Finding the BEST Life Jacket for YOU!

Picking a new personal flotation device (PFD) can feel overwhelming with so many different types and styles being on the market. If it’s your first season guiding, you’re probably questioning what PFD you REALLY need or if you should just accept the hand-me-down from the senior guide. If you’ve been a river runner for a while you may be looking for an upgrade, and you’re curious about all of the new features that companies are coming out with. 

Luckily, all of these options and types give you the ability to decide what is best for YOU. Whether these factors are monetary, comfort based, safety focused or if you’re wondering how often you’ll even use this PFD, there is a jacket for you. All of these jackets have a lot of different features to best suit your needs and the best thing that you can do is to find what works for you. If you’re on the river everyday, or find yourself going for a swim, you two are going to become best friends, so may as well get to know a few of the types! 

Basic PFDs

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck and you aren’t sure how often you’ll be on the river quite yet we would recommend the NRS Ninja or the Astral YTV. The NRS Ninja is the classic starter PFD, it is a Type III PFD with one clamshell pocket in the front, providing a little extra storage. One downside to the NRS Ninja is the bulkiness of the pocket, which affects the placement of a river knife. This  has been reported to make it more challenging for some people to get back into the boat, especially as they are learning. 

If you’re hoping for a slimmer, more lightweight Type V PFD we would recommend the Astral YTV. This PFD is very popular amongst women specifically, due to its ability to adjust around the chest. Not only does it have the ability to adjust more securely, it also has a higher knife placement which provides guides an easier time getting back into the boat. The downside to the Astral YTV is that it doesn’t have as much pocket room for safety equipment, knick knacks, and rocks (Yes, we know you are collecting rocks in your PFD). 

Now, if you are concerned with keeping knick knacks, rocks, and yourself afloat without the rescue aspect, we would recommend the Astral Bowen. This is a great jacket if you’re looking for a jacket that will give you both mobility and maximum storage. The Astral Bowen is a Type III PFD that is incredibly lightweight while still giving you the float and security you need. 

To Rescue PFD or not to Rescue PFD?

Whether it’s your first season on the river, or your sixth, a rescue PFD can provide you with a much more versatile PFD despite the bigger price tags. If you’re deciding on whether you should spend the money to get a rescue PFD or not, there are a few factors to consider. 

1. Have you taken a Swiftwater Rescue Course?
2. How frequently do you expect to be on the river? 
3. If you haven’t taken your Swiftwater Rescue Course, do you plan to? 

If you are planning on frequenting the river and potentially taking a Swiftwater Rescue Course, we would recommend investing in a rescue PFD. Even though you may not have that designation yet, having a PFD with the possibility for rescue could  motivate you to sign up for a course.  Not only that, but it could save you money in the end rather than buying two separate PFDs when you decide to take your whitewater sport to the next level. 

While we would suggest this, it is also important to recognize that if you are unsure how to use different aspects on your PFD, don’t use them. You can have them, but this does not mean that you have to be expected to utilize features you don’t know about. Stay within your limits and ask those around you with their swiftwater designation to act in those situations. 

Rescue PFDs

There are a number of different rescue PFDs on the market. Two of the most popular are the NRS Ninja Pro (upgraded from the NRS Zen) and the Astral Green Jacket. The NRS Ninja Pro is one of the most affordable rescue PFDs with a rescue belt and premium storage for whatever safety essentials you need. It is also equipped with a tow tether, while still providing comfort and mobility. 

The most popular rescue PFD is the Astral Green Jacket. This jacket can be seen frequently on the river and that is for good reason. This jacket, while pricier, will provide you with all of the rescue essentials. It has a rescue belt, as well as a belay loop in the front if necessary. Not only that, it has more pockets than that of the NRS Ninja Pro, while not losing the comfort and sleekness that you want on the river. The Green Jacket has a large clamshell pocket as well as side pockets, and a spot for your throw bag. It is a crowd favorite. 

Astral has recently released the Astral Indus which has changed the game and set a new standard for PFDs. This jacket is for people who are chasing bigwater, constantly activating their PFD, and who want to provide maximum safety for themselves and their friends on the river. The Green Jacket was the top of the line for Astral, and that has now moved to the Indus, providing 33% more flotation than the Green Jacket. While it does have more flotation, it doesn’t sacrifice its low profile comfort and mobility. One of the main differences is the move to a front zipper, rather than a clamshell pocket. This change is a welcome one, providing as much storage while making it easier to get into the boat, eliminating some of that bulkiness. With these changes, it still features a quick release harness, belay loop, reinforced shoulders, and a space for your throw bag. 

Come try them on!

With so many great PFDs on the market, it is hard to go wrong. The biggest recommendation we can give you is to come into the shop, or a shop near you and try them on for yourselves. At River Station, we have all of these PFDs in the shop for you to come try on. Everything fits everybody differently, but there is definitely one for you out there. Besides, you’re missing out on rock collecting by holding off on buying your own PFD or one with better pockets, so come and see us! 

Check out PFD’s here!

Written by: Sam McKiernan