Lightweight Packrafting PFD – Most Important Features?

[Philip Werner]

I’m looking for a lightweight PFD for flatwater packrafting in New England, so cooler water, on ponds and lakes. I’ll mostly be fly fishing, Tenkara-style of course.

I’m looking for a lightweight PFD I can pack in to remote off-trail ponds that’s not cumbersome to wear and not easily deflated by an errant “fly”.

Looking for recommendations as well as some discussion on what you think are must-have features and capabilities. I’m a strong swimmer and experienced white water kayaker and while I don’t expect to go beyond Class 1 water, the thought of using gas triggered SUP style PFD makes me a bit uncomfortable. What say ye?

[Ben Brochu]

 

If you want a “real” foam pfd, the lightest I know if is the MTI Journey at 12 ounces. Very economical too. But the bulk is still there. Several people have made home-made pfds using Platypus bottles, Therm-a-rests, and the like. There are several commercial options for inflatable pfds, and I’m comfortable with that on flat water because a hook puncture would result in a hole so tiny that getting to shore would not be a problem and you can easily add air while floating. I use a 480 denier snorkel vest that is super tough, but still light and compact. If the water is very cold, I’d rather invest the weight and space in my lightweight drysuit, which also adds considerable floatation, especially the more clothes you have underneath. But your peace of mind is worth whatever you need to carry.

 

[David Chenault]

For class 1 I don’t think there are any obligatory features beyond a decent fit.  A pocket or two on the front is nice, for fishing gear and snacks, as is a knife lash tab for when you inevitably get into harder moving water.

[Philip Werner]

Unfortunately, the MTI Journey is sold out worldwide. Any other suggestions?

[Marc Shea]

Looks like they are in stock at amazon and other places. http://www.amazon.com/MTI-Adventurewear-Journey-Jacket-Medium/dp/B00346AVOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458309896&sr=8-1&keywords=mti+journey

I have the Journey in XL and it is right at about 16 oz.  I am guessing that the 12oz is on the smaller end of the sizing chart.

[Ben Brochu]

Yeah $53 and free shipping on eBay too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTI-Journey-lg-xl-Mango-pfd-Kayak-Paddling-Life-Jacket-/322043619787?hash=item4afb4ba9cb:g:obQAAOSwCQNWdICo

And 12 oz was just what I’ve seen listed on packrafting forums, so I could be wrong. I don’t have one. Re: features, I’m with Dave, I don’t think anything is needed beyond fit and float. You can always use jacket/pack pockets for stuff. If you have built in features, they’ll be redundant at least part of the time.

[David Chenault]

I recently replaced my very old PFD, and ended up getting an NRS Vapor.  Very nice fit, and the big front hardwarmer pocket and zippered pocket seem like a very practical design.  Easily big enough for a map and snacks.  Most kayaking PFDs seem to be short and fairly thick, especially in the front (i.e. NRS Ninja), which is harder to pack as part of a multiday load and more seriously make it harder to get back in your boat.  The front panel of the Vapor is barely over 2 inches thick, and the whole package not much over 3.  Not the lightest package, but nice.

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