I am looking to buy my own PFD as I don't like the ones you get when renting and was wondering what some of you use and how comfortable it is when canoeing. Any help would be great!

Thank You
Marshall

Try PFD's by Extrasport
I have Highfloat and find it comfy and also warm (high floatation for aerated water in rapids should you spill)

I've been reading reviews at MEC and Backcountry.com. Check it out, sometimes the reviewers say the right things to convince you what's right. Unfortunately, at least with Backcountry.com, local stores may not sell the product that catches your eye...

I have a Mustang self inflating vest and don't think I would go back to a regular PFD
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=554

MEC has some of their own brand PFD's on clearance for $80 since winter but I found it way more restrictive than my self inflating.

I have a self inflating vest as well as a traditional PFD. When doing trips in the interior I do NOT use my self inflating vest. My concern is that once it's inflated, it will be cumbersome and potentially more easily punctured for the remainder of the trip. Also, there is a slight amount of insulation that is provided by the traditional PFD's that aren't offered by self inflating styles.

I have the mec source and I see they are reduced to $80. Good deal IMO. I wear it EVERY TIME I paddle, no exceptions and have never felt it to be a hassle. I have the pockets for it but the hydration pocket is useless, no bladder fits it.

I just bougth the Patagonia higthwater PFD fishing vest,for a 100$U.S it's not bad.The fit is good for paddling two small pockets in the front and all mesh in the back,good for hot summer days. check it out

www.patagonia.com

Dan

In my experience, the most important ingredient in a paddling PFD, beside floatation, is room for arm movement. A good canoeing/kayaking PFD should have generous arm holes. Louise and I have been very happy with the Lotus PFD's we bought from NRS many years ago. I see on the NRS site that the current models run from $60-80 USD. They have a handy pocket in front for safety gear, like a whistle, matches, and compass (Another nice feature is the attractive mandala on the back of each PFD . . . the one on the back of the bow paddler makes a nice focal point for meditation when zoning out on long cross-water paddles on the Bay ).

Mark S.

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Its the one that fits and you will actually wear!!!


Rac n

P.S. I love the one I bought for my son ( Snoopy logo)
Now if only I could find this in a LARGE size
Until then... God is my co-pilot and my PFD a second skin.

I too have the Lotus pfd and have been very happy with it. Nice and light, you can move your arms quite well without constriction and with the mesh in the back you don't sweat like a pig in them either. The Serratus and Kokatat brands are highly rated as well but pricier.

Harry

I too would be wary of getting inflatable PFDs. Why? What would you do if you get a puncture or a leak 3days into the interior? That scenario alone is reason enough for me. I think self-inflating PFDs have their place (ie when you have no risk of puncturing the chambers, just not on backcountry trips.

We have an older style and decent quality PFDs bought from Canadian Tire and Langford. Design is exactly the same, wherein the foam material is present over the shoulders (ie one piece of foam goes from the front, over the shoulders and then the back). I purposely went looking for this specific design because of the built in cushioning you get from the PFD when portaging. The yoke and canoe pack straps sit perfectly on our PFD padded shoulders, which makes portaging a lot more comfortable. I don't know if they still make this design but it would still be my #1 choice for serious canoe-tripping over other designs.

Lastly, as others have mentioned, make sure to do a dry fit. Put em on, simulate paddling motion and make sure that you have a good range and freedom of movement with the least amount of friction around your shoulders and arm pit area.

Thanks everyone will be looking into the different models you all suggested. I love this place! you ask a question and in the first day you have answers and suggestions THANK YOU!

I have a Stohlquist Wedge-E and love it.

Laurie
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
www.outdooradventurecanada.com
www.wildernesscooking.com

Keep in mind they have to be Canadian Coast Guard approved for use in Canada(I'm pretty sure).

Hope this helps.
http://www.safety-council.org/info/sport/PFDs.html

Get a kayak style one. Made for more mobility.

In 2001 Transport Canada took over regulation from the Canadian Coast Guard.

Cheers,

Darryl H.

Get one that fits you. No matter what everyone else has said. If it does not fit you you will be less likely to wear it. Spend time in the store with your paddle and air paddle. Seriously.

Does it ride up when properly cinched? If so it is not for you.

No, PFD's do NOT have to be Canada Transport approved. Not for us from the US. Yes for Canadians.

And if you come here you do not have to wear a USCG approved one either.

I agree with Preacher and Mark S

My fave, going on two years now that I've purchased it, is the Kokatat Ronin Pro:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp;jsessionid=bVG0KlCh9TGJTGGYLnq6rC2wTYpKTLJwTLMLYpL9904Nf4SNjhSf!-949802678!1243988538652?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302701119&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442621097

It's the most comfortable life preserver I've EVER used. She is cut perfect for ample arm movement (I'm a big guy at 6' 210), quick easy on/off, has a few very useful and unobstructive front zippered pocket (for knife/forceps/etc), great fit in kayak or canoe, very secure, low profile, extremely adjustable, whistle pocket, highly visible. I can't think of any negatives on this one, I've used other high quality preservers but this one bests them all, hands down.

I see its a Type V. That means it must be worn..just having it in the boat will not help you. Usually Type V are vests that cannot be donned in the water.

Good reason to pick a stylish PFD and always wear it.

That Ronin can easily be donned in the water, but I always wear it when in the kayak and it's on 99% of the time when I'm in the canoe. It's so comfy that for once I don't mind wearing a PFD and in fact prefer it as it keeps the handy fishing tools (jaw spreader/forceps/line cutter) within easy reach and out of the way + adds another layer of warmth on cool days. As already mentioned, it is extremely comfortable and form fitting and not a hindrance in anyway to paddling. The only time it's off are the seconds it takes to shed/add layers enroute or throw my rain or wind jacket on (neither will fit over this PFD).

SALUS, dont forget them, good Canadaian company from Kitchener. We have two of them that are great quality and actually made right here in Canada, who,da thunk it.


www.salusmarine.com

Cheers, Todd

The Kokatat Ronin is available in three colors from www.backcountry.com out of Salt Lake City, Utah, for $156.00 postpaid.