The right gear can make all the difference in your trip, especially if it gives you peace of mind. This rings true in the realm of personal flotation devices, a vital piece of gear for watersports and water-related activities. From large boats to small kayaks or paddleboards, it’s always wise to properly suit up! But what kind of flotation device is a water-lover to armor themself with? First, let’s define life jackets and PFDs, and mark the differences.
What Are PFDs?
PDF is an umbrella term referring to any flotation device designed to prevent drowning.
What Qualifies Something as a Life Jacket?
Life jackets fall under the larger umbrella of PFDs, and are more specifically defined as a devices that are “able to turn most unconscious wearers onto their back, placing them in a safer position to reduce drowning risk.”
So, a PFD could be anything from a life vest to a floating throwable device, whereas a life jacket is something that must be wearable and able to turn wearers over face up.
Inflatable vs. Traditional PFDs
Now that we’ve established the difference between life jackets and PFDs, let’s underscore the defining characteristics of inflatable PFDs vs. traditional PFDs, also known as foam life jackets.
Traditional PFDs
Traditional PFDs are what would typically come to mind when you picture life vests: an orange vest with buckles across the chest. Since they’re historically made of foam, they’re also referred to as foam PFDs.
Reasons to Opt for Traditional Foam PFDs
The main perks of the PFD we all know and love are that they’re affordable, easy, and never lose their buoyancy levels. They’re ideal options for kids who will likely grow out of them in a few years, or as spare floaters to keep on the boat. Foam PFDs can also be an easier choice if you don’t want to worry about them getting a little messy: I’m talking sand in between the layers of fabric, mud caked onto the buckles, and perhaps slime from fishing bait on the outside. Since they’re economical, it might be easier to accept their inevitably messy fates!
Traditional Foam PFDs to Opt For
Overall, traditional PFDs have been around for decades, withstanding the tests of time and proving they get the job done. However, some may prefer the more modern streamlined design of inflatable PFDs depending on their needs. Here are some of the highest-rated traditional life jackets and PFDs.
The Old Town Treble Angler Sportsman PFD is a highly versatile PFD with an ultra-thin backside designed for seamless integration with kayak seats. It features several pockets and storage compartments to house your Leatherman tools, flashlights, compasses, and more. This multi-purpose PFD can double as a hiking vest. It would be beneficial on a trip that includes a diverse array of outdoor activities, from watersports to hiking, climbing, and beyond!
The Old Town Outfitter Universal Life Jacket is a standout best-seller because of its one-size-fits-all design and no-frills utility. Its thin back, adjustable straps, and elastic shoulder keepers make this one a keeper! You really can’t go wrong with the tried and true Old Town Outfitter Universal Life Jacket!
Inflatable PFDs
If traditional PFDs are like the old childhood friend that everyone knows and loves, inflatable PFDs are like the shiny new foreign exchange student that just moved to town. They’re mysterious, alluring, and might just hold some advanced technology you haven’t yet been exposed to. Everybody wants to know: what’s the deal with inflatable PFDs?
Reasons to Choose Inflatable PFDs
Inflatable PFDs offer a sleek and streamlined design, one that allows them to be compactly transported and stored when not in use. This is a big draw for many hydrophilic adventurers because of limited storage space in small boats, kayaks, and other watercraft. The lightweight nature of inflatable PFDs renders them more comfortable to many wearers due to the greater ease of mobility and coolness offered by lower levels of insulation. These are compelling reasons why a wanderer of the waters might prefer inflatable PFDs over traditional life jackets and PFDs
Inflatable PFDs To Consider
The Mustang MIT Convertible Inflatable PFD is a strong contender for top inflatable PFDs. Its inflator caps allow users to choose between manual and automatic inflation upon submergence. This gives the Mustang a versatile edge that sets it apart from competitors. It provides 28 pounds of buoyancy once inflated to turn users face up and enhance safety. In addition to helpful features like an easy front buckle and informative inflator window, this PFD actually includes a D-ring for an engine cut off switch. If you’re an avid paddler, sailor, or angler, this could be an advantageous choice of gear for you!
Another top-notch inflatable PFD to explore is the Onyx All Clear Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket. Like the Mustang MIT PFD, this Onyx personal flotation device offers both manual and automatic inflation settings, but the Onyx includes a manual-only mode to prevent unwanted activation by sprays and splashes. This feature, along with the low-profile fit and soft neoprene neckline, makes this Onyx personal flotation device perfect for all kinds of kayaking, fly fishing, and more!
Playing PFD Devil’s Advocate
While these attractive, new innovations are all the rage, they don’t come without a few drawbacks. Inflatable PFDs are more complicated due to their internal mechanisms, rendering them devices that require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure proper functionality. Since they’re inflatable, this means they’re vulnerable to puncturing if encountered by the wrong rock or a prickly sea urchin. Inflatable PFDs costs also tend to run a bit higher.
Conclusion on Life Jackets and PFDs
Ultimately, this is why you should possess both traditional life jackets and PFDs of the inflatable variety. It’s a great idea to use inflatable PFDs in many environments for superior comfort and portability, but store foam life jackets on your boat as a backup in case something goes awry with the inflatable PFDs. If you’re embarking on a long kayaking trip with many people, you can opt for inflatable PFDs to save space, but keep one or two traditional life jackets in your truck or Jeep as a fallback. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and never be without these essential life-saving devices!
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