Best Life Jackets & Vests in 2022

Last update: November 30, 2022

Can I swim with a life vest on?

Yes, you can swim with a life vest on. In fact, many people choose to do so because it provides an extra level of safety and security in the water. Life vests are designed to keep you afloat and help you stay afloat in the event of an emergency.

Can you still sink with a life jacket?

No, you cannot sink with a life jacket. A life jacket is designed to keep you afloat and is required by law in many states. If you are properly wearing a life jacket, you will not sink.

Do life jackets work if you can't swim?

A life jacket will only keep you afloat if you are unable to swim. If you are able to swim, a life jacket is not necessary.

How long can you stay afloat with a life jacket?

Most life jackets will keep you afloat for a while, but it really depends on the situation. If you're in calm water, you'll be able to stay afloat longer than if you're in rough water. You also need to be aware of how much energy you're using to stay afloat. If you're struggling and using a lot of energy, you won't be able to stay afloat for as long as someone who is using less energy.


Onyx Curve MOVEVENT Paddle Sports PFD Review:


For the price, this paddle vest is pretty great. It's the first and only vest I can honestly say I've ever forgotten I was wearing. There was no restriction when paddling or getting in and out of the kayak due to the size of the armholes and the low amount of foam. On the water, it's often cool, but I didn't feel uncomfortable wearing it. Where my back rests against the seat, the lower back mesh is ideal. Due of the weight on the bottom, my two friends' vests rode up around their shoulders as we paddled. There is no issue with this. Although the Medium fits well (the sides cinch in) and I won't bother returning it (I'm 5'3" and 125 pounds), I really wish I had ordered the Small before they sold out. It was annoying since there was neither a size chart nor instructions, so I had to wing it. I hope this enables someone else to accurately size it.



Onyx M Series Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket Review:


On our upcoming trip to Puerto Rico, we intend to spend a lot of time snorkeling at the local beaches. We both think of ourselves as good swimmers, but since anything might happen, we chose to buy these. The life belts fit my 28" waist and my husband's 32" waist well, with plenty of room to spare. To test their functionality, we swam with them today at the neighborhood pool. As we swam beside them, we felt completely at ease (I was afraid there would be too much drag but there was none at all). With a strong tug, both belts unloaded without any problems and effortlessly. The only problem we both experienced was the velcro on the underside of the belt, which snagged my one-piece suit and was a little itchy on my husband's skin. Minor, in my perspective, for a fantastic life-saving tool and security. The company's website has a nice video that demonstrates how to rearm and repack it, both of which are also extremely simple.



Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket | Life Vest for Children Review:


At the age of 10 months and 8.5 kg (19 lbs), he has decided he is too big for a baby floatie ring. He enjoys the independence of the Puddle-Jumper and moves his feet independently from forward to under to back while keeping his head out of the water. But he purposefully sticks his mouth in to sample the water! For children between 15 months and 8 years old, I've used these before, but 8 months was a first. If we place him in the infant ring, he protests by crying! The Puddle Jumper offers liberation! Big brother still sports the same Puddle-Jumper with a looser fit despite being the size of a 6-7 year old.



O'Neill Men's Superlite USCG Life Vest Review:


This jacket has already seen a lot of use this year, including numerous lake boat trips and a week spent on the coast.The jacket is still in excellent condition, however we wash it after each use. When I started looking for a jacket, I wasn't sure which material to choose, but I'm very glad I chose nylon. When paddleboarding, the jacket doesn't get too hot, and it dries quickly after tubing or skiing. What I like best about it is how quickly it dries; when I'm returning to the dock after water sports, it's frequently completely dry. I have seen that many other jackets are still wet, and if they are not allowed to completely dry, they will rapidly begin to smell, especially if they are kept on the boat while waiting to be used on the following trip. It seems obvious to me; I'll always choose nylon and, given how well it has so far held up, certainly this brand. My wife also received a nylon jacket, and she adores it. Our jackets are typically chosen first when people on the boat rummage through jackets to choose one to use:



Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket | Deluxe Life Vest for Children Review:


My child adores the ocean and swimming. Unfortunately, she enjoys it so much that she is eager to dive right in. In the past, we tried using an infant or toddler life jacket in the pool, but those are simply too large for her to enjoy the water comfortably.We first learned about the Puddle Jumper product at that time. It just took one day of attempting to get her used to the Puddle Jumper after purchasing one. She yelled, sobbed, and lamented about how she loathed it during that period. She realized the following day that she needed to put it on if she wanted to go swimming.She can now tolerate the routine of putting it on without any problems. It keeps her buoyant in swimming pools, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that my daughter is now able to swim without constant supervision from me. But a word of caution: don't leave her completely unattended. The last thing you want is for something to happen to your child, but I have no idea what kind of malfunctions might or might not happen.Due to the design of the Puddle Jumper, I once discovered that my daughter had collapsed on the ground on her back. When she did that, she was unable to stand up (just like Ralphie's sibling from Christmas Story in the snowsuit). She shouted out for assistance as she was unable to roll over or get up. This made me chuckle a little.Before I had purchased a life jacket for my own toddler, I had no idea how much of a monopoly Stearns has on the baby, toddler, and kid life jacket market. Every child I've ever seen at a pool had a Stearns Puddle Jumper, practically every single one.Buy this if you have a little child or toddler who enjoys swimming.



Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants Review:


I bought a 30-60 vest for my 28-pound, 1.5-year-old child. He detested it since it was far too big.The 10-30 vest I later bought fits him well and he adores it. I believe he believes it is armor. The fit is perfect if they are going to be at ease on the boat because when I put it on him at home, he strolled around in it for hours and didn't want to take it off.For my first two children, I used an infant vest made by Sterns, and they detested it (the fit is horrible around the neck). I wish I had come across this one then. Days spent on the water are considerably more pleasurable when the baby is content (and secure!).It's best to use it in a pool or another place where you can practice with them so they become accustomed to floating as well. Please check it out before entrusting your child's life to it because a bad fit (too large) can flip your child the incorrect direction (face down).



Toddler Floaties for Kids Swim 30-55 lbs Review:


Even when he is not swimming, my son adores his swimsuit and insists on wearing it. With the foam simply going around the front and the back being open with the strap to seal the device, it works perfectly for him as he is at ease lying on his back while in the pool and this does automatically flip him to his back when he is in deeper water. This swim aid does not have a strap that can go between his legs to tighten it, but it does stay in position, so that does not appear to be a problem. This was successful in getting my son thrilled to jump into the pool because he loves Spider-Man!



Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest Review:


This life vest is too small, as others have stated. My nine-year-old son, who weighs about 80 pounds, fits well. The straps can therefore be adjusted to fit larger people, however the vest or pads are too short, making it appear as though I am donning a kid's vest. The vest only covers just over half of my upper torso because I am 5'10" and 165 pounds. I definitely advise this vest for little people and under 120 pounds to look decent in it. For the price, the quality is acceptable. I purchased four of these, and they will now serve as backup life vests. I should head to the store right away to buy a life jacket.



ONYX Adult Universal Type 2 USCG Approved Life Jacket Review:


These life jackets are adequate, but I wouldn't use them as my main protection. I purchased these so that, even in the unforgivable but occasionally occurring slip, such as when we were short a life preserver because my children took five offboard the previous evening without telling me, I would never be caught short on a USCG inspection. I now have a backup supply. But my aim and recommendation is that you spend more on better quality life preservers for your family because those are the ones you will actually reach for in an emergency.


Is it better to have a life jacket too big or too small?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual and the situation. If you are comfortable swimming in a life jacket that is too big, then it is better to have a life jacket that is too big. However, if you are not comfortable swimming in a life jacket that is too big, then it is better to have a life jacket that is too small.

Is life jacket a PPE?

A life jacket is a PPE. PPE stands for personal protective equipment. A life jacket is a device that is worn by a person to provide buoyancy in water and prevent drowning.

What are the five types of life jackets?

There are five types of life jackets: Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V. Type I life jackets are the most common and are designed for use in rough water. Type II life jackets are less common and are designed for use in calm water. Type III life jackets are the least common and are designed for use in water with strong currents. Type IV life jackets are designed for use in water with weak currents. Type V life jackets are designed for use in water with no currents.

What are the four types of life jackets?

There are four types of life jackets: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type V. Type I life jackets are the most buoyant and are intended for use in rough waters. Type II life jackets are less buoyant and are intended for use in calm waters. Type III life jackets are the least buoyant and are intended for use in pools or other areas where there is little chance of drowning. Type V life jackets are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking, and are not intended for general use.

What color life jacket is best?

There are many different colors of life jackets available on the market, but which one is the best? It really depends on your personal preference and the type of water you'll be spending most of your time in. If you'll be mainly in dark water, it's best to choose a life jacket that is brightly colored so you'll be easier to spot. Red is a good choice. If you'll be in lighter water most of the time, you can choose a life jacket in a more subdued color.

What is a type 3 life jacket used for?

A type 3 life jacket is used for offshore boating, where rescue may be delayed. It is also known as a rescue life jacket or an offshore life jacket.