Should pfds have leg straps?

Replies to my vest-over-pfd post included a number of comments, here and on other forums, to the effect that our pfds without deployed leg straps may not do much good if we are unconscious in the water.

I have never even seen a pfd with leg straps.

Thoughts and comments?

Sure they should !






If you are running class IV-VI whitewater during spring runoff. And of course you'd be wearing a High Float PFD too. Nothing like being held under for 20 seconds because you're wearing your extremely fashionable cut away low floatation PFD.

For us guys, just make sure that your standard PFD is on nice and snug. Check it every time you put it on.

Scott

Leg straps are all fun and games until you remove them to take a dump off the side of your yak, then fall in and drown because the PFD doesn't work without em.

My PFD has a clip at the bottom that makes a world of difference in keeping it snuggly in place.  I make every effort to be good about snapping it.

All PDFs for infants have leg straps.  I assume for pulling them (infants) out of the water by grabbing the PDF.  I belive a good fit is most important.