buying advice
BEST KIDS PFDS AND LIFE JACKETS in 2024
Author: Simon Coward
As the owner of one of Canada's leading specialty paddlesports retailers and a proud father of three, I've seen and tested my fair share of kids' PFDs and life jackets. After countless hours on the water and many family outings, I've gathered some solid opinions on what works best.
As a business, we only sell brands and products we believe in. Every PFD and life jacket on this list has been worn and thoroughly tested by my own kids. They've seen plenty of use and abuse. Additionally, we've gathered valuable feedback from our customers, used these PFDs in our kayak school, and more. We're fortunate to have tried out so many kids' PFDs and life jackets over the years, ensuring we offer only the best options for your family. So let's dive into my top picks for the best kids' PFDs for 2024.
Top Picks for best kids PFDs
- Best Infant Life Jacket
- Best Price Point
- Best Kids PFD for Swimming and Playing
- Best Kids PFD for the River
- Best Kids PFD for Slalom
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 during this time, we've seen a huge rise in the popularity of their recreational PFDs.
Level Six
Another Canadian business committed to creating high-quality products for the Canadian market, Level Six, is a leader in drywear, casual wear, and paddlesports accessories for all paddlers. Their PFD lineup is particularly focused on kids and youth offerings, and they do it very well.
Peak UK
For over three decades, Peak UK has been a global leader in manufacturing top-tier kayaking clothing and equipment. They are renowned for their specialized slalom gear, making them a go-to brand for slalom paddlers.
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, to people taking their infant on houseboat trips to beach vacations. The Puffer is great for anyone that wants the piece of mind of that comes from knowing their infant has reliable flotation support 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 FOR KIDS PFD
LEVEL SIX STINGRAY CHILD & YOUTH PFDS
BEST FOR
Kids and youth who are playing in on or around the water.
WHO BUYS THESE
Ideal for families seeking a cost-effective, high-quality life jacket for their kids to swim and play in the water. The two 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
$55.00 - $60.00 CAD + tax
[Also Read: Level Six STINGRAY & PUFFER KIDS PFDs]
BEST KIDS PFD FOR SWIMMING AND PLAYING
MUSTANG REV CHILD PFD
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 between 15 and 25 kgs. Parents and kids appreciate the soft material, comfort, added security of the leg straps, and mobility provided 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
$89.99 + tax
MUSTANG Survival REV YOUTH PFD
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 also a common sight on family rafting trips.
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
$89.99 + tax
BEST KIDS PFD FOR THE RIVER
ASTRAL OTTER 2.0 KIDS PFD
BEST FOR
Kids paddling whitewater craft such as kayaks, SUP, rafts, and canoes.
WHO BUYS THESE
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 who 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 include its range of motion, comfort, and fit for hard paddling kids. As a parent, it's important to note that the Otter 2.0 lacks a neck flap to keep swimmers floating face-up. Therefore, kids using this vest should be 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
$215.00 + tax
BEST KIDS PFD FOR SLALOM
Peak UK Racer Pro Yoof Kids PFD
BEST FOR
Kids paddling slalom crafts such as kayaks, SUP, rafts and canoes.
WHO BUYS THESE
Families with kids who paddle slalom love the Peak Racer Pro Yoof Kids PFD. This industry-leading PFD is perfect for young paddlers at all levels. Its low-profile fit, comfort, and mobility are on par with fully featured adult slalom PFDs.
The standout features of this vest are its exceptional range of motion, comfort, and fit, making it ideal for kids who paddle hard. However, parents should note that this PFD does not have the neck flap that helps keep swimmers floating face-up. Therefore, it's advisable for kids using this PFD to be competent swimmers in the pool without a PFD.
FEATURES
- 45-60N of Gaia environmentally friendly soft flotation foam -Ripstop nylon shell
- Ultimate enjoyment cut
- Figure-hugging shoulder adjusters
- Integrated side straps
- Removable crotch strap
- ISO 12402-5 approved
Price
$154.95 + tax
Thanks for checking out our Best Kids PFDs! 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!