PFD's

On the whistle, you can't go wrong with the Fox 40 Classic, or they have a new one the Sonik Blast. They are louder than hell, and will work when wet. Made in the good ol' USA too.

also I know this seems dumb but make sure it fits. I see so many ppl with vests that are way big. it needs to be snug otherwise it will ride up to your ears in the water.

Make sure you get your PFD from a REAL kayak shop. These people are more likely be able to fit you on a PFD correctly.

If you're worried about having more stuff than your pockets can fit (personally, I don't want anything other than my radio and a whistle in my pockets), you can always keep a ditch bag unsecured in your tankwell. If you end up flipped over and your yak is sunk, a ditch bag in a dry sack will float and travel in the current with you so you should be able to get to it. Just remember to strap it in during launches and landings.

3 things that matter to me for a PFD

1) you WILL WEAR IT
2) it stays put when you dunk'
3) it has the flotation you need

pockets, doodads, extra straps, d rings....etc   are all fine and dandy untill they catch on the boat while re-entering, or on a branch/kelp/trash when in the water...they complicate and increase teh rick factor....


so, see #1 and re-evaluate after 20+ trips on the water with the PFD YOU WEAR...

about me:  paddling most of my life (since a kid really), average 50 trips per year and will NOT go out with someone who does not wear their PFD with very few exceptions....

I like Lotus Designs, extrasport, and NRS and own my daily vest plus 4 loaners for friends that dont want to sit on the bank 

Thanks to all for your responces , bought a Stohlquist Trekker , looks to fill my needs . Good quality and under $90 so it was fairly painless . 

For me wearing a PFD is the most important gear after the kayak / paddle and will be on every time I go out , did not make it to 55 by being that stupid although I have a feeling luck played a big part !

Great choice used to wear a Bahia and was looking for a Vest for the wife found a Killer deal on The Asea(same vest as the Treker just diff pockets) I bought one for a back-up and I like it much better that the Bahia more comfortable doesn't ride up as much and floats me higher and rolls me on my back.

,,, pockets, doodads, extra straps, d rings....etc   are all fine and dandy untill they catch on the boat while re-entering, or on a branch/kelp/trash when in the water...they complicate and increase teh rick factor....

That is the essence of my complaint: PFDs should gracefully carry those things that give you a fighting chance for survival if you are separated from everything and everybody by unexpectedly hazardous conditions. They should  be designed with real world storage without posing significant "hangup" potential and without compromising their primary mission.

I have to give a big "second" to Sin Coast's post.  Put a 20' tralier of floating rope on your un secured ditch bag and just keep the most essential stuff in your PFD.  Now I am going down to my safe room and check the inventory!---Jeff

....  just keep the most essential stuff in your PFD.  ---Jeff

I suppose "there's the rub."  What would you consider the "most essential" as the rip current is carrying you and you PFD one way out to sea along a rocky coast and you watch as your kayak, ditch bag and all are irretreivably blown another direction, or sink under the attentions of the grey man, or are simply nowhere to be seen when you recover from your minor stroke / hear attack / diabetic LOC episode /uncomtrollable reaction to food poisoning or allergy /  whack in the head by an overenthusiastic fur bag intent on getting your fish - or mating with your kayack / being run down by a powerboat / etcetera, etcetera?

I suppose "there's the rub."

Me too. That's why I like Blue's idea of a leash from you to the yak. He uses it when conditions start to deteriorate. I was trying to think of a way of using that idea that was full time and you would connect as routinely as putting on your PFD

I suppose "there's the rub."  What would you consider the "most essential" as the rip current is carrying you and you PFD one way out to sea ...

being run down by a powerboat

If you've been run down by a powerboat, there isn't anything that will help.

As for me, inside my PFD you'll find a VHF, a whistle, a flair, and a reflective device.  Should or could I have more, yes, but this is what I feel comfortable with.  I'm not into dooms day hypotheticals.

  I'm not into dooms day hypotheticals. 

Everyone decides what risks they try to reduce, from sunburn to shark attack, and how far they are willing to go to mitigate those risks if the worst happens.  My suggestion on this thread is that current PFD's to do not support as high a level of risk mitigation as they might.