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03/16/2019 08:39AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I’m looking for opinions for a new PFD. I’m looking for one that is comfortable when using a crazy creek seat back. I fish long hours and can’t seem to find one that I like. I use co2 inflatable at home but have only used ones provided by outfitters or friends in the BW. Just want some suggestions to narrow down the search and I will go to a retailer and try them out. Thanks!
 
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Kodak
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03/16/2019 09:20AM  
Inflatables are not coastguard approved so if that is not a problem you may like a Zhik racing pfd.
 
Kodak
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03/16/2019 02:57PM  
Zhik racing PDF - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHxAOR+lDCo
 
03/16/2019 03:14PM  
I use an NRS Chinook Fishing PFD. It has a mesh lower back so it fits great on high back canoe seats and provides ventilation against your back when temps get warm.

Lots of pockets too for your tackle, sunscreen, candy bar, bug dope, and other things you would like to carry.

NRS and Moosjaw has the older Chinook version on a closeout sale right now at 27% off for $79.95 but sizes are limited (S/M, XXL).

NRS Chinook Fishing PFD - Closeout



NRS Chinook OS Fishing PFD
 
AdamXChicago
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03/16/2019 03:24PM  
 
03/16/2019 03:42PM  
You can see the lower back design of the newer NRS Chinook OS in this link.

New Design NRS Chinook OS Fishing PFD
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/16/2019 03:52PM  
Wally13: "I use an NRS Chinook Fishing PFD. It has a mesh lower back so it fits great on high back canoe seats and provides ventilation against your back when temps get warm.


Lots of pockets too for your tackle, sunscreen, candy bar, bug dope, and other things you would like to carry.


NRS and Moosjaw has the older Chinook version on a closeout sale right now at 27% off for $79.95 but sizes are limited (S/M, XXL).


NRS Chinook Fishing PFD - Closeout



NRS Chinook OS Fishing PFD
"


Having trouble adjusting from an inflatable to the Chinook. I have been trying everything from wearing it high on the chest to super low and can't seem to get comfortable. Do you wear yours high, medium, or low on the chest when standing?
 
03/16/2019 05:02PM  
MidwestFirecraft,

I have never worn an inflatable PFD but the slim profile of an inflatable surely makes them very comfortable to wear. The transition from an inflatable to a standard PFD may take a while.

When I wear my Chinook in the canoe , I tend to wear it a bit loose. With a loose fit I can get more range of motion for casting/jigging and landing fish.

The Chinook fits me real well and I have to say I really haven’t had any comfort issues at all. When I purchased mine 3 years ago ... I just remember adjusting a few straps after putting it on and zipping it up. Sorry but I am not sure how mine hangs high, medium or low when standing.

Not having a low foam back on the Chinook May Judy take you a little bit of time to get used to. But that mesh low back design really works well with your canoe seat. I use a GSI Sitbacker and it pairs up nicely with the Chinook PFD.

Good luck ... hope you can make it work for you.
 
GickFirk22
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03/16/2019 05:50PM  
Wally13: "MidwestFirecraft,


I have never worn an inflatable PFD but the slim profile of an inflatable surely makes them very comfortable to wear. The transition from an inflatable to a standard PFD may take a while.


When I wear my Chinook in the canoe , I tend to wear it a bit loose. With a loose fit I can get more range of motion for casting/jigging and landing fish.


The Chinook fits me real well and I have to say I really haven’t had any comfort issues at all. When I purchased mine 3 years ago ... I just remember adjusting a few straps after putting it on and zipping it up. Sorry but I am not sure how mine hangs high, medium or low when standing.


Not having a low foam back on the Chinook May Judy take you a little bit of time to get used to. But that mesh low back design really works well with your canoe seat. I use a GSI Sitbacker and it pairs up nicely with the Chinook PFD.


Good luck ... hope you can make it work for you."


I also use the Chinnok in y canoe and kayak for fishing. I can put plastics in the pockets, clip my tether that holds my pliers to it and find it to be pretty comfy. I also wear mine a bit looser when fishing for mobility sake. I've never used an inflatable, though I imagine they're an awesome option. I believe MasterTangler uses an inflatable in the Quetico. Perhaps he can chime in on his experience. Is there any reason you're choosing to not use the inflatable in the BWCA?
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/16/2019 08:11PM  
GickFirk22: "
Wally13: "MidwestFirecraft,



I have never worn an inflatable PFD but the slim profile of an inflatable surely makes them very comfortable to wear. The transition from an inflatable to a standard PFD may take a while.



When I wear my Chinook in the canoe , I tend to wear it a bit loose. With a loose fit I can get more range of motion for casting/jigging and landing fish.



The Chinook fits me real well and I have to say I really haven’t had any comfort issues at all. When I purchased mine 3 years ago ... I just remember adjusting a few straps after putting it on and zipping it up. Sorry but I am not sure how mine hangs high, medium or low when standing.



Not having a low foam back on the Chinook May Judy take you a little bit of time to get used to. But that mesh low back design really works well with your canoe seat. I use a GSI Sitbacker and it pairs up nicely with the Chinook PFD.



Good luck ... hope you can make it work for you."



I also use the Chinnok in y canoe and kayak for fishing. I can put plastics in the pockets, clip my tether that holds my pliers to it and find it to be pretty comfy. I also wear mine a bit looser when fishing for mobility sake. I've never used an inflatable, though I imagine they're an awesome option. I believe MasterTangler uses an inflatable in the Quetico. Perhaps he can chime in on his experience. Is there any reason you're choosing to not use the inflatable in the BWCA?"


Although the inflatable vest is light, very comfortable and it is easy to always have on, I have been doing more ice out and late fall trips. It has got me thinking if the inflatable will actually inflate when I need it? Will I be in to much shock from the cold, or hit my head falling out? I promise my wife and kids when I head out I will not take any foolish risks and not having a life vest that is 100 percent when the water is freezing, or in rapids is bothering me.
 
03/17/2019 05:55AM  
I broke down and bought a Mustang HIT last year, I’ll never go back, can’t even tell it’s there. I guess I never looked to see if it’s coast guard approved but I can tell you every Ranger, DNR and boarder patrol officer I contact in the water is wearing the same one and when is see coast guard on TV they are wearing the Mustang inflatables as well. They also take up less space in my fishing boat, but they sure aren’t cheap!

I should note I’m not coming from garbage, I have 3 Stohlquist Fishermen vests that have served me well.
 
03/17/2019 11:39AM  
I use inflatable PDFs when fishing in my kayak and my boat. I’ve been fortunate enough not to have had to use them yet. They are very comfortable but I don’t want to use it in BW because I would have to carry extra co2. I’m tripping in mid May with my nephew who has never been in a canoe before and I’m planning for he worst! :). Thanks for the suggestions that have been given! I will make a list and try to find a place where I can try on different ones.
 
03/17/2019 12:25PM  
I use a Stohlquist life jacket I bought 15 or so years ago. I'm not sure what model. The back is cut high and works great with a canoe chair. It also has a large hard side pocket on each side for tackle. Great PFD and very comfortable. I also have a inflatable that I wear during summer months.
 
justpaddlin
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03/17/2019 04:18PM  
I recommend that you add the Astral V8 to your list of PFD's to look at. I bought one because it had a great reputation on the paddling sites for comfort and coolness. I never wore a pfd regularly until I got this one. The back is almost all mesh except for one big pad up high. I realized that I also have a crazy creek chair so since you are a fellow paddler I asked my lovely wife to take a pic to show you how much clearance there is between the top of the chair and the back pad on the pfd.
 
andym
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03/17/2019 05:03PM  
I don’t think the Zhik’s I found are inflatables. They are just lower flotation (about 11 pounds instead of 16) to be sleeker for racing small sailing dinghy’s. They do look awesome for that. Even for ducking between the rigging on some of the larger boats I sail. I’d actually be happy using one for most BWCA paddling but not sure about a bad day on a really big lake.

If they added some inflation to get it up to USCG standards that could be cool. There is one hybrid PFD like that but I didn’t like it when I tried it.

There are plenty of inflatables that are USCG approved.
 
03/17/2019 06:22PM  
justpaddlin: "I recommend that you add the Astral V8 to your list of PFD's to look at. I bought one because it had a great reputation on the paddling sites for comfort and coolness. I never wore a pfd regularly until I got this one. The back is almost all mesh except for one big pad up high. I realized that I also have a crazy creek chair so since you are a fellow paddler I asked my lovely wife to take a pic to show you how much clearance there is between the top of the chair and the back pad on the pfd.
"


JP, thank you and your wife for taking the time for a pic. After looking at all the suggestions online, the Astral or the Chinook might be what I’m looking for. I just need to find a place to try them on.
 
flynn
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03/18/2019 09:25AM  
I use a Stohlquist Fisherman vest that has some decent storage. However, I wear it snugly as one should with PFDs, and whether it's due to the design of the PFD (fabric, frame, dunno) or just the fact that it's snug, my shirt gets soaked with sweat even if it's not that warm of a day. There's just no ventilation. It is possible that with a different PFD design, it might have "ribs" on the inside or something that allows some air to pass through.

As much as I'd like one of the inflatables for a low profile, the storage in the vest itself is very handy for keeping needle-nose pliers, split shot, leaders, and a lighter/firesteel.
 
03/18/2019 09:48AM  
I find PFD's much more comfortable while paddling if a little snug. Although you will sweat regardless of the ventilation. I put my ditch kit in one of my PFD pockets. Make sure you get a PFD designed for paddle sports. Some of the Astral are pretty comfy with their conforming floatation material.
 
Atrain
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03/18/2019 10:36AM  
I personally use the NRS Chinook. When i was buying, i had it narrowed down to that and the Stohlquist Fisherman. I really like the storage on both of those.
 
03/18/2019 02:45PM  
Another vote for the NRS Chinook. I really like it. Very comfortable and I like the pockets and attachment points.
 
03/18/2019 03:03PM  
I also love the NRS Chinook
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/18/2019 04:05PM  
Are you Chinook owners wearing it tight or loose?
 
03/18/2019 06:24PM  
All you Chinook lovers,did you try it on before you bought or just took a chance and ordered one?
 
andym
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03/18/2019 07:16PM  
If you wear your PFD loose, try going into the water and then seeing how it works. Also, try making it tighter while in the water and remember that doing that in rough water is when it matters most.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/19/2019 05:50AM  
andym: "If you wear your PFD loose, try going into the water and then seeing how it works. Also, try making it tighter while in the water and remember that doing that in rough water is when it matters most. "


Excellent point.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/19/2019 05:52AM  
moray: "All you Chinook lovers,did you try it on before you bought or just took a chance and ordered one?"


I got mine on sale so I just took a chance on an L/XL Size. If you live near St. Paul you are welcome to try mine on.
 
03/19/2019 06:36AM  
MidwestFirecraft: "
moray: "All you Chinook lovers,did you try it on before you bought or just took a chance and ordered one?"



I got mine on slae so I just took a chance on an L/XL Size. If you live near St. Paul you are welcome to try mine on. "


Thanks for the offer but I live in Southern California. I was just curious how most people shop for PFD’s. I can’t seem to find any canoe/kayak retailers in my immediate area. The REI that’s close still has ski equipment on display instead of water sports. My plan is to buy a new one before my mid-May trip. Thanks again for everyone’s advice.
 
Atrain
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03/19/2019 10:52AM  
I wear it snug and higher. See pic. In the water, it doesn't ride up much at all. If you are unsure of size, buy one off amazon and use the free return shipping if needed. It runs fairly true to shirt size though i would say. I am 6'4" 250 in an L/XL for reference.
 
GickFirk22
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03/19/2019 11:32AM  
Atrain: " I wear it snug and higher. See pic. In the water, it doesn't ride up much at all. If you are unsure of size, buy one off amazon and use the free return shipping if needed. It runs fairly true to shirt size though i would say. I am 6'4" 250 in an L/XL for reference. "


I tried mine on last night and it is now a pretty snug fit....gotta shed some winter weight! I'm 5'8 180(ish)lbs and I have a S/M
 
jwmiller39
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03/19/2019 01:11PM  
Kodak: "Inflatables are not coastguard approved so if that is not a problem you may like a Zhik racing pfd."


That is not true. Only the manual inflatable lifejackets are not coast guard approved. The ones that automatically inflate when wet are indeed coast guard approved.
 
03/19/2019 01:21PM  
I have always worn my chinook with the zipper at least half way up.

I did try mine on at a local REI before buying. Used my dividend and 20% off last year to get it.
 
andym
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03/19/2019 02:34PM  
West Marine is another place that will have PFDs to try and there are several around SoCal. They sell kayaks but I'm not sure what brands of PFDs they carry. Try their website to see. You can always order for delivery to the store and then not take it if it doesn't fit. They offered me that option with some boots this year.
 
andym
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03/19/2019 02:43PM  
jwmiller39: "
Kodak: "Inflatables are not coastguard approved so if that is not a problem you may like a Zhik racing pfd."



That is not true. Only the manual inflatable lifejackets are not coast guard approved. The ones that automatically inflate when wet are indeed coast guard approved. "


Manual inflatables can be USCG Type V approved. From reading the MN DNR boating guide, I think they are allowed to be used. You may need to have it on as opposed to in the boat. Basically type V are special use and are allowed by the USCG for the intended use.
 
MidwestFirecraft
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03/19/2019 05:02PM  
"You may need to have it on as opposed to in the boat."

This is correct, you need to have it on at all times.
 
03/20/2019 08:02AM  
andym: "West Marine is another place that will have PFDs to try and there are several around SoCal. They sell kayaks but I'm not sure what brands of PFDs they carry. Try their website to see. You can always order for delivery to the store and then not take it if it doesn't fit. They offered me that option with some boots this year."


I’m bringing my boat there for a tuneup next week so I will take a look at what they have. Always thought of them as a bass boat place.
 
Abbey
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03/23/2019 07:17PM  
I also have a Stohlquidt Fisherman. Tried on every PFD, and that one fit me as well as any and also had the flip down “workspace” pockets.
 
andym
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03/23/2019 09:18PM  
West Marine might vary from store to store. Our closest one carries a wide variety from motor boat gear, sailboat rigging, sit on top kayaks, SUPs, and a lot of fishing gear. It also happens to be next to an REI for comparison shopping on some stuff. There used to be a serious sea kayaking store across the street. Then it was pretty much heaven for PFD shopping.
 
03/24/2019 03:11AM  
andym: "West Marine might vary from store to store. Our closest one carries a wide variety from motor boat gear, sailboat rigging, sit on top kayaks, SUPs, and a lot of fishing gear. It also happens to be next to an REI for comparison shopping on some stuff. There used to be a serious sea kayaking store across the street. Then it was pretty much heaven for PFD shopping. "


I will go online to see if there is an REI nearby and try on as many as possible.
 
03/29/2019 07:56AM  
I finally got the chance to try on a verity of PFDs and decided on the Chinook. It just seemed to fit better and was most comfortable for me. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and opinions,it was very helpful! Great people on this site!
 
03/29/2019 08:43AM  
moray: "I finally got the chance to try on a verity of PFDs and decided on the Chinook. It just seemed to fit better and was most comfortable for me. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and opinions,it was very helpful! Great people on this site!"


Great choice. I wore an MTI Java for many years and was reasonably happy with it, but after reading the reviews here and trying it on at Canoecopia, I also picked up the new Chinook. I like the pockets and fit... anxious to give it a try on our May trip.
 
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