Best Life Jackets & Vests of 2025

"I really like this PFD. It's much more comfortable than my previous Stolquist life vests. I appreciate having the security of a life preserver without the bulkiness. It's perfect for paddling in my kayaks and SUPs, and I love the manual inflation feature to avoid accidental activations."

"As a Marine, I wouldn’t be on the water without a PFD! I bought this for fishing on my kayak. It's low profile and makes casting easy. Although the Velcro rubs a bit on my neck, overall it's a great PFD and USCG approved."

"This jacket is much better than the bulky ones I used before. Although the price seemed a bit high, I'm very happy with my purchase. It's lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day, and I love the color!"

"I find it nice to use on the pontoon. The case is handy and easy to store."

"We bought these extra life jackets since they are required by law. They fit well for both medium and large people. A fair price with quality materials—I would definitely buy again."

"I appreciate the storage bag that comes with these life jackets; it's perfect for keeping them organized and in good shape on the boat."

"I was looking for a life vest that would fit well on larger individuals, and this one is about 1/3 larger in width than average jackets. The front foam pads covered my entire chest, which was a plus for me."

"I own an inflatable stand-up paddle board, and this vest is perfect for my needs. It fits well and doesn't ride up while I'm in the water. Plus, the bright color makes me easily visible, which I appreciate."

"I found this vest to be comfortable and stable, but it didn't fit exactly as I had hoped. However, I still think it's a decent option for casual use."

"I really appreciate the mobility this life jacket provides when I paddle or swim. It's lightweight and affordable, which is a big plus for me. I'm not worried about the looks; it does the job perfectly, and I can even wear a light backpack while using it."

"I found the XL size to be perfect for adults. It's cheap and meets my expectations, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable life jacket."

"I bought this for my grandson, and although it fits a bit large on him, it's lightweight and he had no issues wearing it while running around. It's great for kids, but sizing might be a consideration for smaller ones."

"I found these life jackets to be excellent quality for the price. They float well and the ventilated storage bag is a nice bonus. I bought a four-pack for under $50, and they work perfectly for my family during our kayaking trips."

"While these jackets are advertised as universal adult size, they fit more like youth jackets. They worked okay for my 12-year-old nephew, but the adults in my house, weighing 180lbs and 200lbs, found them uncomfortable. However, for the price I paid, they serve well as extra jackets for outings at the lake."

"I was looking for some backup life vests for our canoe trips, and these are just what I needed. They may not be as high-end as my other ski vests, but at less than half the price, I got a four-pack that fits everyone from 8 to 60 years old. Great for the purpose!"

"I’m 5'3", weigh 104lbs, and have a 39" chest. After following the sizing chart, I ordered a Medium, and it fits perfectly! This vest is attractive and resembles the older style, which I prefer. It doesn’t ride up and is tight enough to keep me above water. If you follow the chart with your real measurements, you’ll likely find the right fit on your first try!”

"At 5'4" and 127lbs, I bought a small size vest, and it fits perfectly! I’ve been waterskiing for years and prefer my jackets to be snug before hitting the water to avoid them shifting. This jacket has a low profile foam and is made well. If you plan to be in the water, stick with their sizing—it’s accurate!”

"I’m 5'1" and weigh 160 pounds. I ordered a size L, and it fit perfectly! This vest is high quality and stylish, helping me float while I practiced swimming. It gave me the confidence to be in the water, and the adjustable straps are a great feature. I definitely recommend it!"

"I purchased two life jackets, one for me at 6'3" and 215 lbs, and one for my wife who is 5'5" and thin. They fit perfectly for both of us and are comfortable while kayaking. For the price, they are unbeatable!"

"I bought this life jacket for my granddaughter. It's a beautiful red, making it easy to spot when she’s on the water. Plus, she likes wearing it, which makes it worth the money!"

"I used this life jacket on two river excursions and had no complaints. It does what it’s supposed to do. I’m a small female at 140 lbs and 5'3”, and I shared the same size jacket with a 6'2” male with no issues. The adjustable straps are a great feature."

“I found the packaging was excellent. It arrived in a box, so my jacket was secure and undamaged. This is a LIFE JACKET, not just a life vest. It ensures that I float the correct way—face up and above water, even if I'm unconscious. Some might say it's not fashionable, but as long as it does its job well, I’m satisfied. I took it on a short kayak trip, and it didn’t interfere with my paddling or comfort.”

“I purchased these basic life jackets to meet state requirements for kayaking. They're small and lightweight, perfect for tucking away for emergencies. While they aren't the most comfortable for all-day wear, I don’t need that. The price is fantastic for stocking my boat with PFDs for everyone.”

“This product is fair for the price of $10. I know I could spend a bit more for better quality, but this gets the job done, especially if I'm not on the water often. It's great for temporary outings or for someone who swims well and stays close to the shore. For a tight budget, this is a solid choice.”

"I absolutely love this black and gray trendy life jacket! It features four thick, adjustable straps with heavy-duty clips, making it very sturdy. We’ve been using it in saltwater, and it shows no signs of fading or wear. Just a tip: it does take a bit longer to dry, but overall, I highly recommend it!"

"I was excited about this vest since it was such a great price, but I found that I couldn't even fasten a single closure. I suggest ordering at least one or two sizes larger than your usual t-shirt size. It might save you some hassle!"

"I read mixed reviews about sizing, so I decided to go with my usual XL. At 5'9" and 240 lbs, it felt fine when I tried it on, but the buckles were a bit too short. It was snug when putting it on and off, but I quickly forgot about it while having a blast on the water. I’d recommend going a size up unless you plan to lose weight!"

"I find this PFD incredibly comfortable. I hardly notice it's there while paddle boarding. The manual inflation tube is a handy feature, and I appreciate that I can test it easily if needed. It fits snugly and gives me confidence in its safety."

"I purchased this PFD to avoid bulky jackets in the Florida sun. It’s light and non-intrusive, making it easy to paddle. Plus, the re-folding instructions are convenient. It’s a great choice for those who want freedom while on the water."

"This inflatable PFD is perfect for my needs. It’s much less constraining than traditional types. While it may not be ideal for rough conditions, it’s comfortable for gentler outings. I love the adjustable waist straps and the included cartridge."