Flotation Life Vest

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=7330&skip_to_post=52737#52737

There are inflatable vests that are VERY light and compact. The least expensive require mouth inflation. The best are CO2 cartridge inflated with a pull lanyard.

Whether they pass state/federal requirements is another matter you'd have to look into.

I am a strong proponent of soft CC foam PFDs for their multi-function use on packrafting trips: reliable floatation, insulation under a windshirt for added warmth, and use as a sleeping pad. The lightest of this group weigh about 1 lb and the average is about 2 lbs.

If your only objective is a minimal 16.5 lbs floatation to keep your head above water in the ocean, lakes, and < class III whitewater there is a pending 6 oz solution. See http://phil-turner.net/?p=352

The link above goes to my brief impressions of a pre-production MLD MoPacka. I've noticed that Andrew Skurka lists one on his gear list for the AYE & I guess there'll be a far more detailed review after that. You might have to wait a bit though…..

Thanks guys for pointing me to the other post and expressing your opinions.

This will be my first boating experience, so let me ask this question, is it mandatory in any state to wear approved PFD.

I've seen it to be mandatory for kids, not sure for adult though.

I will be paddling in Florida and in Alabama.

As far as I know you have to have 1 per adult. Not wearing it, just HAVE it.

I found those two websites indeed.

Federal PFD carriage requirements (nation wide) http://www.nyss.com/federal.html#3A

State requirement
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/statelaws/Alabama.html

As an example Alabama requires everyone to wear PFD, as for Florida only Children are required to. I wonder if MoPacka would qualify as any valid type of PDF.

On the other hand as anyone ever been fine by Coast Guard to not wear it? I will only be paddling on flat water, altought there is a stretch on open ocean which make me a little bit concern.

From site
"Every person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V PFD."

Alabama requires that all mechanically propelled vessels, sailboats and boats for hire be registered with the local office of county Judge of Probate or License Commissioner.

The following are exceptions:

A vessel not propelled by machinery, except sailboats and boats for hire (rental).

In addition to the federal PFD carriage requirements, Alabama has the following requirements for wearing a PFD

Under this statement, if you are on a boat that you have to paddle- you don't have to WEAR the PFD- just have it.

I get that they don't consider a human propelled boat a PWC so the "wearing" law does not apply- but the federal "carriage" law does

if I could spell, it would be great

I have two Stormy Seas EXP-100 Expedition Life Vests which pack small, are lightweight and have multiple pockets.

There is also the SV-100 Ultralight, which (obviously) is lighter and packs smaller.

These are very good gear.

For those thinking of making/using improvised flotation devices to save a few ounces/bucks, read the Alpacka Forum which points out that a guy came out of his Packraft and drowned whilst using an improvised flotation device!

Its called a Life Vest for a good reason…

Stormy Seas:

http://www.stormyseas.com/vests.html

Those storm vest looks interesting, altough I must admit I am a little bit confuse about the federal carriage legislature.

Does that mean you need to carry one of the approved vest, otherwise you could be fined by coast guard. On the stormy website as an example they mentionned 'The vessel carriage requirement can still be met with an inexpensive $6.00 foam PFD' (http://www.stormyseas.com/important.html).

From what I understand even if you have the best vest in the world if it not approved you need to get another flotation approved type pfd in your raft.

Sorry if I sound like a big law advocate, I am just looking at the options right now. I am pretty sure as long as you are carrying any kind of decent floatable jacket no one would bother you in the end.

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

To my knowledge you can use Class 1, 2, 3, or 5 PFD and be within the laws.

Class 1 is off shore/ merchant vessels. This is more than you need, but will work. Will be uncomfortable while paddling

class 2 is the $10 cheapie orange one with the strap around the back. This will work, but won't be comfortable to paddle in

Class 3 is what most life vests are- waterskiing ones, whitewater ones- your most common life vest. I would recommend one of these on a paddling trip. Get a paddling vest- they are shorter, allowing you to sit without digging in to your belly. And they have little to no foam around the shoulders giving you freedom of movement to paddle.

Class 5 from what I can tell is the inflatable kind- which is nice, but can get expensive quick.

Check out Extrasport brand- they make paddle vests and aren't too expensive.

I bet you can find a used one too

The Osprey goes for 2 lbs, really nice looking one though,

I can't find the weight for the stormy vest on the web. I will send an email to the company tonight.

There is also the mopacka, I will send an email to MLD see if it is available as well. Could be an option.

I won't be doing any white water, however paddling in the florida keys could be hazardous if there is a storm or something. Using vest as sleeping pad and warm clothing is something to consider as well.