There are some webbing loops high up on the back where you could supposedly attach a hydration bladder. (They are located inside the mesh, which looks like it should act as a pouch for the bladder, but it has no bottom. So it seems to add nothing to the support of the bladder.) I've never tried it because the webbing is pretty hard to access, and I'm not exactly clear what to use to attach the bladder to the webbing. I wear the bluejacket for kayaking (I don't think I've had it on water above class 3 or 4) I like it for the most part. It's really designed as a sea kayak pfd, I think. So a couple of things that concern me a little: I wonder how strong the shoulder straps are compared to the webbing used in the green jacket shoulders. I have added the rescue belt, and I also wonder about its strength relative to a built in belt. One tiny little detail i enjoy is the opening above the clam pocket for the marine radio antenna. I've used it as a place to run a plastic coil key chain that holds my whistle. Stays nicely tucked away, but I can pull it out to easily reach my mouth when needed. One minor complaint is some of the organizer pockets in the clamshell seem too water tight. I have to hang the jacket upside down or there will be water in there a week later.

We have a couple of Bluejackets and sometimes use hydration bladders. Heather uses an old Kokatat hydration pack on hers. No problem attaching it. The little webbing loops on the shoulder straps are doubled, though you cannot see it without looking closely. The top loop is elastic for holding something like a hydration hose in place. The loop hidden under the elastic one is strong nylon for use as an attachment point. I've used a 2L Camelbak Crux bladder in the sleeve on my Bluejacket. Inside the sleeve there area a couple of sturdy loops that can hold the "arms" that the Camelbak bladder has at the top of the big fill cap. This works great for ordinary use, but it may come loose if you spend a lot of time upside down.

Great review. I also wish I could find a higher flotation PFD for guiding.

Northwater has a pretty solid rescue pfd that at least comes in black without high viz as an option. No clamshell pocket but lots of molle style options.

I can recommend the Hiko Guardian. Perfect range of motion, removable safety Harness, great pockets, 20 pounds flotation in large, in XL even more! I think you can get them in the US as well....

Just bought the blue jacket in prep for an endurance event in the summer. The bladder can be hung from webbing straps... It's not that comfortable Vs the Palm PFD which adds a pouch to the rear like a rear pocket. It does work with a camelbak crux ...hangs like a saline drip bag 🤣

I don't use a hydration pack usually, but it doesn't have an actual sleeve for one. So you need a bladder that has the hardwear to hang it.

NRS Big Water Guide PFD- it has 22 lbs of floation. Biggest I have found. Huge draw back is that it has as full zipper closure, so if it fails the jacket is toast.

Kokatat Hustle and HustleR are really good too, I think

What are your thoughts on the NRS Big Water Guide PFD? It comes in several cool colors and addresses the floatation issue with 22.9lbs.

Love your channel. Peace buddy.

wait, this life vest doesnt have 'floatation'? Is it even considered a life vest in this case?

Hey there! by any chance can you compare the pickets or Astral Blue jacket vs an NRS Zen Rescue life jacket?

It pisses me off that there are no great options for more flotation. NRS chinook has 16 lbs and good pockets, but is designed for fishing or sea kayaks.

Well the most important thing is to look cool right 😂