How to Pick and Fit a PFD (Video)
Quick answer: Choose a PFD built for how you paddle: a recreational vest with a high-floating back for sit-on or high-backrest kayaks, a pocketed vest for sea kayaking or fishing, a rescue PFD for whitewater, and women's or kids' fits as needed. To fit it, loosen every strap, tighten from the bottom up, then pull up on the shoulders. If it rides up past your ears, it's too loose.
A personal flotation device (PFD) is the most important piece of gear any paddler owns, and the one that only works if it fits. With so many styles out there, it can be hard to know which one suits you. In this video, Next Adventure staffer Mitch covers the main PFD categories and shows how to fit one properly so you get it right the first time.
Types of PFDs
General use and recreational
These vests are designed to work well in boats with a high backrest and offer plenty of function and storage for the everyday recreational kayaker. On many entry-level vests the back foam covers your entire back. On higher-end recreational vests, the lower back is often mesh and the foam sits high on your shoulders, so the jacket doesn't fight the boat's backrest while you paddle.
Sea kayaking
Touring vests are outfitted for sea kayakers, with pockets and attachment points for a VHF radio and other on-water essentials.
Fishing
Fishing PFDs offer plenty of pockets for tackle and tools, and some come in camo for anglers who hunt from a kayak.
Rescue
Type V rescue PFDs are built for whitewater rescue and whitewater kayaking, and some sea kayakers use them too. They add features like a quick-release harness that require training to use correctly.
Women's specific
Women's PFDs arrange the foam differently, so they generally fit women better through the chest and torso.
Kids
Youth PFDs come in infant, child and youth sizes, which helps teenagers who fall between kids' and adult sizing.
Ultimately, choosing a vest comes down to personal preference, so try several on.
How to fit a PFD, step by step
- Loosen everything. Let every strap out to the end before you put the vest on.
- Check the length. The bottom of the vest should sit at roughly your belly button.
- Tighten from the bottom up. Start with the lowest straps and tighten both sides evenly.
- Snug the side straps. Next, tighten the straps under your arms (often called the chicken-wing straps, for the shape your arms make).
- Buckle under the zipper. Always clip the buckle beneath the zipper if your vest has one.
- Finish with the shoulders. Tighten the shoulder straps so the vest is snug against your chest.
- Do the lift test. Hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps and pull up. A properly fitted vest won't ride up over your ears.
Fitting works roughly the same on every PFD, even if your vest puts its straps in slightly different places.
Where to try PFDs on
PFDs and paddling gear are best fitted in person. Stop by the Next Adventure Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside to try a few on and ask our staff about what's in stock. A few useful paddling extras are available online:
- Kayak Deck Bag Keeps essentials within reach on deck
- Surviveware Small Premium First Aid Kit Compact kit for the boat
- Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (Men's) Rain layer for wet paddle days
- Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (Women's) Rain layer for wet paddle days
PFD Fit FAQ
How do I know if my PFD fits correctly?
Hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps and lift. If the vest rides up over your chin or ears, tighten the straps or try a smaller size. It should feel snug but still let you breathe and paddle freely.
Where should the bottom of a PFD sit?
The bottom of the vest should sit at roughly your belly button. Then tighten from the lowest straps upward, with the shoulder straps last.
Do I need a special PFD for kayaking?
Any properly fitted, approved PFD works, but kayak-specific vests place the back foam high or use a mesh lower back so they stay comfortable against a seat backrest for hours.
Are women's PFDs really different?
Yes. Women's PFDs arrange the foam differently through the chest and torso, so many women find they fit more comfortably and stay in place better.
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