Comfortable pfd

Advice
#82

I am not familiar with them but it looks like an affordable option. Originally, Astral, NRS, Kokatat and Stohlquist were recommended to me and I found a couple of Stohlquists at a reduced price on Amazon so I bought both and will decide between them.

We definitely deal with Humidity in New Orleans.

Thanks
mjac

#83

Ugh, rs, one of the Stohlquists arrived today, The Edge, I had trouble putting it on in the living room.

Thanks
mjac

#84

I’ve been wearing an Onyx Movent for a few years, replaced my '70s era Extrasport. I like it. My phone jams into the pocket nicely but I would appreciate another bigger pocket.

1 Like
#85

They are super comfortable and is the main reason I bought it. I also know it works well in a self rescue scenario.

#86

Try putting it on in the water it may be easier .

1 Like
#87

You trying to be a smart ass, Brick?

Thanks mjac

#88

I don’t know what I am going to do. One of the Stohlquists arrived today, The Edge, and I can’t stand it. It has this big bulbous pouch right over your stomach, not streamlined at all and this is the one I thought I would like.No way I would wear this on my scenic paddles down the bayou. I wanted something contoured to your body. I am going to get a boat cushion.

Thanks
mjac

#89

If you’re not going to wear it all the time and just carry it, at one point you may have to try an in water installation. :laughing:

#90

Man look, I did all this research, I bothered all these people, I shopped hard for a good deal on one of the top four brands, I get the thing and I can’t stand it. I was happier before when I wasn’t wearing one.

Thanks
mjac

1 Like
#91

Seems as though multiple folks dismissed inflatables, but there is nothing more comfortable in humid weather. I have a manual NRS inflatable that I love. I inspect the mechanism religiously, don’t throw it around and make sure I know right where the pull handle is if I spot something dicey ahead. Doesn’t make it foolproof, but nothing is. The only specific instance I’ve heard of concerning failure was because of parts corroded by saltwater. I still throw my V8 in the canoe and use it in winter/spring conditions for extra warmth and so icing can’t be an issue. When the hot sticky weather hits in July and August the inflatable is a dream plus I don’t fell constricted.

#92

I have a boat cushion I carry in my canoe as a rescue device or for kneeling on or something to sit on when fishing to get a little more height.

If you are not going to wear your PFD then you are better off with one made to sit on. It will be just as good as a loose PFD when you go for a swim. Plus you will save 100 bucks.

1 Like
#93

I also want to speak out in defense of inflatables. Inflatables are comfortable and non-restrictive and a well maintained inflatable that you’re wearing is certainly safer than a PFD stuffed somewhere inside your kayak. And an inflatable that is inflated puts the flotation across your chest and under the neck, like those basic orange pfds you see on boats. It makes it less convenient to swim, but keeps your mouth safely above water if you’re exhausted or becoming hypothermic. But, a non-inflatable is definitely the most foolproof device and allows the best freedom of movement (for paddling or swimming) versus an inflated inflatable. Like many things, it’s a question of advantages versus disadvantages and an individual’s assessment of the associated risks.

I personally use a non-automatic inflatable. I have to have the capacity to pull the inflator handle if I go in the water. I use a yoke-type inflatable for my coastal paddles, and sometimes a belt pack for calm, inland lakes (mostly when I’m home in Ohio where it can be calm and hot, and I’m usually less than 100 yards from shore). The belt pack adds the extra risk that I have to pull it up over my neck after inflating it. I have also invested in a spare CO2 cartridge to test my yoke-type inflatable to make sure it works and holds air. Since I don’t use the automatic inflator, I didn’t have to get the pricey re-arm kit, just a CO2 cartridge.

Both of mine are Mustang Survival brand.

2 Likes
#94

Yup.
Mine are MTI, since merged with (or bought by) Mustang if I’m not mistaken, but I use a traditional pfd when conditions are less than excellent.

#95

I just want to take this opportunity to ask everyone to send their best wishes to @string for a speedy and full recovery.

Thanks
mjac

#96

Now you saved money you can return them all.

#97

That made me laugh :laughing:

#98

I have no problem putting mine on in the water as hard as that is to imagine. I can put my tank and BCD and
weights on and off too and have for years off our boat. If you are wearing neoprene you are already floaty. If one can’t do it they should wear it at all times. I can argue for healthy sun exposure also, many believe you should be covered completely at all times but I disagree.

1 Like
#99

Try holding on to your hull and putting on a PFD on a windy day, choppy waters, decent current or all of the above :sob:

5 Likes
#100

I haven’t received the second one yet, it is supposed to come today, but that is the way it is looking. Maybe there is one out there I would feel comfortable in, but this one is not it and what gets me, it is not even close, which makes me negative towards the whole idea. Right now, I feel like PFDs are more trouble than they are worth.

Thanks
mjac

#101

Well at least it provided some entertainment, but I was really surprised I didn’t like it so much after all of that.

Thanks
mjac