Kayak Life Jackets & Vests

   (84 Products)

Stay safe with kayak life jackets & vests from top brands. You can filter by price range, size, gender, brand, or color to find the perfect kayak PFDs, life vests, and life jackets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of life jacket is best for kayaking?

USCG-approved Type III life jackets are an excellent choice for most kayakers. Type V rescue jackets are also a good choice for more advanced paddlers who have the proper training.

Do you need a unique life jacket for kayaking?

Everyone using a personal watercraft must have a USGC-approved life jacket. Kayak-specific PFDs are designed to mirror your movements while paddling, providing a more comfortable, secure fit.

What is the difference between a kayak PFD and a regular life jacket?

A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is the technical name for a life jacket or life vest. The terms are used interchangeably. Kayak PFDs are designed to mirror your movements while paddling, providing a more comfortable, secure fit.

What does buoyancy mean?

A PFD's buoyancy rating means it can float that amount of dense matter. However, humans are about 80% water and 15% fat. Those will have no weight and will help float you if you fall overboard, so they can be ignored, leaving only a tiny amount of density to account for. For example, a 200-pound person only needs about 10 pounds of additional buoyancy to float comfortably.

What do the different types of PFD ratings mean?

The US Coast Guard determines PFD ratings. We primarily carry Type III and Type V lifejackets approved for use in the United States. A Type III PFD has a zippered or buckled front closure and provides a minimum of 15.5 lbs of flotation. They are intended for general use near shore by a conscious person. A Type V lifejacket is a catch-all category reserved for "special uses" such as rescue and most inflatable PFDs. The US Coast Guard and Transport Canada also approve a newer Type 70 "harmonized" rating. These PFDs are similar to the Type III US standard and suitable for us in the United States and Canada.
kayak life vest

Achieve the Perfect Balance of Safety & Comfort with Our Kayak Life Jackets & Life Vest PFDs!

Along with your paddling helmet, the proper kayak life vest or PFD is among the most essential kayak gear you’ll buy. That’s why you should do it right—by shopping for the safest, most comfortable life vests for kayaking on the market here at Outdoorplay!

You don’t have to compromise on your comfort or level of safety - at least, not when you choose us. We’ve curated the top products from the top brands in the industry, including Kokatat, Stohlquist, Astral, and NRS. We offer these at affordable prices, so you don’t have to break the bank to find a quality kayak life vest.

How to Choose a Kayak Life Vest or PFD Life Jacket

The most important factor when choosing the right kayak life jacket or a PFD (personal floatation device) is fit and comfort!

Kayaking life jackets are explicitly built for paddling and are designed to be low profile to keep the bulk of the flotation away from the shoulders and upper chest. This gives you a whole range of arm and upper body motion when wearing the kayaking life vest while paddling.

Many kayak PFD life jackets also include convenient features like zipper pockets for gear storage and pouches for hydration bladders that can be mounted on the back of the paddling PFD.

It's essential to have the proper safety gear when out on the water kayaking, and a good kayak life vest is the most important of these. Make sure you take the time to find the perfect kayak PFD for your next paddling adventure.

What are the Different Types of Paddling Life Jackets or PFDs?

Nylon is the most common kayak lifejacket shell material because it is a rigid, lightweight synthetic polymer. Relatively inexpensive to purchase, nylon life jackets for kayaking are incredibly durable and easy to clean. Though long-lasting, a nylon paddling life jacket is not smooth to the touch and can cause chafing around the neck or arm area after extended wear times.

Neoprene is also a synthetic polymer used on some kayaking life jackets. Still, it’s constructed to have a softer feel and fit more comfortably around the body. Contoured fit, breathability, and flexibility rank high on the list of pros, but a neoprene life jacket will often cost a little more.

BioLite material looks and feels soft, like neoprene in kayak vests, but is lighter since it contains no rubber foam. During construction, there is no lamination process or Volatile Organic Compounds, making this breathable material more environmentally friendly to produce.

Why Buy a Kayak Life Jacket at Outdoorplay Over the Competition?

Suppose you take your safety seriously and want to be as comfortable and uninhibited as possible while rafting or kayaking. In that case, the only place worth shopping for a paddling life jacket or kayaking life jacket is Outdoorplay.

You already know we have the top products from the top brands, but what else sets us apart from the competition?

You won’t find a more knowledgeable staff anywhere else. As lifelong kayakers, we are here to help you get the products you need and use them correctly - all so you can enjoy the water the same way we do.

We ship all orders over $49 free of charge, helping you stretch your budget further. A 100% money-back guarantee also backs up your order, so you don’t have to stress whether you’ll love your whitewater life jacket. You have nothing to lose!

Grab Other Important Kayak Supplies Along with Your Kayak PFD!

So, what are you waiting for? The perfect paddling PFD is here waiting for you, along with all the other essential kayak accessories you need to safely and comfortably enjoy the water, including a massive selection of kayaks.

We mean it when we’re your one-stop shop for all things paddling - so browse these related collections while you’re here and grab all your gear at once!

Are you still shopping for the perfect kayak or need fresh kayaking apparel? What better time than the present - shop now and enjoy free shipping over $49 and a risk-free money-back guarantee. Reach out if you have any questions or need help! We’re available via phone, email, or chat.