PFD Types

I am waiting for the PFD I want at Cabela's to go on sale and have been comparing others as well.  What TYPE of PFD should one have for kayaking... I understand there are 3 types and a type 1 does not ensure that you float face up if unconscious.  I am finding it hard, if not impossible, to ascertain what the types are on most life jackets.  I know the Cabela's one is a type 1 (non- face up). 

I have a Stohlquist Fisherman PFD.  I like it.  Other than that, I can't help you too much.

I think I posted some links to previous threads on PFDs in another of your threads.  Did you check them out?  I have a Stohlquist Fisherman Highback.  I like it a lot.  I may check out one of the others discussed in the aforementioned previous PFD threads when mine wears out.

demonick - I did read them all through.  I was specifically the "types" that I was wondering about.  Thanks for all the help.  I just need to get out and try one a bunch.  Maybe I will REI today.

FYI. Bass Pro Shop has a kayak fishing life jacket that is almost identical to the Stohlquist Fisherman for considerably less cost. Best price is the online sale price.

I bought a Cabela's brand fishing life jacket with the straps that go under the crotch and absolutely love it.  However, I quit using it on the kayak because all those awesome pockets on the front would catch on things when I would do an unplanned deep water re-entry.  I have since switched to a kayak specific PFD.  It even has a tow ring on the back should I have to help someone out.  Of course, since I am all about me, I took that off.  

It is an MTI Proplay.  Mine looks slightly different due to all the Lingcod blood.

http://nextadventure.net/mti-proplay-rescue-pfd-en.html

I am About 200 lbs and the XL/XXL size fits right with and without lots of layers.

I saw a Kokatat Bahia (I think that was it) at REI today.  I really like the way it fit and the simplicity of the jacket.  I am trying to decide between it and this cabela's one.  The Cabela's one is half the price.

Cry once.

By good quality and it will last and you'll enjoy it more.  Cheap stuff is just frustrating.  Not saying the Cabelas PFD is junk or "cheap" as I haven't tried it.  But if you like the fit of the Kokatat that much more I'd say to get it.  If it means putting some gizmo for an extra few months it's a worthwhile tradeoff.

Rev I ordered the Kokatat Bahai Tour PFD and absolutely love it. It was a little spendy but since I'm trusting my life to it I didn't care one bit. The Bahai you're looking at is the same basic PDD except that the Tour model comes with some extra pockets.


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The Cabela's PFD is a major brand PFD - I'm sure the quality is fine. That said, you are going to wear the PFD at least as many hours as you spend on the water, so comfort has to be one of the big considerations. Price should be one of the least considerations.

Rev I ordered the Kokatat Bahai Tour PFD and absolutely love it. It was a little spendy but since I'm trusting my life to it I didn't care one bit. The Bahai you're looking at is the same basic PDD except that the Tour model comes with some extra pockets.


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I've got one of these and LOVE IT!  Other than wishing the side pockets were just a tad bigger I feel its the perfect kayak fishing life jacket!  Highly recommended.

Can't say enough about the Bahia Tour as well. I've been using one since '07 and couldn't be happier. Holds your VHF, camera, first aid kit, pliers, perfect spot for safety knife attachment and has a space to put your fishing license as well. Not only does it do this but does it well. No crap hanging off that isn't neccessary. Self rescues are much easier. And It's definitely worth noting that this was designed by NorCal kayak fishing OG Sean White. By kayak fishermen for kayak fishermen!

I went with the the Stohlquist aSea.  The pockets are plenty big for my necessities, and don't get hung up on the kayak upon a remount.  Nice high back and excellent adjustability. Not too spendy, but well worth it.  Easily keeps me afloat (220lbs) in the ocean, as I tested upon getting ditched by my kayak in the surf zone. 

I'm a big fan of my NRS Chinook. While I don't use the pockets all that much, it does have a very high-cut back making it very comfortable with tall SOT seats.

I recently saw the NRS C-Vest in an NRS catalog and really want to try one on. 
It looks slick, and has 6 pockets that don't appear to stick out much.  Nice high back and big patches of reflective tape. Curious if the Standard Horizons hx851 will fit in the radio pocket?