Kokatat Orbit pfd Question

Advice
#11

The only thing
about pfd’s with the floatation concentrated in the belly is how they impact self rescue efforts when sea kayaking. Not an issue generally when paddling rivers which is the sort of paddling they are designed for - whitewater.

#12

Good to hear things like this. Thanks

#13

Suzanne is bringing this to
KTP show in March for me to try.

#14

Aries looks very promising!
It has the front zip and may not be quite as full in the front but I cannot tell from a pic. It still looks quite roomy around the arms so its worth checking out!

#15

Gotta examine that backside

– Last Updated: Feb-22-12 2:20 PM EST –

One photo looks like the rear foam is up top, which is fine, but I wonder what's below it, just unpadded nylon or thinner foam?

Anyway, I, too, am interested in the Aries. Right now I use the Stohlquist youth Escape PFD most of the time, but because it's too small for use with my drysuit I use an Astral Willis for that.

Neither is really what I want, because the Escape (besides being barely big enough for me) ideally would be about an inch or two longer (in back but not front) to protect my spine more. The Willis is so bulky in front that it's very difficult to do a cowboy re-mount and not the greatest for rolling, either. Otherwise I like it...if they'd only make a true XS adult size (or XL youth--don't need the 16 lbs of flotation).

#16

Flotation numbers and sizing
The Aries’ 14+ lbs rating in the smallest size should float us light paddlers very well, based on my experience with lesser and greater amounts.



For comparison:


  • My adult PFDs have all been rated at 16 to 17 lbs of buoyancy.
  • My youth Stohlquist Escape is rated to about 10 lbs. It’s enough.
  • The Sea Kayaker Magazine review of the hybrid inflatable Kokatat Sea 02 stated the foam in that provided about 7.5 lbs buoyancy (22 lbs if inflated with air or C02), and that that was enough to float the adult male reviewer, though low in the water.



    The sizing numbers are very generous. My youth PFD says chest up to 29" and weight up to 90 lbs. I exceed both those maximums by more than 15% and it still fits (barely) and floats me. Which is why I need to actually try on a PFD to avoid getting one that’s bigger than necessary.
#17

not sure why or how
the Orbit could make a difference in self rescues? My goal is to have my roll on both sides solid this summer. Almost there. Not trying to be funny just trying to understand the impact of the self rescue with this PFD.

#18

I looked at the back of the Aries also
and think the foam stops and then there is just nylon and it is attached around the waist on that empty nylon area but i cannot be sure until i actually see one.

#19

NRS has one similar to the Orbit

– Last Updated: Feb-20-12 11:55 AM EST –

so it looks on the site "NRS Ninja"- might want to check that one out also

#20

I agree…
it hard when you have to mail order everything though, what a pain! Thanks for the info.

#21

I did look at the Ninja,
But i need some measurements on it 1st.

#22

Aries Back
The Aries back is unusual. It has thicker foam up top and tapers right down to a real thin piece. The covering material is a cordura. Here is a link to the front and back.



http://www.kokatat.com/aries-pfd.html



I think that this will be a great life jacket for recreational paddlers and also small women who don’t like the bulk of some life jackets. The really super thing about this life jacket is that it comes in a youth L/XXS adult size which really will work well for small women.



When I received my sample, I took it to a paddleshop and sat in everything they had and it didn’t ride up at all. I am really excited about this one!

#23

Suzanne this is great hear…
I don’t think it’s the bulk for me but it would be a BIG BONUS to not have the bulk, wow to think of the freedom you could have without it, that is very exciting. Plus you would feel like you lost weight, woo hoo a big bonus there too. Can’t wait to see about this pfd.

#24

check website photos
I had an astral buoyancy wonderjacket which fit me perfectly but does have bulk in the front (which I don’t need). My dream pfd was a kokatat msfit tour and I finally bought one, wore it once and had to accept what I had felt in the store,but didn’t want to believe, that it sat too high on my back and was not for me. Nothing to do with the kayak, it was the pfd v me. Next time shopping I tried on several styles of vests from different manufacturers, paying attention to the neck line and the amount of space between where the shoulder strap sits on shoulder and where the back of the vest starts. I ended up getting another wonderjacket. I am including a page from the AB site because you can actually see all the different style backs - how high some are compared to others by the same manufacturer.http://www.astralbuoyancy.com/2011/products/

#25

Wow, after reading the specs
on the PFD it sounds awesome. Wonder if anyone near me carries them so i could try. Thanks .

#26

I googed it and found REI
is selling them. May need to order and ship to store. Not sure if there are an REIs near you though.

#27

Sounds good!
I checked the local REI, which carries K-tat gear. They didn’t have the Aries. Can’t wait to try one on.

#28

Nope 3 hrs from me…but thanks.

#29

MEC Fulcrum

– Last Updated: Feb-22-12 7:48 PM EST –

This is by far the most comfortable PFD I've worn. The back is designed to not go down too far so that it doesn't get pushed up by the back of the kayak/seat.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Paddling/PFDs/PRD~5019-272/mec-fulcrum-pfd.jsp

Many PFD's have one big flotation panel in the front, so it needs to be cinched very tight to form around the body, and still feels bulky. The Fulcrum has 4 from panels, so it contours around the torso without being constricting. I have more arm and shoulder freedom in it than any other pfd I've tried. The foam is PVC-free. Plus you can return their products for any reason, even if used.

Here's one review from their site:

I have 1 consideration when buying a jacket. It does not ride up. We do a lot of sea kayaking and this jacket does not ride up.

#30

Mountain Equipment Coop
stores are in Canada only i believe. I know of the Toronto one where i lived. Not easy to get this jacket from Canada with customs etc. and to return if not fitting.