Ski vests, life vests, and life jackets are commonly used for personal floatation devices (PFDs). As the name says, a life jacket allows the wearer to stay afloat in case they fall off the boat. PFDs are also worn during watersports to prevent accidental drowning.
There are different life jackets for kids and adults, and even dogs. Each life jacket serves a special purpose, which we will briefly discuss below. First, let’s take a quick look at the steps on how to choose a life jacket:
- Select the right life jacket based on the activity you are doing
- Examine the weight requirements
- Ensure it provides a proper fit
- Ensure it does not have tears and holes
Types of Life Jackets
I – Offshore Life Jacket
- For remote or rough waters.
II – Near-Shore Vests
- For calm waters.
III: Flotation Aids
- For calm waters.
IV: Throwable Devices
- Not for rough waters.
V: Special-Use Devices
- Customized PFDs for windsurfing, wakeboarding, or kayaking.
Following is a list of top life jackets that are trending in 2022. They have been divided into different categories for specific purposes:
Watersports
Women’s Focus Neoprene by O’Brien
Features
- Made of Biolite material
- Two adjustable belts
- Wide armholes
- Approved by the US Coast Guard
Men’s Superlite by O’Neil
Features
- Ultra-lightweight
- Strong and durable exterior
- Offers flexibility
- Dries fast
- Quick drainage due to mesh covering
E-Ronny by Astral (For Paddling)
Features
- Great arm mobility
- Ultra-comfortable and articulated fit
- It has a thin back, allowing you to sit comfortably on a boat seat
- Has multiple pockets
Fit Youth Life Jacket by Stohlquist (For Wakeboarding)
Features
- Sheer back panel
- Adjustable 3-buckle system
- Lightweight: 7 lbs
- Available in grey and bright red color
- Provides adults with a 30” to 52” chest and weighing more than 90 lbs a perfect fit
Flex V-Back by Mex’s
Features
- It has a stretchable back panel
- Wide armholes
- Is lightweight
- It is available in a broad range of colors
- Approved by the US Coast Guard
Angler
Chinook Life Jacket by NRS
Features
- It has multiple pockets in different sizes
- Great for fishing
- Mesh back design
Fisherman by Stohlquist
Features
- Has supporting D-rings that anglers can use to place tools without fear of losing them
- Great arm mobility
- Pockets fold down and turn into workstations
- Secure fit
Mobility
MoveVent Dynamic by Onyx
Features
- It has a reflective material
- Expandable zippered pocket
- Made with durable nylon fabric
- Shoulder adjustments
Affordable
General Purpose by Onyx
Features
- Lightweight
- Three adjustable straps
- Available in 2 colors: Yellow and orange
- Large armholes
Children
Features
Otter 2.0 by Astral
- Adjustable on shoulders and torso
- Integrated rescue handle
- Has multiple pockets
- It has a front zip, leg strap, and three clips
- It can be worn by children weighing between 50 lbs and 90 lbs
Always keep extra life jackets on board. It’s a must for all passengers to wear a life jacket, including your dog. Browse the life jackets mentioned above on their respective websites to read reviews about them.
To know more about life jackets and boating, visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website. The company offers quality plastic docks in Saskatchewan, including floating docks, do-it-yourself docks, drive-on docks, etc. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
