yachting monthly life jacket review

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Baltic Athena Lifejacket for women – tested

• June 12, 2024

The Baltic Athena. A lifejacket specifically designed for the female form. Our best on test women's specific lifejacket lives up to the hype.

Product Overview

Overall rating:.

• This lifejacket is cut for women and fits really well over foul weather clothes and light weight layers. It is comfortable and easy to move around in. It is easy to fasten in all conditions. It is easy to repack and easy to check the firing mechanism.
• The bladder might be a bit tight around the neck when inflated wearing a large foul weather jacket collar and this can be uncomfortable.

Price as reviewed:

Baltic athena 165n lifejacket.

Baltic Athena women’s specific lifejacket, note the low position of the trigger mechanism and the CO2 bottle.

Baltic Athena Lifejacket

Price from £139

Buy Baltic Athena from Waveinn

The Baltic Athena is a women’s specific designed lifejacket that comes in two versions, a non harness and a harness model. A sprayhood and light are additional extras that can be specified for the lifejacket.

We had a team of female ( and some male) testers try out this lifejacket both on dry land at Charlestown Harbour In Cornwall and at Plymouth Life Centre deep diving pool. We ran through a series of tests that emulate real world use. You can read about our testing team and methodology here on our dedicated page.

Dry testing

The Velcro backed crossover front design allows the trigger mechanism to be located lower in the casing. The asymmetrical closure with seatbelt style buckle to one side allows the trigger mechanism viewing window to be central.

The manual inflation pull toggle was easily and accidentally snagged and unseated from its stowage place by our tester during fitting.

When adjusting a lifejacket, as a smaller bodied person,  we often find a large loose end of webbing strap flailing around which can be a snagging risk. The Baltic Athena lifejacket is fitted with small velcro tabs on the ends of their webbing straps which allow them to be rolled neatly.

The crotch strap is wide and easy to fasten. The loose ends are taken up easily within the length of the crotch strap and are retained sufficiently not to come loose.

On inflation our pool tester Anna found the bladder was really tight against her foul weather jacket collar causing discomfort and difficulty breathing. Anna needed to release some air via the top up tube valve to take the pressure off her neck. Note this is a hot pool area and as such the lifejackets will inflate more than in a cold environment.

Pool Testing

The lifting strop should be positioned as seen in this picture. But the small Velcro receiving tab that helps to locate the end of the strop has a tendency to unstick from the inflated bladder and stick itself randomly to another part of the bladder.

Because Anna had removed air from the lifejacket to allow her to breath more easily, this meant she was (unusually) able to swim almost normally.

The Baltic Athena lifejacket uses a standard Pro sensor trigger mechanism with auto-inflate capsule.

Repacking the lifejacket was relatively quick and easy. Checking the trigger mechanism is easy, via the window provided or by unzipping the casing a little bit to check the bottle is secure.

How our lifejacket scored on average out of 10 for each of our criteria

9 – Adjust speed ease difficulty 10 – Fastening buckle ease with gloves 9 – Comfort women body size (when tested by men 4) 8 – Practicality. bulk snagging 8 – Positioning of essential items NA – Accessory attachment / kill cord loop 7 – Night view / reflectors / light (if fitted) 8 – Ease of checking bottle / trigger status 9 – Unpacking / repacking 9 – Style 6 – In water score 83% Total as a percentage

Men take note: Unless you’re a barrel chested, slim waisted man, this isn’t for you!

This is an excellent choice of lifejacket for women who do a host of boating activities. High praise from all who tried this lifejacket in the dry.

Best coastal lifejacket on test for women

With thanks to

Note: all of our lifejackets tested conform to either  iso 12402-3 (coastal/non harness) or iso 12401 (harness versions), and this means that they all meet the basic safety standards you would expect from a lifejacket., in order to conduct unbiased testing, our test team were given full freedom to test and evaluate the lifejackets presented to them on the tests days. their opinions are made in a professional capacity and skippers and end users of the products and are a result of direct hands on experience. this does not override any official safety rating or certification. legal disclaimer is available here, to read about more lifejackets go to our best lifejackets for boaters and sailors – tested buyers guide where you can find individual reviews for 15 current lifejackets.

The Best Life Jackets For Sailing

At the risk of sounding too cliche, the best life jacket for sailing is the one you wear. Unfortunately, no matter how feature-rich a life jacket is, it’s no good stuffed away in a locker when it’s needed most.

The sailing life jacket you invest in must be comfortable. And while several other considerations should factor in your buying decision, this is paramount.

From a decade of yachting experience, I can tell you that rigid life jackets are not practical to sail in. And for that reason, there are only inflatable life jackets on this list.

Before diving deeper into sailing life jackets, this article assumes that you have a basic knowledge of the differences between life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs). Also, I use the terms life jacket and life vest interchangeably. Let’s begin.

The Best entry level life jacket for sailing

For those sailors who have recently taken up the addictive habit of trimming sails when the wind is blowing. Since you won’t be ready to spend generously just yet and hopefully won’t be venturing too far from the port, here is our recommendation.

M.I.T. 100 Inflatable Life Jacket

A fantastic option if you are looking for versatility beyond sailing. It’s lightweight and comfortable, so wearing it on deck will be pleasant. The sleek design covers the self-inflating bladders discreetly with velcro along the outer edge of the life jacket.

The outer material is lightweight and durable, so you don’t need to be too concerned about tearing or snagging it while you work outside on the deck.

This personal flotation device (PFD) includes several safety benefits. Such as the clear inflator inspection window so you can view the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) without having to open the life jacket to inspect it. I can tell you from experience that having this feature is a huge time saver if you need to check multiple jackets, and it’s typically only a premium feature.

In addition to the automatic inflation capability, a marked yellow manual release toggle and a mouthpiece for oral inflation are available to the wearer. When fully inflated, the M.I.T 100 provides 28 lbs of buoyancy.

So, if you are a recreational sailor who does not require regular commercial inspection, this life jacket is an excellent addition to your life-saving appliance equipment onboard.

• Lightweight construction paired with good versatility
• The durable material also means you can adequately sail without fear of damaging the jacket
• Handy HRU inspection window when doing routine maintenance
• Manual release toggle and mouthpiece
• It won’t cut it when you plan more adventurous sailing trips
• Not made in the USA

A fantastic option if you are looking for versatility beyond sailing. It's lightweight and comfortable, so wearing it on deck will be pleasant. The sleek design covers the self-inflating bladders discreetly with velcro along the outer edge of the life jacket.

The best coastal life jacket for sailing

This is our recommendation for those who are out sailing whenever the wind blows, whether it be day sailing or even multi-day sailing, all within a reasonable distance of a safe haven.

Automatic Inflatable DeckVest™ 6D with Harness

From personal experience, I can tell you that Spinlock makes some of the most comfortable life jackets and life vests on the market today. So much so that we routinely offer them to super yacht charter guests ahead of every other brand.

Their latest DeckVest™ 6D is no different. Some key features in this iteration are the crotch straps now being placed on the side of the jacket and the addition of a harness release system to free you from tethers is needed.

Spinlock is well-known for speaking with sailing experts in their research and development. Their adjustable backstrap now means that the wearer can pull the strap and bring the jacket down off the neck. If you have worn your fair share of life jackets, you’ll understand that a subtle change like this makes a significant difference in comfort.

There are also clearly marked manual inflation toggles on the front of the life vest. In addition, it’s fully fitted with an HRU that is also self-righting for unconscious persons overboard. There is also a mouthpiece for oral inflation.

The Spinlock 6D comes in various colors, offering good buoyancy of 38lbs when fully inflated. Two bonus premium features are a saltwater-activated light and a spray hood for rough weather.

• Exceptional comfort from a market-leading manufacturer
• HRU unit that is automatic and can also be triggered manually
• Premium features like a spray hood saltwater illuminated light
• Checking the CO2 canister can be tricky
• Repacking the internal bladder after inspection is difficult

The best ocean life jacket for offshore sailing

If you are looking for something capable of handling an Atlantic crossing leaving for Grenada from Gibraltar in October, you will require the best. Longer ocean crossings mean you need to be prepared for bad weather.

Mustang Survival Corp Inflatable PFD with HIT and Harness

This Mustang Survival PFD is a reliable and comfortable choice, offering top-notch safety, mobility and will hold up in foul weather by complimenting your foul weather gear , not hinder it.

The standout feature of this PFD is its automatic inflation through the Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT). This innovative tech ensures the vest only inflates when submerged in water, preventing accidental inflation due to rain or spray. The peace of mind this provides is invaluable, especially during long sailing trips or races.

Another impressive aspect of this PFD is the overall comfort. The low-profile design allows for maximum mobility, making it easy to maneuver around the vessel. 

A soft neoprene collar ensures a comfortable fit even during extended periods of wear. Furthermore, the PFD includes a sailing harness with two heavy-duty stainless steel D-rings for quick tethering, as well as a safety whistle and water-resistant pocket.

The only drawback I have noticed is the price, which may be steep especially if you need one for each crew member. Additionally, be aware that returns can be tricky due to the CO2 cartridge.

Overall, the Mustang Survival Corp Inflatable PFD with HIT and Harness is a fantastic option for serious ocean-going racers who prioritize safety, comfort, and mobility on the water.

• Automatic inflation with Hydrostatic Inflator Technology
• Comfortable, low-profile design with a neoprene collar
• Equipped with a sailing harness and two stainless steel D-rings
• May be expensive for occasional users
• Not returnable due to CO2 cartridge
• Limited color options (only red-black)

The Mustang Survival Corp Inflatable PFD with HIT and Harness is a fantastic option for serious ocean-going racers who prioritize safety, comfort, and mobility on the water.

The best all-around life jacket for sailing

Mustang survival elite inflatable life vest with hit.

Designed for maximum mobility and all-day comfort, the Mustang Survival Elite life jacket is the best all-rounder on this list.

Similar to how the Spinlock 6D provides comfort by removing weight off the neck, so too does the Mustang. The neck material is the same used in the body armor industry and eliminates neck fatigue. In addition, there is a wicking mesh liner on the back to increase comfort for long days out sailing.

The HRU system is similar to the Mustang EP38. It’ll only inflate automatically when submerged in at least 4 inches of water, so you can leave it in a humid locker when not in use. And there is an anodized manual pull trigger that sits discreetly on the inner side of the jacket. This prevents any accidental triggering of the CO2 canister.

When it’s fully inflated, the wearer will have 28lbs of buoyancy. The bladders a fluorescently colored for better Search And Rescue (SAR) visibility, and there is a safety whistle and a mouthpiece for oral inflation.

A secure zipper keeps the jacket compact and sleek looking, unlike velcro closure jackets which can look messy and can potentially fail.

• A versatile all-round jacket that sailors of various levels can use
• Ergonomic design that gives the wearer all-day comfort no matter the conditions
• HRU system that has dual manual backup systems in case of failure
• The Zipper system is made of metal, which will eventually succumb to a saltwater environment

Designed for maximum mobility and all-day comfort, the Mustang Survival Elite life jacket is the best all-around life jacket for sailing.

Our Recommendation Process

Between us, we have nearly 50 years’ worth of experience in the yachting and sailing industry. We have maintained and inspected thousands of SOLAS-approved life jackets.

Our commercial marine background ensured we checked and tested all types of life-saving appliances to the highest standards.

The recommendations we share are 100% impartial and bias-free. We only offer genuine advice on what we have come to know as the best life jackets for sailing from countless hours of testing and inspections.

Buyers Guide for Sailing Life Jackets

There are more life jacket variations than I could possibly cover in the scope of this article. The important things to consider when looking to buy a sailing life jacket are:

• How comfortable is the jacket you are buying?
• Inflatable life jackets are better for sailing!
• Are you pleasure sailing, day sailing, or open ocean sailing?

1. Sailing Life Jacket comfortability

In the beginning, we talked about the most critical component being comfortability. Now there may be some that argue there are other more pressing concerns.

But if you aren’t comfortable wearing your life-saving appliance , then you are less likely to don it when you should.

Rigid life vests full of foam are not comfortable for sailing, period! More on that in the next section. Look for an inflatable life jacket with adjustable straps that can also factor in clothing changes throughout the day. If the weather turns sour, you may wish you opted for a life vest with better accommodation for wet weather gear.

2. Inflatable life jackets over rigid life jackets

Inflatable life jackets typically have more buoyancy than rigid models. You can still get rigid life jackets with at least 28lbs of buoyancy, but they are a bulky life vest indeed. An inflatable model with equivalent buoyancy will be easier to wear.

In addition, you must consider that the possibility of head injuries in sailing is highest for all water-based sports. Unseen booms have left many sailors face down unconscious in the water, even experienced ones. That is where a self-inflating life jacket comes into play. They are designed to right the wearer face up, thus taking away the danger of drowning until help can get to the casualty.

There are some rigid jackets that have head support. But most do not. Do not be swayed to buy a life jacket with rigid foam around the torso and use it for sailing.

3. Pleasure sailing, day sailing, or open ocean sailing

Ultimately, the sailing scenario should determine what sailing life jackets you buy. If you are sailing more than 60NM (Nautical Miles) from a safe haven, you need a proper life jacket and a recognized ocean rating.

You can look at entry-level models before making a more considerable investment if you are just puttering around the bay every now and then.

Final Verdict

The most essential thing all the best sailing life jackets have is that they are comfortable for long periods.

So that’s why I’ve chosen Mustang Survival’s Elite Inflatable model as the best life jacket for sailing all around.

It’s packed with premium features and an excellent life jacket for the price. You can get yours from Amazon or Bass Pro Shops below.

If you are still educating yourself on ocean safety, then be sure to browse our sea safety knowledge hub .

Frequently Asked

How often should i inspect and maintain my inflatable life jacket.

Regular inspection and maintenance of inflatable life jackets are essential to ensure their functionality. Inspect them before each use for visible signs of wear and tear, ensure the CO2 cartridge is intact, and check the inflation mechanism. Additionally, a thorough inspection and maintenance should be done annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Are there specific life jackets designed for children and pets while sailing?

Yes, there are specially designed life jackets for children and pets. Children’s life jackets are tailored to provide the right fit and buoyancy for their weight and size. Similarly, pet life jackets are designed to ensure the safety of pets on board, with features like grab handles for easy rescue.

How do I choose the right size and fit for my life jacket?

Choosing the right life jacket size and fit is crucial for the effectiveness and comfort of the life jacket. Always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart and consider factors like chest size and weight. Trying on the life jacket and adjusting the straps for a snug fit, without being too tight, is recommended.

Written by:

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

How well does your lifejacket work? We put 3 offshore models to the test

• Bruce Jacobs
• January 11, 2017

We asked professional skipper, Bruce Jacobs, of Rubicon 3 expeditions, to test offshore lifejackets.

Resurfacing, with the big yellow bladder of the inflated jacket all around me, I need to get my face covered by a sprayhood as quickly as I can, find my whistle, check my light is working and then hopefully have the rescue boat extract me from the water. In just a few seconds my hands are going numb, even with my sailing gloves on, and my body is aching from the cold; the thought of being in this situation in the dark and with stormy seas is hugely sobering. In real life, survival can be measured in minutes and everything has to work perfectly, yet we faced problems with each jacket we tested.

Rubicon 3 expeditions head off to some pretty inhospitable waters throughout the north Atlantic and up to the Arctic. Last year alone we completed more than 100 practice man overboard rescues. With our own lifejackets approaching the end of their useful life, we were interested to put three of the leading products to the test. We selected the Spinlock Deckvest 5D , the Helly Hansen Inflatable Racing Jacket and the Crewsaver Ergofit Extreme 290N .

We look for three key criteria in a lifejacket. First, it has to be comfortable and practical to wear. It is going to be on the shoulders for hours at a time and you should be able to forget that it’s there. Second, we look for ease of use and adjustment. Sailing often requires the rapid donning of a jacket or foulies and the extra bulk means the lifejacket harness needs to be easily adjusted to keep it properly fitted. Third, the jacket has to perform perfectly if a casualty were to fall in the water.

There is no margin of error here. It has to work first time, every time and it has to be idiot-proof. On most boats, neither the casualty nor the rescuer is likely to have seen the jacket in its deployed state. Its sprayhood, equipment and lifting strop have to be intuitive, easily accessible and highly effective.

How they performed

Older lifejackets had a habit of weighing down on the shoulders and rubbing against the back of the neck. It made them uncomfortable to wear for any period of time and probably acted as quite a disincentive to wear one. On that front, all three jackets we tested were superb. So much thought and design has gone into each one and they sit nicely on the shoulders and away from the neck.

We wore each jacket for many days at a time and were very happy with each. Of the three, we found the Helly Hansen jacket to be the most comfortable, possibly as a result of it also being the smallest. Considering its size, the Crewsaver was far more comfortable than we thought it would be. The Spinlock seemed to sit the highest on the shoulders and very slightly obstructed the neck when looking up, but any differences were so minor as to fall into the personal preferences category. Indeed, greater experience with the fitting of each jacket could well have eliminated any problems at all.

We found the Helly Hansen Inflatable Racing Jacket the most comfortable.

Fitting the jacket

Each jacket has a different fastening system. The Crewsaver has very seductive dual plastic fastenings that take just a second to snap in to place. Anyone who has struggled to get a metal buckle inside another buckle (the traditional lifejacket fastening) will recognise the appeal of this system. The Spinlock has a bespoke high tensile fibre buckle that always proved easy to use, while the Helly Hansen jacket sticks with the metal buckle in buckle.

We do love the Crewsaver system for its simplicity, but have that nagging worry that it will get damaged. Equipment and people get thrown around at sea and it could just take someone standing on the mechanism to break the plastic. The Spinlock and Helly Hansen systems are effectively unbreakable and, of the two, the plastic version is both easier to use and quieter when attached to a metal tether hook.

We loved the Crewsaver’s plastic fastenings but couldn’t get on with the adjusters.

Adjusting the jacket

We really liked the Helly Hansen ’s big, adjustable straps at either side of the body, which pull forward, making it straightforward to put on a loose jacket and then adjust to size once on.

The Crewsaver jacket has a similar system, but its adjustment buckles are further back. To prevent them locking against the body, they have to be pulled out sideways rather than forward. Crewsaver says this buckle placement makes for a stronger harness. Maybe, but for us it simply made the jacket difficult to adjust and was a frustration.

The Spinlock has small adjuster buckles that can be pulled tight at the front. These worked very well and allowed for rapid adjustment. It was also the only jacket to have an adjusting buckle at the shoulders.

The Spinlock Deckvest 5D featuring a bespoke easy-to-use high tensile fibre buckle.

What is my Newton rating? Any sailor venturing offshore should have at least a 150N jacket. This amount of buoyancy will give a good level of protection against drowning, working with the design of the bladder to roll an unconscious casualty on to his or her back. However, bear in mind that clothes and foul weather gear can trap lots of air underwater and this can counteract the lifejacket’s intended righting moment. This may mean a delay to larger casualties being brought face-up in the water. The much greater level of buoyancy of a 275N jacket reduces this delay. Sprayhoods Not all jackets have a sprayhood fitted but if you are ever likely to be venturing out into heavy weather it is a small, cheap addition that you should definitely have. In heavy weather, there will be a great deal of spray above the water and there is a very real risk of spray inhalation and secondary drowning. Thigh/crotch straps It is essential that you have a crotch strap, or straps, fitted and snugly tightened. The straps keeps the lifejacket close to the torso, improving flotation angle and keeping the airway clear. They also prevent the casualty falling out of the lifejacket when being lifted out of the water. RNLI research shows that snugly fitted crotch straps increase survival rates by up to 30 per cent in comparison with jackets that do not have them fitted.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Deployment – the ultimate test

• Multihull Sailor
• Real Estate
• Maintenance & Hardware
• Water Sports

The Best Life Jackets to Navigate the Waters Safely

Embarking on kayaks or boats promises thrilling adventures, but amidst the excitement, it's vital to acknowledge the inherent water hazards. Enter life jackets, indispensable guardians of safety. In our comprehensive guide, discover the pinnacle of life-saving gear, meticulously crafted to safeguard against unforeseen challenges, be it inclement weather or unexpected capsizing. With a variety of designs, colors, and sizes, there's a life jacket for every adventurer. Prioritize safety on your outdoor escapades with our curated selection, ensuring peace of mind for all. Among the top contenders, Onyx stands out for crafting some of the best life jackets, renowned for their durability, comfort, and reliability.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Onyx Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• Best for Kayak Fishing: Onyx Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• Most Vibrant: Airhead Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• Best Storage: Lixada Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• Most Adjustable: Onyx Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• Longest Flotation Duration: Eyson Life Jacket Shop Now ➔
• 1 Life Jacket
• 2 Why You Need a Life Jacket
• 3 For protection
• 4 For compliance
• 5 For peace of mind
• 6 For versatility
• 7 What to Consider When Buying a Life Jacket
• 9 Materials
• 12 Capacity
• 14 How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

What is the lifespan of a life jacket?

Can life jackets be helpful for non-swimmers, how do i choose the right size life jacket, related reviews, the best life jackets, best overall.

Onyx Life Jacket

Enjoy the superior protection the Onyx life jacket provides. Not only does it help you stay afloat, but it also includes high-grade reflective materials to increase your visibility in the water.

The pockets on this life jacket are expandable to provide ample storage space. This jacket also includes mesh material on the lower back for improved breathability. Also, it features neoprene comfort pads on its adjustable shoulders. With its snug and comfortably tailored fit, this life jacket emerges as the top pick among our selection, ensuring optimal safety without sacrificing comfort.

• Pockets include mesh drainage
• Includes adjustable straps and comfort pads
• Features an attached whistle for enhanced safety
• Limited color options

Best for Kayak Fishing

This impressive life jacket from Onyx has it all. Fashioned from lightweight, heavy-duty fabric and sporting neoprene shoulder pads, this jacket is the ideal kayak fishing companion.

This life jacket offers a high foam back and six adjustable straps that allow you to fit the vest to your body comfortably. One of the front pockets opens with the push of a button to reveal a tray-style pocket, ideal for holding a small tackle box. The lower back features a mesh construction that ensures phenomenal breathability throughout your adventures to keep you sweat-free. 

• Designed with paddling in mind
• Snug fit with six adjustment straps
• Perfect for high back seats
• Not designed to fit children

Most Vibrant

Airhead Life Jacket

The Airhead life jacket stands out for both safety and style in the water. This life jacket, stamped with U.S. Coast Guard approval, ensures the safety of kids and adults during fun-filled water activities like boating, floating, and tubing. With its vibrant pattern design, it isn’t just about safety; it captivates with its striking pink, black, and white hues. The unique Kwik-Dry Neolite material envelops you in warmth, defying the chill of the wind during your water adventures.

This life jacket prioritizes comfort and durability with its snug yet easy-to-wear design. It includes a strong zipper and double quick-release buckles, which provide both security and ease of removal. This jacket is available in sizes from infant to adult XL, ensuring a perfect fit for all.

• Perfect for kids and adults
• Dries quickly and is comfortable
• Secure and snug fit
• May need to order a size up

Best Storage

Lixada Life Jacket

Keep all your items close at hand thanks to the wide array of pockets included on the Lixada life jacket. It has 11 pockets throughout the back, chest, and sides, offering you plenty of secure storage space for all your personal belongings.

In addition to pockets, this life jacket also includes several accessory loops for snapping on hooks and carabiners. Adjustable straps on the shoulders and around the waist ensure a comfortable fit for almost any age. The jacket is made with premium-grade yet lightweight mesh fabric and a polyester upper that ensures exceptional breathability. Also, the back features a wide reflector to improve your visibility in the water.

• Includes a built-in fishing rod holder
• Reflective material on the back for visibility
• Features a detachable fishing jacket
• The design is somewhat bulky

Most Adjustable

The six adjustable straps on this Onyx life jacket help all family members achieve a snug fit that keeps them comfortable and secure in emergencies. One large pocket on the front of this life jacket can securely store your phone and other loose items. The padding on the shoulders can enhance your comfort for all-day wear.

The mesh lower back of this life jacket ensures flawless breathability to keep you sweat-free, while the high-foam upper back is designed to keep you comfortable on high-back seats. It has a low-profile construction so it does not look or feel bulky, and it is also lightweight enough to not feel like a burden.

• Bright color aids with visibility
• High foam backing
• Low profile, lightweight, compact design
• May ride up slightly in the back

Longest Flotation Duration

Eyson Life Jacket

This life jacket from Eyson inflates automatically when submerged in water or can be inflated manually with the pull of an easy-to-reach cord. Additionally, it comes with a whistle and a rescue strap to make it easier for someone to get a hold of you quickly. Plus, it will help you stay afloat for more than 48 hours.

This device uses a quick-release plastic buckle for easy on and off. It’s convenient to repack and reuse since the fabric cover and airbag are attached. You can adjust the fit and size with the adjustable strap, so you get a secure fit, and it’s designed to fit an adult or youth with a chest size from 29 to 62 inches. It also has reflective bands, so it’s easy to spot.

• Made with lightweight yet sturdy fabric
• Washable and easy to air dry
• Adjustable belt fit
• The design may not appeal to everyone

Finding the Best Life Jacket: A Buyer’s Guide

Whenever you’re out on the water, it’s important to have safety and security in mind. There are many accidents and dangerous situations that can arise while boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and having a life jacket is essential to reducing the risk of these accidents occurring. This guide will introduce you to the importance of life jackets and help you find the best personal flotation devices, or PFDs, for your needs.

Life Jacket

A life jacket, also known as a life vest or PFD (personal flotation device), is a vest-like accessory that can be worn around the torso while engaging in activities on the water, such as sailing or paddling. It is designed to float in water, helping anyone who accidentally falls into the water stay afloat until help arrives. 

Why You Need a Life Jacket

Life jackets are absolutely essential when you’re out on the water, and here are just some of the key reasons why.

For protection

Obviously, the main reason to use a life jacket and the main benefit offered by life vests in general is protection. Studies and statistics show that life jackets can save lives. They help to prevent accidental drowning, and in situations where people fall into lakes, oceans, or rivers, they can help those individuals get back onto a boat or to dry land as safely as possible.

For compliance

It’s also a simple fact that life jackets are a legal obligation in many situations. Boats and other vessels carrying passengers aren’t allowed to sail without an adequate stock of life vests, and many people aren’t allowed to engage in water-based activities like kayaking and paddling without having a good-quality life jacket.

For peace of mind

Another important advantage of life jackets is that they can provide peace of mind. Many people stress and worry about the dangers of water. This stress can prevent them from enjoying water-based activities like paddleboarding and sailing. Having a life jacket can provide you with the peace of mind you need to relax and have fun, especially when traveling with family and children.

For versatility

Another good reason to invest in life jackets is that they can be used in a wide range of ways, often featuring very versatile designs that are well-suited to activities as diverse as fishing, paddling, and open-sea sailing. Some might have pockets for storing your fishing accessories , for example, and others come with special designs to enhance movement and let you paddle with ease.

What to Consider When Buying a Life Jacket

One of the most important aspects to take into account when choosing a life jacket is size. The size of the jacket needs to match the size of the wearer. If the vest is too big, it could become loose or slip off. If it’s too small, it will feel tight and restrict movement. You have to make sure that any PFD you use is the perfect size for you.

There are a lot of different materials that can be used in the design and manufacture of a life jacket. Examples include polyester, neoprene, and nylon. Nylon and neoprene tend to be regarded as some of the best materials for life jackets because of their durability. Life jackets made from these materials tend to last the longest.

You also must pay close attention to the design and features of your life jacket. They might all look quite similar at first glance, but each one often has unique design features and quirks. Mesh panels are a good design feature, as they add breathability and help jackets dry off more quickly. Strong buckles and pockets can also be helpful design additions.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that color isn’t important when choosing a life jacket. This can be a very important factor, as brighter colors like yellow will be easier to see if you do end up in the water and need to be rescued. Color also has aesthetic importance, as some people will want to find a jacket in their preferred color to look their best.

You also must think about the weight capacity of any life jacket. Each one is designed to offer a certain amount of buoyancy, and some are much stronger than others so they’re able to hold up heavier people. Make sure you pick a jacket that is strong enough to support your weight.

Life jackets can have varying price tags. You can find basic, budget models for about $10. Then there are high-end jackets with premium features like pockets, enhanced comfort, and ease of movement, and you can expect to find these priced in excess of $250. The price you pay will depend on your own budget, needs, and preferences. In general, paying more will get you a more comfortable jacket with useful extras, but there are plenty of budget offerings that are completely safe to use.

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

When putting this guide together, we wanted to make sure that we recommended only the very best, safest, and most well-made life jackets to our users. We, therefore, took the time to look at a lot of different options, considering key factors like design, materials, and features, as well as consulting user reviews to see what real people felt about these products. This approach allowed us to select a set of highly-rated and widely recommended jackets for a wide range of users.

People Also Asked

There is no official expiration date on a life jacket or vest, but it's important to look after them well if you want them to last a long time. Jackets that are damaged, with holes and punctures, will need to be replaced.

Yes, life jackets are very useful for people who can't swim. They make it easier for you to stay afloat without putting in too much physical effort and can be useful when learning to swim in pools.

To ensure proper fit, consider your weight, chest size, and any specific sizing charts provided by the manufacturer. It's crucial to try on the life jacket to ensure it fits snugly but comfortably.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

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Best lifejackets: 10 of the best lifesavers tested to the max

We tested 10 of the best lifejackets on the market in a full-open water test to see how quickly they fire and how comfortable they are to wear

As the season gets off to a tentative start, we thought there was no better time to test one of the most essential pieces of boating kit, which could save your life, the humble lifejacket.

In our 10 of the best lifejackets test we flew out to the south coast of Mallorca where we threw our poor put-upon staff writer, Greg, in the water multiple times to test the lifejackets in open water.

We were interested in how comfortable each lifejacket was to wear around the boat, how easy it was to adjust, how quickly it fired and turned the casualty over in the water, how comfortable it was in the water once it had inflated and how effective and efficient all of the safety features were.

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

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Previously, we had tested jackets in swimming pools, both heated and unheated. This time we decided these were no substitute for the real thing.

Waves, even small ones, currents and the temperature of open water can all have an effect on a casualty, so we decided the only course of action for this test was to do it off the back of a boat in a saltwater environment.

Read on to see how all ten lifejackets performed in this real world environment.

The best lifejackets available now

Marine pool 180n racer plus lifejacket.

• Crotch-strap: Yes (single)
• Light: No (but available to buy for an extra £19.95)
• Sprayhood: No (but available to buy for an extra £19.95)
• Harness: Yes
• Firing mechanism: United Moulders UML Pro Sensor
• Fastening mechanism: Metal buckle
• Price: €159.90
• Rating: 3/5

Performance

The Marinepool jacket had the traditional single-sided adjustment, making it easy to tweak by the wearer once on, and the jacket was comfy on board because it felt compact.

It took just five seconds for the jacket to fully inflate and turn Greg over, and it kept his head nicely clear of the water.

However, he reported that the jacket inflicted some compression on his chest, meaning the Marinepool wasn’t that comfortable once inflated.

The reflective material seemed a bit limited and with a vast area of yellow bladder on either side going begging, it wouldn’t take much to beef this up a bit.

The bottle and firing mechanism could be found inside their own zipped panel, which makes checking very straightforward, and a firing mechanism status panel with simple key can be found on the front.

Just unscrew the existing bottle, throw it away and screw in the new one and firing mechanism – simple. Rearming kit: £18.95

This was the easiest of the jackets to repack because it was constructed with a single component, which formed the cover and bladder. The downside of this is that any damage to the cover means it won’t hold air.

Contact: Marinepool Tel: +49 89 8996190

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Viking Conquest lifejacket

• Light: Yes (but costs extra £12.95)
• Sprayhood: Yes
• Firing mechanism: Halkey Roberts
• Price: £101
• Rating: 4/5

Like the Marinepool, adjustment of the Viking lifejackets is a simple one-side operation. Viking even supplies a couple of clips to keep the excess webbing tidy.

Comfort levels on board were described as good and activation and casualty turning, while a little slower than most models, was acceptable at seven seconds.

Once inflated the jacket drew positive comments from our tester, including better than average support for his head, which was held well clear of the water.

The sprayhood was easy to find and simple to put on. Though it looked a little twisted when pulled on, it provided a secure environment.

Many of the test jackets came with a lifting strop, but only the Viking made its location obvious and easy to get at before inflation.

The reflective panels were pretty well placed and, like the light, were covered by the sprayhood, but a large clear panel allowed both to do their job. The sprayhood itself also incorporated a number of reflective strips.

Like the Stormy’s UML-5 system, the Halkey Roberts simply requires a new bottle and firing mechanism to be screwed in. Rearming kit: £12.95

The separate bladder was repacked into the cover with ease, made simpler by having a Velcro closure all around the cover.

However, it seemed that the sprayhood had nowhere to go – there didn’t seem to be room for it inside the cover. I did eventually get it in but the fit was hardly neat.

Contact: Viking Life Saving Equipment Ltd Tel: 023 8045 4184

Bluewave lifejacket

• Crotch-strap: No (but available for £8.99)
• Light: No (but available for £14.99)
• Sprayhood: No
• Harness: No (but available for £59.99 and includes crotch-strap)
• Firing mechanism: United Moulders UML-5
• Fastening mechanism: Plastic buckle
• Rating: 2/5

We know that many motorboaters buy on price, so we decided to include this British-made budget jacket to provide a direct comparison to the more expensive products.

As the features list above reveals, it is light on specifications but most of the important bits can be added afterwards and you can choose a harness version if you wish.

So how did the Bluewave perform on the day? Adjustment was easy and the wearer reported very high levels of comfort on board due to the jacket being so light and compact.

Obviously, adding extra components will reduce this benefit to some extent. Nethertheless, this was the most comfortable jacket on the day.

In the water things weren’t quite so good. Inflation was fairly slow at eight seconds and a lack of crotch-straps on our test model meant the jacket rode up, leaving Greg’s head too close to the water and compressing on his neck.

The Bluewave was also light on reflective panels. This cost-effective jacket could be upgraded easily with a crotch-strap and a light to make it comparable to the other jackets here (sprayhood aside) and if you did this it would still be very affordable.

This budget jacket shares the same firing mechanism as most of the  more expensive models on our test, which means it is just as easy and cheap to rearm. Rearming kit: £16.99

With Velcro cover fastenings, this was the easiest and quickest of the separate cover and bladder jackets to repack.

Contact: Marine Warehouse Ltd Tel: 01792 474300

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Spinlock Deckvest Lite

• Light: No (available for £39.95)
• Sprayhood: No (available for £20.35)
• Harness: No
• Price: £139

The Spinlock jacket is an unusual design in that it slips over your head rather than being worn like a waistcoat.

It was easy to put on if you were flexible enough to reach behind for the strap, and very easy to adjust thanks to a system that required just a single pull on the loose end of webbing.

Wearing it on board, the Spinlock not only looks different but feels different too, which might take some getting used to.

Having said that it was comfortable, with a superbly soft neoprene collar. As an aside, our tester also thought it looked great too.

The jacket inflated and turned our tested over in a respectable 4.5 seconds but when inflated he reported some compression on the neck to the extent of slightly restricting his breathing.

It’s got the ubiquitous United Moulders UML-5 mechanism, so simply unscrew the old and screw in the new. Rearming pack: £19.95

The Deckvest Lite is very compact and this works against it when it comes to repacking. It wasn’t particularly easy and the end result was more shoved in than carefully packed. If I had a sprayhood to get in as well it may well have beaten me.

Contact: Spinlock Ltd Tel: 01983 295555

Ocean Safety Kru Sport Pro lifejacket

• Crotch-strap: Yes
• Light: No (but the AQ40 light is available to buy for £20)
• Fastening mechanism: Zipped panel
• Price: £160
• Rating: 5/5 (best buy)

The adjustment of this jacket is very easy; simply loosen right off before putting on and then pull the loose ends either side.

Once donned, the Kru Sport Pro felt comfy and offered a great feeling of security due to the large meshed back and zipped front panel.

In the water it was joint fastest at firing and turning our casualty over in just four seconds. Once inflated the head was held nicely above the waterline and the jacket still felt comfortable.

The sprayhood took our tester a while to find in the water but once he had hold of the tab to pull it out it was very easy to fit.

This made us realise how important it was to familiarise yourself with any lifejacket you buy. If you have a sprayhood, get to know how it works – it is definitely time well spent.

One quibble was that there seemed no obvious way of securing the loose ends of the sprayhood and I would have liked another reflective panel on the bottom of the righthand bladder because the one that was there was obscured after inflation.

Simply unscrew the cylinder and firing mechanism and screw in the new ones. Replace the plastic manual firing pin if required. Rearming kit: £20

Although it looked complicated, with a separate bladder and cover, this turned out to be very straightforward to repack due to the two separate halves, each with a zip, and a separate compartment for the sprayhood.

Contact: Ocean Safety Ltd Tel: 023 8072 0800

Crewsaver Ergofit 190N Coastal lifejacket

• Crotch-strap: Yes (double)
• Firing mechanism: Hammer
• Fastening mechanism: Zipped panel plus plastic buckle
• Price: £165
• Rating: N/A

Adjustment was easy, with two loose ends of webbing to pull on either side. The Ergofit is quite a big heavy lifejacket but it has that cool Navy SEAL look about it and feels reassuringly solid.

However, on test the Ergofit failed to fire automatically, despite Greg jumping in on two occasions. Firing it off manually only partially worked, with only the right hand side inflating.

Once out of the water and with a little prodding the second half burst into life. Back in the water, the sprayhood was easy to find but difficult to deploy – it needed a really good tug to separate the Velcro and enable the hood fixings to be stretched over the bladders.

On the plus side, the one thing that was very noticable was how well the Ergofit held the casualty in the water. Good design of the bladders kept the head held comfortably and well clear of the water.

The jacket also features a handy zipped pocket on the front, a Velcro tab to affix a PLB (personal locator beacon) and a clear window to check the status of the firing mechanism.

After the initial failure we contacted Crewsaver, who responded by conducting a series of tests with over 60 identical lifejackets. In their tests they could not replicate the failure we experienced, despite extensive environmental and in-water testing.

They then supplied us with another Ergofit jacket of exactly the same specification which we took to a local pool to test. This jacket fired correctly and turned the casualty over in five seconds.

The Hammer rearming kit is about twice as expensive as the UML-5 and because the bottle is mounted inside the bladder it is a more complex operation to change. The Ergofit is also available with non-Hammer automatic inflation. Rearming kit: £39

Spread out on the floor like some luminescent roadkill, the Ergofit looked like it was going to be a tricky customer.

Once I got going though it was relatively painless and although I wouldn’t say it was as neatly packed as when it came out of the factory, the firing mechanism was in line with the window and it looked OK.

Contact: Crewsaver Tel: 01329 820 000

Seasafe iZip lifejacket

• Price: £140

Our tester, Greg, described the iZip as very comfortable to wear. Adjustment was pretty straightforward using a single slider on the righthand side.

Just four seconds after hitting the water the jacket was fully inflated, with the casualty face up, making the iZip one of the fastest on test.

Once inflated the casualty’s head was kept clear of the water and Greg reported that the jacket was still comfortable to wear.

The sprayhood was a little tricky to find and get hold of but once located it was easy to put into place and offered good protection. Reflective strips were abundant, both with and without the sprayhood.

Other features include a fleece-lined collar for additional comfort and a separate zipped section for easy access to check the firing mechanism and gas bottle.

The colourful array of covers may make you think the iZip is a bit of a novelty product but that is far from true. Our casualty liked this jacket.

This was simple – just unscrew the old bottle and firing mechanism and screw in new ones. Replace the green manual fire-clip if required. Total rearming cost: £12.95

The iZip comes with a separate zipped cover and bladder. The slightly larger cover meant repacking was very easy, even with the extra material of the sprayhood to pack away. The iZip was the easiest jacket with a separate cover and bladder to repack to a high standard.

Contact: Seasafe Systems Ltd Tel: 01983 282388

Stormy LifeVest

• Crotch-strap: No (available with harness)
• Harness: Yes (£77 inc with crotch-straps)
• Price: £168

Unlike the other lifejackets on test, the Stormy is also a fleece-lined gilet or jacket. This made adjustment a little bit trickier but once set up the Stormy was comfortable to wear on board.

Our tester remarked that it felt just like an ordinary boat jacket. In the water, activation and casualty turning was quick at just 4.5 seconds, but with no crotch-straps the jacket did ride up a little.

Because the Stormy is a gilet/jacket it comes in sizes from XS to 3XL and getting the right size is important because once it is inflated there isn’t much room to spare.

We found that it became tight under the arms despite the expansion poppers and also tight enough on the chest to restrict breathing somewhat.

The Stormy was also quite low on reflective panels and looks rather dull in the water. But it did come with a useful blanking cap to turn it from an automatic into a manual jacket, should the need arise.

This was very simple. The Stormy uses the same kit as the iZip and has a separate Velcro panel for easy access. Rearming kit: £19

It doesn’t get any easier: simply press the valve to let the air out and it’s ready to go.

Contact: Adec Marine Tel: 020 8686 9717

Secumar Ultra AX Plus lifejacket

• Firing mechanism: Secumatic 4001S
• Fastening mechanism: Seatbelt-style plastic and metal buckle
• Price: €123.90

The Secumar is a reasonably bulky jacket but feels rugged, almost commercial. The easy-to-use seatbelt buckle provided a secure fastening and was the easiest on test to use, according to Greg.

Adjustment was simple, with a single-side slider, and despite the bulk this wasn’t an intrusive jacket to wear around the boat and was very comfortable thanks to its fleece-lined collar.

In the water the Secumar took a full 15 seconds to inflate – initially we thought we had a failure on our hands. But once it had fired, the Ultra did its job and turned our casualty over.

In the water, the jacket held Greg’s head high with ease. The sprayhood fell to hand easily, was straightforward to put on and offered a good degree of protection.

Reflective panels were adequate, including a nice big one across the front of the sprayhood. This jacket also provided a clear window through which to check the status of the firing mechanism, with a manual over-ride tab should this be required.

This jacket uses a salt pill that comes in a plastic carrier. Reinstallation is simple. A new bottle is fitted with a bayonet fitting rather than the ubiquitous screw-thread, which should prevent the problem of bottles working loose. Rearming kit: £20

The bladder packed away easily into the cover, which was fixed by Velcro. The only snag was working out how the sprayhood packed away.

In the end, I just shoved it unceremoniously into the collar but it wasn’t right and marred an otherwise easy repacking experience.

Contact: Secumar UK Tel: 01621 782078

Baltic GP 150SL lifejacket

• Harness: No (available on the Baltic Race 150 Jacket, £229.46)
• Price: £209

The GP150 is another compact jacket which is simple to adjust and comfortable to wear on board. It uses the same firing mechanism as the Marinepool and has the same useful window and a clear key to check the status.

The jacket also has a fleece collar and mesh-lined back panel for additional comfort. In the water the Baltic took eight seconds to fully inflate and turn over our tester and, despite the sprayhood being very obvious to us onlookers, it took Greg a while to get hold of it due to its being tucked so neatly right behind his head.

Once found though, the hood was easily fixed in place and we liked the straightforward way it attached to the bladders with large, easy-to-use elasticated hoops. The jacket was comfy once inflated and came with a good array of reflective panels.

Just unscrew the gas and firing mechanism and screw new ones in place. Rearming kit: £30.97

Another jacket with a separate bladder and cover. This one came with some printed instructions as to where to fold the bladder, which should have made it easier.

In fact, this was one of the hardest jackets to repack due to the tightness of the cover and the fact that the zip kept bursting open during packing.

When the jacket was finally squeezed in, the firing mechanism was not lined up as it should have been within the clear window. If this was my jacket I don’t think I would be doing a test-inflate very often.

Contact: Baltic Safety Products Tel: 023 8045 7272

What was the best lifejacket on test?

As the RNLI says, lifejackets are useless unless worn. I would add that they might also be useless if the wearer doesn’t know how a jacket works or if it isn’t serviced regularly or isn’t fitted correctly.

The bottom line is any lifejacket will hugely improve your chances of survival in cold water. But you can increase the odds further by buying one fitted with a sprayhood, crotch-straps and a light if you cruise at night.

If you buy one that is comfy to wear on board you are more likely to put it on. Buy one that is easy to repack and you are more likely to inspect it.

The most comfortable on board was the budget buy Bluewave, but unless you are going to pay extra for all the additional bits its performance in the water will suffer.

The Seasafe iZip is a definite contender for top honours. It comes with all the right kit, is available in a multitude of designs, performed exceptionally well and was easy to rearm and repack.

The Viking is another good all-rounder that I would also be happy to have on board my boat, as was the Secumar.

Adding all these factors together, we came to one conclusion: the Ocean Safety Kru Sport Pro is the one you should get for you and your crew.

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2019 , lifejacket , lifejacket review , press , Recommended By , yachting monthly - July 23, 2019

Yachting Monthly Recommends BackTow Lifejacket

Thanks to the team at Yachting Monthly who reviewed 10 of the best lifejackets on the market in the August issue - including TeamO's BackTow Lifejacket of course!

Tested for comfort, inflation time, rotation time and in-water testing of the BackTow system, the Yachting Monthly team recommended the TeamO Lifejacket as one of their top 3 picks and commented: "The TeamO BackTow solution seemed the more sensible (option) to us, particularly for cruising sailors."

To read the full review please click here. 

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We let our customers speak for us:

This life jacket is so light and noninvasive that I forget that I’m wearing it. I highly recommend it!

We received our 170N life vests within two weeks of placing our order. We live in Texas and expected shipping from the UK to take longer. The vests are comfortable to were while on deck. My wife and I are leaving Galveston in April for our years long cruising life and I purchased these life vests because we are expecting to be on watch alone at various intervals. We both clip in our tethers and use jack lines when necessary to go forward while underway.. Neither of us has ever fallen overboard and this is our greatest fear while underway. This vest appears to provide the best possibility for survival if one of us fall overboard while alone on deck.

Great industry leading product, speaks for itself! Amazing service from the Teamo guys too. Quick responses to email queries, great communication, perfect customer service. Very happy customer. Would highly recommend! Thanks guys!

Hoping I never need to use it in anger but so far satisfied with the product. Fits perfectly, feels lighter than previous version and just love the colour.. ! Initially I didn’t know who to direct my emails to .. but once I found a contact communication ran smoothly.

Now that I worn it for a little while now it’s a really good product! I’m quite happy with it. The only reason I can’t give it five stars is because the leg straps just aren’t beefy enough. I’d like something more substantial to hold on to me if I fall overboard.. These little teeny tiny thin straps will dig into your legs real quick… This is literally the only thing that’s not built to an industrial standard, everything about this lifevest is made for offshore cruising!

6 Best Life Jackets for Sailing (2024)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

January 2, 2024

Are you looking for the best life jackets for sailing? You've come to the right place.

Sailing is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences you could ever have. The calming and gentle sound of the ocean, the slight rocking of the boat, and the warm breeze that brushes against your face simply make sailing one of the most fun activities you can indulge in. But even with the joys that come with sailing, it does have its hazards and things can quickly go wrong if the unexpected happens. The fact that you're out on the water means that there's a possibility that you can end up in it instead.

And because a simple slip is all it takes to have you over the side, it's of great importance to have a good life jacket. Given that sailing is an active sport that requires lots of movement, the best life jackets for sailing should neither be restrictive nor bulky. It should also provide good support in case you find yourself in the water. With a good life jacket for sailing, you should just stay afloat without using a lot of energy.

When sailing, safety should be a priority and this calls for the need to have a proper life jacket. But because there are a lot of sailing life jackets in the market, choosing a good one can be quite challenging. To make it a lot easier for you, we'll highlight the best life jackets for sailing.

Table of contents

Spinlock Deckvest 5D 170N Inflatable PFD

The Spinlock Deckvest 5D is an excellent life jacket made from weight-saving ripstop cover fabric. This material is soft, lightweight, flexible, and durable and can resist tear and puncture that are likely to occur during sailing. This is a highly durable life jacket that will withstand the most extreme conditions.

This lifejacket has an ergonomic design with a reliable safety harness to ensure that it comfortably sits on your neck and around your shoulder without impeding your freedom and movement. Given that it's a high-tech type of PFD, it can turn your face up and keep your head above the water in case you become unconscious. It also has an integrated sprayhood that's integral in protecting you from secondary drowning.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Spinlock Deckvest is a professional grade life jacket that will ensure that you're always safe. Even though this life jacket inflates automatically when water flows upward through the vest, it will not inflate accidentally when it's raining or if it gets sprayed with water. While this is a common problem in normal inflatable life jackets, the Spinlock eliminates this problem through an inside paper capsule that helps it inflate or deflate.

Its comfortable and unobtrusive design means that you can wear it all day without tiring you out. To make it safer, this life jacket has other additional features such as a flashing LED light and a flexible antenna for improved visibility in the water.

The Deckvest 5D may be a little expensive but it won't let you down as far as comfort, safety, and ease of use are concerned. It's also very durable, which makes it worth the extra investment if you plan to use it regularly. It's also versatile as it's available in three various sizes from small to XX-Large so it can be excellent for a wide range of users.

• ‍ Strong and durable exterior
• Reliable UML Pro Sensor
• Mesh pocket
• Double crotch straps
• Auto/manual option
• ‍ It's quite expensive

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Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Sailing Life Jacket

No list of best life jackets for sailing can be complete without the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Sailing Life Jacket . Well, that's because it's one of the best PFDs in the market. This life jacket has a strong exterior made from 200 denier Nylon Ripstop and Nylon Oxford. This makes it durable and resistant to tear and puncture that can occur in extreme conditions.

The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic is structured with two pads on the shoulders to make it comfortable and wearable throughout the day without feeling tired. The neoprene pads are perfectly structured to ensure that there's no chafe and to make you enjoy sailing. That's not all; it has a powerful and durable zipper closure at the front and is complemented by adjustable side belts to ensure that it fits you safely. This zipper closure is expandable and you can use it to store crucial equipment such as your mobile phone and keys.

This life jacket is uniquely and flexibly designed to ensure that it conforms to your body and fittingly stays in place even if you are hit with a huge impact. It also has a mesh at the lower back to eliminate excessive heat and make it breathable. This will make your body cool while preventing moisture from your body. This is also essential in making it lightweight and comfortable to be worn throughout the day.

The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic has a whistle attached to it. This is essential if you want to raise alarm or seek help in case of an emergency. It's also structured with reflective material on the shoulder pads to enhance visibility during low light conditions, which is integral in preventing water accidents, especially at night.

• ‍ Lightweight
• Drying loop
• Adjustable side belt
• Expandable pocket
• Neoprene shoulders
• ‍ It may be small for some people

Astral V-Eight Sailing Life Jacket

With the life vest built around a mesh base, the Astra V-Eight is a modern sailing life jacket that's designed to give you enough freedom of movement thanks to its unobtrusive design. In addition to the open sides that will not interfere with your arms, the shoulder straps are modest while the panels sit low on the body so that it doesn't move up into your face.

Even though the life jacket's high seat may back if you're kayaking, this won't be an issue if you plan to use it when sailing. The foam panel is structured with Polyethylene (PE) and EVA foam both in the front and at the back to shape it better for your body. This makes it a perfect fit for both men and women, and also very comfortable.

The Astra V-Eight has a zipper closure at the front and has a quick release buckle on the lower chest as well as two adjustable buckles on each shoulder to help you adjust the life jacket to fit you accordingly. It has a mesh at both sides to make it breathable while eliminating excessive heat to make you cool throughout your sailing escapades. This life jacket is completely free of toxic PVC.

And do you have an integral device that you want to carry with you while sailing? No problem, this vest has two zippered front pockets so that you can keep important gadgets such as an emergency whistle, an emergency knife, a strobe, and many more.

Weighing about 1.22 lbs. with a buoyancy rating of about 16 lbs, this is an extremely reliable life jacket. It is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as a Type III life jacket and is perfect for a variety of water sports, sailing included.

This life jacket is available in various sizes and high visibility colors to make it excellent if you want a life jacket that's easy to wear and spot in case of an emergency. Overall, this is a great life jacket that scores highly well in terms of buoyancy, comfort, safety, and durability.

• ‍ Breathable
• Durable and comfortable
• Comes with adjustable buckles
• It is free of toxic PVC
• It is USCG approved
• ‍ It's bulky

Onyx Absolute Outdoor Life Jacket for Sailing

A slender life jacket that's made from nylon material, the Onyx Absolute Outdoor Life Jacket is a superb sailing life jacket that's durable and resistant to tear and puncture. It is extremely lightweight that you won't even realize that you have it on you. This means that you can comfortably wear it throughout the day without getting tired.

The fact that you can inflate it automatically or manually is essential, especially in emergencies. It doesn't matter whether it's deflated when you fall into the water; it will automatically inflate to ensure that you remain safe. Well, this jacket is designed with a carbon dioxide cylinder to help inflate automatically if it's submerged in 4 or more inches of water. As such, you'll always remain safe even if you suddenly fall into the water. This, therefore, makes it a great option if you're not good at swimming.

If you want to inflate it manually, you just have to pull a T-chord attachment at the right bottom of the life jacket and it will inflate. This makes it an excellent option if you love inflating the life jacket manually. And even if you find yourself in a situation where you're unconscious, this life jacket will keep your face and head on top of the water.

This life jacket is also designed so that you can easily wear it on top of your shirt or t-shirt and still feel good. Whether you're sailing during summer or winter, it's designed to serve you perfectly throughout the year. In terms of safety, this is another USCG-approved life jacket on this list. So in addition to sailing, you can effectively use it in a variety of water sports.

• ‍ It has a very comfortable neckline
• It's made from durable material
• It is lightweight thanks to its slender design
• It's a USCG-approved life jacket
• It has both auto and manual inflation
• ‍ It doesn't work perfectly if the water is cool

Stohlquist Edge

A brilliant addition to the great Stohlquist family, the Edge is an incredible life jacket that guarantees your freedom of movement and safety. It's designed with an ergonomic WRAPTURE shaped torso to give you the utmost comfort. With its adjustable padded, four side pulls, and front waist buckle, this life jacket can easily fit any type of body. The vest's shoulders have adjustable straps to help you adjust the vest according to your fit.

It's also designed with ultra-soft buoyancy foam that will ensure that you stay afloat no matter what happens. The low-cut offset zipper makes wearing this life jacket a lot easier and can also act as an additional front pocket for storing your essentials. We have to note that the pocket is not waterproof, so it's important to use a waterproof zip lock to ensure that your gadgets and other essentials are protected against water.

The Edge has mesh at the sides for maximum ventilation. This means that excessive heat will be easily eliminated while allowing cool air to make you fresh throughout your sailing adventures. That's not all; this life jacket is designed with 3M reflective that makes it highly visible in low light conditions.

This vest is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and has both the ULC and UL listings. This means that it can be worn throughout North America.

• ‍ It has adjustable straps
• It has 3M reflective strips
• It is USCG-approved
• It's very comfortable
• ‍ The pockets are not completely waterproof
• It's bulky
• It may not be perfect for women

Mustang Survival Corp HIT Sailing Life Jacket

An award-winning deluxe life jacket, Mustang Survival Corp is designed with HIT (Hydrostatic Inflator Technology) to enhance your safety while minimizing maintenance. This life jacket can automatically inflate if it's submerged in 4 or more inches of water. This means that it will not inflate at the wrong time, say when it's raining or when it's accidentally sprayed with water.

When inflated, it provides 35lbs of buoyancy, which is more than twice the rate of buoyancy provided by most standard life jackets. It also comes with solas reflective tape, a safety whistle, and a strobe light attachment to ensure that your safety is a priority. This life jacket is designed with a fully adjustable harness to ensure that it perfectly fits on you no matter your body size.

This life jacket has two d-rings that can be essential in tethering the jacket to the jack line so that it doesn't restrict your movement and range of motion. Thanks to its low profile feature, this life jacket will enhance your mobility and allow your hands to move freely without restrictions. It is highly visible thanks to its bright and fluorescent yellow and green hues to make it excellent even low light conditions.

Mustang Survival Corp HIT is a USCG Type II life jacket that will enable you to indulge in various water sports. This life jacket is known for its superb customer service, award-winning HIT, and is excellent even in the severest of weather conditions.

• ‍ It has a superb Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT)
• It has a SecureZIP Closure
• It offers great buoyancy
• ‍ It's only available in the United States

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• Your ultimate guide to choosing the best life jackets for sailing

When it comes to sailing, safety should always be a top priority. One essential piece of safety equipment every sailor should have is a reliable life jacket. These life-saving devices can make all the difference in an emergency situation, providing buoyancy and keeping you afloat until help arrives. However, with a variety of options available, choosing the best life jacket for sailing can be a bit overwhelming. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision and keep your sailing adventures safe and enjoyable.

Types of life jackets

Not all life jackets are created equal. There are several types available, each with its unique features and purposes. We'll explore the various types and help you determine which one suits your sailing needs.

1. Inherent buoyancy life jackets

Inherent buoyancy life jackets are designed with built-in flotation materials, ensuring they provide buoyancy without the need for inflatable chambers or gas cartridges. These life jackets are reliable and offer consistent flotation for various water activities.

2. Inflatable life jackets

Inflatable life jackets are a type of personal flotation device that rely on gas cartridges or manual inflation to provide buoyancy when needed. They offer a compact and comfortable alternative to traditional life jackets, making them popular for various water activities, especially boating and sailing.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

3. Foam life jackets

Foam life jackets, also known as foam-filled life jackets, are buoyancy aids that use foam as the primary flotation material. They provide consistent and reliable buoyancy without the need for inflation, making them a popular choice for water safety in various recreational and professional settings.

4. Hybrid life jackets

Hybrid life jackets are a versatile type of personal flotation device that combines the benefits of both foam and inflatable life jackets. They offer reliable buoyancy through foam panels while incorporating inflatable elements for added comfort and mobility, making them suitable for a wide range of water activities, including sailing, kayaking, and more.

5. Specialized sailing life jackets

Specialized sailing life jackets are designed specifically for the unique needs of sailors. They often feature features like harnesses, pockets for gear, and high visibility colors to ensure safety and convenience while out on the water. These jackets are essential equipment for any serious sailor.

A young man guides a small sailboat.

Here is a list of some of the best life jackets for sailing, designed to ensure your safety and comfort during your sailing adventures:

Mustang Survival Lil' Legends 100 Youth Life Jacket : This youth-specific life jacket offers excellent buoyancy and is designed to keep young sailors safe while providing comfort and freedom of movement.

Stohlquist Men's Trekker Life Jacket : Stohlquist is known for its quality, and the Trekker life jacket is no exception. It offers a great fit and high mobility, making it ideal for active sailors.

NRS Ion PFD : This personal flotation device is suitable for both kayaking and sailing. It features a low-profile design, multiple adjustment points, and excellent comfort.

Astral Ronny Fisher Fishing PFD : If you enjoy both sailing and fishing, this life jacket is a great choice. It offers ample storage pockets and a comfortable fit for long days on the water.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest : This versatile life vest is perfect for sailors who also enjoy paddle sports. It offers excellent ventilation and mobility, making it suitable for warm-weather sailing.

Salus Nimbus PFD : The Salus Nimbus is a popular choice for recreational sailors. It provides a secure fit, and its lightweight design ensures comfort during long hours on the boat.

Kokatat OutFit Tour PFD : Designed for touring kayakers but suitable for sailors, this life jacket offers durability, comfort, and ample storage options.

Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest : If you're looking for an affordable yet reliable option, the Stearns Classic Series Vest is a top pick. It's Coast Guard-approved and provides basic safety without breaking the bank.

O'Neill Men's Superlite Life Vest : This life vest is perfect for warm-weather sailing. It offers a snug fit and a minimalistic design, ensuring maximum mobility and comfort.

Spinlock Deckvest 5D : For serious sailors, the Spinlock Deckvest 5D is a premium choice. It comes with an integrated harness and offers advanced safety features, making it suitable for offshore sailing.

Please note that the best life jacket for you may vary depending on your individual preferences, body type, and the type of sailing you plan to do. Always ensure that any life jacket you choose is Coast Guard-approved and suits your specific needs for safety and comfort on the water.

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Best lifejacket: 13 top choices that could save your life

• David Harding

A good lifejacket is a fundamental piece of safety equipment, so it’s important to look at the options and ensure you choose the best lifejacket for your needs. David Harding checks out some popular options

Whatever else you might find on a boat, you will usually find lifejackets. In the context of this feature we’re talking specifically about the best lifejacket options as opposed to buoyancy aids: lifejackets that will inflate to turn you on to your back in the water and provide you with at least 150 Newtons of buoyancy.

Because inflatable lifejackets like this are relatively slim and unobtrusive (at least when compared with the solid foam variety), some people wear them nearly all the time when afloat. Others wait until conditions get rough, and then there are those who don them under duress; only when the rules insist or the skipper says so (which isn’t necessarily as reckless an approach as it might sound, because their views are often based on hard-won experience).

What to look for in a good lifejacket?

Whether you’re a regular or an occasional wearer, it’s pointless to wear a lifejacket that won’t do the job should the need arise. Sailors will typically choose one that incorporates a harness with an attachment point for a safety line so they can clip on when on deck and it’s also easier to haul them out of the water.

Many lighter, slimmer and less expensive lifejackets don’t have a harness and are more likely to be worn by motorboaters. Another difference between lifejackets is the firing mechanism, which fires a pin into the gas cylinder to activate the inflation. Most rely on a tablet that dissolves in water, some being more prone to dissolving accidentally than others.

Alternatively you might prefer a hydrostatic mechanism, because it’s activated only when immersed a given depth below the water. Further choices include whether you want features like a spray hood (to help prevent secondary drowning), a light, a whistle or provision for electronic recovery aids such as an AIS or PLB . 

There are a lot of choices to make, so here we look at examples of various types.

The best lifejackets available right now

Crewsaver ergofit+ 190n.

Crewsaver has long been a name synonymous with lifejackets, and the Erogofit+ 190N is the company’s top-of-the-range model in the 150 Newton category. Like many lifejackets that conform to the 150N standard, it provides substantially more buoyancy than the minimum required.

Buoyancy in the bladder is distributed in such a way that, if you land in the water on your front, you should be turned on to your back within three seconds as it inflates. The inflated bladder is also designed to act as a wave-break to stop water sloshing over your face, and to maximise mobility so you can climb back aboard or into a liferaft.

Given the importance of keeping water away from the airways, the Ergofit comes with a special design of spray hood that supports itself and provides plenty of clearance over the face.

Further features include a double crotch strap and buckle that’s easy to operate with cold hands.

Buy it now on eBay

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Crewsaver crewfit 180 pro.

For a lifejacket that’s lighter, slimmer and less expensive than the Ergofits, Crewsaver’s line-up includes the Crewfit 180N Pro.

Again providing substantially more buoyancy than the 150N base level, it comes without some of the features of the Ergofit+, such as the spray hood, but has attachment points for one as well as for an AIS unit that’s activated automatically on inflation. Also included is a surface light that comes on in contact with the water to help attract attention.

A window in the cover lets you check the status of the inflation mechanism to make sure it’s ready to go. To help you come back aboard, the Crewfit is compatible with the MOB Lifesaver recovery system.

Inflating to provide 170N of buoyancy, Ocean Safety’s Kru Sport is one of the lightest and least obtrusive offshore-spec lifejackets you can buy.

Once inflated, the two sides of the bladder interlock to help stop water being funnelled between them and over your face. A hood is also built in to offer further protection.

Speed of rotation from a face-down position is taken seriously by all reputable lifejacket manufacturers and the Kru Sport is claimed to have you on your back in less than five seconds.

A single back strap and crotch strap help minimise weight and bulk and a side buckle makes for easy adjustment.

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

With the introduction of the Deckvest, Spinlock were among the first manufacturers to offer a lifejacket that’s slim, comfortable and unobtrusive enough to woo people who might traditionally have §chosen not to wear one.

The Deckvest range has now expanded to include four models, the Deckvest Lite and Lite+ (the latter incorporating a harness) being the lightest and slimmest. 

Unlike many of their competitors, they open for donning at the side rather than the front. Options include a light on a stalk to raise it above the wearer’s head, another light to illuminate the inflated bladder, a spray hood and an AIS beacon. Welcome features include the ability to convert it to manual-only firing, while something else that might encourage those of us who are reluctant to wear lifejackets is the ability to attach a chest pack to compensate for restricted access to our jacket pockets.

Deckvest Vito

If budget isn’t a consideration and you’re after a top-of-the-range lifejacket, Spinlock’s Deckvest Vito will almost certainly be on your shortlist.

Developed with Volvo Ocean Race teams, it has a Hammar hydrostatic inflation system and a bladder-illumination light. Distinctive features that have proved popular with wearers include a pocket on the back for the spray hood to minimise bulk around the neck. The crotch strap also lives in a back pocket so it’s out of the way but easy to reach for use when needed.

Given that being towed by a safety line can be a very quick way to drown, Spinlock developed the Harness Release System (HRS) that allows you to open the soft loop to which the line is attached, thereby releasing the harness’s hook.

Incorporating a toggle attachment point for a chest pack, the Vito is designed to be easily and accurately adjustable for a comfortable fit according to the number of layers you’re wearing.

Decathlon Tribord LJ150N

This is one of the least expensive 150N lifejackets to include automatic inflation, a crotch strap and a built-in harness.

Designed with technical input from French Vendée Globe sailor Tanguy De Lamotte, the LJ150N follows the current trend in having the outer cover secured with a zip that bursts when the bladder inflates, rather than the poppers and hook-and-loop fastener widely found on older lifejackets.

It comes in black and its slim fit and good value make it a contender if you’re in the market for a basic lifejacket that’s functional and economical.

RRP: £69.99

Buy it now from Decathlon

N.B. Decathlon has issued a recall for all Tribord LJ 150N lifejackets bought between 12 April 2021 and 27 August 2021. Customers are advised to not use it and return it to a store where a full refund will be given.

Helly Hansen Sailsafe Inflatable Race

Closer to the top end of the price range for lifejackets we find Helly Hansen’s Sailsafe, designed with offshore racing in mind. To this end it has a low profile for minimal restriction of movement and it comes with many of the features you would want for offshore use including a harness, light and spray hood. There’s also space to fit a PLB.

As with some other offshore lifejackets, the inflation system is of the hydrostatic type from Hammar. Unlike most of its competitors, however, the Sailsafe doesn’t use a conventional crotch strap. Instead you find thigh straps, which are potentially more fiddly to fit but more comfortable in use. They tuck away into pocket on the back when you don’t need them.

Buy it now from Helly Hansen

TeamO 170N Coastal Backtow

Wearing a lifejacket and being clipped on with a safety harness might increase your sense of security on deck, but people have drowned after falling overboard and being towed along by a safety line with their head under water.

That’s why Oscar Mead developed the TeamO lifejacket so that, instead of being towed on your front, you’re towed on your back with your head above the water. Your reviewer was involved in TeamO testing back in 2012. 

The lifejacket has an attachment point on the front for normal use on board. If you find yourself in the water and clipped on, you manually activate the backtow mechanism to release the attachment from the front and it moves to the back.

Coastal and offshore versions of the Backtow lifejacket are available, both of course incorporating harnesses and the former coming with double crotch straps and a whistle. The offshore version costs from £220 and gives you a choice of inflation systems.

Buy it now from TeamO

Buy it now from Marine Chandlery

Lalizas Alpha 170N Automatic

While some of the big-name manufacturers have been placing great emphasis on creating lifejackets that are discrete and stylish, Lalizas have stuck with the simple, functional, tried and tested with the Alpha design.

It comes in red – practical if no longer quite so fashionable – and with no talk of 3D sculpting or a contoured shape. Another departure from the modern norm is that the cover is fastened with Velcro rather than a zip.

Inflation systems are automatic and manual and there’s an oral inflation tube as well as a whistle. Lalizas say that re-arming and re-packing is easy and economical.

The integral harness incorporates a stainless steel D-ring for attaching a safety line. There’s also a version without a harness.

Seago Active Pro 190N

This is one of the higher-buoyancy lifejackets in the 150N category, inflating – as its name suggests – to 190 Newtons. That means it needs the larger 38g gas cylinder as opposed to the 33g size used by many smaller lifejackets.

As you would expect from a lifejacket at this level, it has a window in the cover so you can check the status of the firing mechanism, plus a spray hood and light, while a crotch strap can be added.

A range of colours includes various combinations of red and blue. The Active lifejackets sit in Seago’s range between the more economical Classic and the top-end 3Dynamic.

Buy it now from Marine Scene

Buy it now from Marine Superstore

Baltic Winner 150N

Having been making lifejackets since the 1970s, Baltic has become one of the biggest names in the business and offers one of the widest ranges, including flotation clothing, floatation suits, buoyancy aids, belt packs, safety lines and harnesses, and buoyancy aids for pets.

The Winner 150 sits broadly in the middle of the range of inflatable lifejackets and comes with a choice of manual or automatic inflation. You also have a choice of harness or no harness.

Features include a fleece-lined collar for comfort (lifejackets can rub around the back of the neck) and retro-reflective patches. A light and a spray hood are among the options.

Buy it now from CrewSafe

SeaSafe I-Zip 170N

If you find most lifejackets rather boring in appearance, SeaSafe have the answer: choose your own cover. The standard range includes everything from plain blues, black and red to zebra stripes, Union Jack, tiger or leopard print, camouflage grey or green or even Harris tweed in different hues. And if you decide afterwards that you’ve been too flamboyant – or safe – it’s easy to change the cover for another one.

Inside is a 170N lifejacket with integral harness, made in SeaSafe’s factory on the Isle of Wight. Standard features include a crotch strap, a whistle and a padded collar. You can then tick the boxes for a host of options including manual or automatic firing, safety beacons of your choice, a light, an MOB Lifesaver and even embroidery on the cover.

Buy it now from SeaSafe

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14 of the best lifejackets

Sam fortescue explains the key features to look for when shopping for one the best lifejackets on the market…, this article contains affiliate links. the products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. we may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service – at no extra cost to you., spinlock deckvest 6d.

Spinlock has been through several iterations of its ergonomic Deckvest lifejacket. Its offshore product is called 6D and offers 170N of buoyancy with a built-in harness, integrated pylon light and the smart Lume-On, which turns the whole bladder into a light for easier night spotting.

There is also an option for a harness release system, which allows you to detach yourself from a harness if, for instance, it was towing you along underwater or in another life-threatening situation.

RRP: £265 Shop now via Amazon

Ocean Safety Sport Pro ADV

Combines the comfort of a more ergonomic fit with all the options you need for offshore sailing. Featuring automatic firing and an integrated harness, it also has two loops (intended for a killcord), a sprayhood and an automatic light. So-called Wave Barrier technology turns you quickly on your back, and the lifejacket is ready for an AIS beacon too.

RRP: £214.27 Shop now on tradeinn.com

Baltic Force 190 Harness SLA

The Swedish brand has products pitched at all sailing levels, but if you want all the bells and whistles for offshore sailing, you’ll need the Force 190 SLA. It’s not cheap, but this gives you great design, plus a sprayhood, light and AIS pocket.

Baltic’s other product of note is a female-specific lifejacket called Athena.

RRP: £270 Shop now on trade-inn.com

Crewsaver Crewfit

The Crewfit 165N offers freedom of movement and long-term comfort, while twin waist adjusters ensure a proper fit. The heavy-duty cover has an indicator window for checking the status of the firing mechanism.

Crewsaver’s capable Crewfit 165 Sport is available in pink, with 100 per cent of the sales price going to Cancer Research UK. Available for a donation of your choice (over £100) at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org

RRP: £99 Shop now on Amazon

Crewsaver Ergofit+ 190N auto

Ergofit introduced the idea of a lifejacket really contoured to fit your body, and its Ergofit+ has built on this further. It makes an ideal offshore lifejacket, with the Halo hood that protects your airways while keeping clear of your face. It also has slimline buckles for easy donning.

The inflatable bladder is carefully shaped and includes a chin support to help keep your airway open. It is also offers space to fit an AIS or PLB beacon. And most recently, Crewsaver has developed its Exolok system to warn you if the inflation cylinder could have worked loose.

RRP: £199 Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk

Mustang Atlas 190

Canadian sea survival brand Mustang is trumpeting the revolutionary nature of its new Atlas 190 lifejacket. Designer Nigel Parkes went back to the drawing board to develop a system that is comfortable to wear but provides excellent turning power and airway protection.

It all comes down to the shape of the bladder itself, which provides a robust 190N of buoyancy and features a built-in 3D headrest and a spray barrier. The lifejacket comes in a standard (£210) and a DLX version (£230), which includes a sprayhood and a water-activated light – both vital for offshore sailing.

RRP: £210 Shop now on mustang-survival.co.uk

Seago 3Dynamic

Always good value, Seago’s flagship lifejacket is the ergonomic 3Dynamic. It packs 190N of buoyancy and comes with a cylinder locking device, a flashing LED light, a sprayhood and pocket.

RRP: £145 Shop now on crew-safe.co.uk

Seasafe I-Zip

This British manufacturer takes a slightly different tack by producing a range of jazzy fabric designs for its 170N lifejacket range. From liquorice Allsorts to camo and even a Union flag, you’ll stand out in one of these.

The spec is surprisingly good, too. They may not be that ergonomic, but you can add an AIS beacon, a sprayhood and even and NFC chip for identification. Best of all, you can get you and your boat’s name embroidered on it!

RRP: £110 Shop now on seasafe.co.uk

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

Spinlock’s Deckvest Lite is a lightweight, 3D-design, auto-inflate (manual optional) lifejacket with a single crotch strap and attachment points for safety line and other MOB devices such as the optional RescueMe AIS MOB1 beacon.

RRP: £165 Shop now on Amazon

Helly Hansen Sailsafe Coastal

Helly Hansen’s Sailsafe Coastal is an ergonomic, lightweight design with integral, contoured harness and a wide back panel for comfort. It has a UML automatic gas inflation mechanism and double crotch straps to stop it riding up the chest. .

RRP: £150 Shop now on tradeinn.com

Secumar Ultra

The Ultra 170 is a 170N lifejacket with integral harness and a fleece-lined neck for extra comfort. It is equipped with an easily fastened, click buckle, a bayonet-style gas cylinder, a viewing panel for the firing mechanism indicator and a single crotch strap as standard.

RRP: £150 Shop now on secumar.com

Baltic Legend

The Comfort Legend has additional buoyancy and is further out on the shoulders and neck than many other models.   An inspection window is fitted so you can check the two indicators are green and the gas cylinder has a retaining loop to stop it unscrewing over time.

RRP: £165 Shop now on baltic.se

The Kru Sport has more buoyancy than the Kru XF, is equipped with a front buckle, side adjusters and is better shaped for comfort than others in the Kru range.

RRP: £79 Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com

Crewsaver Ergofit

The Ergofit 190 is a snug, 3D-moulded lifejacket offering numerous high-level features for offshore use, including an optional spray hood and light. Bladders feature chin support, location beacon attachment points and dual lifting beckets.

RRP: £199 Shop now via suffolkmarinesafety.com

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Life Jacket with Harness reviews/recommendations

• Thread starter rgranger
• Start date Jul 28, 2020
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

Spinlock Deckvest 5D Pro Sensor

Sites-WestMarine-Site

EP 38 Ocean Racing Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest

dlochner said: Under certain conditions falling overboard with a harness and tether is a death sentence. The problem is once overboard the harness tows the body (and it will soon be a body) in such a manner so as to drown the person. Take a look at some of the videos on this website: VIDEOS See our latest videos for FAQ sessions, products testing and reviews and behind the scenes footage from the TeamO office. www.teamomarine.com I was convinced, bought 2 of them. Click to expand

Given that the OP is single handed sailing, the harness tether need to be really short to always keep him inside the lifelines. Fixed clip points and double tethers are probably better than a jack line for the same reason. Mobility on deck will be very slow but once over the side, there’s no way to get back. If he did go over the side, best to cut the tether and hope a PLB or AIS MOB brings help in time. But to be honest, unless you are young and strong with an experienced racing crew with the manpower to recover you, falling overboard is rarely survivable offshore.  

I use a west marine offshore auto inflatable vest with built in stainless rings. Has held up well over many years with annual inspections including 24 hour inflation test, changing bobbin, & weighing cartridge.  

I have a Revere for nearly 2 decades. The stitching around the neck irritates my skin. I had my wife add some soft material there to cushion. So, I think you should try on the ones your interested in. Comfort counts because you'll be wearing it a lot. I just bought a tether for a recent trip. I was tempted to get the two tethers (One short and one longer) but thought it would be too cumbersome and a possible danger of getting caught on something. When I want a smaller tether I would double it around whatever I hook it too. Someone, on this recent trip had a double tether and it seemed to work well. He would attach both on opposing structure, with his body in the middle. He couldn't go too far. I think I would buy the double having seen that. Oh, and I took the strobe off since it kept activating inadvertently.  

shemandr said: Oh, and I took the strobe off since it kept activating inadvertently. Click to expand

srimes said: Similar situation here, and I went with the Mustang ocean racing. It's USCG rated (many aren't), comes with leg straps and a spray hood. EP 38 Ocean Racing Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest This over-the-head entry automatic inflatable PFD has a low-profile chassis designed for the open ocean with safety features such as an integrated spray hood, PLB storage and tether point. mustangsurvival.com I went with the kong double tether, and I like it. Kong Double Line ORC Tether Make sure your jackline and tether combo keep you ON the boat! Click to expand

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

Jackdaw said: Use the KONG ORC double tether . Pretty much the state of the art in such things. Click to expand

Jackdaw said: I've been a huge fan of the SpinLock Deckvest for years; I'm on my third. Offshore model with the HAMMAR hydro-static inflator, it will not 'pop' when splashed, ever. Use the leg-straps always, and inspect every year. I will not go offshore without it. Click to expand

jssailem said: It is my go to vest. Extremely comfortable. Only issue is, when I bought it 3 years ago it was not CG approved. Meets all of the Euro inflation safety regs. Suspects the Brits chose not to spend the money to go through the CG quals. So I keep a couple of Mustang "Hammar Hydro-static inflator" PDF's on board for inspection. Click to expand

Whatever vest you choose, I would make sure it has a pocket to hold a hand held radio. The clips on hand held radios are not strong enough to keep clipped to the vest and fall off frequently.  

Scott T-Bird

Scott T-Bird said: I have a Spinlock 5D 170N Prosensor for myself I didn't want the weight of the 275N. I also have 3 Deckvest LIte models for the boat. I use Deckvest Lite most of the time in the bay. I should get a new 6D for Sue now that she is going outside the inlet, but she won't even wear the Deckvest Lite. I am curious about one of my Deckvest Lite models that had not even been out of the package case. I found it this winter with the inflation tubes outside but not inflated. I don't remember it being packaged that way. I blew it up manually and it held air, so I don't think it auto-inflated and then lost air. I think I would have noticed it. In any case, I re-packaged it and thought to test it in the water. I don't know if I have to re-arm it or not. I don't know how to tell. Click to expand

CarlN said: Given that the OP is single handed sailing, the harness tether need to be really short to always keep him inside the lifelines. Fixed clip points and double tethers are probably better than a jack line for the same reason. Click to expand

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The 9 Best Adult Life Jackets For Every Water Sport

Have fun and stay safe on the water this summer with these comfy flotation vests.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Wearing a life jacket does not have to be a chore, though. Most people hate them because they're borrowing a cheap one that doesn't fit properly. If you go out and buy a great PFD that feels comfortable and brings features to the table, the best life jacket may feel more like a fashion accessory than a mandatory safety measure.

Best Life Jackets for Adults

• Best Overall: NRS Vapor PFD
• Best Budget: Onyx General Purpose Boating Jacket
• Best All-Purpose: Kokatat Proteus Life Vest
• Best Inflatable: Mustang Survival MIT 70 Automatic Inflatable PFD
• Best For Mobility: Astral E-Ronny

The Expert: I received my first life jacket as a present from my folks for Christmas in 1999, in anticipation of my first season working as a professional raft guide. It was a cerulean blue Lotus Designs (now Astral) low-profile whitewater kayaking jacket and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was so excited that I put it on and immediately tested its buoyancy in a frigid swimming pool.

I have tested hundreds of life jackets since then, both on my own adventures and while writing for publications like Paddler Magazine (RIP), Canoe & Kayak Magazine , Outside Magazine, and Popular Mechanics . I’ve had life jackets save my life in dozens of scenarios including breaking my nose mid-run while kayaking the Urubamba River in Peru, cracking a rib while kayaking the Scott River in Northern California, and too many ill-advised cliff/bridge jumps to count.

→ Looking for kids' life jackets? Check out our story on the Best Kids' Life Jackets For Summer .

What to Consider When Shopping for an Adult Life Jacket

When purchasing a life jacket, safety is the top consideration, but other factors should come into play as well. Keep these parameters in mind and you’ll be set for a happy and safe summer on the water.

How Do You Plan to Use It?

Different life jackets are designed with specific types of activities in mind. Regardless of the sport, they only vary based on a few key factors, including movement, floatation, and accessories. For water skiing, as an example, you need high flotation, as you’ll likely crash into the water at some point, but you won’t need the highest possible mobility. By contrast, you want the thinnest possible jacket while sailing, since you need maximum mobility, and only need emergency flotation.

Kayaking and rafting, which require dynamic movement and demand high flotation, require both, and will reward you for splurging on a smart design that maximizes mobility and minimizes bulk, while keeping high levels of buoyancy. For fishing vests, accessories—like big usable pockets—are king.

Coast Guard Certification

To start, I recommend checking whether your potential new PFD has been approved by the US Coast Guard , which certifies all kinds of flotation devices. Its process is thorough and highly regulated, setting a high standard for quality. All of our recommendations have been approved.

Buoyancy/Floatation

Buoyancy indicates the amount of buoyant force needed to keep you floating in such a way that your chin stays above water. The material in your life jacket, either foam or air (if you’re using an inflatable PFD), displaces a larger quantity of water than your body would alone. This helps your body float to the surface of water more effectively.

The average adult requires 10 to 12 pounds of added buoyancy to keep afloat, but alas, we are not all average people. Heavier people may require more than 12 pounds of buoyancy, and smaller paddlers will want a less buoyant jacket to stay comfortable in the water.

We don’t have an easy weight-to-buoyancy formula to recommend, because floating comfortably ultimately comes down to taste. Your best bet is always to try a jacket out from a friend, or an outfitter if possible, before buying. If that isn’t an option, safety comes first, so more buoyant is better.

No life jacket ever fits perfectly, but they’re far more comfortable when you’re wearing one that’s the right size. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: They’re usually divided by chest size. It also helps to look for models with lots of straps, which can help you dial in your fit.

Obviously, finding a life jacket that doesn’t chafe is a pretty important part of finding your perfect fit, but we feel it deserves a little extra attention. There is nothing worse than getting stuck out on the water all day wearing a life jacket that literally rubs you the wrong way.

Make sure to note (and return) any life jacket that pinches or rubs against the skin near your armpit. If you plan to wear your life jacket without clothing underneath, make sure the inside of the jacket is lined with a supple, highly breathable material.

This is an area where a test swim can really make a difference: Some lining materials, like mesh, seem like a perfect fit for a life jacket, but will become uncomfortable in the water if you aren’t wearing a shirt.

Do you love and need pockets to stash all of your water sport accessories? Some vests have them, but some do not. Holding out for lots of pockets can make your life jacket more expensive, so we recommend taking a minute to think about how many pockets you actually need.

Many jackets feature accessory-specific pockets, including spaces for fishing gear or a cup holder. If you are the type of boater that likes to drink while you paddle, it’s really great to have a perfectly designed holster for your water bottle or a can of beer.

How We Evaluated The Best Adult Life Jackets

I selected the best life jackets for adults based on my personal experience testing either the jacket itself or a very similar sibling product from the same manufacturer. After decades of testing and sharing stories with professional kayakers, I’ve accrued a vast knowledge of what a great life jacket looks and, more importantly, feels like.

NRS Vapor PFD

The NRS Vapor delivers all everything you would want from a life jacket—comfort, adjustability, durability—in a refreshingly simple and price-conscious package. What it lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for in efficiency, offering an impressive 16.3 pounds of buoyancy in a 1.85 pound package. Its low weight makes it more comfortable to wear all day, while keeping your chin above water while afloat.

Its hearty six-buckle adjustment system gives you plenty of opportunities to dial in your fit, making it safer and more comfortable. It’s also quite durable, with a 400-denier premium nylon that will last for many seasons. This is a well-rounded PFD that should work for basically any activity where you need a life jacket.

Onyx General Purpose Boating Jacket

Please don’t blame this jacket for having the most boring name imaginable—it is a rock-solid piece of equipment and costs less than $30. It offers ample flotation in both the chest and back. While it is extremely thin on bells and whistles, it really nails the simple needs of a life preserving piece of equipment.

The heavy duty oxford polyester outer material and three large, hearty buckles are built to last. The buckles also allow for great adjustability. And though it feels a bit bulky, its large arm holes make it as comfortable as a simple life vest can be.

Kokatat Proteus Life Vest

The perfect life jacket will keep you afloat when you need it to, and otherwise stay out of your way. The Kokatat Proteus demonstrates the ideal, with a balanced, utilitarian design.

Its three body-mapped panels and large arm holes were developed to allow for maximum movement, so they won’t hold you back from boofing a ledge in your kayak, cranking a slalom turn on a water ski, or casting from the deck of a canoe. The stretch polyester exterior also expands the already-remarkable range of motion, though it doesn’t fare well against brushes with rocks and other abbasions.

It features four low-profile pockets, which can hold plenty of fishing gear without adding meaningful bulk. All told, the Proteus is an ideal companion for any manner of water-based adventures.

Mustang Survival MIT 70 Automatic Inflatable PFD

The MIT 70 is the lowest profile Coast Guard-approved front entry inflatable life jacket on the market, and a dream for boaters who hate life jackets getting in the way of their movement. “M.I.T.” is short for “Membrane Inflatable Technology:” When you hit the water, a soluble tablet dissolves to trigger a mechanism that inflates your life jacket with a CO2 canister. Made with a durable 420-denier nylon exterior, it feels like you’re wearing a little bomber jacket for inshore sailing or boating.

Since it’s thin, the jacket has some limitations, though. Its flat profile and lack of substantial back flotation make it a poor choice the ocean (or any large body of water), but the fact that it inflates automatically when you go in the drink and wears like another layer of clothing when you’re dry makes it ideal for close-to-shore boating excursions.

Astral E-Ronny

The E-Ronny has a fabulous buoyancy-to-weight ratio, delivering 16 extra pounds of flotation in a package that weighs in at a scant 1.5 pounds. It’s especially good for activities where you need to be highly mobile: Its slim profile and large arm openings won’t hinder your arm movement, whether it is a tight brace mid-rapid or wild cast into the middle of a river.

The E-Ronny has a unique mesh vent, which spans from your neck to about three quarters of the way down the jacket. This allows the jacket to twist and fold more with your back. In addition to freeing up your torso, it also allows some air underneath the padding, which normally gets very hot in the sun. Breathable and moveable, the E-Ronny is a great fit for adventures on the water.

Stohlquist Descent Rescue Vest

OK, so first we have to address the elephant in the boat—this is a very expensive life jacket. The Stohlquist Descent is a safety jacket, which features a quick-release strap that cinches over the chest, heavy-duty shoulder straps, and ample pockets for rescue equipment. Though the price may elicit sticker shock, both the features and the jacket’s highly durable design are worth the price to a guide or veteran paddler.

I’ve used this jacket as a professional raft guide for the past eight kayaking seasons. I also used the Descent during a full-time swiftwater rescue gig one summer, and on hundreds of private boating trips. No matter what I put it through, it keeps on kicking.

On top of living forever, it remains a delight to paddle in thanks to its highly sophisticated fit system that wraps around my torso and is topped off by curved foam that hugs me like an old friend during scary swims. That perfect fit, coupled with the cinching chest strap, lifts me up as much as possible without too much foam getting in the way of any of my paddle strokes. In the right hands, the jacket is a life-saver in the realest sense.

Old Town Lure Angler Men’s PFD

Easy access to your fishing kit is paramount in the world of fishing life jackets, and the pocket system on Old Town Watercraft's Lure Angler life jacket makes it king of the space. The oversized zippered pockets on either side of the user’s stomach can hold plenty of tackle or flies.

You can bury gear like spools—or even a beer—in the two stretchy mesh pockets over the zippered ones. There’s an envelope-style pocket over the chest, which is perfect for a GPS. In addition to the pockets, the vest has multiple attachment points across the shoulders and chest, giving you more gear storage options if you need them.

It’s also surprisingly comfortable, with a mesh back that manages to dump heat even when you’re out in the sun all day. Its supple polyester weave, smartly placed towards the top of the back, minimizes chafing, even when worn bare-chested. This extra layer of breathability, combined with all of the smart accessories, gives the Lure Angler excellent utility without feeling overbearing.

Astral YTV Life Jacket

Asheville, North Carolina-based manufacturer Astral put a ton of smart, subtle design flourishes into its YTV life jacket, creating a perfectly straightforward jacket that doesn’t hinder movement when you need to paddle like hell, but keeps you well protected if you go overboard.

Most of the foam of this vest rests below your chest, at your torso, which allows for a wide range of motion, while keeping the jacket from popping up into your face when you float. The top entry and dual tightening straps, located at the left and right side of the torso create an incredibly precise fit with a simple tug on each side.

The fact that Astral brought the majority of the bulk of the jacket down on the user’s body means that it feels really comfortable and mobile as you paddle in it, but they still added an ample amount of their proprietary foam to deliver an impressive 16.5 pounds of buoyancy.

The Astral YTV offers ideal performance for all forms of rafting, from class I to class V, whether you are going on a guided trip or headed out on your own.

O'Neill Superlite USCG Vest

O’Neill built an empire on solid wetsuits that fit right, and they brought that same acumen to the Superlite life vest. Everyone can find a tight, athletic fit with six horizontal adjustment points, which makes it ideal for the highly dynamic upper body and shoulder movements necessary for water skiing and wakeboarding.

The nylon and neoprene exterior are supple next to skin, and the foam is evenly distributed throughout the PFD, creating a slim profile. You may forget you have the jacket on when you aren’t in the water. The design can potentially lead to a chafing problem under the armpits while paddling, though, so it’s not a good fit for kayaking.

Q+A With Expert Kayaker Joe Jackson

When should I buy a new life jacket?

There are some clear visible indicators that will let you know it is time to retire an old life jacket and purchase a new one. If any part of the fabric exterior rips, or the zippers that keep the jacket around your body break, you need to replace it. It’s less obvious, but you should also check the jacket for frayed seams, which should also be a red flag.

The foam inside most life jackets will degrade, becoming less buoyant over time, so you should always test your life jackets before a big trip, especially with an older jacket. To test, jump into a deep, safe, body of water wearing your PFD, and see if it naturally buoys you up and keeps your chin above water without swimming.

Can/should a life jacket look cool?

Of course! While it might seem ridiculous to care about fashion with a piece of safety equipment—especially one as traditionally uncool as the life vest—I am a strong believer that the best piece of gear is the one you actually use.

Like many people, I'm more likely to wear things if I think they make me look good. It is fine and appropriate to take how a life jacket looks on you into account when buying. You want to look good in something you plan to recreate inside for years, after all.

Luckily, modern manufacturers tend to put a higher focus on aesthetics. You may not notice it when you rent a life jacket on a lake, but that’s all the more reason to go out and get your own.

How should I care for my life jacket?

It may seem odd in the moment, but you should be diligent about drying your PFD after each use. Bring it inside to dry or set up a clothesline in an indoor space like a garage and get it bone dry before throwing it in a bag, bin, or corner somewhere.

Mildew and unremovable funk can send even the best life jackets to an early grave. Even in a dry heat, you should avoid letting your jacket dry in the sun, as UV rays will degrade both the exterior fabric and any exposed foam far more quickly. At the very least, cover them up with a tarp.

Joe Jackson has been testing outdoor gear for over fifteen years. His first real job was as a raft guide when he was 16 and he has been boat obsessed ever since. By his best estimation he has tested and written about over 5,000 products ranging in sexiness from bags to carry your poop out of the backcountry to skis exclusively built for heli skiing.

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