Different life jackets on the market

[andrewhenare]

I'm new to the kayak fishing game and interested in a suitable life jacket. Any pros and cons on the jackets on the market. I presume one with lots of pockets. Any thoughts
Many thanks. Andrew

[eynon]

preferably you'd want to try them on before buying as comfort is important.

needs to have suitable flotation and you should be able to freely move your arms for paddling and fishing.

also not so long as to be uncomfortable when sitting and not ride up.

size adjustment is good, quite like my nrs chinook as the 2xl fits me as well as my missus and even my tiny sister.

you'd probably want to attach a knife and vhf to you aswell.

if you have a good storage setup on the kayak pockets arent that essential.
i usually keep a packet or two of softbaits, roll of black magic leader and some jigheads in mine.

[AndrewRawlingson]

My Palm Hydro adventure has been great. It's well suited to fishing. Generous pockets and attachment points. It's still going strong after nearly 8 years of regular use, but the colour has faded. Unfortunately, you probably won't know what you really want/need until you have a good number of trips under your belt, but this is a good start.

https://www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/shop/Ac ... -0150.html

[DoubleD]

I have the NRS cVest which is awesome! Real comfy with the high back so the seat back fits underneath it, loads of pockets for vhf, knife, pliers etc.

https://www.paddlerzone.co.nz/index.php ... 80ohvanfh1


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[AndrewRawlingson]

Yep, that NRS PFD looks good. Like the radio pocket.

[Hairy Little Dwarf]

Starting out, I wouldn't worry about a 'Premium' cordura PFD.

NRS are great entry level items, and I went through a few in my early days.
Based on those experiences, I would avoid the NRS Chinook as the pockets can impede re-entry, and I found them to be very UV sensitive (But I spend more time on the water than your average bear)
The Osprey is a good starter, but the pockets are very small, barely fit a Moro bar in them. As a PFD though, it's a good start, with the baja mesh back.

What I would advise, is to avoid the inflatable 'horsecollars'. They are true lifejackets, but once inflated, they make re-entry nigh on impossible.

Having said all that, The Palm and Hydraulics cordura items are very long lasting and durable. My cordura PFD (Hydraulics leader) has outlasted my previous nylon ones 4x and still going, but getting near to replacement due to physical wear and tear, another few years to go though.

HLD

[awondering]

I owned a NRS, very poor UV and went from bright orange to a light pinkish, the pockets frayed like hell... Currently using a Palm Kaikoura, like it a lot 'HOWEVER" I have notice issue with the zips, it is more likely my lack of maintenance that has caused this than product quality.
I dont like the idea of VHF pockets at all, certainly wouldn't be a selling point for me, I have mine clipped to my shoulder, just not sure about the electrical connectors sitting in a wet pocket all day...

[Schecter]

I owned a NRS, very poor UV and went from bright orange to a light pinkish, the pockets frayed like hell...

+2

I won't be purchasing another NRS because I have the same issues. I've also found out that the jacket I currently been using the last 2 years is not sufficient for my weight.

[Marc N]

I got one of these on Trademe, good for fishing and paddling.

STEARNS XXL Adult Life Vest