What kind of PFD are you guys using?

Maybe a dumb question but just got a kayak and was wondering what type of PFD's are you guys using?

Is a cheapo life jacket from Walmart good enough or does it kinda get in the way when fishing?

Any recommendations? I'm thinking of those self inflating ones but they're kinda expensive.

The only good PFD is the one you will wear 100% of the time!

   Beyond that, get one that fits you well & allows for paddling & fishing movements while on the kayak.  Me personally, I use an inflatable BUT that is my personal preference.

I started with a cheapo and move up to a http://www.stohlquist.com/

Higher back helps me with my back fit to the seat and extra pockets and rings allows me to carry a bunch of gear on me. 

Just find one with right coast guard rating and one that fits you. 

Any PFD that you think is comfortable and that you will wear religiously.

I've acquired a few higher end PFDs that I hated; and continually went back to using my old ass Stearn's PFD I got at Wal-Mart for $20 (that has possibly saved my life on more than one occasion).

I've tried on PFDs that have literally ruined my whole fishing trip because they were so damn uncomfortable.

A lot of the newer "high-back" PFDs have high backs that rest right on top of the high backs of some newer kayak seats. I miss the old style.

Any PFD that you think is comfortable and that you will wear religiously.

^this x1000.

 try it on and sit in your kayak (or one similar to it in the shop).

What they said!

Do a search here for this topic, it's been well covered with many opinions as to the best.

Love my NRS Chinook, super comfy, doesn't ride up, pockets for gear in the right places.

Love my NRS Chinook, super comfy, doesn't ride up, pockets for gear in the right places.

I've been looking at tbe Chinook myself. Haven't had a chance to try one on yet but it looks like it has all the features that I'd want.

NRS Chinook is spiffy.

I bought a cheapie big-5 Defender (about $40 IIRC) fishing PFD that was OK on some kayaks, and awful on others.  Definitely only for still-water. 

Getting more into salt, my wife bought for me a mid-range Kokatat (maybe $120-150ish?) from CCK, and it's been awesome.  Much more substantial, yet more comfortable.  Also nice in that being stronger, the shoulder straps make convenient handles should someone need to help you out of the water.

Kokatat Bahia Tour.
https://www.austinkayak.com/products/1801/Kokatat-Bahia-Tour-Fishing-Life-Jacket-PFD.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping:%20ACK%20PLA&scid=scplp286581&gclid=CjwKEAjw0-epBRDOp7f7lOG0zl4SJABxJg9q2_pcpvXlm_iMI21k4GicZjRhste0X48Uir7jyOU25BoCYNPw_wcB/

I started with a $49 bass pro PFD it was ok.  Then about 8 months ago I bought a NRS Chinook. It fits me well, although I would like more pockets for fly gear.  I would never go on the water without it.

+1 comfy,sturdy,high float,visible,functional, will your radio fit? accessible place for your safety knife, are good things to look for

also be aware they have a lifespan...sunbleached,tears,compressed foam,etc
and need to be replaced when they wear out.
the rangers at the put in on the Colorado River MADE us cut up 2 old,worn out jackets in front of them before they allowed us to be on our way

I bought a NRS Chinook last year. Easy, comfortable, lots of pockets for stuff. Works for me.
Da Bruddah

kokatat