Ladies, the water is calling, summer is almost here, and you’re itching to get aquatic so let’s get down to business so you can learn about our choice for the best women’s kayak PFD.
If you’re interested in getting a PFD for other activities check out our article on the Best PFD for Paddle Boarding. There are some good choices on there too that could easily double up for kayaking.
What It Needed
When we look at any PFD they need to have certain components built in that make them safe and comfortable, it’s no different for ones purpose built for women.
But just stamping Women’s in front of the name doesn’t mean that it’s going to cut it, so let’s dig in and find out just what’s going to set these PFD’s apart.
Prereqs for Women
- Safety is obviously priority number 1, that’s why you’re getting one.
- Comfortable comes in second, if it’s not comfortable you’re not going to wear it and if you’re not wearing it, it’s not going to do much good.
- A vest cut specifically for paddling will make your day on the water way better. All vest are not created equal.
- It needs to be cut for a woman. Ergonomics play a huge role in the comfort and safety of a PFD
Other Considerations
- Multiple adjustments to help dial in the the fit to your torso. PFD’s need to fit securely so that it won’t slip over your head when you get in the water.
- PFD’s for action sports need wide armholes to allow for movement while you’re rowing or paddling.
- Lash tabs and other attachment points for securing a knife, strobe or other accessory to the outside of the jacket.
- Stow pockets for keeping your essentials close at hand for when you need them.
- Bright colors make you more visible which keeps you safe whether from boats or during a rescue.
- Depending on your kayak seat or spray deck you’ll want to find a PFD with back that doesn’t interfere.
These are the must-haves for PFD’s to make our selection and we’ve found some really great vests that we’re stoked to recommend.
The Best Women’s Kayak PFD
NRS Siren PFD
NRS Siren
The NRS Siren is our favorite out of the group. This awesome vest is not only built for a women, it’s built to keep you safe when you’re out on the water. Designed with tough ripstop nylon the Siren can stand up to years of wear and tear while you’re on the water.
A zippered pouch lets you keep your needed essentials close by and a lash tab provides space for your rescue knife. This jacket is designed with the serious boater in mind but also for comfort.
Find out more and buy on Amazon.com
Features and Specifications
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Low |
| Design Flotation: | 16.5 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | 200 denier ripstop nylon |
| Lining: | Tough 210 denier nylon and nylon mesh for comfort |
| Entry System: | Side buckle |
| Pockets: | 1 – Front |
| Lash Tabs: | 1 – Front |
| Adjustment System: | 2 – Side
2 – Shoulder 2 – Waist |
| Features: |
|
Buy the NRS Siren now on Amazon.com
Onyx MoveVent
Onyx MoveVent
Next up is the Onyx MoveVent PFD. Super lightweight and very breathable this vest is great for those who are looking for a low-profile PFD.
One feature that really makes this vest stand out is the high-back design. The bottom portion is mesh that will keep you cool on warm days but since the flotation pad starts at the mid-back it won’t interfere with your seat or spray deck.
Get more information and buy on Amazon.com
Reviews on Amazon have touted the comfort of the MoveVent. Wide arm holes, breathability, and the low profile design make a great choice for all-day paddling.
One thing people thought could be improved on the MoveVent is that the front pocket is a tad small, limiting what you can put inside. An iPhone with a case will not fit inside, one user said. For smaller necessities though the smaller pocket should work just fine.
Features and Specifications
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Low |
| Design Flotation: | 16.5 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | 200 denier ripstop nylon |
| Lining: | Nylon and Bubble Foam on the back for additional comfort |
| Entry System: | Front Zip |
| Pockets: | 1 – Front |
| Lash Tabs: | 1 – Front |
| Adjustment System: | 2 – Side
2 – Shoulder 2 – Waist |
| Features: |
|
Buy the Onyx MoveVent now on Amazon.com
Stohlquist Flo
Stohlquist Women’s Flo
Coming in third on the list is the Stohlquist Flo. This is a very capable PFD that has great features and is designed around women’s needs.
A feature of the Flo that’s really nice is the mesh back. This allows for great air flow, keeping you cool on warm days and allows for the PFD to sit higher on the wearers back keeping it out of the way of the kayak seats that are featured on today’s sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks.
The Flo features 8 points of adjustment which make fitting the PFD to any body type really easy. The Cinch-Strap, Stohlquist’s proprietary adjustment strap, wraps diagonally across the body and helps the PFD to not ride up on your body as your paddling.
Two bellowed pockets on the front provide tons of storage space for your paddling essentials like sunglasses or snacks. When a vest adds these extra features it takes it from an good PFD to one that we’re stoked to recommend as one of the best women’s kayak PFD.
The reviews have been great for the Flo! “Best life vest ever for women“, “Great for women“, and “Great for Kayaking, Great fitting for Women” were just some of the awesome reviews it got.
We really tried to find the best PFD’s out there for women and there was no shortage of great vests.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Check out this overview from Stohlquist
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Low |
| Design Flotation: | 16.2 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | 400 x 200 denier ripstop nylon |
| Lining: | 200 denier nylon |
| Entry System: | Front Zip |
| Pockets: | 2 – Front Snap Closure |
| Lash Tabs: | None |
| Adjustment System: | 2 – Side
2 – Shoulder 2 – Waist 2 – Cross Body |
| Features: |
|
Buy the Stohlquist Flo now on Amazon.com
MTI Adventurewear PFDiva
MTI Adventurewear PFDiva
Up next is the PFDiva from MTI. The PFDiva is designed by women for women. MTI is woman owned and you can see it in the details.
The PFDiva features, what MTI calls, the Adjust-a-Bust system. This great support system allows you to custom fit your PFD so you’re comfortable all day while on the water. If you need extra room for layer when it gets cold outside just remove the memory foam inserts and you’re good to go. The PFDiva is ready for any adventure.
By far the most liked aspect is the fit and comfort. Women loved the fact that now there’s a PFD that can be custom tailored to their bust. One critical review mentioned that she wished they had just provided cups instead of the inserts as they didn’t do much for her. Her stated cup size was a 38DD so maybe on a truly busty women there are better options out there but for the other reviewers the Adjust-a-Bust system worked great.
Get more details and buy now on Amazon.com
Here’s a nice overview video from MTI on the PFDiva
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Not Stated |
| Design Flotation: | 16.5 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | Not Stated |
| Lining: | Nylon |
| Entry System: | Front Zip |
| Pockets: | 2 – Front Snap Closure
1 – Zippered Mesh |
| Lash Tabs: | 1 |
| Adjustment System: | 2 – Side
2 – Shoulder 2 – Waist |
| Features: |
|
Buy the PFDiva now on Amazon.com
Astral Abba
Astral Buoyancy Abba
Astral keeps up the quality! The Abba is next and is nothing short of what you’ve come to expect from Astral. As a person who owns an Astral PFD I can personally attest to the comfort and precision of these vests.
A sculpted chest and shorter torso means the Abba is going to perform great for women. The conformable Kapok wraps your body and means the Abba will work for a wider range of torsos. The ability of a PFD to comfortably wrap your body is important because the vest will stay more secure and not ride up in the event that you go for a swim.
Kapok is a revolution in PFD technology. This organically sourced material grows high in the trees of the rain forest and Astral is able to use 100% of the sourced material. Kapok is water resistant, naturally buoyant and will conform to your body making it the perfect choice for flotation.
Get more information and buy now on Amazon.com
Check out this video from Astral about the Abba and it’s Kapok stuffing. (What’s uuuuuup)
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Medium |
| Design Flotation: | 17.4 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | Tough 200 x 400 denier ripstop nylon |
| Lining: | 200 denier nylon |
| Entry System: | Front zip |
| Pockets: | 2 – Front |
| Lash Tabs: | 1 – Front |
| Adjustment System: | 6 – Side
2 – Shoulder |
| Features: |
|
Buy the Astral Abba now on Amazon.com
NRS Zoya
NRS Zoya
Another great product from NRS! The Zoya rounds out our list for the best women’s kayak PFD list. This awesome vest is perfect for women looking to get out and do some paddling.
PlushFIT, proprietary to NRS, is an ultra-comfortable foam that’s used in the flotation panels that allow the jacket to conform to your body as you wear it and provide the comfort that so important in a life vest. The mesh back panel sits high on the back keeping it out of the way of your kayak seat so you can get in the right position for efficient paddling.
Nothing but five star reviews for this vest! Women love how it conforms to the body, doesn’t rub or chafe while you’re paddling, and how it stays put and doesn’t ride up when you’re wearing it.
Get more details and buy now on Amazon.com
Check out this great video from NRS on the Zoya PFD
| US Coast Guard Type: | III |
| Profile: | Medium |
| Design Flotation: | 16.5 lbs. |
| Outer Fabric: | 200 denier ripstop nylon |
| Entry System: | Front zip |
| Pockets: | 2 – Front |
| Lash Tabs: | 1 – Front |
| Adjustment System: | 2 – Shoulder
2 – Waist 4 – Side |
| Features: |
|
Buy the NRS Zoya now on Amazon.com
Well there you go! 6 awesome vest that are sure to get you excited to get out on the water. When safety, comfort and good looks combine you’re going to be stoked to put your vest on and rock it on the water for your next aquatic adventure.
Dig into each of these and you’re bound to find just the right fit! We’ll see you out there!