I need your opinion and experiences to help me with my final selection.

I'm in need of a good PFD. While I searched other posts, I've never seen this question brought up. I'm thinking about purchasing a NRS Chinook Fishing Mesh Back PFD:http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2150&deptid=2059 and I have a concern regarding the shoulder buckle placement. I plan to wear the PFD while portaging and I'm worried that the placement of those buckles would "dig" into my shoulders when carrying the canoe.

Thoughts? Any personal experiences with this type of PDF and portaging?

Thanks for your time.

Carl

I checked the link you added, and I see your concern. I've had trouble with buckles under yokes before from backpack straps, and it sucks. With this PFD, it all depends on where those buckles end up when you tighten up the vest. If you can try one on at the store, make sure the buckles are low, near your armpit. If you're ordering online, I wouldn't risk it. You'd probably have to take off the vest to portage, because those buckles look like they would dig into your shoulders pretty bad.

The hard part is try before you buy especially with your canoe. Mail order does not get you this benefit.

I have buckles on my PFD in the location that the NRS one does and they are not an issue..however I have good padding on the portage yoke..CVCA pads.

And if you portage with another pack the pack straps should provide a buffer.

That doesn't look good IMO. I have buckles in the same place but they are much smaller and over padded straps.

Don't do it unless you can try it out first.