Last updated on August 20th, 2023.
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You love fishing, we know! However, we also know that it’s important to be safe and avoid mishaps on the water.
This is essentially why you must never even think about going out for kayak fishing without a quality life jacket. If you ask professional anglers, they will always say that fishing life vests are perhaps the most vital piece of equipment you can buy.
However, wearing the best fishing life vest for kayaking isn’t just about staying safe, these products come with additional features such as multiple zippered pockets, which is an important source of storage. In light of this, we’ll be discussing the 10 best kayaking life vests to help you buy the right product.
Table of Contents:
Best Life Vest for Kayak Fishing Quick Answer List
Vital Factors to Keep in Mind Before Making a Purchase
Review of the Best Life Vests for Kayak Fishing
Best Life Vests for Kayak Fishing Quick Answer List
1. Old Town Treble Angler Unisex
3. XPS Platinum
4. Bass Pro Shops Sport Life Vest
6. Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
7. Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24
8. NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Lifejacket
Vital Factors to Keep in Mind Before Making a Purchase
Versatility and Comfortability
There’s no use in buying a kayaking life vest if it’s not comfortable to wear, you’ll be too busy trying to make the jacket work for you while fishing. So, to avoid any hassle, try to get one that offers a more customized fit with adjustable straps to allow for better mobility and comfort while sitting in the kayak. If it feels too restrictive, don’t buy it.
Multiple Zippered and Folded Down Pockets
Storage is another significant factor to consider. As mentioned, the best life vest for kayak fishing offers more than safety, it offers ample storage to help neatly keep your fishing gear and personal items at hand. Always go for a life vest that has multiple pockets at the front and has multiple compartments to hang essential items such as D-rings and a tackle box.
Long Term Performance and Reliability
Quality life vests can be a bit pricey but that’s mainly because they’re constructed with quality materials such as high-grade, rip-resistant nylon. Although you could opt for other materials such as PVC, foam, Kapok – nylon, however, is the go-to material for topnotch durability. Also, be sure to check the denier rating on the nylon, the higher the rating, the stronger the life jacket.
Best Life Vests for Kayak Fishing at Different Price Points
Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in various affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
Old Town Treble Angler Unisex Life Jacket
If you’re on a budget but are looking to get something versatile and comfortable, the Old Town Treble Angler Unisex Life Jacket is the perfect option for you. The kayak vest is made from strong and long lasting 200D nylon with a variety of adjustable features for the waist and shoulders.
In addition, the Old Town Treble Angler Unisex Life Jacket has plenty of pockets for additional storage – and features two zippered pockets to keep the most vital fishing gear and/or personal items close at hand. The vest also has two slip pockets and a separate pocket to keep your GPS device. You can also easily attach your D-rings and Hypalon tabs on the vest.
Pros
Lightweight and unisex design
Fits different sizes
Great for beginners and learning anglers
Comfortable back construction
Cons
No mesh construction at the back, which means you may feel hot
No back foam
Not for experienced anglers
Mustang Survival ACCEL100 Fishing Life Vest
The Mustang Survival ACCEL100 Fishing Life Vest is designed for veteran and competitive anglers and features topnotch flotation, guaranteeing both versatility and quality. Considered as one of the best fishing life vest for kayaking, the Mustang Survival has been pressure tested at 100-mph to ensure durability and safety. The product is built with high-quality and strengthened 500D Cordura nylon outer shell.
Moreover, the Mustang Survival ACCEL100 Fishing Life Vest is also built with AirSoft foam, which allows the user to move freely and more comfortably, significantly minimizing any ride-up when you’re sitting. The product also features zippered pockets at the front with a total of 3 rust-proof buckles for easy release and squeeze. There are zippered pockets at the side as well, and you can attach your D-rings and store other vital fishing gear more securely.
Pros
Available in different sizes
Lots of storage
Made durable and comfortable materials
Comfortable to move in
Cons
A bit pricey
Not for amateur fishers
XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket
The XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket is another top-rated product that’s designed for nothing but quality and performance. The life jacket is manufactured with durable 200D nylon mixed with a weave of 500D Cordura for enhanced durability and toughness. Moreover, it also incorporates soft foam for more comfort and protection and comes with adjustable side straps for a more tailored fit.
The XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket also features 3 zip fronts with buckles and a removeable fleece collar for added comfort. There are also reflective panels on the vest for added safety and you can store your crotch straps in the life jacket’s inner pouch. The XPS Platinum Series comes with 6 big pockets along with an additional pocket to store your tools.
Pros
Reflective panels for added safety
6 large pockets
Constructed with durable materials
Removeable fleece line collar
Cons
Not for veteran anglers
Bass Pro Shops Sport Life Vest
The Bass Pro Shops Sport Life Vest is designed for professional and active anglers, constructed with top-quality nylon shell. It features bigger arm holes for a more relaxed and comfortable fit. The kayak life jacket has an open neck design for enhanced flexibility and is built with two cargo entry pockets along with a chest pocket to store your fishing essentials and ensure everything is at-hand whenever you need it.
The Bass Pro Shops Sport Life Vest has adjustable straps for custom fitting and is constructed with nylon weaves that help prevent rip and tear from overuse. It’s also particularly warmer thanks to its soft polyester inner lining and has a neoprene collar to help protect you against sudden gushes of cold winds.
Pros
Made with durable materials
Comfortable fitting thanks to larger arm holes and open neck design
Single chest pocket
Adjustable straps for a more tailored fitting
Available in different colors
PE foam for added floatation
Cons
A bit expensive
Not for novice fishers
Old Town Lure Angler Men’s PFD / Life Jacket
The Old Town Lure Angler Men’s PFD / Life Jacket is the perfect example of a balance between performance and comfort. The product features a raised-back design, helping kayak fishers sit more comfortably, and for extended periods without exhausting their back. Moreover, the life vest also incorporates the company’s AirComfort mechanism, which helps keep the user nice and cool during summer angling sessions.
The Old Town Lure Angler Men’s PFD / Life Jacket is made with high-quality nylon weave, providing durability and tear-resistance. For added storage and keeping personal items secured, the life jacket has zippered pockets for safe and easy to access tackle-box storage. Plus, there’s also a separate, envelope pocket where you can keep your fishing GPS device. The product also features mesh pockets to attach spools and tippets.
Pros
High-quality PFD for added safety
Attachment rings for Hypalon and D-rings
Cutting-edge AirComfort system for staying cool
Adjustable waist and shoulder straps
Cons
Not for experienced anglers
Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
When it comes to a durable and comfortable life vest for kayak fishing, the Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket is amongst the very best products in the market. The life vest features smooth and easy to adjust waist and shoulder straps and has a mesh design at the lower back. This helps provide comfortable support for sitting on different types of kayak seats for extended periods of time.
The Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket also features 4 pockets, designed to store an assortment of essential fishing supplies and tools. In addition, the pockets are lined with fleece, and the chest pocket is zippered. You can easily store things like fishing pliers, a GPS device, radios, etc.
Pros
Raised back design with foam for comfort
Decent storage capacity
Shoulder pads are made with quality neoprene
Adjustable straps
Cons
Missing a lot of features considering the price
Not for professional anglers
Absolute Outdoor Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable
If topnotch comfortability and safety is at the top of your list of requirements, then you will not be disappointed by the Absolute Outdoor Onyx. The life vest is designed with dual inflating technology, which means it can automatically and manually be inflated. As soon as you make contact with water, the life jacket inflates immediately, perfect for non-swimmers.
The fishing life vest is made with durable nylon, which also helps keep the product tear-resistant. In addition, the Absolute Outdoor Onyx also features reflective piping for improved visibility.
Pros
Durable construction, puncture and tear-resistant
Automatic and manual inflation
Immediately inflates as soon as you take a plunge in the water
Cons
Not for veteran anglers
Fitting isn’t comfortable
NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Lifejacket
The NRS Chinook may just be one of the best fishing life vest for kayaking – and there are a couple reasons why this is true. It’s probably the most comfortable fishing life jacket you could wear on your fishing trip. Plus, there’s plenty of storage pockets for quick inventory access.
Moreover, the NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Lifejacket delivers a lightweight floatation of 16.5-lbs. With a mesh design at the lower-back area and a raised overall design, the Chinook is both comfortable and versatile.
Pros
Multiple large, zippered pockets with two smaller zippered pockets for storing pliers and tackle box
Extra pockets for storing attachment points and gadgets
Reflective accents
Customized fitting
Cons
Not for novice fishers
Onyx Unisex Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
The Onyx Unisex Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket is designed to be flexible and lightweight. However, it’s important to know that the life vest is for less serious kayak fishers and not for professionals.
The Onyx Unisex Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket is not recommended for individuals under the age of 16. But the product is designed with a small PFD. Sure, it doesn’t inflate as quickly as you would believe but it does have inflatable belts to help speed up the process.
Pros
Lightweight
Comfortable design
Custom fit
Great for paddling or shallow swimming
Cons
No storage capacity
Not recommended for kayak fishing
Not for professionals
Slow air inflation
Bass Pro Shops Tournament Fishing Mesh Life Jacket
Manufactured with topnotch rip and tear-resistant nylon with a durable shell for long term performance. In addition, the collar is designed with neoprene and soft polyester for added comfort and flexibility. The upper back and shoulder pads incorporate a mesh design for enhanced air flow during hot summer fishing. The Bass Pro Shops Tournament Fishing Mesh Life Jacket also comes with lightweight buoyancy thanks to the PE foam.
There are various accessory loops to attach your Hypalon and D-rings along with other fishing gear. There are two large, zippered pockets on the chest along with two fold-down storage pockets to keep GPS devices, personal items, etc.
Pros
Durable construction
PE foam with mesh shoulder and lower-back design
One inch belts for customized fitting
Great storage
Cons
Not for novice anglers
Bottom Line on Fishing Life Vests
In all, these are some of the best life vests for kayak fishing for both novice and professional anglers. What you choose primarily depends on your specifications and the types of features and benefits you’re looking for. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive buying guide is to help new buyers make a more informed decision as searching for the right product in a massive market can be overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Life Vest for Kayak Fishing
I can’t swim, do I need a different type of PFD fishing life vest?
For non-swimmers, buoyancy is a vital factor when choosing an inflatable life vest for fishing to help avoid mishaps on the water. So, it’s important to select a product that comes with a high buoyancy rating to help you comfortably float on water and reach your kayak.
Should I use a foam PFD life vest or an inflatable kayaking life jacket?
Because there are different type of kayak fishing life jackets available, it’s hard to say which one is the best amongst all other products. This primarily depends on your requirements and preferences. For example, if you go for a foam personal floating device, you get the added advantage of enhanced buoyancy, it’s easier to maintain, and has a lot of pockets. However, the flipside is, foam PFDs can be a bit more bulkier to wear.
Is it okay if I choose any kayaking fishing vest?
Again, it’s important to keep in mind that not all kayak fishing life jackets are built the same. Your selection will essentially depend on the type of fishing activity you’re getting it for and your preferred requirements. For instance, if you choose a typical life vest, not designed for kayak fishing, it may end up feeling uncomfortable and difficult to wear while you fish.
Why Trust Our Reviews?
Leonard Schoenberger and his team spend plenty of days out fishing. Their goal is to test and review products for you so you can make a solid purchase decision and improve your fly fishing game. We always express our honest opinions, never get paid for reviews and are proud of our editorial independence.
Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in various affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
