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I have used the Green Jacket vests for 10 yrs. I absolutely love them.

I’ve been using this Jacket for many years now and love it. I keep a Stohlquist Add-A-Buoy bladder in the rope pocket. Gives you an extra few pounds of floatation when desired and I have never had an issue with it popping out.

I’ve had mine for about 2 years now she’s tough ! Still looks brand new

Owned one since 2012. Use it WW and OW kayaking. Lots of features!

Just bought one of these last week and haven't even got it wet yet! Probably don't need it as a beginner whitewater paddler, but "buy once, cry once" as I've heard it said lol Pretty much, I know that I won't outgrow the capabilities of the vest, and it'll be just what I need for getting back into swiftwater rescue, so that's why I pulled the trigger on it. I learned a little bit back in my FD days, but nothing like what the guys are doing, for instance, on the Green Narrows, so I decided to go ahead and get the vest that'll enable me to be an asset on the river as opposed to a liability. Plus, I just really liked the way it fits and looks! 🤷‍♂️😁 I'll get the Green Jacket wet tonight at roll practice, then hopefully, I'll get to take it down river here in the next week or two. I feel like it's going to be a huge upgrade over my fishing vest that I used last time when I borrowed a friend's boat to PFD Nantahala 😅 It'll also be nice to be in my own boat (that isn't too small for me) and have a 197cm whitewater paddle instead of a 230-240cm touring paddle 😂

Agree on all points, one small thing, the little pockets in the main compartment also need drain holes.

Astral Green Jacket all day, every day....Red, White & Blue baby!😎

You should do a comparison against a Palm Nevis BA. I like that no strap on the shoulders idea (very neat), Palm Nevis does have a slot to tuck the excess strap into but no strap at all is even better

Love the green jacket. I find my snap is reliable. I keep 4 aluminium carabiners, 2 prussicks and 2 pulleys, 6m of nylon webbing and a folding saw. Lives in the hand warmer. Love the pfd not the best for rafting as it does protrude quite far out from my torso in comparison to a palm pfd or kokatat Hustler R.

thank you Wade for this great information!

Hustle R buy kokatat is much better. Pockets in astral are to toght and flat, straps are not as padded as Hustle . Hard clam shell sucks on astral. Foam on hustle is cut curved so it's more comfortable. You right all vest should have 18 lb. of flotation. Knife tab is better on the hustle also with flap covering it.

I love my Green Jacket but I only use it for kayaking. I have a Kokatat Ronin Pro for when I’m raft guiding. The Ronin is just slightly more comfortable to me and I feel a bit more mobile in it compared to the Green Jacket which to me feels specifically designed for kayak use which is a good thing. I’m grateful to have both for sure.

nice video! clear and with all the necessary informations

Kokatat Hustler Rescue vest is more comfortable. Pockets are way more usable in Hustler. Astral is to flat and tight. Kokatat best stays down better also. Hustler sits lower and away from your face. Shoulder straps are more comfortable on Hustler they are padded better and wider. I think Hustler has more flotation but not positive I think it's 18 lb of flotation. Regular Hustler is just made with lighter material but just as comfortable.

The European version which I have had a zip and clips so you dont have to go over the head with it. Agree on keeping contents of pockets simple I carry a knife, 5meter sling, 3 karabiners to make a 3:1 and a whistle

I like that whistle😉 Kokata Guide Rescue Vest, great vest, was donated to me, since I do alot of guide and safety boat runs

I've had two Greenjackets over the years. A European one with the side entry and a US one. I think with the newer Palm, Peak and Kokatat offerings, the GJ's limitations are more apparent. I find there is too much movement in the ring position on the QR strap. The Palm and Peak ones have the strap fully covered meaning the ring stays in the middle. Also their QR straps are made from a smoother webbing and have bigger metal buckle plates with more space (less friction), so they release much easier. Finally the pocket behind the foam could do with somekind of velcro closure (lost too many slings out of it). And I'd rather have the knife pocket on the outside like the old GJ.

That's really well thought out. I like all the extra pockets. You're right, it needs more flotation. Perhaps you can add some arm floaties?! I have the NRS Zen Rescue, which I'm really happy with, particularly 18 lbs 10 oz. of flotation. I'll gladly accept extra bulk to keep my head above water. How long is your tow tether?

hey there! awesome videos. true to earth. recommendation on green vs nrs vector vs kokatat hustl-r?

Would love to see a review of your HustleR. Had the bluejacket but replaced it for the kokatat and couldn't be happier. Whould be good to hear your thoughts. Thanks again!

The European version of the green jacket has a side entry, makes a big difference. I think the loop is a belay loop, not an abseil loop but I’ve never found any official info about how strong it is.

nice gusher table

I wish they would make a low slung side entry jacket like the Ronin Pro. I can’t deal with having a big bulky lump right up in my neck.

My front pocket zipper pulls failed after about 4 years of heavy use. The crimps came apart. That's the only issue I've ever had with the vest though.

Wade I ware the nrs rescue vest I like a side entry I would like some side pockets though

Im disappointed that you didn't mention the beer can capacity of this vest which is one of its best features

Any tips on cleaning?

Any suggestions, recommendations or reviews on elbow pads?

I wonder why but my Green Jacket and most Green Jackets I see (in Europe), have a click opening on the 3 straps on the right side. You can unclick all and remove the harness and then can get into it sideways. I prefer the overhead approach though. Don't know if it is a regional difference? I would also be happy about a little bit of extra flotation.

You trust that loop for rappelling? I have always been told not to trust that loop.

I’ve read the front webbing loop is not rated for rappelling at all.

unless you are a raft guide

What’s that loop that your whistle is attached to on the jacket?