PFD for hot weather

[Clean Willy]

I know life jackets have been discussed but couldn't find any suggestions related to weather.

I'm doing a multi day float on a fairly large river and the temps are expected to be 90-100 degrees.

I know the NRS Chinook has been recommended but I want something that won't increase the heat and have no need for pockets.

Thoughts on a light weight one?

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Hi Scott, I’ve always used a waist pack PFD. Rip cord activated.

 

[Clean Willy]

Hi Scott, I’ve always used a waist pack PFD. Rip cord activated.

A couple of years ago I went backwards and head first into the water off a friends jon boat. Happened in a flash and I popped right up but if I'd hit my head or something I might not have been able to pull the cord.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

That definitely could be a problem…..but I’ve witnessed too many water activated PFDs inflate accidentally. Be hot or wear a helmet??

 

[Buzzy]

NRS Otto Matik Inflatable PFD

The NRS Otto Matik Inflatable PFD automatically inflates upon contact with water delivering on-demand flotation for flatwater and near-shore paddling and fishing.

www.nrs.com

Lots of options for inflatable PFD's. I used the same one for a decade, in lots of strong rains, it never went off inadvertently.

 

[Paige]

1 of my Mustang inflatable PFD discharged all on its own in a dry box sometime during the last 6 months since I last used my boat!

 

[PhilR]

Depends on what kind of moving water. If you’ll need to get back in the boat, swim aggressively on your front to avoid a strainer or get to shore, it’s really hard to do with all the floation around your neck and high on your chest. All you can really do with one of those inflated is lie on your back. If it’s anything more than class 1 water I’d wear the chinook and just dip it and my hat in the water for cooling.

 

[Eastside]

I use the NRS Chinook on the Columbia River and on lakes. If you get too hot, jump in the river. On the Deschutes, I use a similar whitewater jacket and also use the same approach.

 

[Xterra123]

When I took rowing instruction from Nortwest Rafting Company (highly regarded) the owner DEFINITELY was not a fan of inflatable pfds on moving water. He said they are fine for lakes where it is simply about floating however on moving water when one actually has to swim it can easily hamper your ability to swim and self-rescue. Having had one inflate accidentally and being an above average fitness swimmer I can understand this opinion. Could actually make a situation worse. Food for thought.

He was a big fan of the Astral Blue Jacket for rowing. Yes they can be hot.

 

[Evan B]

Any of the NRS Chinook or paddling PFDs like the Ninjas and similar are going to be the best options. Like others have said, if you need to cool off, there's ways to do that without compromising on the flotation.

 

[Jim in Anacortes]

Not to derail this thread, but this time of year the air can be hot, but the water is still very cold. This is problematic. Baking in the sun and then plunging into very cold water can initiate an uncontrollable "gasp" for air. This is dangerous, especially with kids. That lake in late August might be warm and safe...but this time of year it might be shockingly cold.

 

[SurfnFish]

The low profile NRS Vapor, currently on sale at REI, is about as low profile as it gets.
An alternative is to go with a jet ski style minimalist PFD.