Kayak Fishing PFD Buyers Guide

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for working with us on this video. Tons of info packed into this one. Hope it helps lots of folks.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

The pleasure was mine, thanks for dropping knowledge on all of us!

[@Humanist1971]

One of the best videos that provided a lot of information on a variety of great PFDs.

[@gaylemcgee2221]

Awesome information in your video. Thanks for asking about vests for women. That was what I wondered about at the beginning of the video. The $154 women's vest was ideal!!!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shaundendy2173]

Omg! Thank you Chris so much for making this video. I've been wanting to start kayak fishing for a while now and I could not find a good video explaining pfd's. This helped a ton.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Shaun Dendy glad you found it helpful!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I had great assistance from Dan and I too learned a lot in the experiance. Glad it was helpful!

[@diana3599]

thanks for addressing the women's specific jacket. Helpful.

[@Haru78]

just having a conversation with my wife over the weekend about looking into a new PFD and this is perfect timing!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Which one did you like?

[@Haru78]

actually a fan of the High Viz NRS one will probably head out there this weekend and pick one up. You guys did such a good job going over the details I feel pretty confident in that one

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Awesome man, glad the vid was helpful!

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

Two big thumbs up from the east coast. Excellent presentation coupled with valuable information on PFD fit/adjustment as well as important feature considerations.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching Mike!

[@imnotlostimexploring5537]

I'm very impressed with the equipment and personal safety you and Headwaters have brought to people that are looking to get on the water. the function of PFD have come a long way, I've been off the water for over 20 years and it great to see pro's showing great PFD with fit, form and function that they use.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yes, these PFDs are super comfortable and very convenient. I am really enjoying my Kokatat

[@feorr1]

Did you even notice the last one matched your hat too a tee looks like a set up to me lol i love it

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Lol, didn't notice but maybe that's why I liked it so much. Still like it a lot!

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

This was a great review. I'm in the market for a new PFD. I think I'll be switching to the Leviathan. It has a ton of pockets, but the hand pockets is what really sold me on it.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

It's a really nice PFD, I don't regret getting mine at all. Thanks for watching.

[@Chaucerfaux1]

Nice very helpfull explanation, if i ever have the need to purchase another pfd ill take into consideration all of the point from the video. personal fave would be the first one you tryed on with the high vis orange, second fave would be the one you pretty much purchased. both in my opinion were very nice pfd's.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I liked both of those as well as the 2nd Stohlquist I tried on, it was a tough decision but so far I feel like I made the right one. Thanks as always for watching!

[@retnav92]

A big 👍for the NRS Chinook (just a personal preference). Probably the most comfortable pfd I've ever worn. The high back works well with the seat in my Lure 11.5, and the pockets on the front are functional. I keep my wallet in one of the large lower (zipper closure), and my phone in the opposite large pocket. In the top right zipper-closure pocket, I keep my whistle (on a lanyard), plus also keep two spare GoPro batteries in a small zip-lock closure bag. Functional, comfortable, and the lower mesh back breathes. Well worth the $109! Sizing tip: I'm 6'1", 192 lbs, and the L/XL fits me well.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah Greg, I really thought I would walk out with that PFD going into this video but the Leviathan won me over with the hand warmer pockets, lol. The Chinook is a solid option and a great value.

[@brounds6431]

Great video and the best shop owner! Can’t get this customer service if you buy online. Support the local shops. I wish we have this in the Midwest.

[@mandaloresmercy]

I'm going to have to visit this shop! Thanks!

[@raymondbuckner1]

Great video guys! Looking forward to watching and sharing more videos daily on my journey back into the kayaking world!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thank you for watching!

[@bucstart]

Outstanding video!!! Thanks for some great education on PFD's.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful.

[@monti409]

Outstanding review on PFD's thank you very much

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching, glad the video was helpful.

[@acnjshink]

Chris, Dan, Thanks for reviewing all the #PFD's in this buyer’s guide, choosing the best PFD for different types of individuals makes all the difference in ensuring everyone wears it when there on the water, greatly appreciative on helping #KayakAnglers stay safe.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks, happy to help put this info out there for everyone.

[@HongNguyen-rz2uv]

Great video. Thanks. We hope more videos update of life vest please.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching... I should probably do a review of the life vest I picked. Maybe sometime next month.

[@amac333]

This was great, thanks guys.

[@Boo_T_Shayka]

Thirsty dog bringing the immersive sound FX at 9:26

[@SargesAdventures]

Such a GREAT Video.... I keep coming back to watch it over and over and compare other PFDs I find to this as well. Thinking that Kokatat Leviathan might just be the ticket for sure.....

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I really really like the Leviathan. I ought to do a review video about it, it's such a comfortable well designed PFD

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

Great channel, great advise, thank you from the UK 👍

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching!

[@berniesmith2902]

Thanks for the video guys. Great job! I just ordered the NRS.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Glad the vid was helpful!

[@grahamfisher5436]

hi from the UK I open canoe. Hou 16 Prospector I'm NRS all the way.. * C- vest PFD for the sea and whitewaters *Ion PFD for everything else. super comfy also * pivot Drysuit * Vapourloft boots I put them on I know their there I forget I'm wearing them Great indepth video.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Looking for a new vest for "human bobber" fishing... ( you hop in the river without waders and bounce along fishing back under the brush and banks). That kokatet you chose looks perfect!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Whoa, that is a thing? That sounds like it would be fun on a really hot day in some decently clean water. So far I am liking the Kokatat quite a bit.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Not sure if it is popular at all. I haven't done it for years, but it is perfect on hot sunny days on big western rivers. I started doing this on the Deschutes River since fishing from a boat is not kosher with the law. There were lots of places that were difficult to wade and cast back to the over hanging willows...... so I hopped in and caught fish this way! Obviously it lets you wade deeper without fear of falling in. You *DO* need to be aware of what is downstream in order to plan your exit if a boat is not ghosting you for a quick pick up.

[@muddyh2os131]

Great video fellas! new sub for you Chris, really enjoying your channel, yours too Dan, great stuff from both of you!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks man, glad you found the channel!

[@skiplovestofish6992]

Good video, very informative!

[@dnlgrhm]

I really appreciate your videos. If I lived near you instead of in North Carolina, I would be a regular customer. Questions: 1) Could you comment on the ability of these vests to flip you over in the water if you fall in face down and are unconscious? 2) Could you list or do a similar video for the non-fishing/touring versions of the vests you like? Many thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@fr.jimloughren3669]

Well done! And LIVE voices! Yes!

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jisterKIS]

Great Video guys!!!

[@penalty5992]

Are Stohlquist PFDs with cross chest cinch the only ones that don't ride up when sitting in your seat or when being in the water? Or are the NRS and other brands capable of not riding up as well?

[@redrumkm2]

Just bought that same orange nrs from Dan

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Kelley M thanks!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Those Chinooks are legit and a great value. Thanks for watching!

[@jadedclone6728]

Any one of these got a good pocket for some medical gear? TQ, shock blanket, some gauze n general booboo stuff.

[@BassGeek]

Nice info and good share. Looks like a good choice.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching bud... question... do you use a mustang style pfd on your boat with you are moving from spot to spot?

[@BassGeek]

Out West with Chris I do man. It’s not the smartest thing at speed I’ve been meaning to get me a full vest just never went and done it

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I'd love to see you get a full vest. Too many accidents this year to count and some where the inflatables didn't work properly.

[@BassGeek]

Yeah and as a co there has been times in 2 of the 3 tournaments I've fished that I can say I've honestly be scared. It great if you're in the driver seat with a windshield and wheel to hold on to. Some of the older boats have nothing for the passenger to hold. I was sure it was the first time is was getting tossed. On Cumberland 2 guys got tossed after hitting a log.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Shoot brother... I'll buy one for you.

[@DEBOSFishing]

I must have bad taste too... I dig the camo and button up👍 Good info on these!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Lol, you crack me up man. Haha

[@jimmysiniawski7391]

Show a video In the water as they work would be a good thing to show.

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

Some of these do not float you upright. And you can always upgrade your old vest add more floatation and save your bucks.

[@AvoidingChores]

good rundown.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thank you sir.

[@johncats5903]

Get the stohiquist keeper👍

[@brpmanmann1255]

jump in the lake and test it for submersion , it only matters when you need it. pfd manufacturers should make, crouch strap ,options for us beer bellys. Like the ones profession Coast Guards rescuers use. that way you dont hang yourself on the way to being rescued. Cool channel Dan.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I turtled about 2 weeks after buying the Kokatat and it did well keeping me afloat and not choking me. Good points though!

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Really great pfd video! I've been watching quite a few of your vids (and Dan's) lately thinking about getting a fishing kayak, but have yet to pull the trigger. I currently use a float tube and it has kind of a high back. This summer I was kindly warned by a park ranger that I have to use a pfd per state law. I had no idea! I really like that Kokatat pfd, it would be perfect for warm summer fishing in a kayak and a float tube! Thanks for sharing the information! Tight lines from NM!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Sweet! Yeah I love that PFD, it's a great choice. Kayak fishing is fun man, you should get into it!

[@reformeddaddy]

I think the leviathan will have to be my next vest. I currently use the chinook and it holds my phone and glock 43 in the largest pockets. But then im out of room for anything else that has any size to it.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Your G43 would fit in the Leviathan, might be a little tight on one side but it would fit. Thanks for watching.

[@bubbabelaire6422]

How’s the new vest after using it for awhile,I’m looking to get a new one and was going to get the NRS chinook until seeing this video. I want a vest that doesn’t interfere with movements and the hand warmers are a big plus in my book👍🏻

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I love it, absolutely love it. It doesn't ride up, tons of storage, and yeah those hand warmer pockets are money.

[@bubbabelaire6422]

Out West with Chris ok thank you for the reply

[@FitzYakin]

First off; great channel. Just discovered you and have already checked out your kayak fishing vids. Have a question. I've had an NRS Chinook for almost 10 yrs. but stitching is starting to tear. Time for a new PFD. Torn between the Stohlquist Keeper and the Kokatat Leviathan that you purchased. Not any shops around where I live in upstate NY to do a try before you buy. I like the deep simpler pocket design of the Keeper. I like the Leviathan though it's almost too many pockets for me. But my biggest concern is comfort. I used to get arm chaffing with the Chinook when paddling or casting during the summer when wearing short sleeves. How's the Leviathan? Lots of room along the side, not causing interference when you paddle or cast? Sorry for the long post. Appreciate your experience. Thanks in advance :)

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I haven't had any discomfort with the Leviathan but you are right, quite a few pockets. I don't use them all. Back to your main point, I don't recall any rubbing against the vest by my arms when paddling or casting. For me it's kinda like it just disappears on me. My guess is everyone is different though.

[@FitzYakin]

Out West with Chris ok thanks for the reply. I pulled the trigger on one from ack.

[@dannygannon6804]

Please put the names of the items on the screen and the price when you first start talking about them for a few seconds also ask where they are made

[@tombeckett4340]

Great information thanks 👍🇨🇦

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching!

[@nunofortysix6324]

I need vidio tes on the water. Because i can't swim

[@Outwestwithchris1]

The Leviathan did fine when I flipped my kayak.

[@philiptyndall9720]

Great video but......was the Second and the third the keeper or was the second the fisherman ?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

2nd was the Keeper, 3rd the Fisherman. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!

[@1970pizza]

A life jacket and helmet is the first things i would buy , even before i buy a kayak , get your safety gear first then everything else second

[@showracer351]

Great vid guy's

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks!

[@kennychambers7294]

Did you end up getting the Kokatat Leviathan? I bought one last week and love it. Can't go wrong with hand warmers.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I sure did, I like it quite a bit.

[@jawjuh1005]

@@Outwestwithchris1 hey man, great video. I live in florida. how do you find it in hot weather? do you think it will be too hot with the full back?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Hey JLC, a good portion of the back is made up of a mesh material that is extremely breathable. I regularly fish in the 100°+ weather (not as much humidity as your area) and it's not as bad as you might think. You still sweat but it's bearable.

[@CORYSart]

I got a kokatat a couple days ago after an online order. HUGE REGRET. Listed orange and shows it in blaze orange on sites including kokatat. Should be orange like NRS on the left of his head but its literally is red as the pfd on the right of his head. I also had to wait two weeks to get it. Second day with no response from kokatat so it's going back. Just a FYI to anyone who wants to know. Also I did NOT purchase through the store in the video....... probably should have.

[@nasirkhan8746]

Would be really helpful if you’d display the name/model on the screen, as you move through them - Great video otherwise. This stuff is completely new to some of us so trying hard to just keep up with the names 😕

[@roynh2000]

I agrer

[@YankeeTankerOutdoors]

Dan just made me crack up.. about the women having enough flotation.. lol

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Lol... There are some hidden comedic gems mixed in with all that info...

[@ickukln]

Safety is number one priority

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Lol, yep.

[@thatfishingguy11b]

I just subbed but I’m addicted.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thank you!

[@fredadams3750]

Who dresses you?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I was gonna say, "Your Mom" but I'm entranced by your moustache so I can't be mean at the moment.

[@millerslanding2310]

:)

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks.

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

No water bottle holder 👎

[@mrguppy1016]

CHINOOK ALL THE WAY TROW ALL THE REST IF THE CRAP 💩