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Erk
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I currently use an Astral Seawolf (similar to the green or blue jacket), it’s my second and it’s out of production now. I like it because of the large chest pocket that can fit a lot of essentials, snacks, and not feel bulky. I’m a huge fan of the hand warmer pocket, that has come in handy Many times. If can also fit a 32oz nalgene.. or two beers.. what I don’t like about it, it can feel bulky when canoeing.
The Kokatat outfit tour is my next pfd, it’s comfy, has rescue hookups, fits well, and has great storage options.
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mschi772
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My Astral Bluejacket is one of my favorite pieces of gear in general. Not for everyone, though.
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OMGitsKa
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I have the Stohlquist Fisherman & have no complaints. Looks good, feels good, and I love the big pockets that I can load up with various items.
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YetiJedi
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I prefer the NRS Chinook fishing pfd. Works great although I've only used it as a flotation device to try it out and not in a real situation.
The two pockets are a perfect fit for my GPS (garmin in-reach) and cell phone - and are on the best side for me to access them for regular use - my phone serves as my camera for quick pics. The larger pocket holds my ditch kit. I wear the pfd and portage a blue barrel and my canoe then take it off and return for my pack. My favorite walk in the woods is with nothing on my back and nothing in my hands!
It's very comfortable and has held up to a lot of brush and branches over the many portage miles so I'm happy with it.
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boatmaninc
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I recently found a Stearns Hybrid fishing PFD for my son. I didn't find it on the Stearns website, but did find it at Walmart in a google search. We stopped at Walmart to try it on after looking at a few others at Fleet Farm that were comparable. We weren't in a hurry to purchase. Came home. I found it online for $35, purchased, and got just a bit more excited for my son and my first trip to BWCA.
While I looked into the ones already mentioned, one thing that stood out to me on this one was the tackle box centered on the sternum. Lots of attachment points too.
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Northwoodsman
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Some are designed for fishing, some are designed for canoe paddling, some are better suited for kayaks, where some are better suited for just going for a boat ride. My personal favorite is an automatic inflatable with the manual option. You can spend from $30 to $400 for a PFD. Don't make the decision based on color, price, brand, or what someone else uses. Try them on and find one that fits you so that you will wear it. Wear it or portage it? It depends. Hard to wear it with a pack. Even harder to wear it with a pack and a canoe. Wearing it while portaging can cause premature wear and tear but makes it less apt to be dropped along the trail. Can provide some extra padding. Make cause you to become overheated. There are dozens of threads on this subject already, don't be afraid to use the search function.
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Stichy64
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Stohlquist keeper. Lots of storage and comfortable enough to wear while portaging.
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TacoOverland
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I’m wondering what everyone’s favorite PFD is ( for flat water canoeing) and why. Do you wear it while portaging or stow it?
Thanks!
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scottiebaldwin
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Stohlquist Fisherman hands down for the win. Don't even think about another. It is so comfortable I leave it on during all portages. The two big pockets in the front are immeasurably important. GPS, compass, a snack, fishing lures, etc. This is the only one you want to look at. Just buy it. 
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bobbernumber3
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My favorite PFD was a Stearns that saved my life.
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dschult2
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I went with the NRS Chinook over the Stohlquist Fisherman because it had more pockets and I couldn't be happier with it. Although I have the older model which seems to have more pockets and attachment points. If I'm double carrying I will wear it while portaging. If single than I will just buckle it to the thwart. I'm not sure if the Stohlquist has a buckle option.
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Frenchy19
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Jackfish: "All PFDs are designed to help the wearer float. The brand means very little. Try on lots of them, then buy the one that fits and is comfortable. You’ll be more likely to wear it."
+1 It's like shoes; I would not buy shoes based on someone else's opinion/review.
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doorbluff84
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I have an Astral Sturgeon that I love.
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ockycamper
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TacoOverland: "scottiebaldwin: "Stohlquist Fisherman hands down for the win. Don't even think about another. It is so comfortable I leave it on during all portages. The two big pockets in the front are immeasurably important. GPS, compass, a snack, fishing lures, etc. This is the only one you want to look at. Just buy it. "
Been looking at this though honestly many comparisons/reviews rate:
https://www.nrs.com/nrs-chinook-fishing-pfd/p4j7
As slightly better.
What, in your opinion, makes the Stohlquist a better choice?"
I have both. I like the NRS better as it has more pockets. I carry a med kit, knife, compass, gps, and other gear on it at all times.
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TacoOverland
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scottiebaldwin: "Stohlquist Fisherman hands down for the win. Don't even think about another. It is so comfortable I leave it on during all portages. The two big pockets in the front are immeasurably important. GPS, compass, a snack, fishing lures, etc. This is the only one you want to look at. Just buy it. "
Been looking at this though honestly many comparisons/reviews rate:
https://www.nrs.com/nrs-chinook-fishing-pfd/p4j7
As slightly better.
What, in your opinion, makes the Stohlquist a better choice?
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Jackfish
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All PFDs are designed to help the wearer float. The brand means very little. Try on lots of them, then buy the one that fits and is comfortable. You’ll be more likely to wear it.
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