Lookin\' For A Comfy PFD

[ol' Feller]

I'm on the hunt for a PFD that's comfortable (comfortable as possible anyway) while sitting in a high-back boat seat, like the U12 has. It's only an issue for me on extended periods of paddling; the PFD I currently have has a big foam pad on the back which really rides up against the back of the seat, and finally stops climbing when the botom of the vest gets to my shoulder blades and the top of the vest is above the back of my head.......not comfy, ...rather odd looking too. (and I got it on tight)

I had an inflatable PFD I liked, but it got stolen back in July. I was looking at another inflatable, and before spending $160-$190 plus $25-$30 for a re-charge kit, I thought I'd ask around for recommendations. I don't have a preference for either type, just something comfortable.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions of comfotable PFDs, brands & models you can recommend.

ol Feller

[blake]

my suggestion would be get to a paddleshop and try them on while sitting in a kayak.  Fit is an individual thing.

I prefer a foam rather than inflatable as it provides instant floatation.  I am not really wearing a pfd to help me swim, but to help me if I knock myself unconscious or somehow injury myself so that I can't swim.  Downside is it can be hotter than an inflatable, although it is tolerable 8-10 months of the year.

I currently own pfds from Stohlquist, Extrasport, and Lotus (pre-Patagonia buyout, former owner now has Astral).  Other brands that make kayak specific pfd-- Palm, Level 6, MTI, NRS, and I am sure that I am forgetting a few more. 

Although I am not a big fan of Stearns, they now have an inflatable pfd that looks like a fly vest, which might be interesting.

[wilp]

Check out Eastern Mountain Sports if you have one near you. I seem to recall seeing one there recently with minimal foam (if any at all) in the back. Can't remember make/model but they carry several brands mentioned here.

[Shoal Tide]

I use a Mustang auto inflatable...definately pricey....but comfort is unmatched

[Stump]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/.....0_225-17-0

This is the one I ordered the other day after trying out a friend's. I generally only wear a PFD when running ww, but my wife insisted that I start wearing something in the winter. 

[Redfish]

Stumphumper said:

... I generally only wear a PFD when running ww, but my wife insisted that I start wearing something in the winter. 

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Well, Stump, that is a good sign that she considers you as a keeper. You should get worried if she says, "Aw, honey, don't worry about wearing one of those!"  

[Stump]

You got that right RF !!! She is right too ! I know I should wear one. If not always, at least in cooler weather and rivers. After trying Ken's on the other day, I can actually see myself wearing it most of the time. He let me inflate it to see how easy it is to slip over your head, and it was surprisingly easy . Even without slipping it over your head I think it will keep you face up if KO'ed. 

[blake]

Even without slipping it over your head I think it will keep you face up if KO'ed. 

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Who is going to pull the string if your KO'ed?  Hence the reason I go with traditional jacket.  JMO.

[Stump]

Good point blake. I had assumed it was also auto inflating. I should have looked at it a little closer. Knowing that I guess I will keep a traditional jacket in the boat to slip on for rough patches. 

[ol' Feller]

Thanks for the replies and shared info.

There are pros & cons either way, it helps to hear the opinions and experiences of others.

Time to do some shoppin'....

[MattYak]

I really like my MTI Dorado. Has a high back that sits above the top of the seat in the Ultimate. Lots of adjustment both on the shoulders and the sides.

[ol' Feller]

Thanks Mattyak, that looks very much like what I'm searching for. ( http://flyfishing.about.com/od.....review.htm&nbsp

I'm going to give one a try.

[MattYak]

Hey I grew up in Gaffney. Small world! I don\'t even know that I am wearing it. The high back makes all the difference in the world. You can also search for the NRS Chinook. I thought that was the one for me the first time I went out looking, but when I went back the second time the MTI just felt better.

[smfisher]

Here is the one I bought last year and I love it. I has a high back perfect for kayak and canoeing, It has plenty of storage and is very comfortable.

http://www.kitterytradingpost......odid/29226