2025 PFD Buyers Guide
4Corners RiversportsFind the Best Life Jacket for Your Adventure
A high-quality personal flotation device (PFD) is arguably the most important piece of safety gear for any paddler, whether you're paddling Class V whitewater to enjoying a relaxing day at the lake, or anything in between.
We'll break down some of our favorite Type III Whitewater PFDs, Women’s-specific life jackets, Fishing PFDs, Rescue PFDs, and SUP-friendly options. Keep in mind, there is no substitute for trying them on in-person, but if that isn't an option, then hopefully this guide will help make your decision a little easier.
Note: Graded Sizing means the flotation varies depending on the size of the PFD. Most vary by a 1/2 lbs or less between sizes.
WW PFDs | WOMEN'S PFDs | RESCUE PFDs | REC & FISHING PFDs | SUP PFDs
Type III / Whitewater PFDs
Astral Bowen
The Astral Bowen is one of our favorite designs because of the precision fit and lots of integrated storage pockets. Featuring 15.5 lbs of flotation, a secure fit, and articulated two-pieces independent foam panels, this low-profile Type III life jacket offers maximum mobility and impact protection for serious paddlers.
Highlights:
- PVC-free Gaia and PE foam with two-pieces independent foam panels
- Clamshell pocket with organization slots
- Adjustable side straps for a secure fit
- 15.5 lbs flotation
Pros: Secure fit, articulated foam for mobility, durable, PVC-free.
Cons: 15.5 lbs flotation is less than similar models
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NRS Ninja
The re-vamped NRS Ninja was our best seller of 2024 and for good reason. With soft PVC-free foam, a side-entry design, large front pocket and 16.3 lbs of flotation, this Type III kayak PFD offers unmatched comfort, flexibility, and a secure fit, ideal for freestyle paddlers and smaller frames.
Highlights:
- Soft PVC-free foam for comfort
- Large front pocket for essentials
- Low-profile fit for unrestricted movement
- 16.3 lbs flotation
Pros: High flotation with a low-profile, flexible fit, large front pocket, no zipper entry.
Cons: Not ideal for larger torsos, less ventilation.
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Astral YTV 2.0
The Astral YTV 2.0 is a super popular with packrafters since it is one of the lightest weight and most simplistic PFDs on the market. It features an updated Torso Lock™ foam platform for a secure fit, larger pockets, and a bluesign® approved, 100% recycled shell. This is a slip-over the head style with no zippers or buckles.
Highlights:
- Feather-light design with durable construction
- Articulated foam panels for a natural low-profile fit
- 16.5 lbs flotation
Pros: Simple design, low-profile, ultra-lightweight.
Cons: Very minimal storage, slip-over the head entry.
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Astral Ceiba
The Astral Ceiba is a high-performance, eco-friendly PFD made from sustainable, PVC-free materials. Designed for comfort and versatility, it features a ventilated back panel, multiple adjustment points, and front zippered pockets for storage. Ideal for paddlers seeking both safety and sustainability.
Highlights:
- Organic Kapok and PE foam blend
- Pillow feel foam, form-fitting design
- 16.3 lbs flotation
Pros: 16.3 lbs flotation, eco-friendly ultra-soft Kapok foam, front entry.
Cons: Bulkier than minimalist PFDs, limited color options. Some don't like the puffy feeling of the Kapok.
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Stohlquist Edge
The Stohlquist Edge is a low-profile, side-entry PFD designed for high-mobility water sports like whitewater kayaking and SUP. Its ergonomic WRAPTURE™ shaped torso, adjustable straps, and contoured foam ensure a snug, comfortable fit, while a zippered chest pocket provides convenient storage for essentials.
Highlights:
- Ergonomic WRAPTURE™ shaped torso
- High-cut design for better range of motion
- Multiple adjustment points for a dialed-in fit
- 16+ lbs flotation* (graded sizing)
Cons: Minimal storage, snug fit may not suit all body types, no ventilation panels.
Women’s Specific PFDs
Astral Layla
The Astral Layla is by far our best selling women's jacket, we can fit almost any body type into the jacket comfortably. Featuring a sculpted bust, hinged princess seams, and organic kapok foam, it offers a secure, contoured fit. Its side-entry design, multiple adjustment points, and zippered pockets make it ideal for kayaking and rafting. The men's version, the Ringo, is the same jacket with the same cut if you prefer the "men's" colors.
Highlights:
- Women’s-specific torso design
- Organic Kapok foam for comfort
- Adjustable side straps
- 16.3 lbs flotation
Pros: Our best selling women's jacket, soft Kapok foam, side entry, great mobility.
Cons: Very limited storage & no zipper on the pocket.
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Astral E-Linda
The Astral E-Linda is a women-specific PFD designed for all-day calm water paddling comfort. It features a lightweight, ergonomic fit with a high-back design for compatibility with rec kayak seats. Made with eco-friendly materials, it offers breathable mesh panels, multiple adjustment points, and zippered pockets for storage.
Highlights:
- Breathable Airescape™ technology
- Multiple storage pockets
- High-back design for comfort
- 16lbs flotation
Pros: Low profile back, breathable mesh, zippered pockets.
Cons: Limited storage, calm-water only, snug fit for some.
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Stohlquist BetSea
The Stohlquist BetSea is a women-specific PFD featuring a contoured, ergonomic fit with built-in supportive cups for superior comfort. Its high-back design ensures compatibility with kayak seats, while adjustable straps, breathable mesh panels, and zippered pockets make it ideal for paddling and touring adventures.
Highlights:
- Built-in support cups
- Cross-chest cinch straps
- High-back foam for kayak comfort
- 16+ lbs flotation* (Graded Sizing)
Pros: Built-in support cups, front entry, breathable.
Cons: Limited storage, bulky for some.
Type V Rescue PFDs
Rescue PFDs are built for guides, swiftwater rescuers, and advanced paddlers who need quick-release harnesses, reinforced attachment points, and maximum buoyancy for high-risk environments.
NRS Vector & Ninja Pro
The NRS Vector and its side-entry counterpart the Ninja Pro, includes an integrated quick-release belt, multiple gear attachment points, and a streamlined fit for mobility. The Vector has slightly more pocket room, while the Ninja Pro is a side-entry design and has a beverage pocket.
Highlights:
- Quick-release chest harness for swiftwater rescue operations
- High-cut design for full range of motion
- Large zippered front pocket for essential gear
- Adjustable shoulders and sides for a secure fit
- 16 lbs flotation* (Graded Sizing)
Pros: Very lightweight for Type Vs, good range of motion, quick-dry materials, reflective details for safety, side entry on the Ninja Pro.
Cons: Limited storage, lacks padding in some areas.
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Astral Green Jacket & Indus
The most popular whitewater rescue PFD, the Astral Green Jacket, along with its bigger brother, the Astral Indus High-Float, known for its high buoyancy, reinforced rescue harnesses, and storage capacity for guides and expedition paddlers.
Highlights:
- Clamshell front pocket for gear storage (Green Jacket)
- Integrated rescue harness with quick-release belt
- Durable 500D Cordura® shell for rugged conditions
- 15.5 lbs flotation (Green Jacket) / 22 lbs flotation (Indus)
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Kokatat HustleR
A streamlined rescue PFD for whitewater paddlers, the Kokatat HustleR features adjustable shoulder straps, reflective detailing, and quick-access pockets.
Highlights:
- Quick-release chest harness
- Durable Cordura shell
- Articulated foam panels for comfort and mobility
- Side-entry system for easy on/off
- 16 lbs flotation
Pros: Low-profile front, protective back, large pocket, removable rescue belt.
Cons: Fit isn't as universal as some jackets, knife tab may not fit all knives.
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Stohlquist Descent
A top-tier rescue vest, the Stohlquist Descent provides extra buoyancy, multiple storage compartments, and a secure harness system for professional rescue scenarios.
Highlights:
- Quick-release rescue belt
- Multiple gear attachment points
- Reflective accents for visibility
- Reinforced shoulder straps for durability
- 17 lbs flotation* (Graded Sizing)
Pros: Padded straps, ample storage, side-entry, low profile, high flotation.
Cons: Fit isn't as universal as some jackets.
Calm Water & Fishing PFDs
Designed for kayak fishing, recreational paddling, and flatwater adventures, these PFDs focus on comfort, ventilation, and storage to keep your gear accessible.
Kokatat WKNDR
A lightweight and breathable recreational PFD, the Kokatat WKNDR is perfect for paddlers who want a simple, no-fuss life jacket for lakes, slow-moving rivers, or ocean touring.
Highlights:
- Front-zip entry for easy wear
- Two zippered pockets for essentials
- Adjustable side and shoulder straps for a custom fit
- PVC-free foam for eco-conscious comfort
- 16+ lbs flotation* (Graded Sizing)
Pros: Lightweight & comfortable, front-zip entry, PVC-free foam.
Cons: Limited storage, calm-water only
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Astral E-Ronny
Built with kayak anglers and flatwater paddlers in mind, the Astral E-Ronny features a high-back design that works well with kayak seats, along with breathable mesh panels for ventilation.
Highlights:
- Airescape™ technology for better airflow
- High-back cut for kayak seat compatibility
- Large front pockets for fishing gear or snacks
- 16 lbs flotation.
Pros: High rise thin-back design, breathable mesh, multiple pockets, eco-friendly.
Cons: Limited side adjustments, bulkier fit, calm-water only
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Astral Sturgeon
Our best-selling fishing PFD, the Astral Sturgeon is a feature-rich life jacket designed for anglers who need ample storage and all-day comfort. With 16 lbs of flotation, a Thin-Vent™ back for breathability, multiple tool slots, and a large clamshell pocket, it offers unmatched convenience and a secure fit for kayak fishing adventures.
Highlights:
- Multiple tool slots and pockets for fishing accessories
- Thin-Vent™ back panel for ventilation and seat compatibility
- Durable ripstop shell for long-lasting use
- Adjustable side straps for a personalized fit
- 16 lbs flotation.
Pros: Streamlined design, ample storage with clamshell pocket, comfortable Thin-Vent back.
Cons: Some may not like the closure system because of the pocket flap.
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Stohlquist Fisherman
Designed specifically for anglers, the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD includes zip-down workstations, multiple storage options, and a high-back cut for comfortable wear in kayaks with tall seats.
Highlights:
- EVA-molded pockets double as mini workstations
- Multiple D-rings and attachment points for fishing tools
- High-back flotation for better seat compatibility
- Durable nylon shell resists snags and wear
Pros: Durable, high-back design, great storage, breathable, secure fit.
Cons: Bulky for some, pockets can interfere with paddling.
SUP PFDs
For stand-up paddleboarding, these PFDs prioritize lightweight design, breathability, and minimal bulk to keep movement unrestricted.
NRS Zephyr
The NRS Zephyr Inflatable PFD is a low-profile, belt-style life jacket ideal for stand-up paddlers, anglers or rec kayakers. It inflates manually via a CO₂ cartridge for safety without the bulk of a regular PFD.
Highlights:
- Low-profile fit for comfort
- CO2 inflation system for instant buoyancy
- Zippered pocket for small essentials
Pros: Compact, manual inflation, zippered pocket
Cons: Requires CO2 refill, inherent risks of inflatable PFDs, flatwater use only.
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Astral Airbelt
Similar to the Zephyr above, the Astral Airbelt PFD is a lightweight, low-profile inflatable life jacket designed for paddleboarding and kayaking. Worn as a waist belt, it inflates manually via a CO₂ cartridge for emergency flotation. Featuring an adjustable fit, durable materials, and a secure pocket, it's ideal for active paddlers.
Highlights:
- Compact and lightweight
- Manual inflation for emergency use
- Comfortable, adjustable fit
Pros: Compact, manual inflation, essentials pocket
Cons: Requires CO2 refill, inherent risks of inflatable PFDs, flatwater use only.
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NRS Ion
The NRS Ion PFD is popular with the SUP and River Surfers because of its low-profile and mostly flat front panel. It features soft foam panels that conform to your body, a ventilated back for breathability, and six adjustment points for a secure fit. With a front-zip design and a large zippered pocket, it's both functional without being intrusive.
Highlights:
- Flat panel design with large pocket
- Ultra-soft foam for comfort
- Buckle side-entry
- Makes a great whitewater PFD also!
- 16.5 lbs flotation
Pros: Versatile, great for river surfing, comfortable for men and women.
Cons: Usually not a great fit for very small or very large users.
Find Your Perfect PFD
Shop all PFDs and choose the best life jacket for your next adventure! 🚣♂️