The Safest and Most Functional Life Vests On the Market

There’s no feeling like being on the water: whether you’re kayaking, paddling, fishing or spending a casual day on the boat, the sensation of moving, falling, swaying and swirling with the immeasurable power of water is simultaneously mediative and awe-inspiring. But in order to have the best (and safest) experience, it’s important you take the necessary safety precautions, and one of the most important is investing in a reliable life vest.

What is the difference between a life jacket and a life vest?

The short answer: nothing. Life vest and life jacket are used interchangeably to refer to a PFD: personal flotation device. A PFD is any device used to keep a conscious person afloat in water. However, there are different flotation ratings for PFDs — your life vest can be a Type I, Type II or Type III device.

What are the differences between Type I, Type II and Type III life vests?

The “Types” of PFDs are delineated by their flotation levels and buoyancy capabilities, which are measured in Newtons. The Newton levels that will be marked on a PFD are Level 150, Level 100, Level 50 and Level 50S. A Type 1 vest is rated 100 or 150: they offer the best level of support and are the only type of vest that offers the head and neck support needed during inclement weather and harsh water conditions.

Type II PFDs are equivalent to Level 50: they don’t offer any head support and are best used on smooth water and during activities like jet skiing or kayaking. Level 50 life vests and below are not allowed as life vests on boats, due to their lack of support in case of harsher weather conditions. Type III life vests (Level 50S) are “special purpose” life jackets. They don’t comply with color requirements that make them easy to spot, don’t have head support and are therefore appropriate to be used in smooth waters.

How should I choose a life vest?

The most important factors to consider when choosing a life vest are fit, durability and design function. If you’re an angler and need storage options for tackle and bait, choosing a fishing-specific vest with plenty of pockets is going to serve you best. If you’ve got growing kids and want a vest that’ll grow with them, opt for a style with more adjustment points and fit customization. Finally, think about intended use: if you’re stocking your boat with vests to use in case of an emergency situation or harsh weather, don’t go for anything else besides a Type I classification. The more casual the activity or smooth the water, the more wiggle room you have with picking based on Type. For this guide, we chose to recommend only Type III vests, which can be used in a greater variety of casual conditions, and provide a more even mix of safety and comfort.

Whatever your water sport may be, choosing the right life vest for you can make or break your experience. Here are our top picks.

Backcountry

Best Overall

Astral Designs EV-Eight

• $135.00 at Backcountry

The EV-Eight is a well-ventilated, comfortable unisex life vest with ample storage. Making use of mesh’s breathability, the Astral’s back panel cuts the weight of the vest while letting air pass in and out, maintaining your core temperature. The EC-Eight has been updated with Bluesign-approved fabric, and a 100 percent recycled shell. If you’re looking for a life vest that works for most body types and activities, this is it.

Materials: Recycled Diamond RPET shell, polyester mesh lining, Polypro webbing

Weight: 1.22 pounds

Approval Type: USCG Type III

Intended use: Recreaction, fishing, touring

Amazon

Best Budget Pick

O’Neill Superlite USCG Life Vest

• $35.00 at Amazon
  $45.00 (22% off)

Made to protect wake and waterski athletes, O’Neill’s life vest is safety-forward without breaking the bank. Four heavy-duty buckles allow for cinching down to just the right fit, while an anatomical design fits most body types. The Superlite USCG Life Vest is also available in a women’s fit.

Materials: USCG-approved Type III nylon

Weight: 2 pounds

Approval Type: USCG Type III

Intended use: Wake and waterski

L.L.Bean

Best General Use

L.L.Bean Allsport Universal PFD

• $45.00 at L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean’s color-blocked life vest proves functionality and comfort don’t have to come with a high price tag. If you’re buying multiple vests to outfit the boat or cover guests, go for this wallet-friendly option: the Allsport is United States Coast Guard approved, the three-buckle closure system is simple enough for any age to master, and the 200D nylon outer shell with 200D oxford lining is durable without being uncomfortable.

Materials: Nylon shell, oxford lining, foam filling

Weight: 0.85 pounds

Approval Type: USCG Type III

Intended use: General use

Amazon

Best For Kayak Fishing

Onyx Outdoor Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

• $90.00 at Amazon
  $90.00 (0% off)

If you want to stay out on the water, fishing as long as possible, you’re going to need the right storage solution to bring all the necessary gear with you. Onyx Outdoor’s life jacket is built for the multi-tasking experts out there, mixing safety and performance with function and organization. Four pocket designs, including a drop-down tray pocket (capable of holding a small tackle box), keep all necessities right at your fingertips. Six adjustment straps ensure an accurate fit, and zippered fleece-lined pockets keep the cold at bay.

Materials: Nylon, mesh, foam

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Approval type: USCG Type III

Intended use: Kayak fishing

Backcountry

Best Low Profile Design

Ninja Personal Flotation Device

• $148.00 at Backcountry

If range of motion is top of mind in the water, you’re going to want to invest in a well-engineered, low-profile vest. The Ninja condenses all of the flotation material into one area, minimizing bulk in the shoulders and back for freer movement. A side-entry design and six adjustment points allow for a customized fit, while AirMesh fabric on the shoulders and back panel maximize air flow. The Ninja’s minimal design makes it a great choice for adults with shorter torsos, or growing teens.

Materials: Ripstop nylon shell, nylon liner

Weight: 2.15 pounds

Approval type: USCG Type III

Intended use: Paddling of all types, athletic performance

Backcountry

Best Premium Life Vest

Astral Designs BlueJacket

• $260.00 at Backcountry

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to this life vest. At almost twice the price of some of its competitors, the Blue Jacket certainly isn’t cheap, but that extra expense provides some perks: technical features like YKK Self Locking Vislon Teeth zipper, ripstop outer shell and a two-panel construction (meant to prevent riding up) create a lightweight, well-fitting life vest meant for a variety of activities. A large clamshell pocket offers organization and easy access.

Materials: Ripstop nylon shell, nylon liner

Weight: 2 pounds

Approval Type: USCG Type III

Intended use: All disciplines of paddling and sailing

Amazon

Best For Dogs

Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket

• $90.00 at Amazon

Protect your furry friends with this easy-to-spot, secure life vest. If your dog likes to join you rafting, kayaking, boating, surfing and paddle boarding, it never hurts to slip them in their own life vest for good measure. Built to fit a variety of breeds, the Float Coat features a large handle on top for grabbing your dog out of the water, as well as a leash clip-in point under the handle and reflective details for dim conditions.

Materials: Ballistic polyester shell

Weight: .85 pounds

Approval Type: N/A

Intended use: General water sports

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