Kokatat has been a long time producer of PFD’s and lifejackets for the Canadian market. With a long history in building high performance drywear and PFD’s, Kokatat are one of the top recreational and whitewater PFD brands in Canada. This post will help you decide which Kokatat PFD is best for you.
Kokatat PFDs and life jackets will last you a long time, and perform much better than lower quality PFDs and life jackets you'll find at box stores like Costco or Canadian Tire. Higher quality PFDs are designed with comfort and performance in mind, and will make your sunny days on the water that much more enjoyable for years to come!
We have been a dealer for Kokatat for close to 20 years now. We have seen them evolve from a mainly whitewater focused brand to an industry leader in recreational paddlesports. From rafting to whitewater, sea kayaking to SUP, Kokatat offers gear for all types of paddlesports.
One of the areas they have really committed to in Canada is to having a wide range of PFDs Canadian Coast Guard approved. In this quick Kokatat Recreational PFD comparison guide we highlight the basic features, pros and cons of the Kokatat Canadian recreational and whitewater PFD lineup.
Kokatat PFD Buying Guide
Kokatat WKNDR Recreational PFD
Kokatat WKNDR Thin Back PFD
$119.95
$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… Read More
BEST FOR
Recreational Kayaking, Canoe, SUP, Kayak Angling and Rafting.
FEATURES
- Low profile back
- 2 side adjustment straps on each side
- Shoulder adjustments
- 2 hand warmer pockets
- 2 zippered side pockets
- Front entry zipper style PFD
- Contoured Foam
WHO BUYS THESE
These are a newly released product for 2022 so this is yet to be seen as of writing. From trying on samples they will be a hit with any recreational paddler looking for a thin back PFD. This is ideal for high back recreational seats, pedal drive kayak seats and touring seats. We would also anticipate recreational rafters finding these a comfortable and well priced option.
Kokatat Women’s Naiad High Back Recreational PFD
BEST FOR
Female recreational kayakers, kayak anglers, canoeists, SUP paddlers and rafters.
FEATURES
- Supple, form fit foam
- 2 x hand warmer pockets
- Multiple side adjustments
- Ultra-light, quick drying mesh back and shoulders complements high back seats
- 2 x hand warmer pockets
- Multiple attachment points for fishing gear
- Compatible with tributary hydration system
WHO BUYS THESE
Female paddlers who are getting out on the water for recreational paddling adventures. The Naiad is ideal for relaxing days on the water and for those needing a mesh back PFD to accommodate high back recreational and fishing kayak seats.
Kokatat Hustle Whitewater PFD
Kokatat Hustle PFD
$205.00
Kokatat PFD Buying Guide What to Put in Your PFD How to Properly Fit a PFD Best Whitewater PFDs - Complete Guide The Kokatat Hustle PFD is the perfect blend of fit and performance for whitewater, touring, and sup paddlers.… Read More
BEST FOR
River paddlers of all craft including kayaks, canoes, SUP and rafts.
FEATURES
- 210D high tenacity ripstop nylon shell fabric
- Gaia PVC-free and PE foam
- Side Entry
- Large, zippered front pocket with internal organization
- Sculpted foam panels that wrap around your torso
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Three side adjustments for a secure fit
- Front lash tab for knife attachment
- Harmonized (US Coast Guard/Transport Canada) approved
WHO BUYS THESE
We find all manner of river and whitewater paddlers love the Hustle PFD. It is super comfortable, fits a wide range of paddlers and looks great. This means everyone from freestyle whitewater kayakers, to crossover paddlers adventuring on local Class I and II rivers. This PFD is ultra popular with River SUP paddlers and whitewater canoeists also.
Kokatat Hustler Whitewater Rescue PFD
Kokatat HustleR Rescue PFD
$390.00
Kokatat PFD Buying Guide Best Whitewater PFDs - Complete Guide What to Put in Your PFD How to Properly Fit a PFD If safety and comfort in whitewater is wat you are after in a PFD, you might want to… Read More
BEST FOR
Whitewater leaders, creek boaters and rescue professionals.
FEATURES
- 500D Cordura® outer shell
- Gaia PVC-free foam
- Pullover design
- Large, clamshell front pocket with two way zipper and internal organization
- Adjustable shoulders and three side adjustments
- Covered front lash tab for a rescue knife attachment
- Quick release chest harness and O-ring, tether/tow system ready
- Sleeve for River Tow Tether
- Breakaway D-ring for cow tail attachment
- US Coast Guard, and ISO (EU) approved
WHO BUYS THESE
We find instructors, creek boaters, river SUP, whitewater canoe and rafters love the Kokatat Hustler PFD. The small sizes fit smaller and female boaters super comfortably and most people we talk to in the larger sizes also find the Hustler ultra comfortable right off the shelf.
Thanks for checking out our comparison! We offer FREE SHIPPING on all these Kokatat PFDs across Canada, and our paddling experts are ready to help answer your Kokatat 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.
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
