How to Find the Best Kayak Life Vest for Women

Properly fitting into your personal kayaking gear is essential. This includes fitting into the kayak while wearing your personal flotation device. For women, a PFD can seem cumbersome. Many life vests aren't made to fit a woman's curves. Some kayaking PFDs are made specifically for women, but choosing from this small selection can seem daunting. Choose the best-fitting vest. Comfort and a snug fit are the most essential aspects of a woman's kayaking PFD.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a vest that has just one or two front pockets, and ensure that the pockets do not protrude more than half an inch. These pockets are known to snag on the cockpit while climbing in and out. Also ensure that the vest is zipper-fastened in the front, and not buckled. The buckles snag on the cockpit as well.

    • 2

      Choose a vest that has a high or short torso length. The short-torso vest will not move up onto your neck when you sit in the cockpit and rub the breasts raw through a lot of up and down movement. A vest that sits no lower than your navel won't bunch up as you sit in the kayak.

    • 3

      Try on the vest to ensure that you have large openings for the arms. This helps with range of motion and reduces chafing on the sides near the breast as you paddle. Good vests with large arm openings also have side straps to allow you to adjust the amount of room you have for your arms.

    • 4

      Choose a vest that has a torso tapered slightly inward. Most women's PFDs have a tapered torso, but some do not. This allows the vest to fit snug to your lower curves and reduces rubbing and shifting. Check for a soft mesh interior. If the inside of the PFD is only rubber, it will chafe. Soft fabric interiors reduce rubbing and cling to your undergarments better--to help the vest stay stationary as you move around and paddle.