There can’t be a more important piece of equipment when you’re on the water than the one that could save your life. When you’re kayaking, paddle boarding, boating or enjoying many other water sports, you need to wear a life jacket or vest. You never know when you might need to rely on it to keep you afloat.
When choosing a life jacket or vest, you need to consider which activities you will mostly want to wear it for. There’s a key difference between a life jacket and a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) although they both tend to get called a life jacket and both perform the same function, keeping you buoyant. But while a PFD is designed to be worn constantly when on or in the water and will keep a conscious person afloat, life jackets will also support those who are unconscious and turn them over in the water so they can breathe. This means they tend to be bulkier and are most suitable for emergencies when the wearer might be in the water for a longer period of time. PFDs are less restrictive and are ideal for water sports and to be worn by competent swimmers. Whichever life jacket you decide on, it’s good to check the sizing as a good fit is vital. Here are the life jackets we recommend.
Pros:
- Coast Guard approved
- Easy for all day wear
- Features threee adjustable straps
Cons:
- Runs a bit small so size up
- Shorter design can be uncomfortable for some users
Approved by the US Coast Guard, this PFD is comfortable to wear all day on the water thanks to three adjustable chest straps. The one-inch straps fasten around the durable nylon shell with buoyant PE foam inside. This is a life vest that will last season after season and is suitable for boating, tubing or swimming.
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
Close-fitting and comfortable
Feel safe and secure in this snug vest.
Pros:
- Flexible foam design
- 4 Color options to choose from
- Lightweight for all-day wear
Cons:
- Runs a bit big so smaller users may want to size down
- Can be difficult to adjust at first
Featuring a sculpted flexible foam design that fits around your torso and stays put when paddling, this vest is also available in dual sizing for different body shapes. Constructed from heavy-duty nylon to resist damage, it has mesh ventilation panels to keep you cool and reflective material so you can be seen. A zippered pocket and lash tab are just right to keep small accessories safe.
O'Neill Men's Superlite USCG Life Vest
Quick fastening with adjustable fit
Enjoy waterski's, kayaking, or boating in this safe and secure vest.
Pros:
- Superlite design
- US Coast Guard approved
- 12 Colors and designs to choose from
Cons:
- Awkward fit for taller users
A USCG-approved Type III nylon PFD, O’Neill’s vest uses closed cell marine foam for flotation with a coated nylon outer shell to keep it lightweight and comfortable. Anatomically cut, it has four heavy-duty 1.5” wide webbing belts which allow for an adjustable fit with quick-release Delrin buckles for easy fastening.
Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vests
Safe and visible
Have fun on the water without worrying about safety!
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Easy to get on/off kids
- US Coast Guard Approved
Cons:
- Runs small
When it comes to water and children, it's always better to be safe than sorry. That's where these Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vests come in! These US Coast Guard approved life jackets are bright, easy to use, and perfect for keeping an eye on the kids while they're swimming. The vest comes in five colors, and a wide variety of sizes, making it adaptable for all the kids!
Bottom line
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Even the strongest swimmers need a life jacket when they are on the water. It’s an essential item for most water sports and one which saves lives year after year. As you need to wear it as long as you want to be on the water, it’s important to get one that suits your sport, doesn’t restrict you and fits correctly. A life vest that you don’t wear because it’s uncomfortable is useless. The life jacket we would recommend to most people for general use is Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest. It’s a best seller for a reason – offering durable construction, a good range of adjustment and a comfortable fit for a very reasonable price. It’s good for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.
If you want a life jacket for paddle sports, the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest is a good choice. It allows for a wide range of arm movement and the mesh back will accommodate even high back kayak seats.
Why trust us?
At Advnture, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
