This post gives inflatable paddlers recommendations for the best PFDs for inflatable kayaks in 2022. Although inflatable kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, there are a few key things to consider when it comes to purchasing a PFD or life jacket that suits inflatable kayaks best.
The main considerations when choosing the best PFD for your inflatable kayak are the following:
- Height of the seat back
- Torso length of the paddler
- Style of PFD you prefer
- Thin Back
- Mesh Back
- Dual Floatation / Inflatable
- Standard
Best Inflatable Kayak PFDs
- Inflatable Kayak PFD Types
- Thin Back
- Mesh Back
- Dual Floatation / Inflatable
- WHO THESE TYPICALLY WORK FOR
- Our Favorite Dual Floatation / Inflatable PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks
- Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Floatation PFD - Bet Dual Floatation PFD
- NRS Matik Inflatable PFD - Best over the shoulder inflatable PFD
- Mustang Survival Minimalist Inflatable Belt Pack - Best low profile Floatation device
- Standard
Inflatable Kayak PFD Types
Thin Back
Thin Back PFDs for inflatable kayaks are built so the bulk of the PFDs flotation is located in the front of the jacket. This allows the back to be really thin so the foam doesn’t impact paddler comfort in the seat.
When designed and built correctly, the foam in the front is supple, and paneled in a way that is comfortable and doesn’t restrict paddler mobility
WHO THESE TYPICALLY WORK FOR
- People with shorter torsos
- For inflatable kayaks with ultra high seat backs
Our Favorite Thin Back PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks
NRS Men’s Oso PFD - Best for male paddlers
NRS Oso PFD (clearance)
$109.99
$159.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Oso PFD is the ultimate full-back recreational life jacket for paddlers and rafters. With a ventilated, thin full back design… Read More
NRS Women’s Nora PFD - Best for female paddlers
NRS Women's Nora PFD (clearance)
$109.99
$159.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Women's Nora PFD is the perfect life jacket for female paddlers who appreciate quality at an attractive price point. The… Read More
Kokatat WKNDR PFD - Best for shorter paddlers
Kokatat WKNDR Thin Back PFD
$205.00
Kokatat PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The Kokatat WKNDR Thin Back PFD is a recreational paddlesports PFD designed with comfort and fit in mind for paddlers using high back seats… Read More
PRICE: $179.95 CAD + tax
Mesh Back
Mesh Back PFDs are built in a way that there is a mesh panel (with no foam) that starts below the shoulder blades and runs down on the back of the PFD. The bulk of the floatation is in a smaller panel at the top of the back of the PFD and a full panel in the front of the PFD.
The design philosophy here is that the mesh panel rests on the seat back and the flotation is above the seat back and in the front of the PFD. As per the thin back PFDs, well designed Mesh Back PFDs are built with supple, form fit foam and ample space under the arms for maximum mobility.
WHO THESE TYPICALLY WORK FOR
- People with taller torsos
- Inflatable kayaks with mid height seat backs
- Larger paddlers
Our Favorite Mesh / High Back PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks
Astral EV-Eight Mesh Back PFD - Best overall unisex PFD
Astral EV-Eight Breathable Highback PFD
$200.00
The Astral EV-Eight Breathable Highback PFD is a fully breatheable, bluesign certified PFD with a recycled Polyester Shell. The EV-Eight has been a long time favorite for recreational paddling customers and the new EV-Eight takes the same tried and true… Read More
NRS Clearwater Recreational PFD - Best all-round PFD
NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD
$122.46
$174.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks If you're looking for a front entry, easily adjustable, comfortable, recreational PFD with generous pockets, the NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD is… Read More
Kokatat Women’s Naiad PFD - Best for female paddlers
NRS C-Vest PFD - Best premium / most features PFD
NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD
$139.96
$199.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD is a purpose built, high backed PFD designed with sea kayakers in mind. It has a… Read More
Dual Floatation / Inflatable
Inflatable and Dual Floatation PFDs have been becoming more popular with inflatable and recreational kayakers. It is important to note that they are NOT RECOMMENDED for regions where cold water and cold shock could be a factor, or areas far from shore.
Inflatable PFDs are vests that have no floatation unless deployed, dual floatation PFDs have a small amount of buoyancy and when deployed they will have the same or more than regular foam PFDs. The huge upside to this style of PFD are they provide little to no impact in comfort with any kind of seat back.
WHO THESE TYPICALLY WORK FOR
- Inflatable kayakers in warmer climates
- For those not venturing too far from the safety of land
- Inflatable kayakers looking for the lightest weight floatation option
Our Favorite Dual Floatation / Inflatable PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks
Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Floatation PFD - Bet Dual Floatation PFD
Mustang Khimera Dual Floatation PFD
$209.99
$299.99
Mustang Survival PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The Mustang Khimera Dual Flotation PFD offers you the freedom to move on or in the water. The ultra-slim Khimera was designed… Read More
NRS Matik Inflatable PFD - Best over the shoulder inflatable PFD
NRS Matik Inflatable PFD
$259.95
Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Matik is a great option for those that want an inflatable PFD with a classic vest fit. The NRS Matik is a low-profile inflatable PFD, available in two colour options. Its light weight… Read More
Mustang Survival Minimalist Inflatable Belt Pack - Best low profile Floatation device
Mustang Minimalist Belt Pack
$97.99
$139.99
Mustang Minimalist Belt Pack Review Mustang Survival PFD Buying Guide Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The Mustang Minimalist Belt Pack is ideal for inshore activities that might take you in and out of calm waters (by choice or not), this… Read More
Standard
In a recreation/inflatable paddlesports context, standard foam PFDs are typically the most inexpensive option for paddlers They provide a simple floatation option without too much thought into how the PFD interacts with different types of seating systems. They typically have paneled foam, evenly distributed in the front and back of the PFD with a variety of different size adjust systems
WHO THESE TYPICALLY WORK FOR
- Inflatable kayakers looking for a cost effective PFD option
- Those not looking to do long days on the water where a bit of discomfort can easily be tolerated
Our Favorite Standard PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks
Mustang Survival Journey PFD - Best Price Point PFD
NRS Vista PFD - Best lower profile standard PFD
NRS Vista PFD
$97.46
$129.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks Minimal flair meets maximum comfort, that’s the NRS Vista PFD. It is designed to meet the needs of beginners and long time… Read More
NRS Vapor PFD - Most Comfortable Standard PFD
NRS Vapor PFD
$97.46
$129.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Whitewater PFDs - Complete Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Vapor PFD is a comfortable and well priced recreational paddlesports PFD. With lots of… Read More
Thanks for checking out our Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks article! We offer FREE SHIPPING on all PFDs OVER $110 to most of Canada (some shipping charges apply to the maritimes and territories), and our paddling experts are ready to help answer your kids PFD questions. Feel free to contact us below, or visit us in store!
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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
