PFD - Highback vs Slimback

I used an Astral PFD for a while that had a thinly padded back panel. I had no complaints but it I wanted something that would hold my VHF so I jumped on the bandwagon and bought one of Kokatat's Bahia Tour models last year (it's very nice BTW). However the Kokatat has a high back design with the flotation panel being thick across the top of the shoulders, but the lower back has nothing for flotation / padding.

I did notice that my kidneys and lower back seemed to hurt a bit more last season, but I'm not sure if that is due to the PFD, me spending more time on the water, the stock Hobie  / Ocean Kayak seats getting a little more "worn-in", or me just being overly fragile.

So, the question is for those that have used multiple different PFDs. What would you prefer for your next one; high-back or slim-back?

I found the exact same experience when switching form a full thin back PFD to the NRS Chinoook PFD two years ago.  Couple with the poor lower back support from the stock Hobie seat and my overly fragile back, any long sessions of just trolling resulted in very angry back and legs.

Last year, I got the Austin Kayak Gone Fishin Seat for Father's Day http://www.austinkayak.com/products/2545/Gone-Fishin-Kayak-Seat.html.  Coupled with a gel seat pad won at the Bonneville Bass raffle, my back and legs were much happier through the summer and fall seasons! 

For your question, not sure what I'd do about a new PFD going forward, as I'm pretty happy with what I have.  Since it matches fairly well with the lumber support on the seat, probably just stay with the same...

-Sam

If you want comfort it's probably best to fiddle with the seat. The PFD floatation is designed for safety. 

The PFD floatation is designed for safety. 

Agreed, and I'd never try to alter a PFD. But that makes me wonder, is one type of PFD "safer" than the other? I figured the high back was just moving the same amount of flotation higher so as to not interfere with the seat back.

I am thinking about getting another PFD so that I have a loaner for when I take friend. I'm leaning towards a touring model with a thinner full-back panel, but would love to hear what others think beforehand.

Thanks Sam, I've thought about getting another seat. But then the thought creeps in of selling my Revo and upgrading to the 2015 seat...

Skidplate -- Good Question, I was wondering the same thing...having the same challenges.  So far, I'm staying with the slimback PFD.  I've found a noticeable improvement in comfort when I have a second seat cushion under my butt (using a stock Hobie seat and the slimback PFD).  If I'm only out for a couple hours or short distances I don't notice the benefit of the seat cushion much, but I think the seat padding is more relevant than the lumbar support (and thus the contact on the PFD) for me.

You have to feel sorry for the people who design kayak seats.  They do their best to design a comfortable seat, but ultimately how the seat feels may depend on what kind of PFD the paddler is using.  And if the paddler isn't comfortable, they'll blame the seat, not the PFD.

The PFD floatation is designed for safety. 

Agreed, and I'd never try to alter a PFD. But that makes me wonder, is one type of PFD "safer" than the other? I figured the high back was just moving the same amount of flotation higher so as to not interfere with the seat back.

With more foam higher up on your back it will keep your head more upright. Could be important if you're unconscious. I have the Kokatat Bahia Tour and when I float in that thing I'm straight up and down. Matter of fact it's darn comfy.

Older seats with just the buckles and straps are pretty uncomfortable and a bad fitting PFD on top of that can make it feel worse. The new ones that Hobie and Jackson make are dreamy. I could sit in my PA12 all day long and not even think about seat comfort.

Skdidplate - are you sorry now you sold me your Astral PFD? I'm not - I love the padding around my kidneys.

I tried out a thin back Astral back when I first bought a PFD and loved the fit and general feel, but I figured that all those high back PFDs, designed to be used with kayak seats, existed for a good reason. After buying a Stohlquist high back PFD and wearing it for two years, I came to the conclusion that conventional wisdom was wrong. I'm glad I found a good deal on a used Astral. And now that I bought a Surf-to-Summit GTS Expedition seat, I am feeling downright comfortable.

Skdidplate - are you sorry now you sold me your Astral PFD? I'm not - I love the padding around my kidneys.

Sorry? No, you're a great guy. If I still had it, would I still sell it to you? No way. Ha ha.

Older seats with just the buckles and straps are pretty uncomfortable and a bad fitting PFD on top of that can make it feel worse. The new ones that Hobie and Jackson make are dreamy. I could sit in my PA12 all day long and not even think about seat comfort.

Ya, I've spent a bit of time in a Jackson and that new seat from Hobie looks to be worth the hefty price of admission.

The other PFD I've have tried on quite a few times is also a Kokatat and is very similar to the Bahia Tour, except for the back...
I've been eyeballing their Outfit Tour (on the left, Bahia Tour on the right):
vs.

I know it's probably just splitting hairs, but I'm getting cabin fever bad...