstruct arm movements while kayaking
- Made for large people
- Adjustable straps
- Affordably priced
- Looks stylish
Cons
- Available only within the US
Tip: This life vest can be worn by swimmers as well as non-swimmers for flotation
Info alert: This life vest by Sea Eagle is extremely sturdy and can be used for heavy-duty kayaking, rafting as well as recreational kayaking and rafting.
#4. MoreVent Personal Flotation Device by Onyx
Onyx is well known for its superior quality products in the market for avid and beginners’ level kayaking, canoeing, and other types of vessels for optimum safety. This life vest is one such product with fabulous performance and durability. It is comfortable for long hours, along with the essential reflectors; in this case, SOLAS grade one for enhanced visibility.
Product Specs
- Material: Neoprene, nylon, and flotation foam
- X-S/S — 28″- 36″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- M/L — 36″- 44″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- X-L/2X– 44″-56″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
This is one of the top-rated products by Onyx, renowned in the industry for enabling the utmost security for kayaking. As per regulations, the life jacket comes with SOLAS-grade reflective material for enhanced visibility, with an adjustable strap to cinch at the waist for a secure and snug fit. The expansible pockets are attached to the mesh back, also customized for high backrests, common for most kayaks and canoes.
Pros
- Comfort pads from neoprene on the shoulder
- Mesh drainage for the expansible pockets and high seatbacks
- Feather-light floating foam with sturdy and durable nylon material
- Top grade SOLAS reflective material for superior visibility
- USCG approved Type III device
Cons
- Extremely bulky and hard to navigate in
- The zipper for the floating device is not very strong
Tip: This is a Type III US Coast Guard approved flotation device for emergencies and rescue operations and are lightweight, requiring the wearer to tilt their head to keep floating.
Info alert: This superior jacket comes with a whistle for emergencies.
#5. Ion Personal Flotation Device/Jacket by NRS
Ion Personal Flotation Device/Jacket by NRS is built for durability and comfort for kayakers. An essential part of the kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboard experience, this life vest is made from feather-light foam, allowing the wearer to cinch the strap comfortably and snugly fit their frame. If superior performance and durability are the most important factor that you are looking for then this is one of the best available for safety.
Product Specs
- Material: Neoprene, ripstop nylon, light foam, and fleece
- XS/M: 30 -42 inches chest
- L/XL: 42 -52 inches chest
- XL/XXL: 50 – 56 inches chest
Why We Recommend This Product
NRS Ion is ultra-light and durable making it extremely comfortable to wear for long hours. The high wear areas have been made from ripstop nylon to ensure durability, with a soft lining inside for comfort. It also comes with a unique Cool Flow System for improved ventilation on warmer days. This personal flotation device has shoulder garages with reflective accents for enhanced visibility from afar, as per regulation; this US Coast Guard-certified vest is designed for ultimate comfort and superior fit.
Pros
- High wear areas are made from ripstop nylon for extra resilience
- Cool Flow System to allow superior ventilation on warmer days
- Feather-light floating foam with a six-panel design for utmost comfort on the water.
- Handwarmer pouch lined with fleece for colder days
- US Coast Guard-certified
Cons
- Front pockets are not waterproof
Tip: Front pockets are lined with soft fleece for cold temperatures.
Info alert: This personal flotation device is made for relatively experienced swimmers and kayakers, and designed as such for ease of movement and superior fit.
#6. Curve MoveVent by Onyx
Curve MoveVent by Onyx is a reliable personal floating device, which is moderately priced, without compromising the superior quality assured by the company. This is a fabulous vest, with bright reflectors, making visibility a breeze; not just that, it comes with adjustable side belts, and offers superior cooling technology for ample ventilation during strenuous paddling.
Product Specs
- Material: 200-denier ripstop nylon, and nylon oxfrod
- X-S/S — 28″- 36″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- M/L — 36″- 44″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- X-L/2X– 44″-56″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
The Curve MoveVent by Onyx is one-of-a-kind and a moderately priced personal flotation device that does not compromise quality. It is durable and lightweight, with adjustable straps on the sides and the shoulder or a snug and comfortable fit during kayaking. Onyx is renowned for its superior make of lifejackets, and this one is a prime example of that.
Pros
- Adjustable side and shoulder belts for a snug and secure fit
- Reflective material on par with SOLAS grade
- US Coast Guard-certified device
- Extremely adjustable and light
Cons
- A short life jacket that comes above the waist
- The bulkiness may prove difficult to wear for larger people
Tip: The size may be slightly smaller for some. It is important to double-check while ordering.
Info alert: There is no warranty on this product, and the seller must be contacted for defects or problems.
#7. Inflatable & Automatic Personal Flotation Device by Onyx
Inflatable & Automatic Personal Flotation Device by Onyx is a great option for automatic inflation technique; in case the automatic system fails, there is a pull handle to jerk and inflate, and if all fails, the normal manual inflation will also work. This is one of the best life jackets for kayaking, completely fool-proof. It is also extremely comfortable to wear, you can almost forget; it is well-padded without being bulky, and also has a pocket lined with fleece to safely store your pair of sunglasses without damage.
Product Specs
- Material: 200-denier ripstop nylon, and nylon oxford
- Colors: Blue and pink
- Minimum buoyancy: 22.5 lbs
- X-S/S — 28″- 36″ chest suitable for 80 + lbs
- M/L — 36″- 44″ chest suitable for 80 + lbs
- X-L/2X– 44″-56″ chest suitable for 80 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
This unique design of the automatic and manual personal floating device is customized for strong and seasoned swimmers, that know what they are doing, therefore should not be used by non-swimmers. This US Coast Guard-approved product is a Type V PFD that comes equipped with a CO2 canister for hassle-free inflation. The product is priced well, and performs well, as advertised.
Pros
- quipped with a supple Flex-Back insert for ease of movements
- Puncture and tear-resistant tough fabric
- US Coast Guard-approved jacket
- Automatic inflation in water, with and pull handle, and also with manual inflation for emergencies.
- The adjustable harness makes it easy to secure
- Equipped with a CO2 canister for easy inflation
Cons
- Well suited for people of 16 years of age and above
- These do not have reflectors for good visibility
Tip: This life jacket is meant for experienced and strong swimmers.
Info alert: The CO2 cartridge can last for up to 3 years, although it should be checked thoroughly before using it.
#8. Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket by Hardcore Water Sports
The Personal Flotation Device or Life Jacket by Hardcore Water Sports is a fabulous product with great floatation. It performs well and is light enough to be comfortable for long hours of kayaking. It is affordable without any compromises to the quality of the product and comes in a standard size, that is adjustable to make it snug and well fitted.
Product Specs
- Material: 200-denier ripstop nylon, and nylon oxford
- Colors: Blue
- Universal size — 32″- 50″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
This is an affordable, yet reliable personal floating device, which is unbeatable in quality. It is well suited for slim as well as for big built people. It is attractive and not bulky, which makes it ideal to comfortably wear for long hours. With a universal size to fit all, this versatile product can be used when out on relatively calm waters.
Pros
- Versatile and can be used for several activities
- US Coast Guard-certified Type III jacket
- Product in one size, which is extremely flexible and adjustable to suit various dimensions
- Adjustable harnesses make it easy to secure
- A narrow shoulder design ideal for kayaking with the strenuous activity
Cons
- The durability of the fabric can be improved upon
Tip: This is well suited for non-swimmers and swimmers alike.
Info alert: Any damaged product or ones with defects should be referred to the sellers, as the manufacturing company only supplies the products.
#9. MoreVent Torsion Personal Flotation Device by Onyx
MoreVent Torsion Personal Flotation Device by Onyx is streamlined to perform the best for kayaking, canoeing, and SUP. It is extremely well designed, durable, and comfortable, with ample ventilation at the front and the back. It is very light and provides fantastic mobility for strenuous kayaking.
Product Specs
- Material: 400-denier ripstop nylon, and nylon oxford
- Colors: Red and black
- X-S/S — 28″- 36″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- M/L — 36″- 44″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- X-L/2X– 44″-56″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
If you are looking for a moderately priced product, which gives true value for your money, then opting for the MoreVent Torsion Personal Flotation Device by Onyx is the best choice. This is one of the top-of-the-line products by Onyx, offering an extremely durable fabric of 400-denier ripstop and Oxford nylon, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to tear. It performs well and is a great product to invest in your safety.
Pros
- Bubble foam on the inside and floatation foam on the outside for comfort and performance
- US Coast Guard-approved Type III personal flotation device
- Product designed to stay snug and fit close to the body
- Adjustable shoulder harnesses made of neoprene ensure comfort and make it easy to secure
Cons
- The product will not fit voluptuous women
Tip: This personal floating device is best suited for people that require extra mobility, like during kayaking and paddling.
Info alert: The products comes with a one-year manufacturing warranty.
#10. Fishing and Kayaking Personal Flotation Device by Onyx
Fishing and Kayaking Personal Flotation Device by Onyx can be very well fitted, as it comes with a six-level adjustable strap for a snug fit and safety. The high foam back of the floating device has been customized to suit the most popular kayaking and canoeing seatback. It provides ample drainage and is light and comfortable to wear the whole day on the water.
Product Specs
- Material: 400-denier ripstop nylon, and nylon oxford
- X-S/S — 28″- 36″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- M/L — 36″- 44″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
- X-L/2X– 44″-56″ chest suitable for 90 + lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
Another great personal floating device from Onyx is easy to use. It is streamlined for use for fishing and kayaking. Well-padded and light, with spacious pockets it is not only suitable for fishing and kayaking, but also for recreation use. The jacket has breathable mesh fabric to ensure comfort, while out kayaking.
Pros
- An adjustable cinching mechanism to ensure a tight fit for safety
- US Coast Guard-approved Type III personal flotation device
- Comes with ample storage with pockets for carrying the essentials
- The neoprene shoulder pads, with a cargo pocket with a large opening
- Tray pockets for carrying the tackle box securely and safely on a person with 2” elastic
Cons
- The product will not fit voluptuous women
Tip: This Onyx jacket has 15 pounds of lift pressure, exceeding the normal of Type III USCG certification.
Info alert: Onyx offers a one-year manufacturing warranty on this product.
#11. Layla Personal Floating Device or Life Jacket by Astral
Layla Personal Floating Device or Life Jacket by Astral has been made only for women and is designed for ultimate comfort and safety at all times on the water. It has been dedicated to voluptuous women who have a hard time fitting the best of personal floating devices. Astral has ensured that women have a specialized jacket that keeps in mind the natural curves of the body to provide superbly comfortable fitting, with soft foaming for comfortable hours on the water.
Product Specs
- Material: 200- 400 Denier ripstop nylon exterior, and 200-nylon interior
- X-S – 27 – 31 inches
- S/M – 31 – 37 inches
- M/L – 38 – 44 inches
- L/XL – 45 – 51 inches
Why We Recommend This Product
This life jacket is considered the best kayak life vest for women. The jacket is well-padded with organic materials and also has ample ventilation for it to be comfortable on hot days. The cost of the jacket is higher than most of the normal ones and this is because it has been specially made for women, deviating from the normal design.
Pros
- Versatile product suitable for rafting, white water kayaking, and stand-up paddle boats
- Type III personal flotation device certified by the US Coast Guards.
- The jacket has ample storage with pockets for carrying the essentials
- The device is equipped with bust cups, princess seams
Cons
- This jacket does not have waterproof pockets
Tip: It is not bulky and well suited to hot temperatures
Info alert: Please check the measurements thoroughly before ordering, as the sizes may be different from other brands.
#12. Watersport Classic Series Life Vest by Stearns
Watersport Classic Series Life Vest by Stearns is best suited for kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. It is very light and is so comfortable that you may forget that you are wearing one for hours. It comes with PE floating foam and light and resilient 200-denier nylon fabric composition, alongside the one-side open design, for extra ventilation and breathability.
Product Specs
- Material: 200-Denier ripstop nylon exterior; light floatation foam made from PE
- Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 x 4.00 Inches
Why We Recommend This Product
The personal floating device by Stearns is made in one size; the universal size is meant to fit all adults, comfortably and snugly. The product has been priced well for its performance. It is made from ultra-light foam, which ensures security on the water for extended periods. The vest is made for people weighing more than 90 lbs.
Pros
- Personal flotation device certified by the US Coast Guards for safety
- Adjustable one side open straps for more ventilation on hotter days
- Practical solution and with performance
- Well priced, and within the normal range.
Cons
- The back padding is not very thick.
- The jacket can also be very long while sitting on a kayak.
Tip: This product has a universal size, meaning that larger people may have trouble fitting into the vest.
Info alert: It is not very sturdy and should not be used for heavy-duty kayaking or rafting; rather, it does well as a recreational jacket for safety.
#13. Personal Flotation Vest or Life Jacket by Stohlquist
Combining quality, practicality, and affordability to provide ample flexibility in this floating device, the Personal Flotation Vest or Life Jacket by Stohlquist comes with three buckles in the front with a strap for securing well. This is an oversized jacket that is made for extra large people. The back of the personal floating device has been thinned for even resting the back on the high seatbacks.
Product Specs
- Material: 200-Denier ripstop nylon exterior; light floatation foam made from PE
- Oversize Universal size (48′-60″ chest) suitable for 90+ lbs
- Sea level buoyancy: 18 lbs
- Universal size and suitable for 90+ lbs
Why We Recommend This Product
This Stohlquist oversized personal floating device is great for larger people, which have trouble fitting into regular universal size jackets. It has been crafted superbly with a quality finish that ensures durability even under regular use.
Pros
- Certified by the US Coast Guards for safety
- Adjustable straps for fitting large sizes.
- Comes with an attached hoop for easy drying and storage
- Ergonomically designed for utmost comfort
Cons
- The sizes should be checked, as they are different from other brands.
Tip: This is an extra-large size, which may not fit all.
Info alert: The product comes with sheathed straps, ensuring no extra-long straps are hanging down to the knees.
Buying Guide for Kayak Life Vests in 2023
These are the top-rated personal floating devices or life jackets, superbly rated for their ease of use and comfort for long hours. The quality of the materials, alongside, if they are inflatable or standard, non-inflatable ones, the size an
d the fitting for security, and also details such as if they are USCG-approved and the degree of flotation, all impact the final performance at crucial times.
Make sure to check out our article with awesome upgrades to your kayak.
Inflatable versus standard
This is one of the most basic questions to ask, whether a regular standard one will work, or if the inflatable ones should be used. It also depends greatly, what type of water body, is chosen, as different brands have a different performance at the lake, ocean, lake, and other water bodies.
A standard jacket is inherently buoyant, easy to maintain, comes with many pockets for convenience, and is also very versatile. The inflatable ones and cooler and more comfortable to wear; also, it required manual inflation to perform optimally, and, therefore, it is suited to strong and experienced swimmers.
Size and fit
The most important factor in getting the right personal floating device is that they have to be of the right size. As these jackets have to fit snugly to the body, it beats the purpose if the jacket is loose, and cannot be tightened.
Ventilation
Another key factor to remember is that these will be worn, presumably for long hours on the water, and therefore, requires ample ventilation for them to be comfortable to wear. Ones that are constricting the flow of air or breeze are not the right ones to pick.
Reflective material or tape
This is another crucial factor to ensure superior visibility in case of emergencies and trouble. It is, therefore, imperative to choose one which has a good reflective material that can be seen from far away.
Storage
For anglers, this is an extremely crucial factor; the vest should have ample storage so that it is easy to carry valuables and basic on you, without hassle.
Flotation
As per guidelines set by the US Coast Guards, the life jackets are divided into five categories for the best performance. The ones that are mentioned are all Type II of the USCG guidelines. Type III is customized to avid paddlers and kayakers are made to support fast rescue operations during emergencies. They are airy and allow a lot of mobility and freedom, and are inherently buoyant, whether inflatable or the standard ones.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for the best kayak life vest with the utmost safety and comfort then opting for the MoreVent Personal Flotation Device by Onyx is the best option. This has been repeatedly reviewed as the best product, due to the durability and comfort the design provides. Also, as it is modernly priced, with superior drainage and ventilation with the mesh back and high visibility with proper SOLAS reflective materials, as specified by the USCG, Type II life jacket, MoreVent Personal Flotation Device is safe and sturdy for use and offers the best experience and security.
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Updated: October 28, 2022
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