Collection: Personal Flotation Devices

The right choice depends on how and where you spend time on the water. Foam and neoprene vests from Full Throttle and Stearns offer ready-to-wear buoyancy with no maintenance, practical for casual boating and keeping kids safe. Onyx inflatable PFDs, including the A/M-24 series, give adults a slimmer option with a choice of automatic or manual inflation. Paddle sports vests like the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic are cut for kayaking and canoeing, with a higher back and unrestricted arm movement. First Watch addresses rescue situations with throw devices like the RBA-200, which works alongside wearable PFDs rather than substituting for one.

Before buying, confirm that the size and weight rating fits the wearer. Full Throttle's child vests are rated by weight in ranges starting under 30 pounds, and head support on the Stearns Heads-Up vest matters for infants. Adults choosing an Onyx inflatable should plan to re-arm after any deployment using a kit like the A-33 In-Sight. Paddle vests like the MoveVent Dynamic size by torso fit rather than weight, so checking the size chart before ordering is worth doing.