I’m looking at buying a new PFD and am considering the Peak Ocean Wrap and River Wrap.
Whilst the names of these two may indicate a difference in usage, I’m wondering If anyone has any real world experience of these two products, and any opinions/advice to share?
I’m going to be on the river mostly (which would suggest the River Wrap I guess) but will be venturing out to the big blue as well.
TIA
No experience with these PFDs, but the brand is reputable.
The difference between the two may be related to additional features related to performance of rescues in the “River Wrap”:
The sea wrap. Seems to have a back pocket to hold a h2o bladder. This is good if you rather have a water bladder and tube then a water bottle strapped o to the deck.
-sing
PFDs must meet test standards. That doesn’t mean all are created equal. Different classes of PFDs are designed for keeping your face out of water, extended use, comfort and so on. I believe most PFDs you find convenient and comfortable for the way your body moves during the paddling arc will have similar characteristics and floatation. What matters is your paddling technique, seat setup, attachment requirements, ventilation and assessory storage needs.
Since I use a kayak with a high back seat, I like the style of PFD with a higher up float on the back. That reduces issues with the rear floatation hitting the seat back, and it allows more ventilation. Ventilation is important to me, because I’m a summer only kayaker. My greatest threat and discomfort is heat and humidity, with high air/water temperature and humidity creating excessive overheating. If you use a backband equipped kayak, or a canoe, the back panel is less critical, but still plays a role in ventilation and floatation. Right or wrong, I believe that with the floatation being smaller in the back and greater in front, the diferrential may make it easier to keep my face upright. However, the reduced floatation on the back may reduce buoyancy, so check for the rating.
Most PFDs have adjustable straps to adapt to your body. Since everyone has a different build, it’s important to try the PFD and adjust it to see if that model is comfortable. Of all the gear you buy, the PFD is the most critical. A poorly fitted modrl will be a constant thorn. Price should be no object in selection. It isn’t a lifetime investment, so count on replacing it at some point as abrasion, sun exposure and perperation degrades the material. Mine lasted about 12 years.
I like a vest with a zipper front to allow ventilation. A buckle on the bottom of the opening keeps the vest from opening and slipping off if you unzip the front for any reason.
Carefully consider attachment points for items you carry. First is a small pocket with a lanyard loop for a whistle (mandatory for signaling), as well as a storage pocket and lanyard loop for a knife, if you carry one. Next is a strap on the shoulder strap to attach a VHF radio with a lanyard loop (I just loop the lanyard around the shoulder strap). Evaluate whether the radio stays in place or if it slides around to interfere with the paddle stroke. My NSR attachment location works fine but it eventually slides down to hit my arms, so I take it off. That isn’t safe, so next season, I plan to replace the PFD for another. A radio is vital if traveling open water away from land or when traveling channels with a lot of power boat traffic. It serves for distress calls, alerts about areas that are closed to navigation, warning about hazards to navigation and “be on the lookout for . . . ,” hailing other boaters, and most of all to monitor weather.
Pockets are helpful, but make sure they don’t interfere with your paddle stroke. My favorite PFD was made by Transport until it became threadbare. An NSR replaced it. I was initially bothered by the front pockets, but after a few trips, i learned to avoid my forearms abraiding against the pocket by modifying the paddling technique.
D-rings are nice for attaching or clipping objects. Al
The rings come in handy when I finish a trip. Rather than make multiple trips to transfer gear from the boat to the vehicle, The D-rings can be used to attach lanyards or carbiner clips to free my hands from carrying gear, such as waterproof Pelican cases (a small one for the key fob, and one for my phone), the GPS, and the radio already has a dedicated spot on the PFD. Always wear the PFD until you get away from the water or piers, in case you trip while clearing the landing site.
Other paddlers can recommend, but it’s easy to look on line, then find a place to buy the product that suits your needs and fits your body. Remember that a PFD that works for skiing or white water is very different than one for flat, open water. A vest without zippers is more secure for a person kayaking in white water, where immersion is expected but ventilation is less of a concern than security. While my primary concern on flat, open water is ventilation. A photographer or person fishing (especially if the boat is powered by an electric motor) has other demands.
I don’t know your requirements, but I am very happy with the Stohlquist Trekker and Amazon has the Burgundy at least for $81-$97, depending on what size I guess, and this jacket and jackets in its class like the Astral V8, normally go for about $150.