When it comes to getting on the water and chasing fish one of the first things you’ll need is life jacket. If you’ve been
looking around then chances are that you’ve seen inflatable PFDs too. They’re low profile, comfortable and reasonably priced. The best life jacket out there is the one that you’re going to wear and that’s why we’ve come up with the best inflatable PFD for fishing.
Considerations
When you’re looking at an inflatable PFD there are basically two ways to go, belts or suspenders. Both have their pros and cons and that’s something we’ll look at in a minute. When considering an inflatable PFD keep in mind that there is a recommended rearming with each vest so that the PFD always stays ready to keep you safe should you need it.
There are a few ways that inflatable PFDs work. Some use what’s called a hydrostatic device that’s detonated when a certain pressure is reached when submerged, others work when something like a sugar pill dissolves when introduced to water, and others still will have a manual inflation system. Like vests vs suspenders each inflation method has its own set of pluses and minuses.
When you’re thinking about a new life jacket or PFD take into account where and how you’ll be using it. A PFD designed for open ocean fishing should have much different characteristics then one meant for rivers or lakes.
Hip Belt vs Suspenders
Like I mentioned earlier, the best PFD is the one you’re going to have on when you need it. When you’re looking at inflatable PFDs take into account what you’re going to feel the most comfortable in so that you’re going to keep it on.
Suspenders are really great option because they provide a more natural floating position then when compared to hip belt PFDs. But that said you will have to contend with your vest up and around your chest and shoulders while you fish. Since they’re inflatable they’ll be fairly low profile but still can pose an interference. The suspenders that got our vote for the best inflatable PFD for fishing were the ones that stayed put, stayed out of the way and provided some storage for your necessities.
Hip belt PFDs can be a nice option for those who want to keep as much out of the way as possible while fishing. Hip belts can provide valuable flotation, often times even more pounds of buoyancy than their suspender counter parts, and allow you to store some stuff that you need to keep close at hand.
Inflation Method
Should you find the water and need your PFD you should know about the different ways that they work. A lot of the top brands use a hydrostatic device that will instantly release compressed CO₂ when it’s introduced to water pressure. These are a very good option if you’ve got no intention of getting in the water unless it’s a catastrophic event. Most will come with a pull tab that can also release the carbon dioxide should the automatic inflate fail.
Other auto inflate version will use a rapid dissolve tablet inside of the vest to release CO₂ and inflate the vest. This option has become less popular because as it sits in storage it can react with ambient humidity in the air and cause unintended inflation which means you’ll be rearming more frequently.
Both of these types of vest will come with a manual override should all else fail. This should be a prerequisite in your search for the best inflatable PFD for fishing as it can mean the difference when you really need it.
Best Inflatable PFD for Fishing – Suspenders
Mustang Survival Corp M.I.T. 100 Auto Activation PFD
The winner in the suspender class of our Best Inflatable PFD for Fishing throwdown was the Mustang M.I.T. 100 Auto. Its tough design and excellent buoyancy make it well suited for almost any fishing adventure.
This PFD is very unobtrusive, but it does have a few requirements. You need to know how to swim, need to be older than 16, and you aren’t engaged in high-speed, high-impact water activities. You can pull the manual activation handle if you feel yourself starting to tip over the side. Back on shore, you can deflate the vest and head for home.
The 500D Cordura fabric provides tough, puncture-proof floating, and the simple design makes the Mustang easy to bring with when you head for the water. A clear window lets you check on the status of the inflation system, and the comfort oriented buckles won’t get in the way or slide over your head if you take a dip.
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Mustang M.I.T. 100 Highlights
- Automatic inflation will automatically self-right most wearers within seconds
- 500 Denier Cordura outer shell for durable long-wearing life
- Exclusive Membrane Inflatable Technology inflation cell
- Inflator inspection window and easy access flap
- Provides 26 lb. (100 N) buoyancy when inflated
Best Inflatable PFD for Fishing – Hip Belt
Mustang Survival PFD Inflatable Belt Pack
The Inflatable Belt Pack PFD from Mustang Survival sits around the waist like a belt, staying out of the way until you pull the inflation cord. Redesigned to fit and feel better it’s been redesigned with a great new look.
The ergonomic design conforms to the hip providing a secure and comfortable fit. This PFD is operated by manual inflation, which means it won’t inflate unless you pull the cord. Easy to wear and maintain, it inflates to 35 pounds of buoyancy, more than twice the flotation of a traditional foam PFD.
The belt PFD from Mustang is a great option for those who are looking for a flotation option that will stay well out of the way when they’re on the water. Unlike the PFD above this option is a manual inflate with a handle pull.
While it may not be good for people who are novice swimmers, it’s a great option that’s Coast Guard approved
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Mustang Survival PFD Inflatable Belt Pack Highlights
- USCG Type III
- 35 lbs of buoyancy
- Universal adult size
- Great for paddlers and wade fishermen
- Easy to inspect and maintain
Key Points of PFD Selection
- Floatation is key, especially if your on the heavier side. Many of the models look the same but you should check the specifications to see what the actual buoyancy is. For a little person it won’t be as big of deal but still worth considering.
- Fit As said above, if it isn’t comfortable you’re not going to wear it, this is the MOST important thing.
- Manual vs. Auto If you learn how to use your vests properly it won’t matter what you get. With each model there is a manual inflation/deflation tube. This tube is designed to be able to inflate the vest in case the CO2 cartridge fails and is also designed to relieve some of the excess pressure in the vest after it inflates. You need to know your equipment. There has been more than one accident involving people stabbing their vests with knives because they had no idea the vest had a deflation button in the tube. You should become so familiar with using the vest that you could care less if it inflates when you pull the cord or not. Just a few breaths and you’ll have all the flotation you need.
- Maintenance costs: Each type of jacket has its own cost for maintaining it. The more complex, the more cost to maintain it. For the budget conscious this does need to be considered. For me, flotation is more important than the mode of inflation.
- Cost to purchase: There are some brands and models that are more expensive pound for pound but they may be of a slightly higher quality when it comes to the manufacturing (i.e. better stitching, better materials, etc.). There is a an increase in cost when going from manual to automatic activation or to an automatic hydrostatic activation.
The Biggest Things to Remember
- Make sure you practice with whatever you have. Take it to a pool or lake and try it out.
- Replace the cartridges, pills, and hydrostats per the manufacturer recommendations. They can and do fail.
- Go over your jackets regularly to make sure they don’t have any holes and the material (stitching especially) isn’t badly worn. It’s really easy to manually inflate them once in awhile and check for leaks. Imagine the feeling if you gave a defunct jacket to a friend or family member in an emergency and it didn’t work.
- Care for them and make sure you rinse them off water after each trip.
