Looking for a top-of-the-line rescue PFD? Look no further than the Astral Greenjacket Rescue PFD. This vest is designed for extreme environments and situations, making it a favorite among the world's best river guides and expedition paddlers. With a newly updated EVA Molded Central Pocket, the Greenjacket offers both innovation and comfort. Trust in the experts at AQ Outdoors, an authorized retailer, and experience the unmatched quality of the Astral Greenjacket Rescue PFD.
AQ Outdoors Astral Greenjacket Review
Astral Greenjacket PFD Review by AQ Outdoors
The Astral Greenjacket is a rescue style PFD that's been super popular amongst whitewater paddlers for probably a dozen years or so now. I've been flipping and flopping between the Greenjacket and the NRS Zen PFD for the last dozen years or so and have spent a bunch of time in this PFD.
The Astral Greenjacket has been a real fan favorite – a whitewater paddle's favorite for many, many years. And I think it's mainly due to the comfort.
Astral Greenjacket PFD Fit
So this PFD has a lovely fit. It was one of the first rescue PFDs that had independent panels. The inside of the PFD hugs your body and the outside remains a little looser with plenty of adjustments. The end result is super comfortable profile and a super comfortable platform for whitewater boaters.
I find the sizing is pretty good. I'm 5’9, 165 - 170lbs, depending on the day. I fit a little bit in the middle of the sizing, to be honest. The small - medium that I have fits and it's comfy and it's great, but there's not a lot of wiggle room as far as tightening goes.
If I get into the next size up, it fits great as well, but there's just a little bit more in the way of straps and everything hanging out there.
Astral Greenjacket PFD Tow Options
This PFD does have an integrated rescue harness and a quick release harness, the same as every other rescue PFD.
It also has a big clamshell pocket here in the front, which gives you tons of room. Many paddles I know will actually store their pin kit in this pocket. I tend to put mine in the back of my boat, but I do know many paddles who fit a couple of slings, some prusiks, couple carabiners, and a couple of pulleys in the front for quick and easy access.
Otherwise it fits a ton of snacks, which is great as well.
The Greenjacket has the ability to use multiple different tow systems. You can use a bungee pigtail like a standard PFD. It does have the quick release built into it.
The Astral Greenjacket PFD also has a hidden away pocket if you're using a static style tape or webbing tow system. This pocket is big enough to fit 8-10ft of narrow webbing or sling, along with a paddle carabiner as well. You can mix and match how you use your rescue system there.
It also has a built-in webbing loop to assist if you are repelling. So you can use a sit harness or a sling harness and then can clip into the webbing loop and it acts as a chest harness as well. This is a popular addition for creekboaters.
Astral Greenjacket PFD Final Thoughts
The Greenjacket is, by a long stretch, the most expensive rescue PFD that we sell at AQ Outdoors. I think it's the most comfortable PFD and the most versatile in the sense that it does have some really key built-in creeking features.
It has this nice big pocket in the front and overall it is a super high quality PFD that we've seen very, very few quality control issues with over the years.
The Greenjacket is a fantastic, well-featured, super comfortable PFD that has built-in rescue capabilities. We know they're long lasting. We've proven it. Our instructors have used them. Our customers have used them. Our friends have used them.
Thanks so much for checking out our Astral Greenjacket rescue PFD review. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us or visit us in store!
Best Whitewater PFDs - Complete Guide
Sizing
S/M = 31-37
M/L = 38-44
L/XL = 45-51
Specs
- Intended Use: Whitewater Rescue / Sea / SUP
- Entry: Pullover
- Foam Insert: PVC Free Gaia and PE Foam
- Shell Fabric: 500 Denier Cordura Nylon
- Liner Fabric: 200 Denier High Tenacity Nylon
- Webbing: Nylon
- Zipper: YKK Self Locking Vislon Teeth
- Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal and Stainless Steel
- Weight: 2.9 lbs / 46 oz / 1315.42 gr
- Design Buoyancy: 16.5lbs
- Approval Type: USCG Type V