From casting a fly on a tranquil Rocky Mountain stream, to bouncing across a wake on a towable tube, West Marine customers enjoy the water in many different ways. But no matter how you choose to enjoy the water, at West Marine you will find a personal flotation device (PFD) to meet your needs. Here are 9 of the most popular PFDs we offer.
- For a Budget-Friendly Option: West Marine Runabout PFD
- For a PFD that Won't Hem You In: West Marine Paddle Adventurer PFD
- For Performance Features at an Affordable Price: West Marine Sail Medalist PFD
- For Comfort and Impact Resistance: West Marine Type III Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest PFD
- For Use on High-Speed Bass Boats: Mustang Survival Accel 100 Fishing Foam Vest PFD
- For Kids: Mustang Survival Lil' Legends Infant PFD
- For a Versatile, Convertible Inflatable Vest: West Marine Inshore Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD
- For Exclusive Hydrostatic Inflator Technology: Mustang HIT™ Automatic Inflatable PFD with Harness
- For an Easy-to-Inspect Inflatable PFD: West Marine All Clear® Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness
Top Recreational PFD
West Marine Runabout PFD
An affordable yet high-quality option for recreational boaters.
Top features: Our West Marine Runabout PFD is an affordable yet high-quality option for recreational boaters. Constructed of durable, lightweight polyethylene foam, it offers excellent buoyancy and a secure fit without restricting movement. The rugged 210 denier nylon shell dries quickly, while adjustable bright straps ensure increased visibility and a personalized fit. With large armholes and a non-restrictive neckline, this PFD provides excellent range of motion for various water activities.
What we really like: This is a comfortable PFD that satisfies USCG recreational use requirements at an affordable price.
What people say about it: "Fits my needs perfectly and you can't beat the price" - Doug, West Marine Customer
Top Paddlesports PFD
West Marine Paddle Adventurer PFD
This PFD will never cramp your style!
Top features: If you enjoy paddling and want a PFD that will never hem you in, you have it here. Designed for comfort and unrestricted padding, our West Marine Paddle Adventurer PFD boasts large armholes to maximize your freedom of movement. Comfort is further enhanced by soft neoprene at the shoulders. Other features include handwarmer pockets, reflective piping on the front for better visibility and a D-ring and lashing tab for securing a whistle, signaling device or other small items. Construction features a durable, quick-drying nylon shell with flotation provided by buoyant foam. Designed for a secure fit, this vest includes two adjustable waist straps with quick-release acetal buckles and a center zipper. Offered in Adult Medium, Large/X-Large and 2X-Large/3X Large sizes.
What we really like: With large armholes, this vest allows for a full range of paddling motion.
What people say about it: "This life jacket is complete adjustable with two large zippered pockets. It's attractive and not bulky allowing for a full range of paddling motion. Highly recommended!" - UHM, West Marine Customer
Top Day Sailing PFD
West Marine Sail Medalist PFD
Performance features at an affordable price.
Top features: Whether you are hiking out or hardening up a jib, our West Marine Sail Medalist PFD's kinetic internal neoprene system provides dynamic tension for a comfortable fit in motion. It offers a snug fit that wont ride up, or sacrifice maneuverability or breathing. Short cut, soft PVC foam, slim neoprene-padded shoulders and a wide cut around the arms make this the ideal PFD for paddlers and dinghy sailors.
What we really like: A close fit and wide armholes provides sailors with a secure feel and the mobility needed to perform sailing tasks.
What people say about it: "I sail a Hobie 18 in high wind conditions and needed new jackets for an upcoming trip. I bought 2 of these and found them to be VERY comfortable, easy to move around in, had very handy and large pockets. I've had lots of life jackets in my 35 years of catamaran sailing, and these are the best!" - Skipper , West Marine Customer
Top Water Sports PFD
West Marine Type III Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest PFD
Water Sports enthusiasts enjoy comfort and security with this PFD.
Top features: Comfortable for all water sports activities, but specifically designed for high-performance water sports, our West Marine Type III Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest PFD has a stretchable, Flex-Back panel for outstanding maneuverability. This vest also features "Rapid Dry" technology for extended wear — so you won't feel soggy or bogged down with a waterlogged PFD. Sculpted foam in shoulders and waist offer a custom-like fit and large armholes provide unlimited range of motion.
What we really like: A center zipper and two wide adjustable waist straps with acetal buckles keep this PFD in place during high-speed wipe outs.
What people say about it: "Perfect vest for water skiing and wakeboarding and you can't beat the price!" - Brian V., West Marine Employee
Top Fishing PFD
Mustang Survival Accel 100 Fishing Foam Vest PFD
Designed and tested by professional anglers.
Top features: Ideal for wear aboard high-speed bass boats, Mustang Survival's Accel 100 Fishing Foam Vest PFD is impact resistant like a water sports PFD, and includes angler-specific features. The durable 500D Cordura® outer shell contains PVC-free AirSoft Gaia® foam that is segmented for flexibility and comfort. Impact resistance is provided by the center-zip design that includes three torso straps with adjustment buckles for a secure fit. On chilly mornings, anglers appreciate the soft, fleece-lined collar and zippered handwarmer pockets. A D-ring is located at the waist for attachment to the engine cut-off switch lanyard for safety.
What we really like: Designed for use on high-speed boats, this PFD meets the need for impact resistance with a comfortable design.
What people say about it: "The fleece-lined collar is a game changer for chilly days on the water." - Marco P., West Marine Employee
Top Kids PFD
Mustang Survival Lil' Legends Infant PFD
A great choice for little one.
Top features: Keep budding boaters safe in and out of the water with Mustang Survival's Lil' Legends Infant PFD. Designed for all-day comfortable wear with ultra-soft, stain-resistant outer fabric, ventilated mesh back, and moisture-wicking liner for non-stop comfort. A zipper and buckle closure and a crotch strap provide a secure fit while reflective accents enhance visibility. A large three-piece collar with grab loop provides extra buoyancy and improved in-water support. Buoyancy is provided by soft, PVC-free Gaia® foam. For infants weighing up to 30 pounds.
What we really like: This PFD combines comfort with infant-essential features like the three-piece head pillow designed to keep a young child’s head out of the water and their airway clear.
What people say about it: "It is comfortable enough that the kids will use it and it is red which we appreciate so we can see and find them better." - Doris, West Marine Customer
Top Recreational Inflatable PFD
West Marine Inshore Automatic/Manual 24 Gram Inflatable PFD
This versatile inflatable PFD can be used where others can’t.
Top features: Designed for automatic or manual inflation, our Inshore Automatic/Manual 24 Gram Inflatable PFD boasts a low-profile design that is so comfortable you will hardly notice you have it on. An important feature of the design is that you can convert it from manual/automatic to manual-only inflation. In the manual/automatic mode, it will automatically inflate when immersed in water, or when you pull the ripcord-style "Jerk to Inflate" handle. When converted to manual-only mode, it only inflates when the ripcord is pulled. The ability to convert this PFD to manual-only inflation makes it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or fly-fishing activities where there is a good chance you may get wet or could end up in the water, in which case you have the option of pulling the inflation cord to trigger inflation. With a non-restrictive, low-profile design that includes a soft, neoprene neckline, this pfd is great for all-day wear.
What we really like: The ability to convert from automatic/manual to manual-only inflation overcomes the drawback of non-convertible models which are not suitable for activities where there is a likelihood of getting wet.
What people say about it: "So lightweight that I forget that I'm wearing it. Perfect for all-day comfort on the water." - Nick M., West Marine Employee
Shop All Recreational Inflatable PFDs >
Top Offshore Inflatable PFDs
Mustang Survival HIT™ Automatic Inflatable PFD with Harness
Outfit for offshore sailing with this Mustang exclusive.
Top features: Designed to meet the needs of serious offshore sailors, Mustang Survival's HIT™ Automatic Inflatable PFD with Harness boasts their exclusive Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT) which uses the Hammar 1F Auto Inflator to automatically inflate only when submerged in 4" of more of water. That means it won't prematurely inflate due to rain, spray or humidity. Offshore features include an integrated harness (that exceeds Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) standards) with double stainless steel D-rings for attachment to a safety tether. The integrated harness makes this vest easier to wear than having a separate PFD and harness that don't always work well together. Comfort is assured by a low-profile design and the soft neoprene Comfort Collar™ that won't chafe your neck. Construction features a lightweight, rugged outer shell made of the same fabric used in the body armor industry. The inflation bladder is bright, fluorescent yellow-green and includes SOLAS reflective tape to boost visibility in a nighttime rescue situation.
What we really like: The Hammar 1F inflator assures reliable inflation when needed; and eliminates the chance of unwanted inflation due to rain, spray or humidity.
What people say about it: "These are well made and comfortable. A real security blanket when out sailing." - Captain Polska, West Marine Customer
West Marine All Clear® Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness
Is your inflatable PFD ready for use? This one tells you at a glance.
Top features: Built for offshore sailing, our West Marine All Clear® Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness features an integral harness with D-rings for attachment of a tether, high-vis reflective material on the front and back, and a clear viewing window that enables easy, at-a-glance inspection of the inflator's arming status: If the indicator shows GREEN, you are good to go. If it shows RED, it's time to rearm. The ability to easily convert this PFD from automatic to MANUAL ONLY inflation makes it suitable for use during water activities where there is a good chance you may get wet or end up in the water. Should this occur, you can at your option, pull on the inflation cord for immediate flotation.
What we really like: Easy conversion from manual/automatic to MANUAL ONLY inflation and the ease with which you can check the inflator’s arming status provides boaters with versatility and peace of mind.
What people say about it: "On the water it is so much better than a standard foam life vest as you do not even think it's there - hence, allowing you to focus on the sailing experience. Definitely recommend." - Micha, West Marine Customer
Shop All Offshore Inflatable PFDs >
Need More Help?
If you're not sure what type of PFD will work best for you, check out our Selecting a Life Jacket West Advisor. Plus, we have plenty more safety gear West Advisors that cover everything you need to stay safe on the water.