Pulled my PFD out of storage today, and apparently I stored it wrong, something must have gotten set on top of it because the foam is compressed in areas. I'll let it sit out for a few days see if the foam uncompresses, but I doubt it will. Better safe than sorry anyways, so that means I'm in the market for a new vest. What do life vest do you use and how much do you like it?

Nordeast: "Pulled my PFD out of storage today, and apparently I stored it wrong, something must have gotten set on top of it because the foam is compressed in areas. I'll let it sit out for a few days see if the foam uncompresses, but I doubt it will. Better safe than sorry anyways, so that means I'm in the market for a new vest. What do life vest do you use and how much do you like it?"

There is another thread on this...just recently. NRS seemed to be the favorite as I recall. I have the NRS fishing PFD...the Chinook. I love it.

I've really liked my Stohlquist Drifter. It might be worth checking out.

PFDs, well, they're hot and awkward and for nearshore and river trips I had been leaving mine in the bottom of the canoe at least in warm water. Decided that was a bad idea and finally got an inflatable PFD from West Marine.

I like it. It's comfortable enough that I'll actually wear it while paddling. It's manual release, I swim, I know the risks. I've been in deep water with it on twice, once after losing my balance while trying to recover a duck boat that was adrift in the rum river, and the other time when thrown off balance by an energetic four year old moving from side to side in the canoe. It didn't inflate, which meant I could swim, which was what I wanted.

Paddling in cold water on a cold day I wear a wetsuit.

Better quality PFD's are neither hot nor awkward. You get what you pay for in this area. We bring 15 to 20 guys up each fall in BWCA (3 groups). Only one rule: No one gets on the water without a PFD on and zipped up.