Inflatable Life Jackets Any Advise?

[Bman]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience, and or advise for inflatable life jackets. Will heavy rain/spray set them off?

Thanks in advance.

[jdmidwest]

I have used them for years, I swim like a rock. I have an old Browning vest that had one built in and later transferred it to an Orvis vest. I plan to purchase one that wears like a waist belt. All are the ones that you have to pull a cord to inflate. If you are knocked out for some reason it will not inflate without your pulling the cord. Probably not the best to use when boating.

They are lightweight and serve a purpose. I still wear a real PFD when Kayaking or boating on rough water.

[Dutch]

I have a self inflatable sospenders. If it gets wet it will self inflate. The directions say extremely humid conditions can cause inflation so I gets to stay home in the rain.

[Quillback]

I have a couple of inflatables in the boat, they aren't supposed to go off due to rain, and I usually vamoose when I see rain coming in, so I haven't really tested them in a rain storm. I like them, especially on hot summer days.

[KCNitro]

I have a bps brand one(i think its actually made by mustang though). Best investment I ever made. Great in the summer and much easier to get one when wearing a lot of clothes in the winter. Like the others I put it away when I see rain coming though. I have heard stories of them going off on people during a rain storm.

If you haven't bought one yet make sure to get one with a neoprene neck line. One of mine does not have it and it will rub your neck raw during the summer, especially if you have a sunburn. I can wear the one with a neoprene neck all day with no issue though.

[Bman]

Thanks all for the good advise!