Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Your Favorite PFD
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Ahahn366 |
More important than the the name, was the gentleman at rutabaga that made shure it fit me |
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Blatz |
OCDave: "My personal favorite is the NRS Ninja . The flotation is front and back only leaving the sides open. This makes wearing this PFD as cool as possible and also eliminates any chafing associated with the PFD and paddling all day. The NRS is so unobtrusive, there is never a reason not to have it on. On occasion, I forget to take it off while portaging.My favorite as well |
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schweady |
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chessie |
The above advice from Jackfish is spot on, and I second this. Any name brand PFD you'd find at an outdoor store, made for kayaking/canoeing will be OK. The key is fit and comfort. If its comfy, you're more likely to wear it. I would not get one you have to pull over your head to get off/on, that's a pain. I prefer a PFD that has at least one decent pocket, into which goes my small survival kit. |
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Kendis |
My new PFD meets the joint guidelines and that's not a problem for me, but my old vest is USCG Type III and I've often wondered what the rule is. |
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AlexanderSupertramp |
scottiebaldwin: "100% it is the Stohlquist Fisherman. " I'm looking at this one to replace my Stohlquist Ebb (the previous version). Has that same upper back flotation, open sides, is super comfy, etc. But the pockets are pure trash. Just a small plastic button to hold them shut, they are at a weird angle, and they are not closed off enough to keep smaller items in, they fall out constantly. The one pocket has a little shock cord loop inside and that's where I clip my inreach, which is nice. The new version has one zippered pocket, and one open pocket, which I still dont like. |
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Jackfish |
Kendis: "What is the rule about RABC entry to Quetico with legacy USCG approved vests (such as Type III) which are not approved by Transport Canada? " There is no such rule. Who would enforce it even it there was? An RABC permit is a document issued by the Canadian Customs and Border Patrol and it's a permit issued by mail or email. They only care that you're entering Canada legally. |
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geotramper |
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Jefflynn06 |
Try on as many as you can and find the one the fits you the best. And keep it on whenever paddling! |
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LaVirginienne |
The side zipper entry reduces that claustrophobic pressure against the chest. The clamshell front pocket is low profile, allowing for great range when paddling, with incredibly useful storage. Behind the interior zipper of the clamshell are my 10 essentials in miniature form in case of capsize in cold water. The clamshell itself folds down as a work space without everything falling out. If you are fishing there are ample attachment points for your tools. Pockets in the clamshell prop up your phone so you can take forward facing videos hands free without needing any mounts/GoPro etc. Floatation is adequate for BWCA conditions. Two rear loops can be used during rescues in a pinch. Colors are attractive. Styling is pleasantly low key attractive. Git em while the gittins good because it looks like they are v low in stock? Hopefully that means a redesign is coming??? Thank heaven we have three at home! |
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Minnesotian |
AlexanderSupertramp: "scottiebaldwin: "100% it is the Stohlquist Fisherman. " I ended up getting the Stohlquist Keeper. Better pockets, in my opinion, then the Fisherman. The big pocket on either side is able to hold a Pelican M40 MicroCase, which is my ditch kit. The other pocket is able to hold my GPS and InReach SE. Other pockets hold a knife, spare compass, watch, extra bundgee's, etc. And I was able to get a good deal (on sale) in my size and yellow color. https://stohlquist.com/products/keeper?variant=38143664521383 |
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Banksiana |
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HighnDry |
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AlexanderSupertramp |
Minnesotian: Oooo I like that one a lot! That's a spicy price tag for a life vest but I love those pockets, and like I you I enjoy the feeling of having emergency items on my person when paddling and not in a pack somewhere that I could lose in an accident. Now I have to scour the internet for a sale. That looks like it has a full back panel though, do you use a seatback? Does it interfere with comfort? |
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Kendis |
One thing to note about PFDs is that unisex PFDs tend to lack the bust space needed for a comfortable fit for women. At least that's what the wife tells me. |
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gravelroad |
The advice to choose the most comfortable one is sound. Two more considerations: 1. Front pockets can make a wet re-entry into a canoe tough or impossible if the contents hang up on the gunwale. Been there, cursed that, once. 2. If you paddle a kayak in addition to (or instead of) a canoe, make sure the back of the PFD works well with the seat back on YOUR kayak. |
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pleflar |
The Keeper has a relatively thin, flat back. I haven't used it with a canoe seat but seems to me it's just a bit of padding that wouldn't be likely to have a negative impact with a seat. I did most of our portages wearing it while carrying my canoe and didn't have a problem, though I didn't wear it while carrying my portage pack as it does make it difficult to get the chest strap across. |
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Naught |
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pastorjsackett |
Stohlquist Fisherman here. One can hardly tell that it's on at all. |
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Argo |
pastorjsackett: " One can hardly tell that it's on at all. " For those that don't have a quality paddling jacket and wonder about this often repeated phrase that almost sounds like it's from an infomercial, I would endorse it wholeheartedly. Graduating from those cheap, pseudo water-ski-jackets to a quality paddling jacket is a game-changer. |
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justpaddlin |
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Barca |
In all honesty, I'm among the group (likely larger than will admit) that only occasionally wear a PFD when paddling. Part is where I live, Ohio, and most of the places around here honestly don't need them, shallow rivers, small lakes, etc. But even when I go to the BWCA/Quetico/WC, I just don't like them. Probably that's due to discomfort as I've never bothered to research/spend any real money on something good. And the rest is simply arrogance. Which is funny/sad as I work as firefighter/EMT. I really should know better. Anyway, I'm looking for thoughts from you fine folks on what you like and why. Obviously comfort is a significant issue, but secondary to actually working if needed. For reference, I'm interested in adult and kid options as my kids are very much of the tripping age. Thoughts/opinions/links are all much appreciated. Happy paddling! |
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bobbernumber3 |
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OCDave |
The only negative to the Ninja is there is minimal storage options for carrying fishing gear or camping accessories on the PFD itself. Good Luck, stay safe |
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Argo |
Jackfish: "Kendis: "What is the rule about RABC entry to Quetico with legacy USCG approved vests (such as Type III) which are not approved by Transport Canada? " If you're a tourist and the vest is approved in your native territory you're okay. |
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Jackfish |
If you have time and/or the ability to get to Madison, WI for Canoecopia the 2nd weekend of March, you'll probably have no greater opportunity to try on PFDs from most of the major manufacturers. My wife and I both bought our PFDs there after trying on half a dozen models/styles. Very happy with our choices. |
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straighthairedcurly |
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iCallitMaize |
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scottiebaldwin |
Saves your life. Comfortable. Plenty of storage. Why are you waiting?! Just get the Stohlquist Fisherman and thank me later. |
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BEARnMOOSE |
Little secret the NRS rep told us is allot of the male NRS employees like the fit of the female jackets better because of the extra room in the top front. Both jackets worked well with seat backs, she got a little annoyed with the over the head side entry of the siren. I liked the Zander, good tray style pockets, dedicated multi tool holder and a small knife holder. Originally wanted an open back and sides style but after trying them on and sitting with the big hunch back pad, I chose a traditional front zip. Happy with the Zander, no complaints after 7 days on the water. |
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Savage Voyageur |
When I have tested it, the PFD inflates in about 2 seconds after I jump in the water. 22.5 pounds of buoyancy is very good. It is one of the PFD’s that once you fall into the water no matter what orientation that is, it will flip your face up. Don’t assume like I used to that every PFD will flip your face up so you can breathe. So if you go overboard and hit your head you could be in trouble with those usual vests I see people wearing in canoes or kayaks. I would suggest everyone who has a vest PFD test to see if they turn your head up into a breathing position. |
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scottiebaldwin |
Minnesotian: "AlexanderSupertramp: "scottiebaldwin: "100% it is the Stohlquist Fisherman. " Ooo! I’ve never seen this one. It looks great! |
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Kendis |
Jackfish: "Kendis: "What is the rule about RABC entry to Quetico with legacy USCG approved vests (such as Type III) which are not approved by Transport Canada? " NRS article on standards harmonization |
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Ahahn366 |
Ahahn366: "Soloquist fisherman, Stohlquist fisherman, I need to learn proof read |
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NEIowapaddler |
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