Good advise. I agree with you about the inflatable. Didn't happened to me but I've seen it not inflating and inflating when not in the water. I also like to add practice self rescue. Go out to the calm water without any gear and flip your kayak then practice climbing back in. Practice until you can climb back in 10 out of 10 tries. When you fall in when there is strong current or rough surf, it going to be much harder. Master the self rescue skill. 👍😀👍

Thanks for all the vids that you’ve put out there. I’ve learned very much from your channel. I’ve only been kayaking/kayak fishing for about a year now and I owe much to you for what I know. I took a single day kayaking course with a certified instructor who says the same things about the PFD. I always wear mine.

Change out co2 cartridge every 3 yrs. Check green indicator every use. I use a hobie inflatable & love it. Not cheap either at $135.00

I wear mine all the time, even when fishing close to the banks in shallow water. I've had several PFDs and my favorite for price, comfort, and function is the NRS Chinook. The NRS co pilot knife is damned handy too. Especially if you need to cut away from something quickly and easily, like your anchor line. Both are well worth the money. I also keep a whistle attached to the outside along with needle nose pliers, clippers, and a waterproof floating flashlight with strobe function. In the kayak, I keep a small first aid kit with essentials like bandaids, chapstick, sunscreen, and a few other survival items in my dry bag kept in the hatch. I over prepare but as the old saying goes, "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it." The last thing I do is put a leash on everything that isn't secured in one of the dry hatch's or directly strapped down to the kayak. It only takes flipping and losing a buncha gear once to learn that lesson. One last note. I only buy vests in very bright colors like hunter orange or bright yellow to make myself a little more visible on the boat since I'm the highest point on the kayak and also for if I end up in the water. I value safety over fashion .

Thank you Jack for talking about PFDs. When I bought my Ride 135, I considered an inflatable but if it ever inflates you will not be able to enter your kayak when inflated. Thanks again. Wear that PFD. It is made to save your life. Mike in North GA.

Thank you I just left Bass Pro Shop, I was about to buy an self inflatable life vest and decided not to I was thinking what this vest doesn’t inflate. I went back to my car and just happened to watch your video on KZfaq. Thank you I admit I’m a non swimmer and fish from the shore, but on Mother’s Day I hired a guide to take my wife and I fishing on his pontoon boat. Thank you....

Good advice - buy a good one and wear it. During Navy Aviation Water Survival we always trained with an deflated survival vest. Not fun. Blowing it up manually while treading water also not fun. A lot of things can happen out on the water and many of them are bad.

We used to post signs around the ship near the life jacket racks that stated "How long can you tread water?" In regards to the auto-inflate, they fail, and with the manual inflate type (blowing into a tube), you can't do that if you're unconscious, injured, etc. I also, recommend wearing quick-drying, moisture wicking clothing. Cotton is too hot, and when soaking wet, it gets heavier....especially if you're not wearing a pfd and treading water. I bought a NRS Chinook, and it's probably the most comfortable pfd I've ever worn.

You know your so right, i own an inflatable $140.00 never had to use but come to think of it after reviewing this video i could run into the very same situation. I guess i will buy me a Stohlquist or one similar. There is no price when your life depends on it. Thx for the vid

I'd also recommend a bright color top. It doesn't hurt to be seen. I'm in construction and have a lot of experience wearing High visibility clothing. It's one extra safety step you can wear. Plus the high visibility shirts provide some sun protection. Most modern hi vis shirts are moisture wicking too. Don't go cheap but buy decent ones.

Absolutely EXCELLENT ADVISE!!! I got ur Six on this one Capt.

I have an inflatable and I've been thinking of getting a Kayak specific PFD. Thank you, for helping me make up my mind. That was a wake up video.

Thank you for your honest opinion and life-saving advice! I was just looking at self-inflatables and after this video I am not buying one , all through my friend I canoe with has two seat cushions PFD and i had a couple close calls i flipped out a couple times and i weigh 260 pounds and guess what that cushion was useless i had not time to even think about grabing it so i will take your advice and get a good vest style with maybe a couple of small pockets for fishing , thanks again you got one more subscriber and I rang the bell ! atb john

I wouldn't want to take the risk of whether the PFD will inflate or not. I stick with a normal vest that will work when I need it to.

If you where not there it could be a different story. Self rescue is a must in a kayak. I have a whistle and those little air horns and sometimes strap the kayak to my ankle that way if the kayak is push by the current you can stay close and keep a little xtra paddle inside my compartment just in case.

I am a new kayaker who hasn't found a buddy to go out with. I'm not a super strong swimmer. I have a fairly good PFD from the sporting goods store. But the problem is, they put the chafing kind of PFD's with the kayaks. So I bought the wrong one, thinking that they knew what they were doing. I'm a big girl. So I've been looking into getting a new PFD and came across the inflatables. I was a bit skeptical about buying one. But again, I thought maybe these people know more than I do. THEN I CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEO HERE. I'm not going to buy one.

Jack I'm glad you did this video, because I had the same question. I was searching for life vest reviews, because I need one now. I have a new pond hopper & I'm fishing as a "No Boater" & Co-Angler this year in tournaments.

I spent the extra money and have the same PFD as yours. I’ve had it for the last 3 seasons and going to keep using it. 👍🏻🎣😎💯

I never used to wear my PFD because I seldom am very far from shore. After this I started wearing it. I was with a friend a couple weeks ago and because of me telling him that the water we were going to be in is over 100 feet deep and even if you could get to shore it would be tough to climb out of the lake where we were, he reluctantly put his vest on. Well all was good until the guy in the pontoon boat decided to blast up on us and he ended up in the drink. Because of you he had his vest on.

I’ve been going through the great PFD selection process. Thanks for your thoughts on this

I have found all your vids to be helpful an interesting. Ty for taking the time to separate the hype from whats really a good buy in the fishing kayaking market. Depending on everyone needs. Can be hard to tell whats marketing an what is practical an works well out on the water. I find your reviews to be fair an unbiased.

I'm an avid sailor and kayaker so practically live in my pfd. I started out using inflatable for freedom of movement till I did a check on a fellow sailing club members and the co2 canister had rusted through. Now I use the stohlquist edge. I love it. Comfortable, stays in place when adjusted correct, very durable, good freedom of movement for sailing and paddlesports. Haven't used inflatables in five years. A good pfd is prob one of the best investments for safety on the water. As a skipper my first and most important job is safety for all under my command. Don't skimp on safety.

Good video, 2 of the life vests you say not to get. The inflatable and the uncomfortable ones. Guess will go get a comfortable one that will save my life.

Excellent advice.. Also simplify your layout. Load just what you need on your kayak for your day of fishing.. Always keep your deck as clear as possible should the worst happen and you need to get back on the kayak.. Clutter can kill...

Got the same PDF as you in yellow, it's not too bad in hot weather. One other point, IF/WHEN you flip your kayak, if that rail comes down on top of your head and you are knocked unconscious you are finished if you are not wearing a PFD...and if it's a manual pull PFD you are still dead.

Thank you I never knew so I will be replacing my inflatable before the next trip, never did I think about the failure or the thickness issue. Yep I am a new kayaker

Good advice and safety subject Jack. I understand what you are saying about the inflatables but not convinced for or against either way. Here is my observation and experience...1) They don't all immediately inflate just because in the water, some of them have a tablet that needs to dissolve before it inflates, so we need to pull the manual cord. Also during regular maintenance (we all do this perfect routine right) there is an experation date to consider for the CO2 cartridges, etc... 2) You buddy who fell into the water didn't pull the cord for immediate inflation. But I agree with your overall point whatever style someone wants to use then at least research and learn how each type is designed to work. Like most anything in life, there are many factors to consider when choosing.....like what if my body is the size of a manatee and I end up falling into the water while using a smaller kayak instead of my Jackson Big Tuna :-) ha! will there be somebody else there to help make up for my decisions? I'm just pickin at cha :-) Good job and thanks for covering the subject.

I was at Cabela’s today looking at PDF’s because I don’t have my first kayak yet and I’m getting everything planned out ahead of time. I was comparing the NRS Chinooks to the inflatable and you just set me straight on this. Thank you very much. P.S. my 1st kayak will be the Wilderness Systems ATAK 140 and I can’t wait.

I got a cheap Onyx one from Academy when I first started kayaking this summer. I immediately noticed how hot it was. I'm getting ready to buy an NRS cvest mesh back now.

For now I have a standard bass pro mesh pfd. But the wife and I are in the market for a much better one. Thanks for posting this. I showed it to my father, he wanted an inflatable pfd. I have said time and time again that they could fail and if your knocked off your vessel and unconscious that you need reliability. Thanks again!!!!

My vest is a Lixada Fishing PFD. It's adjustable and has loads of pockets where I keep things like pliers, knife, scale, fish grips and a whistle.

Great advice. I decided against buying the inflatable because I don't want to worry about the co2 cartridge being expired or failing. Plus, knowing myself, I would probably get the pull cord caught on something and pull it by accident while gearing up to go out! :-) I'm having trouble deciding what vest to purchase though. I like the looks of the Astral V-8 because of it's vents and air flow design, but I want a few more pockets on it like yours. I want to wear the jacket all the time but don't want to get hot and sweaty.

Yup same here in Canada now add cold water. Recipe for disaster. Great video

My wife and I both use NRS Chinook Fishing PFD's. Cool in the summer heat and comfortable. They make it in both a mens and womans version. I agree about inflatables for kayaks or canoes. We are usually in the rivers and its not uncommon to flip over on a rock or in rapids. If we were to use inflatables we would be rearming the vest often. Thats if we were lucky and it worked the first time. Good advice Brother. Thanks for the video.

I bought the same Stohlquist after seeing your review. Fits great and feels great.

Great advice ! I totally agree about the inflatable life vest. Thanks for sharing.

I wear an inflatable waist PFD, and a leash, only when I'm on my paddleboard. I test and switch the Co2 cartridge every summer. In the kayak, I only wear a life vest. I prefer the adventure racing type. It floats me well, but allows for easy paddling and swimming. I also think it's good to periodically practice getting back into the kayak.

I’m new to kayaking. Can you make a video on pfd accessories and where to find them? Thanks keep up the good work.

Funny story about the inflatable life vest. A buddy of mine had gotten out of his kayak in less than knee deep water. He bent over to pick up something out of the water and the device that triggers the auto inflate on his vest barely touched the water. Next thing you know, this dude looks like the michelan man and CO2 gas is flying everywhere. It was hilarious.

Great vest choice, I use it. Wife uses same make of vest made for women obviously.

Got the same green Sthoelquist (sp?) PDF. Couldnt agree with you more on your advice.

Thank you for that information..im thinking about taking on the sport..pfd's are the most important equipment we have as boaters..

just got a Westmarine adventure and a medalist, 40% sale. Will likely save up for a Stohlquist or wait till I see a sale.

I picked up a semi cheap PFD from Academy. It's not too bad. Has a mesh back and sides, plus some pockets on the front. Think I paid $40 for it. While I'm sure I could get something a little bit more comfortable spending twice as much (or more) works pretty well in my opinion. Did "splurge" on a good whistle though. Last thing I need is not being able to get someone's attention because I spent $2 on a complete piece of s***.

Being in marine rescue. I would strongly recommend buying pfd with no collars. We find plenty of people who fell off boats and the back collars broke the individuals neck. Also i would recommend the sides be empty for easy movement. In the rescue crew i'm in. we have pfd's that self inflate. i don't like that as sometimes you find your self under a boat. You get stuck under the boat.

I was about to ask for an inflatable for my birthday. NOPE! Gonna ask for some expensive lures instead. Thanks for sharing that video.

Good Video and I'm glad I came across your video before I purchased two Mustang 100 inflatables hahahahaha. But your thoughts about inflatables are right on point with mine. There is no guarantee an inflatable will deploy when you hit the water. Thanks again and by the way you resemble Derek Jetter LOL

Good stuff! Even experienced folks can get rattled and forget which cord to pull!

5:55 and on a side note, practice getting onto your Kayak from deep water. Totally sketchy when you rely on the vest and you can't even get on the biggest flotation device near you....I am going practicing this weekend again, with and without vest...JUST IN CASE

Thanks for saving me from wasting money and time on an inflatable pfd. Ordered a Stohlquist, but not the same one.

I have that same stolquist you have in the video! Great video man I believe you got the point across!

Very good points. Thanks for the video.

I have always used inflatables, auto and manual. Never had a problem. It is important that you follow the servicing requirements of the vest. This includes replacing the gas cylinder every 12 months and in some auto vests a dissolvable tablet.

I have the Stohlquest Fisherman and the NRS Chinook. The pockets in the Stohlquest are bulky. I know a lot of people who wear Walmart PFDs.

Great video. Thanks. How much did you pay for the olive one, which has zipper pockets? Please

1st time Kayaker! Looking forward to getting out ton the water. I purchased the Onyx Outdoor Movevent Dynamic Vest. Any thoughts on this particular one. It had good reviews online.

Great. So which ones can you swim with? Which ones don’t? I own that Stolquist you are showing and it is very comfortable and I don’t mind wearing it at all to paddle. But you CANNOT SWIM IN IT SO I can’t use it to sail my sunfish which capsizes often and that big PFD does not allow easy entry from the water.

I was looking at inflatables and how they change the cartridge. In the back of my mind I started thinking "do I not twist it all the way down, not to puncture it and if I do how long would it take to slowly leak out?". Would get expensive having to replace the cartridge every fishing trip.

thank you for your "INFO" it will help me choose the right LIFE VEST... thank's again...

Thank you man. I just bought a vest for 30$ at Canadian Tire. It is pretty bulky, don't think it will be easy to paddleboard with it on. You make very good points. Its the extra yellow vest that all wise people have, lol!

I actually really considered the inflatable one just bc of how low pro it is and it won’t get as hot but I got a regular kayaking vest and glad I did

New to kayaking, my son bought me a life vest for father’s day, but I traded it back for the new small Hobie inflatable. Some days I want to wear my fly fishing vest and this fits nicely under. It is hot weather mostly kayaking, good point Motley, and I’m not used to it completely [spent a couple decades in Alaska], so I’ll wear it, that’s the bigger thing. Hardly know I have it on except for the gadgets & things, stuff I have clipped to it. The new Hobie branded (made by stohlquist I think) Short version of the manual inflatable I’m finding very, mmm, I want to wear it. I’ll keep looking I’m sure but this one is a keeper.

They should make the pfd with extra add on foam just in case I want to add more

Inflatables come in 3 types and all require yearly maintenance at a minimum. You have to manually inflate them to make sure they hold for 24 hours check the firing system and the C02 cartridge. Unless you need the flexibility like working in a tight area on your sail boat probably not the best choice. That said I do like the jacket versions as they are warm to be in

I'm actually in the market for one. which one do you recommend and thanks

Thank you for the video.. I sent it to my girlfriend she just bought an inflatable paddleboard… and she wants to buy a cheap life jacket off Amazon.. do you want to make sure it fits and it’s comfortable so you wear it The life jacket that I bought is the Mustang Khimera It’s a super thin life jacket that you still have good points, but it also has the cartridge if you need it I’m only doing small lakes on my inflatable paddleboard. I wear it all the time it’s very comfortable.

Thanks you answered my question. No to the pull cord.

First time to have stumbled upon your great video, but you can’t leave me hanging about the catfish story! Do you have a video about what happened??

In cold weather should up put a coat on (over) or (under ) your pfd?

I have both an inflatable and a non inflatable. The inflatable I use in shallow water lakes now (8 ft or less). I was dumped by a storm (30+ fow) and the inflatable worked correctly, only problem is that all of the flotation is at your chest. It's even harder to get back onto a PA-14 with 4-6 extra inches on your chest.

My father taught boating and sail classes. He stated to wear a PFD in one foot of water. That one never knows when they are going to have a heart attack.

I have one like your wore out yellow one. And it sucks. But I do wear it if I’m in deep water

I always use the NRS Chinook. And for the inflatable life vest, I don't use it simply because it's unreliable like you said.

Good job you are right on I have had the same problem

Amazing video and advice. Thank you.

Getting back on/in your yak is all about technique! I've put 300 lb + people back in their boats, and I'm a skinny guy. It's all about kicking your legs close to the surface of the water, which allows you to get on so much easier!! Practice helps!

Great advice, I'll take it!

OK, I had a whole thousand word essay (I didn't count) after about 2:47 but really it comes down to 2 things 1) Don't skim on PFD, if you buy a $5 one, you're going to get a $5 one. 2) Learn about the different types of PFD; there are 5 types (type I, II, III, IV, and V). You probably need a type III Because you're talking about freedom of movement, and how big some get, and how they keep you upright. My man, that's a type 1. You're not supposed to swim in that, help is supposed to come to you! Edit: So I thought it was already point three since you're a little long winded (I have that too, it's OK ;P ). But yeah, point 3, especially the "unless you've pulled that cord in the last 3 months" is a good one. In fact, it's one that's valid for *ALL* PFDs out there. While the degree may differ, _all degrade with time_ (and use). Edit 2: The problem is, the English language forgot to give them different names. No like seriously, I did a quick search; "PFD, life jacket, life preserver, life saver, life vest, life belt, Mae West, and cork jacket" can all be used interchangeably.

In all of the Kayak videos I've seen, they make it look so easy to get back into a rolled Kayak. This is what it looks like in the real world.

My friend aways takes his life jacket off when we’re out fishing on the boat, but on the day he fell off the boat he had his life jacket on. Lol he didn’t know how to swim too. He was lucky to had put his damn life jacket on.

Great advice!

Thanks for sharing real good advice , I’m going to being getting one for out

What color pfd do you guys recommend? Safety orange?

I have the same PFD and it’s so comfortable that I forget I’m wearing it.

Alright I have a question I seen a body glove at bass pro look like one for ski or board sports it was comfy medium fits me snug way I would like it has a zipper and two buckles but I weigh 210 pounds the vest was around 100$ for it I like the fit comfort I’m not that strong of a swimmer plan on doin lot of boat fishing what would be the best thing to look for number buoyancy weight ratio I have used them orange ones before they suck and I don’t want something goin down around my crotch

Great advice!!!

Good point champ!

Good INFO! I know this is an old video but..... Boats on a lift, prop is out of the water. Rope is caught on propeller, happens all the time, I get it off by jumping into a big tube the kids tube on. I missed the tube one time, almost smoked my head on the dock but didn't (thank GOD)and that inflatable did NOT go off. Never wear it again... Like my ONXY MoveVent. Thanks for the video YAK! Have an awesome day! -Scott

Jack what is you r buddy wearing this days?. ..did he get rid of that inflatable..and got a new vest?

But I do use an inflatable and I do change my cartridges and check my vest every 3 months

"It's gonna be hot, all the time, because this is a summer sport!" Welcome to Sweden, rarely hot, even in summer... 😉

I'm actually a big proponent of wearing floaties on my arms

How cool is that vest on hot days?

And make sure you don’t require help to get back in kayak if you’re going to be in the ocean

An inflatable life jacket should never be warn in paddlesports. For one, auto inflation can pin you in your kayak if you have a sit in kayak making it very hard to roll or get out. Also once its inflated you either have to deflate it or take it off out on the water to be able to do anything again meaning your not protected or keep it on and loose mobility and making it harder to paddle

Why did your friends inflatable not inflate? There are inflatables out there that don't self-inflate, they should be illegal. Elderly neighbors bought a few, made them return them. I have been in the Coast Guard for 28 years and we maintain and check ours prior to each use. Is the cartridge inserted properly, is the dissolve pill present, is the tube accessible, do the bladders hold air, is the pull cord accessible and not tangled? Also,, when they do inflate, good luck getting back in/on that kayak with those two big air pillows now on your chest.

Something else about the inflatables... The only work once until you reset them. Chances are once your back on your boat your going to want to deflate it, not thinking and you may need it again. I would also worry about a tear in the plastic trying to get back in the yak. If that happens your SOL. I would bet that if your friend had inflated the vest, it would have popped with him trying to get back in.

Great advise!

auto inflatables should have manual inflate in case of failure. that said, the gas cylinder + sensor needs to be serviced and checked before hitting the water. "normal" PFDs, tho bulkier, not as comfy as inflatables, still function should one be unconscious in the water. touch on PFD care as well - many use em as pillows, cushion seats, throw em around after using, then wonder/panic why they sink or sink faster than expected - IF they're worn.

Trying to get back in the kayak from the side is not the best practice. Go from the front and pull yourself up along the top, bow first. Once your hips are close to the seat you can rotate them and end up sitting in the right spot. The reason is, the kayak is much more stable lengthwise. It'll just roll under you if you go side-to-side.