IN THE HATCH FIND YOUR FIT. PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Four PFDs to suit every paddling style
“Who wants to try the wet exit first?” the counselor asked. It was my very first time in a kayak, splashing around the resort’s snowmaking reservoir—transformed by the July heat into a pea-green frog pond. Eager to impress my cadre of fellow campers, I raised my hand and—rocking furiously—tipped the beamy R5 River Runner. I slipped easily from the cockpit, but the lifejacket wedged firmly around my ears meant no one could see my triumphant smile. VIRGINIA MARSHALL
SALUS
Proto
www.salusmarine.com • $279
The Proto takes cues from Sa- lus’ Torrent and Jazz whitewa- ter PFDs, as well as borrowing elements of backpack design. One such innovation is the pocket on the back of the vest that stores and conceals a two-liter hydration bladder. Hidden adjustments in the zippered front pocket keep the Proto tidy and snag-free, and the low-riding, pullover style allows for superb range of motion. The vest comes with a quick-release belt and pigtail—ideal for fast, short tows—and the modular design means you can park your pigtail, strobe and knife at multiple locations on the vest. Who will like it: Athletic types who enjoy surfing, rock gardening, coastal touring and paddling for fitness.
70 | ADVENTURE KAYAK STOHLQUIST
Edge
www.stohlquist.com • $99.95
Inspired by Stohlquist’s De- scent rescue PFD, the Edge integrates premium features and sophisticated styling at an economic price. Low-cut mesh sides and Stohlquist’s Wrapture articulated foam give this side zip-entry vest a body-hugging fit that is comfortable without compro- mising in-water performance. The oversized chest pocket provides plenty of storage, and a front lash tab accom- modates a knife or strobe. Who will like it: Value-minded touring, fitness and rough water paddlers.
NRS
Vapor
www.nrs.com • $79.95
The Vapor delivers per- formance touring-inspired features at an entry-level price. Those who favor a lightweight, minimalist design will enjoy the streamlined fit of this side-entry vest. The low-profile, contoured flota- tion panels facilitate dynamic fitness paddling and make for easier re-entry during rescues. NRS hasn’t overlooked impor- tant safety and convenience features like a lash tab, hand- warming sleeve and zippered chest pocket. Who will like it: Bargain-hunters, recreational and fitness paddlers.
MTI
Voyager
www.mtiadventurewear.com • $130
Developed to address the physical challenges of aging, the Voyager is a uniquely easy-to-wear PFD. This center-zip vest has a non- constrictive, relaxed fit and a mesh lower back that pairs comfortably with high- back seats. It’s packed with thoughtful features, including two large cargo pouches, an eyeglasses pocket and fleece- lined hand-warmer pockets. Cold or painful hands will also appreciate that this PFD is free of pinch-style clips. Who will like it: Active seniors and others with limited fine motor capabilities, comfort-minded recreational kayakers.
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to watch video reviews of the PFDs.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84