As a team member of one of Canada’s leading specialty paddlesports retailers and as a father of 3, I have formulated a few opinions on kids PFDs and life jackets over the years. This post goes over what I think are the best PFDs for kids in 2023.
All the PFDs and life jackets listed below have been worn by my kids and beat up. We have also received customer feedback on these, used them in our kayak school, and more. As a business we only sell brands and products we believe in and we feel fortunate to be in a position to have tried out so many kids PFDs and life jackets over the years.
Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets 2023
Kids PFD Brands We Carry
Astral
A long time leader in PFDs and watersports footwear. We have been wearing and working with Astral for over 15 years.
Mustang Survival
Mustang is a Canadian business that has been designing and manufacturing watersports safety equipment to keep you dry, warm and afloat for over 50 years. AQ Outdoors has been working with Mustang for over 4 years now and we have seen a huge rise in popularity for their recreational PFDs over that time.
Shop Mustang Survival PFD Collection
Level Six
Another Canadian business that is dedicated to building quality products for the Canadian market. Level Six are leaders in drywear, casual wear and paddlesports accessories for all paddlers. Their PFD lineup is focused on kids and youth offerings and they do this very well.
BEST INFANT LIFE JACKET
Level Six Puffer Infant Flotation Aid
BEST FOR
Infants who are hanging out in, on or around the water.
WHO BUYS THESE
At AQ Outdoors we see all kinds of families picking up the Level Six Infant Puffer Life Jacket. From canoe tripping families to those spending time on motor boats, people taking their infant on house boat trips to beach vacations. The Puffer is great for anyone with an infant that wants the piece of mind of flotation when near or in the water.
FEATURES
- Suggested weight range is 0-9kg
- 3 piece collar design for head support
- An integrated tri-webbing adjustment system
- Quick-release buckle system for diaper changes
- 80% neoprene / Shell 20% polyester
PRICE
$60.00 CAD + tax
BEST PRICE POINT KIDS PFD
Level Six Stingray Child & Youth PFDs
Level Six Stingray Kids PFD
$55.00
Overview of Level Six Stingray and Puffer PFDs Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets Having your child safe and visible is what the Level Six Stingray Kids PFD is all about. Made from a durable and quick drying Nylon fabric… Read More
BEST FOR
Kids and youth who are playing in on or around the water.
WHO BUYS THESE
Simply families looking for a cost effective, high quality life jacket for their kids to swim and play in the water in. The 2 different sizes make for easy fitting for kids between 14 and 41 kg. The price, comfort and ease of use make this a no brainer for families with younger kids heading to the water.
FEATURES
- 2 sizes, child and youth
- Size: Child: 14-27kg, Youth: 27-41kg
- Canadian coast guard approved
- 100% quick-dry nylon body and head rest panels
- Integrated webbing adjustment system
- Premium molded quick release buckles
- Safety quick-grab nylon webbing loop on head panels
PRICE
$54.99 - $59.99 CAD + tax
BEST KIDS PFD FOR SWIMMING AND PLAYING
Mustang Survival REV Child PFD
Mustang Rev Child PFD
$89.99
Mustang Survival PFD Buying Guide Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets The Mustang Rev Child PFD has bright colors that stand out in the water and the soft-yet-durable material offers comfort while standing up to the rough and tumble antics… Read More
BEST FOR
Youngsters playing in, on and around the water who weigh between 15 - 25 kg (33 - 55 lbs).
WHO BUYS THESE
Parents looking for a comfortable, Transport Canada Approved life jacket for their kids weighing in between 15 and 25 kgs. Parents and kids like the feel of the soft material, the comfort, the additional security of the leg straps and the mobility afforded by this life vest.
FEATURES
- Ultra soft
- Stain resistant
- Segmented foam moves with the body making it comfortable to wear
- Ventilated mesh back for breathability
- Wicking liner allows for quick drying
- Sturdy grab handle
- Crotch Strap
- Fully adjustable
- US Coast Guard Approved: 160.064/4892/0
- Transport Canada Approved: TC-67329B-18 ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5
- Harmonized approval for both US and Canada
PRICE
$69.99 + tax
Mustang Survival REV Youth PFD
Mustang Rev Youth PFD
$89.99
Mustang Survival PFD Buying Guide Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets The Mustang Rev Youth PFD is the best vest for active kids who are serious about their marine-environment enjoyment. Made sporty by removing the head pillow and graduating from… Read More
BEST FOR
Youngsters playing in, on and around the water who weigh between 25 - 40 kg (55 - 88 lbs).
WHO BUYS THESE
Parents looking for a comfortable, Transport Canada Approved life jacket for their kids weighing in between 25 and 40 kgs. We have seen this PFD be super popular with young whitewater paddlers and flatwater boaters alike. They are a common sight on family rafting trips in this neck of the woods also.
FEATURES
- Ultra soft
- Stain resistant
- Segmented foam moves with the body making it comfortable to wear
- Ventilated mesh back for breathability
- Wicking liner allows for quick drying
- Sturdy grab handle
- Fully adjustable
- US Coast Guard Approved: 160.064/4892/0
- Transport Canada Approved: TC-67329B-18 ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5
- Harmonized approval for both US and Canada
PRICE
$69.99 CAD + tax
BEST KIDS PFD FOR THE RIVER
Astral Otter 2.0 Kids PFD
Astral Otter 2.0 Kids PFD
$215.00
Kokatat PFD Buying Guide Best Whitewater PFDs - Complete Guide Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets The‚ Astral Otter 2.0 Kids PFD is a high performance and super comfortable kids PFD designed for those recreating in whitewater or moving water.… Read More
BEST FOR
Kids paddling whitewater craft such as kayaks, SUP, rafts and canoes.
WHO BUYS IT
Families whose kids are paddling whitewater or high performance flatwater. The Astral Otter 2.0 Kids Whitewater PFD is an industry leading PFD for kids that are getting after it at all levels. The fit, comfort and mobility mirror that of a fully featured adult whitewater PFD.
The huge upsides of this vest are the range of motion, comfort and fit for hard paddling kids. As a parent you do need to be aware that it doesn’t have the neck ‘flap’ that keep the swimmer floating face up. It is advisable that kids using the Otter 2.0 are pretty competent swimmers in the pool without a PFD.
FEATURES
- Entry: Front Center Buckle
- Foam Insert: Organic Kapok & PE Foam
- Shell Fabric: 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
- Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Light Weight Nylon
- Webbing: PolyPro
- Zipper: YKK Non-corrosive coil
- Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal
- Weight: 1.3 lbs / 21 oz / 595.34 gr
- Sizing: Fits youth 50-90 lbs
- Design Buoyancy: 11.5 lbs
- Approval Type: USCG Type III
PRICE
$194.95 CAD + tax
Mustang Survival Youth Bobby Foam PFD
BEST FOR
Youth paddler looking for a higher performance flotation option.
WHO BUYS THESE
The Mustang Survival Youth Bobby PFD is super popular with youth looking for a higher performance PFD. Given the price point it also has a bit friendlier on the wallet than other higher performance youth PFDs. Ideal for youth paddlers in kayaks, SUPs, rafts and canoes.
Approval: Harmonized Level 70 - USA and Canada (Meets minimum life vest buoyancy of 11.25 LBS for designated weight range).
FEATURES
- Over-the-head entry with a side buckle provides a secure fit
- 200D nylon shell is soft and durable
- Mesh cut out on back increases ventilation
- Four points of adjustment offer a customized fit
- Padded adjustable shoulders with buckle covers for increased comfort
- Large zippered front cargo pocket has mesh drainage
- Fleece tunnel warms hands
- Loops on the front for securing gear
- D-ring for attaching crotch straps
PRICE
$110.99 CAD + tax
Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets 2023 Conclusion
Thanks for checking out our Best Kids PFDs in Canada article! We offer FREE SHIPPING on all PFDs OVER $110 across Canada, and our paddling experts are ready to help answer your kids PFD questions. Feel free to contact us below, or visit us in store!
Shop AQ Outdoors Kids PFD Collection
Related Kids Paddling and PFD Articles
Kids Kayaking in Calgary | How to Get Them Started
Level Six Stingray and Puffer Kids PFDs
About the Author: I am a 40 something year old Australian now living in Cochrane, Alberta Canada. For the past 12 years I have been an owner of AQ Outdoors / Aquabatics. A proud father of 3 kids and husband to Nikki.
I have been into the outdoors for as long as I can remember, family camping and surfing trips as a kid graduated to a lifelong passion for most things outdoors. Whitewater paddling has been a core part of my life over the past 24 + years. My twenties were spent chasing hard whitewater all over the world, much of my thirties spent learning to teach it and now I love getting out in whitewater with my family whenever I can.
Meet the Rest of the AQ Outdoors Team
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
