Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 10 best inflatable life jackets in 2022 according to KP
- How to choose an inflatable life jacket
- Popular questions and answers
- Sources of
When choosing a life jacket for a boat, sports, outdoor activities, first of all pay attention to safety. The best and most reliable are models that comply with GOSTs (written in the documentation). In addition, it is important who will use the vest – an amateur or a professional. For sports, you need to choose only models specially designed for this.
Also, in order to narrow the circle of applicants for choice, we recommend that you study the manufacturers. To do this, check out the reviews on the Internet both about the brand itself and about the specific model of the life jacket.
A good inflatable life jacket should be:
- Suitable size. The size is selected based on the weight of the rider.
- Comfortable to wear and does not restrict movement. It is important that a person is comfortable, and his movements are not constrained.
- Structurally simple. The vest should have only the necessary elements: belts, reflective elements, headrest, whistle, pockets.
- Reliable and safe. All fastenings, locks and belts must be reliable.
- Suitable for a particular leisure or sport. It is not worth buying a hiking vest for outdoor enthusiasts if you plan to do water sports.
KP has collected for you the best inflatable life jackets in 2022, presented in different price segments. This will allow you to choose both a budget model and a more expensive one. Most of the rating vests will suit ordinary amateur users who do not play water sports professionally.
Editor’s Choice
BESTO Seafit Rider
The inflatable life jacket has an increased degree of buoyancy and is suitable for both recreation and various water sports. Does not hinder movement and is suitable for swimming in difficult weather conditions. Once in the water, the vest is automatically filled with air, which is very convenient and saves time. There is a forced manual activation of the manual filling mechanism. The vest is presented in bright colors, which makes a person in it visible from afar.
There is an emergency whistle and a safety belt, reflective stripes. Also, the model is equipped with a special tube through which, if necessary, emergency inflation can be carried out. The vest can be purchased with or without a crotch strap and, if necessary, purchased separately. The product is certified by the Gims-Gals Certification Center (an organization that conducts technical testing, research, analysis and certification of pleasure craft).
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Type of vest | belt |
| Gender | unisex |
| The weight | 1,5 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 10 best inflatable life jackets in 2022 according to KP
1.Comfort Captain
This line of vests is suitable for people with different weights. You can choose the option with a maximum load of up to 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 kg. The model is made in a protective color that does not attract attention.
The vest is equipped with a whistle that allows you to signal the location, a crotch strap that ensures safety, a comfortable headrest that fixes the head in the correct position and does not allow it to sink into the water. The vest also has handy pockets where you can put a water bottle and other items.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Vest filler | foam |
| Gender | unisex |
| Features | whistle, crotch strap, headrest, pockets, carabiner |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Atlantik «Pirate»
A lifejacket that, depending on the chosen size, has a maximum load of 80 or 120 kilograms. It ensures the preservation of life when it enters the water and at the same time warms. The product is suitable for fishermen, rescuers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The model is double-sided, so if you turn it inside out, the camouflage color will turn into a bright orange, which will make a person in the water as visible as possible. Comes with an alarm whistle. The model does not hinder movement, while not falling off, due to the existing belts. It is based on a pleasant, waterproof material – Oxford 240D impregnated with PU1000.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Weight Limit | 80 or 120 kg |
| Gender | unisex |
| Included | whistle |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Free wind “Fisherman”
Vest with a maximum load of up to 75 or 115 kg (depending on the chosen size). The model is universal, suitable for both fishermen and people who like to lead an active lifestyle and just go boating. There are four Velcro pockets which are made of stretch neoprene. They can store various little things for fishing.
The left side has a removable tablet on which hooks can be attached. Reflective elements on the shoulders make a person more visible in the dark. The anatomical cut and side ties do not allow the vest to fall off, but also do not hinder movement. The product complies with GOST 22336-771regulating the characteristics of life jackets in Our Country and the CIS.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Weight Limit | 75 or 115 kg |
| Gender | unisex |
| Type of vest | standard |
| Vest filler | foam |
| Features | reflective elements, crotch strap, pockets, adjustable straps |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Helios Flint XXXL up to 140kg
The life jacket has a maximum load of up to 140 kg. The included headrest allows you to keep your head above the water. To ensure that a person, being in the water, does not slip out of the vest, an adjustment system is provided using inguinal straps that provide a secure fit and fit. At the same time, the vest does not hinder movement.
Reflective elements make a person visible in the dark. There are two pockets with flaps for storing various small items (phone, cartridges, matches, baits, walkie-talkie, etc.). Bright orange coloring makes a person as noticeable as possible.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Gender | unisex |
| Suitable for | beginners in kayaking, SUP-boarding or sailing |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. HikeXp Standart Black
A versatile vest that is suitable for people who work on rafting equipment, as well as for anglers, hunters and people who love to lead an active lifestyle and go boating. Also, the vest is suitable for those involved in sports (wakeboarding, SUP-surfing, jet skiing, windsurfing, water skiing).
Adjustment of the vest is made with the help of side strap systems, so that the vest does not fall down while in the water. The model is presented in a neutral black color, which does not attract attention and goes well with different clothes, including tracksuits. At the same time, a person in it is hard to see from afar.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Product color | the black |
| Gender | unisex |
| Outer circle diameter | 30 см |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. HUNTSMAN PR double-sided with a collar r.66-70
Reversible life jacket, one side of which is camouflage and does not attract attention. The second side is made in a bright orange color, which makes a person as visible as possible, which is especially important when in the water.
Reflective elements allow you to detect a person in the dark. The non-crosslinked polyethylene foam from which the vest is made has increased buoyancy. The stand-up collar keeps your head above the water, which is very convenient.
There is one patch pocket with a zipper, in which you can put various little things for fishing, recreation. Crotch straps and side ties provide a secure fit, there is a whistle to call rescuers.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| User weight | 120 kg |
| Maximum use temperature | 5 degrees |
| Outer material of the vest | nylon |
| Vest filler | foam |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. MedNovtex
A versatile vest that is suitable for active tourism, as well as for practicing various types of water sports. The product can withstand weight up to 120 kg, and foam is used as a filler, which makes the vest as buoyant as possible.
Nylon outer cover is durable and pleasant to the touch. There is a whistle with which you can attract attention if necessary. Reflective elements will make the owner of the vests more noticeable in the dark, and the headrest allows you to keep your head above the water without straining your neck. There are pockets in which you can store various useful little things.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| User weight | 120 kg |
| Number of locks | 2 |
| Outer material of the vest | nylon |
| Vest filler | foam |
| Features | whistle, reflective elements, headrest, pockets, belt adjustment |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. TAJON “Cascade-1”
The lifejacket, which, depending on the chosen size, can withstand weights up to 80 or 120 kilograms, is made in two colors. Depending on the need, you can purchase a vest in a neutral or bright orange color – which is more suitable for fishermen and people who spend most of their time in a boat or in the water.
Foam is used as a filler, which provides the product with good buoyancy. To draw attention in case of an emergency, a whistle is included. There are reflective elements that make a person in a vest visible in the dark.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Type of vest | standard |
| Gender | unisex |
| Age | adult |
| Vest filler | foam |
| Features | whistle, reflective elements, belt adjustment |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. VOLGAR Dolphin
The life jacket is certified and fully complies with GOST R 58108-20192. It has a good level of buoyancy. Can be used in the sea area or water bodies. The vest has a bright orange color, due to which the swimmer can be easily seen in the water or on a swimming facility.
The zipper and adjustable strap ensure a secure fit of the vest and will not allow a person to slip out of it. Elastic bands located on both sides allow people with different shapes and sizes from 44 to 56 to wear the vest. For convenience, the model is supplemented with two pockets in which you can store various useful little things. There is a signal whistle with which you can draw attention to yourself in an emergency.
Main characteristics
| A type | safety vest |
| Buoyancy level | 50 |
| Gender | unisex |
| Maximum load | 100 kg |
| Features | pockets |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Decathlon 50N+ ITIWIT X
The life jacket is suitable for various water sports such as SUP boarding or sailing. The basis is a durable material – polyethylene, the integrity of which is difficult to violate. Bright colors draw attention to the person in the vest.
Fixation is carried out with the help of straps located on the chest and waist, so the adjusted vest will not fall off, but does not hinder movement. Depending on the chosen size, the model is suitable for people with a weight of 40 kilograms. The maximum load on the vest is 80 kg.
Main characteristics
| A type | life vest |
| Gender | unisex |
| Suitable for | beginners in kayaking, SUP-boarding or sailing |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose an inflatable life jacket
Before you buy a life jacket, it is important to consider the following criteria:
Security
When choosing a vest for swimming or water sports, pay attention to the availability of documents and certificates that contain information about the product’s compliance with GOSTs.
Materials
Vests can be inflatable and made of foamed polyvinyl chloride. The second option differs in that it better protects the body in water from cold and shock, and also has a longer service life. Inflatable options are more compact, they are convenient to take with you and inflate after the fact.
Human weight and dimensional grid
Consider your weight when choosing a life jacket. It is on the basis of this parameter that the appropriate size is selected. Typical sizes of life jackets for adults: S – up to 60 kg, M – up to 80 kg, L – up to 100, XL – up to 120 kg, XXL – up to 150 kg.
Additional features
Additional features include: the presence of reflective elements on the vest, pockets, straps for fixation, headrest.
Buoyancy
Provides the vest with high passive safety. However, it is important that the vest does not restrict movement, which will allow a person to row to the shore on their own if necessary. The most buoyant and suitable are life jackets with a volume of 18 to 25 liters.
Type of recreation
Life jackets can be of different types: tourist (amateur), sports (for various sports), marine (for lifeguards working at sea).
The best inflatable life jackets are those that meet all safety requirements, suit the rider’s weight, have high strength materials and good buoyancy.
Popular questions and answers
The editors of the KP asked to answer the most frequent questions of readers Mikhail Voronov, Commander of the Trisail Yacht Club, provider of the International Sailing Federation Offshore Personal Survival course in Our Country.
What parameters are most important for an inflatable life jacket?
For example, for a fisherman on an inflatable boat on a small lake, a simple vest with a soluble activator in a soft-colored case is quite suitable. And for a yachtsman crossing the ocean alone on a sports yacht, a high-tech vest with a hydrostat-activator, with satellite and AIS beacons, with a hood, integrated harness and safety lines is simply necessary.
When choosing a vest, proceed from where and how you are going to use it, consult not with sellers, but with colleagueswho use vests in similar conditions, advises Mikhail Voronov.
What materials are inflatable life jackets made of?
PVC fabrics are also used, which are highly durable and air-retaining, as well as excellent resistance to UV radiation, chemicals and oils, the expert said.
International regulations require vests to be bright colors, so fabrics are dyed in colors such as neon yellow, yellow, red, fluorescent red and orange. Any inflatable vest has a metal cartridge with compressed carbon dioxide.
How to calculate the volume of a life jacket for each person?
Only if you will be using a vest in cold weather and wearing a lot of clothing should you consider the 275N. It is a mistake to assume that if a person’s weight, say, is more than 100 kg, then he needs a larger vest. The density of adipose tissue is less than the density of muscle tissue, and therefore it is easier to maintain a full person on the surface of the water.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that a vest with an increased volume (for example, marked 180) uses non-standard cartridges with a carbon dioxide weight of 38 g instead of the standard 33 g, and such non-standard cartridges can only be bought in the manufacturer’s company stores, there are very few of them around the world.
Sources of
- https://rosstandart.msk.ru/gost/001.047.080/gost-22336-77/
- https://docs.cntd.ru/document/1200168443