What kind of PFD do you own? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mr. NiceGuy · 05-07-2016, 12:35 PM

I like the utility of vest pockets pre-packed with a short checklist of gear I want at my fingertips - camera, flashlight, tethered emergency flip-knife, hook cutter, iphone or radio. Map pocket if I'm using a map, but that's easy to tuck inside. If I find one that's comfortable as a vest and manually inflatable, I might like to upgrade to cut down on the bulk a little.

I use my Tilley hat for part of my gear list - it has a pocket inside the top for my fishing license and a stash of money for the bait barge or lunch. I replaced the chin strap with two 72" braided nylon boot laces to have handy as extra emergency cord if I need it. They are loosely knotted together as one and are a convenient length for my line cutter (nail clippers) and signal whistle.

The vest and hat work together to keep small essentials stowed, ready and out of the way. It's always pre-packed so I don't have to think about it.

For now I'm using a Hobie kayak vest with mesh zipper pockets that came free with my boat. It's not uncomfortable and clears the seat nicely.

Baja_Traveler · 05-07-2016, 06:15 PM

Kokatat Bahia here, and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Batmann · 05-07-2016, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

Kokatat Bahia here, and wouldn't trade it for anything.

+1 or the unisex misfit is a good fit.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

FISH11 · 05-08-2016, 07:26 AM

NRS Chinook, has the right combination of pockets and attachment points for vhf radio, go pro remote and almost any accessory you need to have on your person without too much bulk. Has the rear section with no pad at the lower 1/2, so it doesn't get in the way of your back against the seat back. I found it to fit better than the others. Try them out before you buy one, everyone has different body shape.

Dave Legacy · 05-08-2016, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH11

NRS Chinook, has the right combination of pockets and attachment points for vhf radio, go pro remote and almost any accessory you need to have on your person without too much bulk. Has the rear section with no pad at the lower 1/2, so it doesn't get in the way of your back against the seat back. I found it to fit better than the others. Try them out before you buy one, everyone has different body shape.

Where do you clip your VHF on your Chinook? I wear the same PFD and my VHF is always getting knocked off the vest.

FISH11 · 05-08-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

Where do you clip your VHF on your Chinook? I wear the same PFD and my VHF is always getting knocked off the vest.

I use the same 4 way point attachment on the left side. I added a small para cord legth to be a back up safety for the VHF since I also attach a small knife for multi use such as cutting lines in case of getting tangled in leashes, etc if kayak rolls in surf, etc.

Dave Legacy · 05-09-2016, 09:18 PM

Thanks, Mark. I just realized that NRS Chinook is a different generation than yours. I think mine is a little older; Has the plastic 4-way, but attached with hook & loop instead of permanently affixed.

05-07-2016, 12:35 PM	#1
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	I like the utility of vest pockets pre-packed with a short checklist of gear I want at my fingertips - camera, flashlight, tethered emergency flip-knife, hook cutter, iphone or radio. Map pocket if I'm using a map, but that's easy to tuck inside. If I find one that's comfortable as a vest and manually inflatable, I might like to upgrade to cut down on the bulk a little. I use my Tilley hat for part of my gear list - it has a pocket inside the top for my fishing license and a stash of money for the bait barge or lunch. I replaced the chin strap with two 72" braided nylon boot laces to have handy as extra emergency cord if I need it. They are loosely knotted together as one and are a convenient length for my line cutter (nail clippers) and signal whistle. The vest and hat work together to keep small essentials stowed, ready and out of the way. It's always pre-packed so I don't have to think about it. For now I'm using a Hobie kayak vest with mesh zipper pockets that came free with my boat. It's not uncomfortable and clears the seat nicely. __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise

05-08-2016, 07:26 AM	#4
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	NRS Chinook, has the right combination of pockets and attachment points for vhf radio, go pro remote and almost any accessory you need to have on your person without too much bulk. Has the rear section with no pad at the lower 1/2, so it doesn't get in the way of your back against the seat back. I found it to fit better than the others. Try them out before you buy one, everyone has different body shape. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

05-07-2016, 06:15 PM	#2
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	Kokatat Bahia here, and wouldn't trade it for anything.

05-09-2016, 09:18 PM	#7
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	Thanks, Mark. I just realized that NRS Chinook is a different generation than yours. I think mine is a little older; Has the plastic 4-way, but attached with hook & loop instead of permanently affixed.