Kayak fishing is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy some peace and quiet. But it’s important to stay safe while you’re out there, which is why you need a life vest that will keep you protected. If you’re like me, you take your fishing seriously. And part of that seriousness includes making sure you’re as safe as possible while fishing. That’s why finding the best life vest for kayak fishing is so important.
Best Life Vest For Kayak Fishing Review
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated life vests for kayak fishing and see what makes them stand out from the competition. So whether you’re just starting out with kayak fishing or are looking to upgrade your current life vest, read on for some tips and recommendations!
1# Mustang Survival Competition Inflatable Life Vest with HIT
The new Mustang Survival Competition Inflatable Life Vest is perfect for anyone who wants a vest that can withstand rigorous activity. The SecureZIP closure won’t come undone, and the life vest is made of heavy-duty coated nylon for increased durability. It’s also lightweight, comfortable, and compact, making it perfect for any adventurer. Plus, with Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT), you know your life vest will inflate only under hydrostatic pressure-not prematurely due to rain, humidity, or splash.
2# Mustang Survival Elite Inflatable Life Vest with HIT
The Mustang Survival Elite Inflatable Life Vest is good for people who need a lightweight and comfortable life vest. With its slim profile, the vest reduces drag and improves aerodynamics, making it easy to wear while you’re paddling, boating, or fishing. Plus, the Hi-Vis ANSI inflation cell ensures that you’ll be seen in low-light conditions. And if you find yourself in danger, the backup inflation handle will quickly inflate the life vest.
3# Bass Pro Shops AM24 Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest
The Bass Pro Shops AM24 Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest is a top-of-the-line safety device that will keep you afloat in the event of an emergency. The vest is made from high-quality 200-denier nylon ripstop fabric and features auto-inflation technology that will automatically activate when the vest is immersed in water. Additionally, the vest can be manually inflated using the backup handle and comes with a 24-gram CO2 cylinder for added peace of mind. The soft neoprene neckline provides added comfort, and the vest is compatible with the AM24 Rearming Kit (sold separately).
4# Bass Pro Shops AM33 All-Clear Auto/Manual-Inflatable Life Vest
The Bass Pro Shops AM33 All-Clear Auto/Manual-Inflatable Life Vest is a convenient and safe option for boaters and fishermen alike. The life vest features a wide neoprene neckline for comfort, a green/red cylinder readiness indicator, and a high-visibility inflation chamber. The life vest can also be converted to manual-only mode and includes a 33-gram CO2 cylinder. The minimum buoyancy of the life vest is 35 pounds, and it is compatible with the AM33 Rearming Kit.
5# Bass Pro Shops AM33 All-Clear Auto/Manual Deluxe Inflatable Life Vest
The Bass Pro Shops AM33 All-Clear Auto/Manual Deluxe Inflatable Life Vest gives you peace of mind whether you’re on the boat or on dry land. The upgraded design features a YKK burst zipper for protection and easy access to the inflation chamber, as well as a viewing window so you can see when it’s time to rearm. Stay safe on the water with the Bass Pro Shops AM33 All-Clear Auto/Manual Deluxe Inflatable Life Vest.
6# Kent Type I Life Vest
If you’re looking for an edge in the water, Kent’s Type I Life Vest can give you that extra boost of buoyancy and visibility to keep you safe. With SOLAS-grade reflective material and a hi-vis orange fabric, this life vest is designed to turn an unconscious person “face-up” and increase your chances of survival. It’s also adjustable to ensure a snug fit, making it ideal for people of all weights.
7# XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket
The XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket is a top-of-the-line life jacket that is USCG-approved and perfect for any fishing enthusiast. It features dual D-ring attachment points, so you can keep your accessories close at hand, as well as a fleece-lined collar and reflective tape on the shoulders for added safety. With 6 large pockets, including hand warmers and a tool holder, this life jacket has plenty of room to store all your gear. For added comfort, it also features a side adjustment system and an integrated pouch for storing crotch straps. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the XPS Platinum Series Fishing Life Jacket is the perfect choice for you.
8# Ascend Paddling Fishing Life Jacket
Looking for a life jacket that can handle anything you throw at it? Look no further than the Ascend Paddling Fishing Life Jacket. This jacket is made from durable ripstop fabric and features reflective material for safety. It also comes with drawbridge-style pockets, making it perfect for fold-down workstations. And if ventilation is what you need, don’t worry – the shoulder and back pads are ventilated.
9# Bass Pro Shops 40AUTO Auto-Inflatable Life Vest
The Bass Pro Shops 40AUTO Auto-Inflatable Life Vest is the perfect choice for anyone who wants peace of mind while out on the water. With a high-capacity design and 40 lbs. of buoyancy, this life vest will keep you safe and comfortable whether you’re fishing, boating, or swimming. The Wide Angle View quick-glance status indicator window ensures that you always know how much air is left in your life vest, while the 2″ belts with quick-release buckles make it easy to get in and out of this lifesaving device.
10# XPS Deluxe Fishing Life Vest
This vest is perfect for those long days out on the water, with its body-hugging soft foam contours and large armholes for easy-moving comfort. The fleece-lined fiberfill collar will keep you warm on those chilly mornings, and the side-entry handwarmer pockets are great for storing your essentials. You’ll also find 2 zip pockets with mesh bottoms, a pocket for pliers or hand tools, and reflective tape and piping for better visibility. Plus, the 2 D-rings are perfect for attaching gear. And of course, this vest is USCG-approved Type III.
11# Mustang Survival ACCEL100 Fishing Life Vest
The Mustang Survival ACCEL100 Fishing Life Vest is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-speed life vest. With its 100-mph dynamic strength-tested construction, this PFD is designed to keep you safe while you’re out on the water. The AirSoft segmented foam provides ultimate comfort and ease of movement, making it easy to stay active while wearing your life vest.
12# Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket Life Vest Basic Automatic/Manual
If you’re looking for a reliable and CE certified inflatable life jacket, the Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket Life Vest is a great choice. It’s made from durable and lightweight fabric and features adjustable belts to ensure a comfortable fit for both adults and youth. The 3M reflectors help ensure you’re visible in low light conditions, while the 150N buoyancy gives you plenty of flotation support. Plus, it’s easy to care for – simply wash it by hand or machine, and air dries it.
13# SafeMax Top Safety Adult Life Jacket with Whistle
With a sleek, low-profile design, our Top Safety Adult Life Jacket will keep you looking stylish while you stay safe. Inflates quickly and easily in just three to five seconds, so you can spend more time enjoying your experience and less time worrying about your safety. Made from the highest quality materials for a long-lasting product that is comfortable to wear all day long.
14# Eyson Slim Inflatable Life Jacket Life Vest Automatic
The Eyson Slim Inflatable Life Jacket is the perfect choice for the sportsman or recreational boater. It features a neoprene neckline for comfort, safety and peace of mind, and a durable waterproof polyester Oxford cover that resists tears. The life jacket is easily adjustable with a quick-release buckle and features two reflective strips and high-class stitchwork for increased visibility in darkness. The extra D-ring is perfect for hanging small items.
15# ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
If you’re looking for a top-quality, U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket, look no further than the Full Throttle Onyx CO2 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket! This incredibly well-made vest is designed to provide a wide range of motion and movement with minimal bulk – perfect for those long days out on the water. The soft neoprene neckline means you can comfortably wear it all day without having to worry about chafing or irritation, and the durable ripstop nylon construction ensures that this life jacket will last you for many years to come.
16# ONYX A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
This life jacket is ideal for those who want the security of an automatic inflating vest with the option to manually inflate it if needed. The green colour is perfect for blending in with your surroundings, making you less visible to boaters and other watercraft. The adult universal size fits most adults.
FAQ
Conclusion
Kayak fishing can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe out there. That’s why choosing the best life vest for kayak fishing is so essential. In this post, we’ve highlighted some top-rated products that are perfect for anyone who spends time on the water or wants an upgrade from their current life vest. Whether you’re just starting out with kayak fishing or have been at it for years, these vests will help keep you protected and ready to brave any weather conditions!

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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