20 Best Kayak Life Vests & Jackets in 2023

NRS Chinook is the high-end life vest designed for kayakers who don’t mind fishing from time to time too. 

The roomy fit makes it a versatile piece of equipment that can be worn over your regular clothes. Thanks to the PlushFIT foam that conveniently molds to your body, you are bound to feel your best wearing the jacket for long hours.

It comes with a variety of adjustment points for customizing it any way you want. The 2 zippered pockets in conjunction with the 2 accessory pockets and a tool holder pocket allow you to keep all of your necessities at hand. 

This model has a USCG certification, which makes it a sound garment with a high security rating. 

For a roomy kayak life jacket that fits like a glove, consider paying attention to the Edge model designed by Stohlquist Waterware. Featuring the top-loading front pocket for the ease of accessibility and storage space for small knick knacks, it is the real deal. 

The graded sizing makes it a universal piece of equipment that can accommodate everyone regardless of their weight and height. 

The fit is entirely customizable – the shoulder, waist, and side traps can be adjusted to achieve that perfect look and feel. 

The low-cut design enables you to fit your arms with no troubles whilst also feeling secure. 

The high-visibility 3MTM reflective accents help others to spot you during the night, whereas the center lash tab allows you to bring a variety of utility attachments on board with you.      

The last thing you want to be doing when kayaking on a hot day is to be wearing a heavy life jacket with no ventilation. Coleman Comfort Series life vest is anything but that – it features large armholes alongside the back and shoulders’ mesh airing system for cooling down when needed. 

Approved by the USCG, this vest can accommodate every adult weighing over 90 pounds. 

The Nylon shell combined with the PE foam material and an adjustable buckle strap makes it a snug piece of equipment that is bound to last you a long time. 

You are given two front pockets for storing your necessities, which comes in handy when going for long kayaking trips. Slide it onto your chest, adjust the waist belt and the front zipper, and you are good to go.     

Kokatat has been on the market for many decades already, and it shows. Their women’s life jacket we are about to review is the proof of the high quality for which the brand is known for.

Starting with the 500-Denier Cordura and 200-Denier Nylon fabrics and ending with an extensive size range, there is nothing this vest is short of. The lower back panel is crafted from mesh for that desired airflow, which is further supported by the PVC-free GAIA foam with recyclable properties. 

Other features include thermo-formed shoulders, 3 side adjustments, and 8 zippered pockets. This means that you can customize your life vest in any way you want for that comfortable and free-movement fit. 

The reflective tape is also integrated – it is particularly helpful for those kayaking trips in low light conditions. 

It’s hard to find a kayak life vest that could fairly compare to the MoveVent Dynamic model from Onyx. This one wins at comfort, functionality, fit, and cost every time. 

The sides of this vest are fully open, while the side belts are fully adjustable – a combination that enables zero movement restriction and a hundred percent of unparalleled ventilation. 

The shoulders are customizable too – they have comfort pads made from Neoprene that sit on your body comfortably throughout the entire kayaking trip. You might even forget you are wearing a life jacket when you are wearing it. 

The zippered pocket has a couple of handy characteristics too – it is extendable, has mesh drainage integrated into it, features a drying loop, and SOLAS-grade reflective accents. 

This USCG-approved life vest can quickly become your go-to life jacket whenever you venture out for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing adventure. 

This buoyancy aid by NSR is a superior kayak life vest that is designed to provide you with the high-cost experience at a moderate price.

The construction of the jacket is straightforward – it slides over your head and secures with the help of the side buckles that are fully adjustable. 

The arm cuts are wide enough to accommodate kayakers of all shapes and sizes. You won’t be restricted in your movements, especially when supported by the soft flotation foam that molds to your body like glue. 

The large pocket in the front has a diagonal zipper that is meant to keep the stuff you store in the pocket secure. Behind the pocket, there is a hand warmer pouch for keeping your limbs warm in the chilliest of the days. 

The life vest is approved by the USCG, which makes it a safe choice for long kayaking excursions.

Kayaking and rafting can’t be imagined without a Stohlquist Trekker life jacket. The good reputation of the company within the kayaking community gives it credibility that, in turn, continues to boost sales on a yearly basis.

The construction of the jacket is near-to-perfect: it is compact, lightweight, and customizable. The outer shell of the jacket is crafted from the 500-Denier Cordura, while the inner lining features 200-Denier Oxford fabric – the duo works together for providing the wearer with comfort and damage-free performance. 

Whitewater rafting, for instance, is the perfect activity in which you can indulge when wearing this life jacket. The back panel of the vest is mounted high so that it doesn’t catch on the seat or ride up your neck during the boat ride. 

The adjustment straps make it easy to customize the fit which will enable the water sports enthusiasts to carry on gliding through the water all day long.  

A wide range of motions without bulky feeling is what Absolute Outdoor Onyx inflatable life jacket is all about. Granted, it’s not designed for weak swimmers, but those who are skilled swimmers can easily reap the benefits of it.

You can inflate the vest either manually – by pulling a T-cord – or let it automatically inflate when in the water. The sleek design of the jacket keeps the swimmer cool in the hot weather, while the Neoprene neckline provides you with the comfort for kayaking or fishing all day long. 

The Nylon incorporated into the construction of the life vest is made to be durable – there is zero chance of you starting to notice any signs of wear and tear in the first year of use. 

The cherry on top is the reflective piping that comes in handy once the sun sets. 

You will get the most security when kayaking while wearing the Astral V-Eight life jacket. Made from 400-Denier Ripstop Nylon, PolyPro webbing, and self-locking Vislon Teeth zippers, it is as tough as a life vest can get.      

The quick-release buckle combined with foam panels allows you to move comfortably so that you won’t have to call it a day after merely an hour of kayaking. The sides of the jacket are open, and the shoulder straps are made to be unobtrusive – you won’t have trouble paddling in your preferred style. 

The manufacturer ensured the jacket is fully ventilated, which is a must for warm days spent under the direct sunlight. 

Being completely free of toxic PVC materials, the jacket can be recycled without ending up in the landfill. This is a win-win.  

One of the life jackets worth including in your narrowed down list of vests to purchase is the Eyson’s inflatable life jacket. With 2-3 seconds of automatic inflation time, there aren’t many personal flotation devices out there that could stand the chance with it. 

Even though it is not suitable for non-skilled swimmers, it is perfectly compatible with swimmers looking for a supportive piece of equipment that is easy to use. 

It is crafted from the durable waterproof fabric that resists punctures while remaining lightweight and soft-to-the-touch. 

The perfect fit can be achieved by pulling the buckle and by adjusting the webbing straps. Additionally, you are given the opportunity to employ the pull cord when manually inflating the jacket and a rescue strap for quickly getting out of those emergency situations.

You can’t leave out the younger population either – regardless of their swimming abilities, they need a life vest too. This is where STEARNS Youth Boating vest comes into play. 

Designed for kids weighing anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds, it is built from the durable Nylon with PE flotation foam.

The hefty construction will last you quite some time before you will have to replace it. The open-sided style of the vest features 3 buckles that are fully adjustable and can fit a wide variety of shapes and sizes. A secure fit with no movement restrictions is guaranteed. 

The life jacket is further certified by the USCG, which is a license worth having when it comes to your personal safety. 

Designed with kayaking in mind, NRS cVest with mesh back is a gem for water sports adventurers searching for a long-lasting life vest. This PFD is approved by the USCG, which makes it a trustworthy gear. 

With 3M reflective accents that aid in increasing visibility in the water, you can rest assured that you are safe.

The open sides of the vest mean your movements are not restricted at any point. When combined with the 4 large pockets and 4 d-rings for clipping knick-knacks like whistles, you get a full ensemble without needing to purchase anything else. 

The 400-Denier fabric gives you the opportunity to safely practice kayaking or canoeing for years before having to replace the life jacket. 

If you are into sea fishing, you will get a lot of use out of this vest too.  

For a budget-friendly life vest that works just as well as its high-end counterpart, go for O’Neill Men’s Superlite life vest. With the easy-to-determine sizing and USCG certification, it is the gear with which you can’t go wrong.

Designed to be used in every kind of water sports (think water-skiing and tubing apart from kayaking), this personal flotation device is super versatile. Its construction that features heavy-duty Nylon, webbing belts, and quick-release Delrin buckles enables you to adjust the fit quickly and efficiently. 

The foam on the inside of the vest is made to mold onto your body for that glove-like comfort. The body of the life jacket isn’t bulky – it has just the right amount of fabric to allow for the best mobility possible.

Another kids-friendly life jacket is the one manufactured by the Hardcore Water Sports company. 

It has 2 sizing options that will suit children weighing between 30 and 50 pounds and those weighing between 50 and 90 pounds. This basically covers the majority of the youngsters who are willing to make their parents a company. 

The jackets are crafted from high-quality Polyester Cordura with closed-cell PE foam. They feature 1-inch adjustable straps along with the quick-release buckle that provide an unparalleled safety when on the boat or kayak. 

The life vest has open sides for a breathable fit and a possibility to loosen the straps if needed. The between-leg strap is a practical feature too – it significantly adds up to the general safety of your child.    

The company made sure to certify these youth life jackets (USCG) to give parents peace of mind.

Here’s a recommendation for everyone who is consciously purchasing eco-friendly clothing only – check out O’Brien’s traditional life vest. This sleek and comfortable piece of equipment will make you fall in love with every water sport regardless of how fit you are.

Featuring BioLite material, the jacket is breathable and quickly-drying – the two characteristics you should be looking for in a life vest. 

The segmented panels that include a front hinge and large armholes allow you to freely move with the jacket without being physically restricted. 

There are 2 adjustable belts and a full front zip closure for getting that snug-but-not-tight fit that keeps you safe on the water. The Traditional vest also has a PWC lanyard attachment ring that keeps the lanyard out of your way.  

It is easy to help your younger ones learn how to swim with the TRC Recreation Kids Super Soft life vest. 

This jacket is approved by the USCG, which gives you, as parents, peace of mind about your child’s safety. 

If features foamy construction that is similar to the composition of the life vests used by water parks and resorts. 

This design makes the jacket comfortable to wear, which is extremely important for small children who struggle to keep clothing on for more than a minute. With the size ranging from X-Small to Medium, there is certainly something that will suit every child. 

When choosing what jacket size to purchase, keep in mind that this personal flotation device should fit your kid snugly. This way you will ensure his ultimate safety no matter how deep into the water he goes.

For a fun design, look into Airhead’s WICKED kwik-dry life jacket created for infants and older children. This bold and quirky life jacket will quickly become your children’s favorite piece of equipment – you won’t even have to force them to wear it. 

Approved by the USCG, it features closed-cell PVC foam front and a Poly-E foam back. The durability of the vest is unquestionable, which is exactly what parents want from kids’ gear. 

A novice incorporated into the jacket is the segmented hinges that allow for movements in every direction. With a zippered closure and adjustable body strap featuring a quick-release buckle belt, your child is guaranteed to stay safe throughout the entire kayaking trip.    

The Phantom life vest by Body Glove is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability. Built from Yamamoto Neoprene and PVC foam, it provides the much-needed ventilation for warm days while also keeping you cozy and snug.

The sides of the vest are lined with Spandex, and the armholes are made to be oversized – both of which increase your overall mobility when paddling. The 1.5-inches belts placed at the front of the jacket are further backed by the zipper so that your security is guaranteed. 

The side straps on the back are not only concealed, but they also feature drain holes that help to shed water from the life jacket. Basically, every feature is responsible for keeping you safe and comfortable during your entire time kayaking. 

Zeraty Men’s life jacket is a top-quality piece of equipment that looks like nothing you’ve seen before. Made from the combination of Neoprene and Lycra, it features a skin-tight construction that feels like the second skin.

The vest comes with 2 adjustable waist belts and a front zipper for achieving maximum security. The buckles don’t slip, and neither does the zipper, which is a top priority for kayakers who tend to spend long hours on the boat. 

The large arm holes allow for free movement that is not hindered by extra fabric under the arms. 

And since one size doesn’t fit all, Zeraty manufactured 4 sizes that will suit everyone from big to small.     

This personal flotation device is designed for those with chest size ranging between 30 and 36 inches – the sweet spot for the majority of people. 

With USCG approval and 200-Denier Nylon fabric, this vest is a real jackpot.

Costing less than $100, this life jacket couldn’t be any more feature-rich. It has two self-draining zippered pockets for storage in the front, a breathable mesh back and side panels for ventilation, and reflective piping for safety measures. 

The high back is responsible for minimizing the friction often encountered between the jacket and the kayak seat. This means that even after several hours of kayaking and canoeing, your back will feel just fine. 

Choose between the three sizes available for purchase, and purchase the one that seems to have the right fit. (It also helps to read a couple of customer reviews to get a better idea of the jacket’s fit).