In The Market For A Life Jacket

[OzarkFishman]

I read an interesting article that furthers stoneroller's argument that my dad's friend died from panic and not from the deadly wader. Deadly Wader Myth

I think my basic belt is perfect (I may size it a little tighter now that I know its function).

If anyone has a different PFD that you really like to wear on your kayak, then please share.

By the way, my budget is $90. My wife told me a week or so ago that we were going to exchange Christmas presents this year. A few days later she tells me that I can get whatever I want for myself because she just bought some $90 pair of boots ... I wonder if she had that planned .

[Stoneroller]

you can also check campmor.com and sierratradingpost.com both have closeouts on camping/paddling/biking/climbing gear all the time. you should be able to find a good PFD for 90$. get a high back on though or you'll be sitting against the vest's floatation while in your seat.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've had a couple of Extrasports that I've used for about 20 years and they're still going. They make short vest intended for kayaks, etc. I've never felt comfortable wearing any waders but neoprene in my kayaks or canoes.

If it's cold enough for waders you can't be in the water to long and neoprene's not only offer flotation, but insulation as well. A pair of cheap neoprene's and a good belt, topped by a real life vest would make me comfortable.

[OzarkFishman]

I went with the NRS Chinook Fishing PFD from the austinkayak site. After the discount stoneroller gave, I paid around $67 (no sales tax, no shipping cost).

Thank you all for the responses. Now, I have $23 more to spend on fishing stuff.

[Stoneroller]

you'll get a 15% discount code when you get your vest. for 23$ you could get a scotty rod holder. nice choice in PFD's btw. I'm spending my ACK gift cards on a rudder for my trident.

[Guest]

It's a common misconception that falling in water with waders will pull you under, while this may be more likely in moving water, it is very unlikely in flat water. what is nearly impossible to do with waders full of water is pull yourself up onto ice or a boat. then of course hypothermia is an issue.

I nearly drowned in high school while duck hunting with some buddys.

I was crossing a flooded field with a bag full of decoys.

Suddenly, I stepped into a submerged creek thats was over my head.

Those waders filled with water so fast, that I was under water and sinking like a rock.

My hands clutched the nylon mesh of that decoy bag as my entire body was underwater and being pulled under by the weight of cold water.

I was able to shove the bag under my torso and float back to the surface.

I would have drowned, if it wasnt for the bag of decoys.

I know they're not trout waders, but you can drown in a pair of waders.

Yes, they will pull you under in flat water.

You can't get them off either.

I will never wear waders in a boat, ever...

You can wear knee boots and carry you waders to the fishin hole, then put them on.

Otherwise you playing with your life.

[Stoneroller]

http://www.fishusa.com/Frogg-Toggs-Hellbender-Breathable-Stockingfoot-Guide-Pant_p.html?source=googleps

found these too as a cheaper alternative to the dry pants I linked above.

[bobber]

a pfd is your first line in a self rescue situation in water.( you guys) fishing cold water, it's hitting that cold water.just the shock is what kills more of us old guys .with cold water muscle cramping it would make very hard to swim a long ways. more so in a lake setting. another thing be aware about all the pockets are more thing to get snagged on. a floatation jacket may do a better job in the cooler months. less bulk, and you might even ware it?.... American white water puts out a list of all the water fatalities most are no life jacket . the safe boating power squad also has a listing and again not wearing life vest gets them every time! ...