Preview of Kokatat's New Predator PFD

Here's a sneak peak at the new Kokatat Predator PFD that's slated to be released next January.  This isn't just another whitewater PFD that works well for fishing.  The Predator was designed for kayak fishing, based on the extensive input of all the Kokatat Kayak Fishing team members. (Yeah, we're a whiney bunch)

Some of the new features are:
- Extra tough Cordura face fabric to help reduce hook snares
- A large thermo-formed pocket that can be unzipped to 90 degrees, creating a shelf and work surface
      - This pocket is big enough for a small flybox and has built-in storage for lure organization
- A duplex pocket that consists of
     - A vertical zip front mesh pocket for waterproof gear
     - A larger, wide zip rear pocket  that can hold items such as a small tackle box or VHF radio
- 4 rows of MOLLE attachments for hanging tools or attaching Kokatat accessories such as an Electronics sling or Poseidon Chest Pocket.
- Internal MOLLE attachments
- Shoulder loops for attaching VHF recievers, Emergency strobes, a Kokatat Tributary Hydration System or Tactic Pack.

Available Accessories:


Poseiden Chest Pocket


Maximus Prime Electronics Sling


Tributary Hydration Pack


Tactic Pack

Looks cool! I love kokatat stuff. I assume it will be in the $59.99 price range??

What would be cool is if someone would make a safety green version of their life jacket. That would be worth an upgrade to me.  I fish where there are a lot of powerboats and any visibility increase to me is a plus.

What's the floatation of the PFD?  Where flotation is concerned, I think more is good.  If I end up in the water, it's likely to be someplace where lots of flotation will be desirable.  My PFD's all have 22 pounds of flotation.

I like the flexibility provided by the MOLLE attachment points on the chest of the PFD.  Many PFD's have only a single square plastic attachment point for a safety knife, and some knives and sheaths don't fit conveniently at that point.

At first I wasn't too keen on layout at first, but as I looked at it more I can see how and why the various features came about.  Good stuff! 

I agree on the desire for a high vis green, or even a high vis orange option. 
Not sure I like the Harlequin look to the posted version.

The backpack would be cool! 

Also wondering if the lower back breathes enough?

YMMV, of course, but I tried and really disliked the hydration pack. Having the extra x-pounds of weight hanging on your shoulders isn't comfortable.

The Predator is based on the Bahia Tour PFD and will be in the same price range. 

Just like the Bahia Tour, the Predator has the same sort of articulation with a variable thickness back and mesh panels for breathability.

I'll find out what the rated floatation is on this vest.....

As for color, I've seen red as well but I'm not sure what the full range of available colors will be.  Again, I'll ask.

-Mark-

Looking forward to seeing this in person, like DWB I'm not a fan of back mounted water packs.

The Predator will be available in Red or olive.  Floatation is the same as on the Bahia Tour PFD; 17lbs.

For those who like more floatation and more breathability in the back, consider the Sea02 PFD.



This bad boys doesn't have the reinforced cordura front but the trade off is a flatter fit, 22.5 lbs of floatation (inflated) / 7.5lbs of floatation (uninflated) and more mesh in the back.



-Mark-