The 9 Best Inflatable Life Vests For Water Enthusiasts

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

• Best for Large Body Of Water | Bluestorm | Find On Amazon
• Best for Inland Activities | Bluestorm \ Find On Amazon
• Best for Snorkeling | EVO | Find On Amazon
• Best High-Visibility | Eyson | Find On Amazon
• Best on a Budget | Rrtizan| Find On Amazon
• Worth the Splurge | Mustang Survival | Find On Amazon 

The Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Vest is a practical choice for virtually any water activity. Made from durable rip-stop fabric, the automatic inflatable life jacket is tear- and puncture-resistant. A neoprene neckline and V-back design ensure it's lightweight and comfortable enough for long fishing and boating excursions.

Automatic inflation design and will inflate when submerged underwater or when the wearer pulls the ReliaPull tab. Purchase a few of Onyx's Rearm Kit so you can repack your jacket and reuse it right away after each inflation. The versatile inflatable life vest is offered in two color options: dark blue and green.

Bluestorm Gear Atmos 40 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PDF Life Jacket For Adults was designed to protect you during boating and sailing adventures in open water, offshore, and so much more. US Coast Guard Approved, this life jack will inflate automatically upon water immersion or with a backup oral inflation tube for added peace of mind with minimal bulk.

An adjustable webbed waist strap provides a secure fit on your body. Crafted from an ergonomic neoprene collar to prevent chaffing, it reduces moisture around the neck and dries quickly. The 3D mesh at the shoulder, neck, and waist promotes air circulation. With a large and easy-access zippered front pocket, you can store essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and more during your adventure on the water.

Worn around the waist instead of as a traditional jacket, life vest belts are a compact, convenient option for paddle boarding and kayaking. This Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket from Onyx features a comfortable design with superior performance approved by the United States Coast Guard.

Simply pull on the manual inflation cord to activate the CO2 cartridge that inflates the airbag. An oral inflation tube allows for manual inflation and additional buoyancy. Paddleboard enthusiasts can choose between bright teal and all-black color options.

Heading to a large body of water adventure? You must check out Bluestorm Gear Stratus 35 Inflatable Life Jacket. Design for large bodies of water and offshore where rescue may not be close. US Coast Guard Approved, this life jacket is crafted from ultra-breathable soft polyester that wicks moisture away. A 2" wide waist belt and a large slider ensure a secure and comfortable fit for all-day wear.

The Stratus 35 inflatable life jacket features an easy fold bladder that allows you to repack the inflatable life jacket in 4 easy steps. Designed for you to Re-Pack, Re-arm, and get back on the water as quickly as possible.

Heading on a tropical vacation? Pack this EVO Inflatable Snorkel Vest for improved safety, visibility, and buoyancy during snorkeling and swimming. It can be lifesaving for inexperienced swimmers heading out in choppy waters.

Manual-only inflation, this vest is equipped with an oral inflator and a manual deflation valve. The affordable life jacket inflates easily and stores compactly. It's offered in a range of highly visible colors in adult, child, and extra-large size options— all of which come fitted with adjustable chest and crotch straps for a secure, comfortable fit every time.

Heading on a tropical vacation? Pack this EVO Inflatable Snorkel Vest for improved safety, visibility, and buoyancy during snorkeling and swimming. It can be lifesaving for inexperienced swimmers heading out in choppy waters.

Manual-only inflation, this vest is equipped with an oral inflator and a manual deflation valve. The affordable life jacket inflates easily and stores compactly. It's offered in a range of highly visible colors in adult, child, and extra-large size options— all of which come fitted with adjustable chest and crotch straps for a secure, comfortable fit every time.

Increase your safety on the water at night in Eyson's Highly-Visible Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket. It's equipped with CE-certificated and SOLAS-approved 3M reflectors to increase visibility. Submerged underwater, the airbag inside automatic life jackets inflates in approximately 3-5 seconds. Should you want to inflate it outside of the water, just pull on the oversized pull cord, and the chamber will immediately inflate. A backup oral inflation tube offers peace of mind in case of emergency.

Adjustable webbed straps ensure a comfortable fit on bodies of every shape and size. Finished with a soft neoprene neckline and stainless steel D-ring, its lightweight, low-profile design is surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear.

Safety doesn't have to cost a fortune. At least not with this Manual Inflatable Life Jacket from Rrtizan. The versatile floatation aid can be used for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and other low-impact water sports. It's made from tear-resistant polyester and PVC with a heavy-duty front zipper closure and a breathable mesh panel in the back to keep you dry and comfortable.

The manual inflation life jacket manually inflates in about ten seconds. It's got adjustable waist and leg straps to keep the vest comfortably in place as you float. With five highly visible color options and two sizes to choose from, it's a reliable option for any water enthusiast.

If you're going to splurge on one inflatable life vest, make it this USCG-approved Automatic Inflatable Sailing Life Vest from Mustang Survival. It utilizes industry-leading hydrostatic inflator technology to inflate under water pressure automatically. Wearers can also use the manual handle or oral tube to inflate the PFD at any time.

Equipped with a water-resistant pocket and two heavy-duty D-rings, the lifesaving vest makes it easy to tether yourself to the boat or keep your waterproof phone holder close at hand. A lightweight 500D Cordura outer shell provides superior durability, while a convenient window allows wearers to check the inflator's indicator status. For added peace of mind, SOLAR reflective tape and an attached safety whistle ensure you're seen and heard in an emergency.

Inflatable Life Vest FAQ

Have questions about inflatable life jackets? We've got answers. Below, we've answered commonly asked questions about safety, sizing, and product maintenance. Give them a quick read before you begin shopping to guarantee you find just the right one.

Are inflatable life vests safe?

According to the US Coast Guard, inflatable personal floatation devices (PFD) are safe for recreational use for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and other low-impact water activities. They're incompatible with water skiing, white water rafting, tubing, and other high-intensity water sports. Inflatable life jackets are best suited for competent swimmers aged 16 or older. Non-swimmers should use traditional life jackets that remain buoyant at all times.

Are inflatable life vests Coast Guard approved?

Yes. Some (but not all) inflatable life vests are Coast Guard-approved. According to the Department of Homeland Security, "an inflatable PFD may be approved without conditions as a Type I, II or III PFD for persons over 36.3 Kg/80 lbs" if it meets certain safety and performance requirements. Be sure to double-check a product's safety certifications before making a purchase. It's better to be diligent now than to have your life jacket fail during an emergency.

Can inflatable life jackets be reused?

Yes! After each use, you'll need to replace the single-use CO2 cylinder that fills the jacket's airbag upon submersion. Replacement inflation cylinders can be purchased through the jacket's manufacturer and installed at home. Manual vests can simply be deflated through a simple valve and stored away for subsequent use.

Why are there different types of inflatable PFDs?

Inflatable life jackets are classified into different categories based on their buoyancy, performance in the water, and intended end use. Here's a quick breakdown to help you differentiate them:

• Type I PFDs or off-shore life jackets are effective in all waters, including rough and remote water, where rescue may be delayed. They offer the best buoyancy and visibility. Plus, they turn most unconscious wearers face up for improved safety.

• Type II PFDs or near-shore buoyancy vests are designed for calmer inland waters where rescue can be expected quickly. They're highly visible when inflated.

• Type III PFDs or floatation aids are intended for use in protected waters where a speedy rescue can be expected. While they'll keep wearers face-up after inflation, they're not recommended for long hours in the water.

• Type IV PFDs or throwable devices are not designed to be worn continuously but instead thrown to the person in the water to use for support until rescued. There are currently no USCG-approved inflatable Type IV PFDs.

• Type V PFDs or special-use devices offer performance equal to either Type I, II, or III, as noted n the label. They may require more than one step for proper inflation.

How long does an inflatable life jacket last?

Your inflatable life vest can last up to ten years with proper care and maintenance checks. Inspecting it for rips and tears between each use is crucial, and double-check the CO2 cylinder immediately before hitting the water. Wipe your vest thoroughly after every wear, and store it in a dry place to help extend the product life.