The Best Life Jackets & Vests in 2020

• O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest
• Stohlquist Men’s Trekker Life Jacket/Personal Floatation Device
• O’Brien Focus Neoprene Life Jacket
• O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest
• Astral GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD
• Astral Ronny Fisher Life Jacket PFD

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the O’Neill Men’s Superlite USCG Life Vest:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Durable and strong exterior.
• Ultra-lightweightUltra-lightweight.
• Easy to move in.
• Mesh provides quick drainage.
• Dries quickly.

What we like:

• It comes with four safety buckles to ensure the vest stays secure.
• It uses an overlock stitching that makes the seams robust and reliable.
• The armhole size is strategically measured for optimal safety in any situation.

What we don’t like:

• Some customers complain about the jacket being more significant than it should be. To prevent such an issue, simply order one size smaller.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Jacket:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Heavy-duty nylon fabric.
• Expandable zippered pocket.
• Shoulder adjustments.
• Has reflective material.

What we like:

• The SOLAS material makes your jacket quite visible.
• The life jacket has a mesh drainage system for quicker drying.
• As an extra precaution, a whistle is attached to the life jacket that you can use in emergencies.
• The vest doesn’t breathe very well in hotter conditions.

What we don’t like:

• The jacket gets warm when left in the sun

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Stohlquist Fit Life Jacket:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Adjustable three buckle system.
• Sheer back panel.
• Lightweight at 7 lbs.
• Fits adults more significant than 90 lbs and with a 30”-52” chest.
• Bright red and grey color.

What we like:

• There is a loop at the top of the life jacket that you can use for natural drying and storage afterward.
• The straps are box stitched. This increases the jacket’s durability.
• The PFD is Coast Guard approved, which gives you added reassurance.

What we don’t like:

• It does not fit well on a woman size 6.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• The vest is available in 2 colors: Red and Blue.
• Constructed from Nylon
• 3 buckle straps available
• It’s suitable for adults who weigh over 90 pounds.
• It’s priced at $25

What we like:

• It has added nylon foam to its design which delivers extra comfort and convenience when you put the life jacket on.
• Suitable for multiple water-based activities. It’s definitely a reliable option which you can use any time even when diving.
• The PFD is quite comfortable to adjust so it can fit your size and create a coveted comfort without much effort.

What we don’t like:

• It’s not particularly suitable for any size. As we mentioned earlier, if you are overweight or very skinny, you might want to refer to another life jacket that covers your weight & size.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the
AUTO-VOX Adult Inflatable Life Snorkeling Vest Jacket:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Quite small in size. It’s suitable for multiple water-based sports activities. However, it’s not ideal for larger people.
• Quick inflation and deflation within 15 seconds.
• Waist and crotch straps are provided.

What we like:

• It’s suitable for multiple water activities, even for diving. Our opinion is that if you dive a lot, but you don’t have the budget to get a high-end life jacket, this would be the perfect option for you. Inflation and deflation within 15 seconds so you can put it on and remove it quickly. It is incredibly lightweight, so you can operate and move without any issues.
• 2 straps are available so you can adjust the vest correctly to your body and get the maximum comfort you can extract from this PFD.
• As we said, extremely lightweight. It is easy to pack, and you can fit it in almost any backpack you bring with yourself.

What we don’t like:

• A disadvantage here is that there aren’t any additional pockets available. This means you aren’t able to bring some vital accessories with yourself, such as a knife or a whistle.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• The life vest is available in 2 different colors – orange and yellow, which are one of the most bright shades. And this is highly important so you can be easily noticed when the jacket is put on.
• 3 adjustable straps
• Large armholes
• Lightweight
• Priced at $13

What we like:

• Additional foam and cushioning are added to this life jacket assuring you will feel comfortable enough.
• 3 adjustable straps so the PFD can fit easily and tight to your body.
• Large armholes are designed so you can move freely without any issues.

What we don’t like:

• Due to the added padding near the neck, the head movement is restricted.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Onyx Universal Paddle Vest Universal Paddle Life Vest, Red, Oversize:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Made from neoprene
• Breathable mesh lower back.
• Durable foam back that accommodates back seats
• 6 adjustable straps available for maximum comfort
• It’s priced at $35

What we like:

• Due to the lack of neck cushion, this paddle vest would be an incredible pick for a vast majority of water sports.
• The large armholes provide extra comfort and free movement when you take part in water-based activities such as kayaking, swimming, boating, and many more.
• The foam added to the back adds incredible comfort.
• It’s exceptionally lightweight and allows you to fit it in any backpack.

What we don’t like:

• A bottom strap isn’t available. This might result in an inappropriate fit and cause the vest to slip off.
• The zipping might cause overheat during a hot day.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the O’Brien Men’s Biolite Traditional Life Jacket:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• BioLite construction.
• 2 adjustable belts.
• It comes in a variety of color options.
• US Coast Guard approved.
• Wide armholes for easy moveability.

What we like:

• The PWC lanyard comes with an attachment ring that keeps the rope out of your way.
• The BioLite material will ensure breathability and faster drying.
• It comes in a variety of bright colors so you can be visible.

What we don’t like:

• The jackets run two sizes small.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• It comes in vibrant colors.
• Quick-release button.
• A buoyancy of 7 lbs and 6 oz.
• Has an adjustable crotch strap.
• Double collar.

What we like:

• The infant life jacket has a double collar that cradles the child’s head but still allows for full movement.
• The life jacket has an open back for more breathability and seat comfort.
• There is a grab handle that makes the rescue process a breeze.

What we don’t like:

• The jacket does not come with reflectors.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Mex’s Flex V-Back Neoprene:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Wide armholes.
• Has a back stretch panel.
• The product is lightweight and not bulky.
• US Coast Guard approved.
• It comes in a variety of colors.

What we like:

• The jacket has a flexible v-back that stretches with the movement of your body.
• It has a biolite design, which gives you more breathability and provides the jacket with excellent drying capabilities.
• It has a neoprene outer surface for added comfort.

What we don’t like:

• It is not suitable for children.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Premium Quality Manual Inflatable Life Jacket Lifejacket PFD:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Built from high-quality materials: Nylon, Neoprene, Polyester
• Free movement due to the lack of chest straps
• Additional zipped pockets and compartments
• Made for adults under 330lbs (150kg)
• Priced at $85
• Adheres to the SOLAS standard

What we like:

• Due to the waist straps, arm and neck movement becomes quite an easy task.
• A few zippered pockets and compartments are added so you can keep crucial stuff such as a knife and rope in a hand-reach if you come across at a perilous situation.

What we don’t like:

• Can’t offer you much warmth because a lot of cushioning is missing. However, it can be worn comfortably on a neoprene suit.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Onyx Curve MOVEMENT Paddle Sports PFD:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Multiple sizes available
• Soft and lightweight cushion
• Mesh lower back design
• ‘It’s priced between $40 and $100, depending on size and color.

What we like:

• Suits perfectly to the body. If we have to describe this life vest with a single word that would be comfort.
• Extremely lightweight. After wearing it for some time, you’ll literally forget that you are equipped with a paddle vest.
• Smooth movements are a definite part of the overall assessment of this product.

What we don’t like:

• The life jacket misses pockets. And D-ring attachments aren’t also available.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the NRS Chinook Fishing PFD:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• A great pick for fishing
• Several different sized pockets
• Mesh back design
• Priced at $85

What we like:

• As you already know, it delivers remarkable effectiveness to every angler due to the multiple added compartments.
• Rog-holder is available, as well as Net attachment D-ring.
• Adheres to the US Coast Guard standard

What we don’t like:

• Due to the large and bulky front design, overheating might occur.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the NRS Vapor PFD:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• 18 inches wide
• 1 large zippered compartment
• Side-entry design
• Features soft and flexible foam
• Made of high-quality materials – 200D Nylon
• Priced at $80

What we like:

• The large front compartment allows you to keep essentials in a hand-reach.
• Added cushion for excellent comfort and convenience. You simply put this life vest on and participate in any water-related activity without any movement restrictions.
• The life jacket is extremely lightweight, and you can carry it anywhere without much effort.

What we don’t like:

• Some customers complain about having a rash during paddling. So if you are highly allergic to any kind of Nylon or polyester, you might skip this option.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Lightweight neoprene shell.
• Uses nitro lite foam.
• Minimal bulk design.
• It comes with two strap buckles.
• Long zipper in front of the jacket.

What we like:

• The jacket has nitro lite foam that absorbs 15-20 % less water.
• The zipper is long enough to keep the life jacket in a stable position.
• The jacket provides you with lower back lumbar pads for extra support for your core.

What we don’t like:

• The black material absorbs heat when left in the sun.
• The jacket runs tighter than expected.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Stohlquist Men’s Trekker Life Jacket/Personal Floatation Device:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• It comes in vibrant colors.
• Easy to clean with soap and water.
• Has ventilated shoulders and back.
• Dimensions are 7” high and 17” wide.
• Has roomy front zippered pockets.

What we like:

• You can adjust the straps on your shoulders for a tailored fit.
• The back has a mesh net that improves breathability.
• The jacket has a cross-chest harness that ensures it stays stable.

What we don’t like:

• Pockets are too small for electronic devices.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the O’Brien Focus Neoprene Life Jacket:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Wide armholes.
• Two adjustable belts.
• US Coast Guard approved.
• Biolite material.

What we like:

• The biolite construction gives you more room to move and is more breathable.
• The big armholes give you the ease of access and exit.
• The classic zipper with the two strap buckle ensures the life jacket stays snug when worn.

What we don’t like:

• The jacket is limited in color varieties.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Suitable for multiple watersports
• 2 easy-to-remove buckles
• Minimal bulk design
• Priced at $136

What we like:

• The comfortable structure and design make it perfectly suitable for various water-related activities.
• Due to its elegant design, the person using it is granted with considerable mobility and freedom.
• US Coast Guard approved.

What we don’t like:

• The stomach padding area is too thick, and this might cause overheating.
• There aren’t any pockets, and this counts as quite a considerable disadvantage when we are speaking of high-end life jackets. On the other side, comfort, design, and effectiveness are the things that make it up for the price.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Astral GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD for Whitewater Rescue, Sea, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Features high-quality material – nylon
• Additional pockets are available.
• Attractive and comfortable design
• Highly expensive – $270

What we like:

• The life jacket is perfect for river guides and expedition paddlers equally.
• PE foam inserts are added to the design so you can move comfortably and experience free movements when participating in paddling sports.
• Made highly durable so it can be your “buddy”” life jacket for extended periods. You’ll won’t have to search for another vest for years to come.

What we don’t like:

• The only disadvantage we see here is the high price. If you can afford it, go for it, this is probably the best pick on the market.

We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Astral Ronny Fisher Life Jacket PFD for Fishing, Recreation, and Touring Kayaking:

Our recommendations:

• Amazon with worldwide shipping

Specs & Features:

• Primarily made for fishing.
• Features front centre zip entry
• Made from nylon
• It’s priced at $183

What we like:

• It’s highly comfortable and features several various sized compartments to keep your essentials in a hand-reach.
• The mesh-back design provides better ventilation so you can avoid finding your back in sweat.

What we don’t like:

• The life vest is quite bulky, and if you plan to dive, you won’t be able to see your feet. Keep in mind it’s quite heavy too.

The Best Life Jackets: Buying Guide (2020)

There are a couple of crucial things to consider before investing in a life jacket. To come with a vest that fits your personal style and preference perfectly, you’ll have to be aware of essentials such as size, design, weight capacity, color, and others that add supremely to the overall performance of the PFD.

Size

Everything comes down to the size of the life jacket. If the vest is too small, there will be a movement restriction. If it happens to be too large, you’ll have trouble staying afloat. The perfect size is determined when you have the jacket put on, and someone tugs the PFD up. If the jacket doesn’t go up to your neck and nose and stays in its place, congratulations, you’ve found your perfect size.

Design

It’s crucial to have mesh drain panels added to the life jacket. They allow the PFD to dry quicker than average (hours faster), and provide proper ventilation. Thus you will be able to deliver excellent care to your back, avoiding sweating and perspiration.

Weight Capacity

It’s crucial to be aware of the floating capacity when you are choosing a life vest. Besides the size, the weight also takes a critical place in for our guiding list. That’s because if you are overweight and buy a jacket that is meant for lighter people, you might find it quite useless.

Color

The thought “color being unimportant” probably goes through your mind right now, but let me tell you why this is wrong. Brighter colors, especially orange and yellow, provide better visibility. And people will be able to see you if you are 100 meters away from them. Therefore rescue you.

Materials

The last essential pillar that constructs the buying decision. Nylon and neoprene are what you are looking for. They provide better durability than other materials. For example – a polyester life vest will last up to 5 years, while a neoprene one will do it for 6 and a half years.

So, after you’ve read this whole guide, you now know why a life vest is crucial to your safety and how to choose one. If you don’t want to bother yourself with buying decisions, we’ve done the dirty work for you and listed the best life jackets, depending on your budget.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about life jackets and vests