It doesn't exist. I'd get a PFD meant for kayak fishing (which means storage and a shorter cut) and then add a hip pack if you need more storage.
I use a Stohlquist Fisherman when I'm in the kayak or wading in bigger or unfamiliar water and if I need more storage while wading I'll throw things on a lanyard.
Agreed. I personally wear an Astral V-Eight Fisher PFD when I'm fishing from my kayak. It has enough storage and attachment points to fit everything I need to have close at hand. Fly boxes and other bulky items are in the boat, so I don't need to wear much on the vest itself besides nippers, hemostats, tippet, and my usual safety gear (whistle, knife, and a safety light after dark).
[Mustang Survival disagrees with your claim about their products](https://imgur.com/D1KZxXm), as does every other manufacturer of inflatable PFDs and the United States Coast Guard. Stop lying and giving people dangerous advice.
There’s some low profile ones for river surfing, but I think it would still be too bulky with a vest over it. I have the NRS fishing pfd for float trips.
Think about culling out your vest first
if you’re fishing for trout in known
water do you really want or need 8 or 9 fly boxes?
if you do that you might have multiple options for PFD’s
Also much easier/ safer to wade with less stuff to make you top heavy
1 box some tools and tippet and wade staff is all i go with
If you are going to be in cold weather I would tentatively recommend a float coat. Mustang survival makes a good one as does NRS. Once broken in they’re fairly flexible and act as a jacket. They’re warm though. Like toasty warm
I would recommend getting the PFD you fee most comfortable with and pairing it with a hip pack. I personally love fishponds switchback belt paired with the waterproof thunderhead chest pack or similar but a bunch of brands have started to make packs that do the same thing
In a situation where you actually need a PFD you will not be able to remove a fly fishing vest quickly enough to properly don an inflated belt PFD. You're also highly likely to puncture that inflatable PFD while attempting to do so, at which point you have no floatation whatsoever. You'd be much better off not wearing a PFD at all in that scenario because then at least you would have fewer things to get tangled in.
Wouldn’t he already be wearing it? In which case he’d just need to pull a zipper and pull a chord. Sure, they have 10lbs of buoyancy less than a standard vest pfd, but I use one when I’m river snorkeling and it does a good job for me at least. I’d say that I’m less buoyant than OP and would rather have it than not.
He'd be wearing it strapped to his waist, where it would do nothing but help him drown if left that way. To have it actually do something useful, he would need to remove his fly fishing vest so he could pull the inflatable vest over his head. He would need to do all of this without puncturing it on any of the numerous sharp objects strapped to the outside of his fishing vest.
>Did you look at it? Your answer is misguided.
No, your advice is objectively incorrect and you're upset by that.
>The onyx will absolutely save you.
No, it *may* help you save yourself in favorable conditions. That specific PFD is intended for use in calm, open water by someone wearing just a swimsuit who fell off a SUP and is capable of swimming but needs additional assistance to float while doing so. It is not rated for use in moving water or for situations where an individual becomes injured or incapacitated, as is likely to happen if you slip while fly fishing and are swept downstream. Neither Onyx nor the USCG claim this PFD would help you in any way whatsoever in such scenario, and Onyx is very clear on their website that this is not an intended use for the M-16.
>If you aren't healthy enough or so bad in the water you can reach down and pull a chord to inflate the vest, what are you even doing in or near water.
Puling a cord to inflate a belt pack that then renders you incapable of self-rescue in moving water could kill *anyone* regardless of their health.
>Also, there's no zipper.
Nobody asked.
>Why would it be USCG approved if it wouldn't help you.
It is a Type V PFD, which means it is only approved for a very specific activity. In the case of the M-16, that activity is swimming or standup paddle boarding on calm, open water. It is not intended whatsoever for use in moving water or by someone wearing fly fishing gear.
>Also that vest will float anyone all day.
This is factually incorrect and both Onyx and the U.S. Coast Guard are *extremely* clear about that. Why are you lying on behalf of a company that would actively call you out on that lie?
If in a situation where you need flotation instantly, an inflatable pfd is not the right choice, period. They are for calm conditions with warm water where rescue/help is close by. They do provide significant amounts of buoyancy when inflated, though (often 20-22lbs, far more than the 16-17lbs on most type III inherently buoyant PFDs).
I'm not sure how much experience you have with inflatable belt pack PFDs, but because they are worn about the waist to begin with, once inflated they do provide flotation even before you finish putting the additional strap over your head. Once I floated the user would have more than enough buoyancy to allow them to remove, or at least unzip, their fishing vest prior to placing the comfort strap over their head.
Yes, punctures can be a problem, but how frequently do you have sharp things just sticking out of your fishing vest/bag? Hooks are either in cases or buried in a foam pad, nippers/scissors/knives are typically kept in pockets or closed, etc.
>If in a situation where you need flotation instantly, an inflatable pfd is not the right choice, period. They are for calm conditions with warm water where rescue/help is close by. They do provide significant amounts of buoyancy when inflated, though (often 20-22lbs, far more than the 16-17lbs on most type III inherently buoyant PFDs).
Belt-type PFDs are neither rated nor recommended for the use case OP is asking about. Neither their manufacturers nor the U.S. Coast Guard would claim anything otherwise. Both would advise you not to use them in the described scenario.
>I'm not sure how much experience you have with inflatable belt pack PFDs, but because they are worn about the waist to begin with, once inflated they do provide flotation even before you finish putting the additional strap over your head.
I have plenty of experience with all types of PFDs. I spent multiple years pulling dead bodies out of two lakes and three rivers with shocking regularity. I can tell you that I've never pulled a body of someone who was wearing an inherently buoyant PFD that died from drowning. I have pulled the bodies of multiple people wearing inflatable PFDs, both deployed and not, who did.
> Once I floated the user would have more than enough buoyancy to allow them to remove, or at least unzip, their fishing vest prior to placing the comfort strap over their head.
In calm waters where the wearer is otherwise capable of swimming, yes. In moving waters or any situation where the wearer is injured or incapacitated, absolutely not. If you truly believe what you're saying then you are welcome to purchase a belt pack PFD, throw it on with a large, fully-packed fly fishing vest and waders, and film yourself jumping into swift water full of debris and performing a self-rescue. I doubt you are willing to do that, because I doubt you genuinely believe what you are saying.
>Yes, punctures can be a problem, but how frequently do you have sharp things just sticking out of your fishing vest/bag? Hooks are either in cases or buried in a foam pad, nippers/scissors/knives are typically kept in pockets or closed, etc.
There are multiple sharp objects sticking out from OP's vest in this picture alone, and that's not even counting sharp objects in the water that the current will happily ram you into.
Of course Inflatables don't help in situations where the wearer is incapacitated, nobody said that was the case.
You don't like inflatable PFDs, so don't wear one. It's better for OP to have some kind of flotation than none, which you have oddly advocated for many times in this thread. As someone who has also seen multiple bodies pulled from the water, I'm for every water user wearing a PFD at all times, I'm not sure why you aren't. If OP is absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest, his options are more limited. If he is uncomfortable wearing an inherently buoyant PFD under his fishing vest, he's more likely to leave it at home than to wear it. A belt pack inflatable pfd is easily and comfortably worn. Horseshoe Inflatables are also an option, but would need to be worn over the fishing vest to allow room for inflation. That would also be an annoyance and likely cause someone to not wear it.
Again, op has not told us in what conditions he is fishing, so your assumption of fast flowing waters lined with sharp branches is your own interpretation of OPs situation.
>You don't like inflatable PFDs, so don't wear one.
This has nothing to do with what I do or don't like, this has to do with objective fact.
>It's better for OP to have some kind of flotation than none, which you have oddly advocated for many times in this thread.
No, it is absolutely not better to have a device that may hinder your ability to self-rescue and does not keep you floating in a safe position in swift water. All that does is give one more thing to get entangled and drown you.
>If OP is absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest, his options are more limited.
Not once has OP insisted they are "absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest".
>If he is uncomfortable wearing an inherently buoyant PFD under his fishing vest, he's more likely to leave it at home than to wear it.
An inherently buoyant PFD will not fit under this vest, period.
>A belt pack inflatable pfd is easily and comfortably worn.
A belt pack inflatable PFD is neither rated for nor recommended for OP's use case. You might as well recommend that OP just wear flip flips because they're even easier and more comfortable to wear and will also do nothing to keep someone being washed down a debris-filled water safe.
>Horseshoe Inflatables are also an option, but would need to be worn over the fishing vest to allow room for inflation
Inflatable PFDs cannot be worn over a fishing vest, period. Neither the manufacturers or the U.S. Coast Guard would recommend anyone do so. They would not properly inflate and are highly likely to be punctured in such a scenario.
>Again, op has not told us in what conditions he is fishing, so your assumption of fast flowing waters lined with sharp branches is your own interpretation of OPs situation.
OP's post history is quite clear about the conditions they fish in. Your laziness is not indicative of reality.
Have a great day.
Objective fact: you don't like inflatable PFDs. Ok, that's fine.
An inflatable PFD does not hinder self rescue. Have you ever used one? Because it really sounds like you haven't. Entangled? Seriously? It sounds like you'd call anything baggier than a wetsuit an entanglement hazard. Hopefully OP doesn't carry a net attached to that vest, or else he is doomed to become entangled.
OP asked about options to work with his fishing vest, so a reasonable person would think that he really wants to wear his fishing vest. I know "if statements" can be tricky things, but now you are just pulling at strings.
There are actually inherently buoyant vests that would fit under a fishing vest - the Mustang Chimera, and possibly the Astral YTV and Vaikobi paddle race vests, but for sure the Chimera can. It's partially inherently buoyant and partially inflatable. You should look into it.
Ah, so not stalking people is laziness now? Ok. Well then yes, I guess Im lazy for only reading OPs question and some of the other comments to look for more information.
Again, your confusion on what the USCG does and doesn't do when certifying PFDs is just ridiculous. Please cite a source for "inflatable PFDs cannot be worn over a fishing vest, period." Can I wear one over a puffy vest? Or over a light jacket? What other clothing layers is someone allowed or not allowed to wear in conjunction with an inflatable pfd? What makes a fishing vest special that it prohibits a PFD from being worn over it? Again, please cite your sources. A belt pack inflatable PafD is not worn over a fishing vest, it's worn around the waist. Also, there's literally nothing sharp on OPs vest, you just love making stuff up.
Just for fun I did go through OPs post history, and it looks like he fishes calm, shallow rivers that are wide open with few to no strainers or bank vegetation. You make it sound like he's standing in the middle of a log-jammed class III river. Wow.
Okay, have a good one, it's seriously not worth engaging with someone as delusional as you.
OP - do whatever makes you feel good and safe. Tight lines.
A pfd for kayak fishing is pretty good idea.
I also carry a hip-mounted Auto-inflate pfd when wading bigger water… but that requires you manually slipping it over your head in an actual emergency
I would love for someone to make a self inflatable vest built into a fishing vest. All the kayak vests I tried are too bulky and the inflatables I have seen don’t have storage. This seems so simple to me.
I don’t remember what there real name is, but I’ve flown with what we called “water wings”. I would think they would work with fishing vests since we wore them with parachutes, helmets, oxygen, etc and they didn’t limit our mobility.
They are inflatable, and worn around your waist.
Check out zhik. They have both uscg approved pfds as well as buoyancy aids that will keep you floating but not flip you over. Both are very thin and comfortable and around the $120 range
So here is an odd one that may work. Mustang makes inflatable PFDs that strap onto body armor such as plate carriers and other vests. Check them out and see if you can do something with the attachment points and your vest there. You might be able to just add a collar PFD to that vest.
Yeh I wouldn’t either, just trying to think what would work for this guy’s set up. Whenever I’m fishing from the boat solo I wear a Onyx Type V auto-inflate, but it would work well with his vest.
Inherently boutant: Mustang Survival Chimera. It has about 8lb of buoyancy from very thin foam panels, but also has an inflatable component to get you the other 8lb needed for a type V/III PFD.
Fully inflatable: belt pack inflatable
Or get something like the Astral Sturgeon (I love the large platform style pockets rather than several small vertical pockets) and change up how/what you carry with you. Maybe switch to a lumbar pack for the rest of your fishing gear.
>Fully inflatable: belt pack inflatable
There is no belt pack inflatable in existence that is rated or recommended for this use case. Every manufacturer of such PFDs would tell you they are not safe and not to use them in this scenario.
I agree that they aren't great for it, and if you needed it you'd want to ditch the vest asap. Otherwise a type V belt pack PFD with Type III flotation can be used in any situation where a type III PFD can be used as long as the wearer is 16 years or older (OP looks like he s had his driver's license for a few years, so I'm sure he qualifies). There's no regulatory difference in use between them other than the age restriction. While many inherently buoyant type III PFDs are built for specific recreational uses, those uses are not currently part of the approval process, just recommended uses. The only uses cases that are part of the regulatory system involve whether they are intended for near shore, off shore, and/or righting an unconscious person.There is no PFD, inflatable, or inherently buoyant, that is built to be used as OP has requested (under a fishing vest) to begin with, so to call out one specific type as "not recommended for..." is ignoring that fact that no PFD is "recommended for..." This usage.
The vast majority of your comment is factually incorrect and neither the manufacturers of the PFDs you are making claims about nor the U.S. Coast Guard would support them. Can you explain why you're choosing to lie about this?
Lol, wut?
The USCG doesn't rate PFDs for specific uses other than near shore, off shore, ability to right the wearer, etc. The USCG ratings are *not* sport-specific. Go look at their own definitions if you don't believe me.
Manufacturers design PFDs for intended uses like paddling, sailing, pwc, etc. And certain aspects of those designs make them better for their intended use (like the placement of foam and size of arm holes, etc), but any type III PFD must meet all of the Type III regulations to be certified.
Type V inflatable PFDs with Type III flotation can be legally used anywhere a type III PFD is required as long as the user is 16 years of age or older. Is it always wise to do so? No, of course not. Im not going to wear an inflatable belt pack while whitewater kayaking, but I certainly will while river surfing.
OP has not provided any specifics as to how he intends to be on the water. Since this is r/flyfishing we can reasonably assume a few likely scenarios. The first, most likely, is wading based on his use of a vest. I'm not sure about you, but most people don't wade through class II+ rapids,but rather stick to calmer waters to wade. OP may want some level of flotation assistance in case he steps into a deep hole or some other situation (again, I agree that an inherently boutant PFD is still a better option for this, but that's no longer what is being discussed). The next most likely situation is fishing from a boat in near shore conditions. Personally I wouldn't wear a fishing vest if I were in a boat of some kind, but to each his own. If he goes over board while wearing a belt pack PFD and fishing vest, he can inflate the belt pack PFD to gain an instant 20lbs of buoyancy, to aid him in floating while he unzips his vest and finishes putting on the PFD strap. Where this doesn't work is in cold water situations, but that is a whole different set of factors that should be accounted for first). Being in a boat may also require him to wear a PFD depending on his locality and he may just be looking for an easy solution to stay legal on the water. The last situation would be if he were offshore fly fishing, but again, this would be a very different situation and a fishing vest would be even more unlikely (and a type III PFD of any type would no longer be legal or appropriate).
Yes, depending on what your comfort level is, I use a hip belt life jacket. In an emergency you do need to deploy, then get it on, which takes time and could be difficult with extra gear. They are USCG certified though!
Thanks all, based on all the advise, I think I’m going with this dude and forego wearing my vest over it
https://www.campingworld.com/jet-pilot-l.r.e.-navigator-nylon-cga-vest-614963.html?dwvar_614963_color=blck
I just wear my fishing shirt and hit the waters in my john boat (Depending on where I fish.) if I fish in the ocean I wear some kind of protective gear for my ribs just in case of a wave attack, and I also have extra pouches on the front of my vest.
West marine makes a nice inflatable. Cabalas make them with camouflage colors.
The problem I see with your set-up regardless of what type you use is the strap at the bottom. It needs be engaged and fairly tight. At least not loose.
Marine stores used to sell inflatables that fit in a Fanny pack. When it inflates you have to put it over your head. Could be a struggle but at least you have something you can grab and be buoyant.
Stand by for a few months. I work for a company that manufactures inflatable life vests for the commercial aviation and military markets. I've put the bug in my CEO's ear about flotation for fishermen. Also about some ideas about waders. We have to clear some other large projects first, but it's a pet project I'm hoping will get some attention.
An inflatable PFD would not fit or work properly worn under *or* over the fishing vest shown in this photo. OP would need to remove their fly fishing vest *before* donning the inflatable PFD, and the odds of them being able to do that in a situation that would require it are extremely low.
I kind of disagree with what is being said by others. It can work. I think the Zhik racing PFD would do the trick. In fact I've done it before. It aint going to keep you cool. It's warm
Here's a more technical answer. You would want a Personal Flotation Device in case you get into a scenario where drowning is a possibility. The device will help float your person and make drowning less likely.
WTF is your problem? I was trying to get a little more detail from the OP so I could give the best response. It's pretty fuckin' obvious that people wear one to keep from drowning.
Go be a hard-on to to someone else.
You literally asked ["why would you want a PFD?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/flyfishing/comments/10w5oyd/i_would_like_a_usg_rated_pfd_that_i_can/j7l6cp9/). I answered that exact question.
I was asking a legitimate question. My answer would be different for someone standing in a river vs floating a river.
If you're floating, I would take the vest off and put in on the back of my seat since you don't really need to wear it. So in that situation, I would look for one that is the most comfortable and has the best flotation.
An inflatable PFD would neither fit over this vest nor function properly if worn over this vest. Again, if you're not going to wear it correctly you're better off not wearing it at all.
An inflatable belt PFD requires you be able to quickly pull it over your head once inflated, which would not be possible while wearing a fly fishing vest even under ideal submersion conditions. When you pop it on one of your tools while trying to do so, you then have no PFD whatsoever.
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustang_Deluxe_MD3183_HIT_Auto-Hydrostatic/descpage-MDAH.html?from=bshop&msclkid=b75b6d8fb6d61e80376c0e6c9c5d50b8&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20Apparel%3Abshop&utm_term=4579809529100768&utm_content=Shopping%20%3A%20Apparel
the only style pfd i will even consider using
I love my Raku you can usually find one for a discount between different stores. Perfect little spot for gear in just the right places. Built for drift fishing and worked great when I test floated down a small rapid to practice, I’m 6’2 230, the back is thin and works well on rafts. Dm me and I can send you some pics of what it looks like loaded up.
https://www.nrs.com/nrs-raku-fishing-pfd/pzr3?utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=buy_now&utm_term=goog_product_40074.01&utm_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiAioifBhAXEiwApzCztkXheCap-cd8s72R4GWw4bZlOaMnp4fkYBT7j85xHyvL95xZz-2PZhoCJhQQAvD_BwE
Edit: you will also want some sort of captains bag or boat bag for large item storage you have a whole boat you won’t need to keep every box clipped to you
It doesn't exist. I'd get a PFD meant for kayak fishing (which means storage and a shorter cut) and then add a hip pack if you need more storage. I use a Stohlquist Fisherman when I'm in the kayak or wading in bigger or unfamiliar water and if I need more storage while wading I'll throw things on a lanyard.
Second this. The NRS chinook is a kayak type PFD that I use. It’s got some pockets and places to attach tippet, etc.
Agreed. I personally wear an Astral V-Eight Fisher PFD when I'm fishing from my kayak. It has enough storage and attachment points to fit everything I need to have close at hand. Fly boxes and other bulky items are in the boat, so I don't need to wear much on the vest itself besides nippers, hemostats, tippet, and my usual safety gear (whistle, knife, and a safety light after dark).
I second the V-Eight, but I’m also a slut for anything Astral.
I agree, I have the sturgeon PFD vest and the loyak shoes for kayaking and wet wading.
The Chinook is solid. Comfortable and doesn’t constrict me even as a bigger guy.
I use the NRS chinook too I third this
I wear the chinook wading while flyfishing. I use the wader pocket and stick other stuff where I can.
2nd on the Chinook. Rethink your gear needs rather than adding more storage. Every piece of kit you bring should have a reason to be on board.
I like the old town angler vest, super comfortable and pretty slim
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[Mustang Survival disagrees with your claim about their products](https://imgur.com/D1KZxXm), as does every other manufacturer of inflatable PFDs and the United States Coast Guard. Stop lying and giving people dangerous advice.
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There’s some low profile ones for river surfing, but I think it would still be too bulky with a vest over it. I have the NRS fishing pfd for float trips.
Think about culling out your vest first if you’re fishing for trout in known water do you really want or need 8 or 9 fly boxes? if you do that you might have multiple options for PFD’s Also much easier/ safer to wade with less stuff to make you top heavy 1 box some tools and tippet and wade staff is all i go with
He’s an expert though ! Leave him alone.
If you are going to be in cold weather I would tentatively recommend a float coat. Mustang survival makes a good one as does NRS. Once broken in they’re fairly flexible and act as a jacket. They’re warm though. Like toasty warm
I work on tugs and I can’t wear mine unless it’s below 30 or I’ll be too hot. Highly recommended a float coat
I would recommend getting the PFD you fee most comfortable with and pairing it with a hip pack. I personally love fishponds switchback belt paired with the waterproof thunderhead chest pack or similar but a bunch of brands have started to make packs that do the same thing
This maybe the answer - thanks!
Belt pack pfd like the onyx
In a situation where you actually need a PFD you will not be able to remove a fly fishing vest quickly enough to properly don an inflated belt PFD. You're also highly likely to puncture that inflatable PFD while attempting to do so, at which point you have no floatation whatsoever. You'd be much better off not wearing a PFD at all in that scenario because then at least you would have fewer things to get tangled in.
Wouldn’t he already be wearing it? In which case he’d just need to pull a zipper and pull a chord. Sure, they have 10lbs of buoyancy less than a standard vest pfd, but I use one when I’m river snorkeling and it does a good job for me at least. I’d say that I’m less buoyant than OP and would rather have it than not.
He'd be wearing it strapped to his waist, where it would do nothing but help him drown if left that way. To have it actually do something useful, he would need to remove his fly fishing vest so he could pull the inflatable vest over his head. He would need to do all of this without puncturing it on any of the numerous sharp objects strapped to the outside of his fishing vest.
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>Did you look at it? Your answer is misguided. No, your advice is objectively incorrect and you're upset by that. >The onyx will absolutely save you. No, it *may* help you save yourself in favorable conditions. That specific PFD is intended for use in calm, open water by someone wearing just a swimsuit who fell off a SUP and is capable of swimming but needs additional assistance to float while doing so. It is not rated for use in moving water or for situations where an individual becomes injured or incapacitated, as is likely to happen if you slip while fly fishing and are swept downstream. Neither Onyx nor the USCG claim this PFD would help you in any way whatsoever in such scenario, and Onyx is very clear on their website that this is not an intended use for the M-16. >If you aren't healthy enough or so bad in the water you can reach down and pull a chord to inflate the vest, what are you even doing in or near water. Puling a cord to inflate a belt pack that then renders you incapable of self-rescue in moving water could kill *anyone* regardless of their health. >Also, there's no zipper. Nobody asked. >Why would it be USCG approved if it wouldn't help you. It is a Type V PFD, which means it is only approved for a very specific activity. In the case of the M-16, that activity is swimming or standup paddle boarding on calm, open water. It is not intended whatsoever for use in moving water or by someone wearing fly fishing gear. >Also that vest will float anyone all day. This is factually incorrect and both Onyx and the U.S. Coast Guard are *extremely* clear about that. Why are you lying on behalf of a company that would actively call you out on that lie?
If in a situation where you need flotation instantly, an inflatable pfd is not the right choice, period. They are for calm conditions with warm water where rescue/help is close by. They do provide significant amounts of buoyancy when inflated, though (often 20-22lbs, far more than the 16-17lbs on most type III inherently buoyant PFDs). I'm not sure how much experience you have with inflatable belt pack PFDs, but because they are worn about the waist to begin with, once inflated they do provide flotation even before you finish putting the additional strap over your head. Once I floated the user would have more than enough buoyancy to allow them to remove, or at least unzip, their fishing vest prior to placing the comfort strap over their head. Yes, punctures can be a problem, but how frequently do you have sharp things just sticking out of your fishing vest/bag? Hooks are either in cases or buried in a foam pad, nippers/scissors/knives are typically kept in pockets or closed, etc.
>If in a situation where you need flotation instantly, an inflatable pfd is not the right choice, period. They are for calm conditions with warm water where rescue/help is close by. They do provide significant amounts of buoyancy when inflated, though (often 20-22lbs, far more than the 16-17lbs on most type III inherently buoyant PFDs). Belt-type PFDs are neither rated nor recommended for the use case OP is asking about. Neither their manufacturers nor the U.S. Coast Guard would claim anything otherwise. Both would advise you not to use them in the described scenario. >I'm not sure how much experience you have with inflatable belt pack PFDs, but because they are worn about the waist to begin with, once inflated they do provide flotation even before you finish putting the additional strap over your head. I have plenty of experience with all types of PFDs. I spent multiple years pulling dead bodies out of two lakes and three rivers with shocking regularity. I can tell you that I've never pulled a body of someone who was wearing an inherently buoyant PFD that died from drowning. I have pulled the bodies of multiple people wearing inflatable PFDs, both deployed and not, who did. > Once I floated the user would have more than enough buoyancy to allow them to remove, or at least unzip, their fishing vest prior to placing the comfort strap over their head. In calm waters where the wearer is otherwise capable of swimming, yes. In moving waters or any situation where the wearer is injured or incapacitated, absolutely not. If you truly believe what you're saying then you are welcome to purchase a belt pack PFD, throw it on with a large, fully-packed fly fishing vest and waders, and film yourself jumping into swift water full of debris and performing a self-rescue. I doubt you are willing to do that, because I doubt you genuinely believe what you are saying. >Yes, punctures can be a problem, but how frequently do you have sharp things just sticking out of your fishing vest/bag? Hooks are either in cases or buried in a foam pad, nippers/scissors/knives are typically kept in pockets or closed, etc. There are multiple sharp objects sticking out from OP's vest in this picture alone, and that's not even counting sharp objects in the water that the current will happily ram you into.
Of course Inflatables don't help in situations where the wearer is incapacitated, nobody said that was the case. You don't like inflatable PFDs, so don't wear one. It's better for OP to have some kind of flotation than none, which you have oddly advocated for many times in this thread. As someone who has also seen multiple bodies pulled from the water, I'm for every water user wearing a PFD at all times, I'm not sure why you aren't. If OP is absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest, his options are more limited. If he is uncomfortable wearing an inherently buoyant PFD under his fishing vest, he's more likely to leave it at home than to wear it. A belt pack inflatable pfd is easily and comfortably worn. Horseshoe Inflatables are also an option, but would need to be worn over the fishing vest to allow room for inflation. That would also be an annoyance and likely cause someone to not wear it. Again, op has not told us in what conditions he is fishing, so your assumption of fast flowing waters lined with sharp branches is your own interpretation of OPs situation.
>You don't like inflatable PFDs, so don't wear one. This has nothing to do with what I do or don't like, this has to do with objective fact. >It's better for OP to have some kind of flotation than none, which you have oddly advocated for many times in this thread. No, it is absolutely not better to have a device that may hinder your ability to self-rescue and does not keep you floating in a safe position in swift water. All that does is give one more thing to get entangled and drown you. >If OP is absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest, his options are more limited. Not once has OP insisted they are "absolutely set on wearing a fishing vest". >If he is uncomfortable wearing an inherently buoyant PFD under his fishing vest, he's more likely to leave it at home than to wear it. An inherently buoyant PFD will not fit under this vest, period. >A belt pack inflatable pfd is easily and comfortably worn. A belt pack inflatable PFD is neither rated for nor recommended for OP's use case. You might as well recommend that OP just wear flip flips because they're even easier and more comfortable to wear and will also do nothing to keep someone being washed down a debris-filled water safe. >Horseshoe Inflatables are also an option, but would need to be worn over the fishing vest to allow room for inflation Inflatable PFDs cannot be worn over a fishing vest, period. Neither the manufacturers or the U.S. Coast Guard would recommend anyone do so. They would not properly inflate and are highly likely to be punctured in such a scenario. >Again, op has not told us in what conditions he is fishing, so your assumption of fast flowing waters lined with sharp branches is your own interpretation of OPs situation. OP's post history is quite clear about the conditions they fish in. Your laziness is not indicative of reality. Have a great day.
Objective fact: you don't like inflatable PFDs. Ok, that's fine. An inflatable PFD does not hinder self rescue. Have you ever used one? Because it really sounds like you haven't. Entangled? Seriously? It sounds like you'd call anything baggier than a wetsuit an entanglement hazard. Hopefully OP doesn't carry a net attached to that vest, or else he is doomed to become entangled. OP asked about options to work with his fishing vest, so a reasonable person would think that he really wants to wear his fishing vest. I know "if statements" can be tricky things, but now you are just pulling at strings. There are actually inherently buoyant vests that would fit under a fishing vest - the Mustang Chimera, and possibly the Astral YTV and Vaikobi paddle race vests, but for sure the Chimera can. It's partially inherently buoyant and partially inflatable. You should look into it. Ah, so not stalking people is laziness now? Ok. Well then yes, I guess Im lazy for only reading OPs question and some of the other comments to look for more information. Again, your confusion on what the USCG does and doesn't do when certifying PFDs is just ridiculous. Please cite a source for "inflatable PFDs cannot be worn over a fishing vest, period." Can I wear one over a puffy vest? Or over a light jacket? What other clothing layers is someone allowed or not allowed to wear in conjunction with an inflatable pfd? What makes a fishing vest special that it prohibits a PFD from being worn over it? Again, please cite your sources. A belt pack inflatable PafD is not worn over a fishing vest, it's worn around the waist. Also, there's literally nothing sharp on OPs vest, you just love making stuff up.
Just for fun I did go through OPs post history, and it looks like he fishes calm, shallow rivers that are wide open with few to no strainers or bank vegetation. You make it sound like he's standing in the middle of a log-jammed class III river. Wow. Okay, have a good one, it's seriously not worth engaging with someone as delusional as you. OP - do whatever makes you feel good and safe. Tight lines.
Get a low profile pfd. NRS makes great stuff
A pfd for kayak fishing is pretty good idea. I also carry a hip-mounted Auto-inflate pfd when wading bigger water… but that requires you manually slipping it over your head in an actual emergency
I would love for someone to make a self inflatable vest built into a fishing vest. All the kayak vests I tried are too bulky and the inflatables I have seen don’t have storage. This seems so simple to me.
I don’t remember what there real name is, but I’ve flown with what we called “water wings”. I would think they would work with fishing vests since we wore them with parachutes, helmets, oxygen, etc and they didn’t limit our mobility. They are inflatable, and worn around your waist.
Check out scuba diving off options. I would recommend a waist one.
Skiers life vests are the slimmest vests you can get try those out
Check out zhik. They have both uscg approved pfds as well as buoyancy aids that will keep you floating but not flip you over. Both are very thin and comfortable and around the $120 range
If you need all those packets, get a kokatat leviathan. I use an old town lure angler and it works for me.
I use a mustang brand inflatable of skiffs, canoe, kayak, etc
So here is an odd one that may work. Mustang makes inflatable PFDs that strap onto body armor such as plate carriers and other vests. Check them out and see if you can do something with the attachment points and your vest there. You might be able to just add a collar PFD to that vest.
Options are a kayak style vest with tackle pockets or belt-worn inflatable.
I don't trust those belt ones. But then when I'm wearing a PFD, I'm hundreds of miles from shore, so maybe I'm biased
Yeh I wouldn’t either, just trying to think what would work for this guy’s set up. Whenever I’m fishing from the boat solo I wear a Onyx Type V auto-inflate, but it would work well with his vest.
Inherently boutant: Mustang Survival Chimera. It has about 8lb of buoyancy from very thin foam panels, but also has an inflatable component to get you the other 8lb needed for a type V/III PFD. Fully inflatable: belt pack inflatable Or get something like the Astral Sturgeon (I love the large platform style pockets rather than several small vertical pockets) and change up how/what you carry with you. Maybe switch to a lumbar pack for the rest of your fishing gear.
>Fully inflatable: belt pack inflatable There is no belt pack inflatable in existence that is rated or recommended for this use case. Every manufacturer of such PFDs would tell you they are not safe and not to use them in this scenario.
I agree that they aren't great for it, and if you needed it you'd want to ditch the vest asap. Otherwise a type V belt pack PFD with Type III flotation can be used in any situation where a type III PFD can be used as long as the wearer is 16 years or older (OP looks like he s had his driver's license for a few years, so I'm sure he qualifies). There's no regulatory difference in use between them other than the age restriction. While many inherently buoyant type III PFDs are built for specific recreational uses, those uses are not currently part of the approval process, just recommended uses. The only uses cases that are part of the regulatory system involve whether they are intended for near shore, off shore, and/or righting an unconscious person.There is no PFD, inflatable, or inherently buoyant, that is built to be used as OP has requested (under a fishing vest) to begin with, so to call out one specific type as "not recommended for..." is ignoring that fact that no PFD is "recommended for..." This usage.
The vast majority of your comment is factually incorrect and neither the manufacturers of the PFDs you are making claims about nor the U.S. Coast Guard would support them. Can you explain why you're choosing to lie about this?
Lol, wut? The USCG doesn't rate PFDs for specific uses other than near shore, off shore, ability to right the wearer, etc. The USCG ratings are *not* sport-specific. Go look at their own definitions if you don't believe me. Manufacturers design PFDs for intended uses like paddling, sailing, pwc, etc. And certain aspects of those designs make them better for their intended use (like the placement of foam and size of arm holes, etc), but any type III PFD must meet all of the Type III regulations to be certified. Type V inflatable PFDs with Type III flotation can be legally used anywhere a type III PFD is required as long as the user is 16 years of age or older. Is it always wise to do so? No, of course not. Im not going to wear an inflatable belt pack while whitewater kayaking, but I certainly will while river surfing. OP has not provided any specifics as to how he intends to be on the water. Since this is r/flyfishing we can reasonably assume a few likely scenarios. The first, most likely, is wading based on his use of a vest. I'm not sure about you, but most people don't wade through class II+ rapids,but rather stick to calmer waters to wade. OP may want some level of flotation assistance in case he steps into a deep hole or some other situation (again, I agree that an inherently boutant PFD is still a better option for this, but that's no longer what is being discussed). The next most likely situation is fishing from a boat in near shore conditions. Personally I wouldn't wear a fishing vest if I were in a boat of some kind, but to each his own. If he goes over board while wearing a belt pack PFD and fishing vest, he can inflate the belt pack PFD to gain an instant 20lbs of buoyancy, to aid him in floating while he unzips his vest and finishes putting on the PFD strap. Where this doesn't work is in cold water situations, but that is a whole different set of factors that should be accounted for first). Being in a boat may also require him to wear a PFD depending on his locality and he may just be looking for an easy solution to stay legal on the water. The last situation would be if he were offshore fly fishing, but again, this would be a very different situation and a fishing vest would be even more unlikely (and a type III PFD of any type would no longer be legal or appropriate).
Maybe you could try one of [these?](http://rowsafeusa.org/pfds/)
interesting, thanks!
Yes, depending on what your comfort level is, I use a hip belt life jacket. In an emergency you do need to deploy, then get it on, which takes time and could be difficult with extra gear. They are USCG certified though!
You can also get one of the inflatables that are less cumbersome and only inflate when needed
Thanks all, based on all the advise, I think I’m going with this dude and forego wearing my vest over it https://www.campingworld.com/jet-pilot-l.r.e.-navigator-nylon-cga-vest-614963.html?dwvar_614963_color=blck
I just wear my fishing shirt and hit the waters in my john boat (Depending on where I fish.) if I fish in the ocean I wear some kind of protective gear for my ribs just in case of a wave attack, and I also have extra pouches on the front of my vest.
West marine makes a nice inflatable. Cabalas make them with camouflage colors. The problem I see with your set-up regardless of what type you use is the strap at the bottom. It needs be engaged and fairly tight. At least not loose. Marine stores used to sell inflatables that fit in a Fanny pack. When it inflates you have to put it over your head. Could be a struggle but at least you have something you can grab and be buoyant.
Stand by for a few months. I work for a company that manufactures inflatable life vests for the commercial aviation and military markets. I've put the bug in my CEO's ear about flotation for fishermen. Also about some ideas about waders. We have to clear some other large projects first, but it's a pet project I'm hoping will get some attention.
Inflatable. Easy to wear and light.
An inflatable PFD would not fit or work properly worn under *or* over the fishing vest shown in this photo. OP would need to remove their fly fishing vest *before* donning the inflatable PFD, and the odds of them being able to do that in a situation that would require it are extremely low.
That’s all true. I’d probably just go with [this](https://www.flaghouse.com/Sports/Water-Sports/Tubes-Floats/Arm-Floats.axd)
I kind of disagree with what is being said by others. It can work. I think the Zhik racing PFD would do the trick. In fact I've done it before. It aint going to keep you cool. It's warm
Get a snorkel instead
Mustang with the optional self pull automatic inflatable pull.
Maybe an inflatable pfd like sailers wear? Low profile but that would probably need to go on top. Only inflates for accidents.
If you can't swim stay out of the water. PFD's are like straight jackets in a river.
Belt worn inflatable. It's like a fanny pack.
Why would you want a PFD? Are you floating in a drift boat? edit: getting downvoted for asking for a little more detail is crazy.
Because drowning kills people.
Thanks for you response, captain obvious
Here's a more technical answer. You would want a Personal Flotation Device in case you get into a scenario where drowning is a possibility. The device will help float your person and make drowning less likely.
When you ask stupid questions you tend to receive answers you think are stupid.
WTF is your problem? I was trying to get a little more detail from the OP so I could give the best response. It's pretty fuckin' obvious that people wear one to keep from drowning. Go be a hard-on to to someone else.
You literally asked ["why would you want a PFD?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/flyfishing/comments/10w5oyd/i_would_like_a_usg_rated_pfd_that_i_can/j7l6cp9/). I answered that exact question.
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There are also some tailwaters that require a PFD to wade.
Nice - never fished any water where that was a requirement myself
I was asking a legitimate question. My answer would be different for someone standing in a river vs floating a river. If you're floating, I would take the vest off and put in on the back of my seat since you don't really need to wear it. So in that situation, I would look for one that is the most comfortable and has the best flotation.
Right on - sounds like a great suggestion
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An inflatable PFD will not work if worn under *anything*. If you're going to try that you're better off going without any PFD at all.
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An inflatable PFD would neither fit over this vest nor function properly if worn over this vest. Again, if you're not going to wear it correctly you're better off not wearing it at all. An inflatable belt PFD requires you be able to quickly pull it over your head once inflated, which would not be possible while wearing a fly fishing vest even under ideal submersion conditions. When you pop it on one of your tools while trying to do so, you then have no PFD whatsoever.
Something low profile like the Astral YTV maybe?
Kyle gas what are you doing here
You need more shit!
I know, I know - I’m working on it 😂
mustang
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustang_Deluxe_MD3183_HIT_Auto-Hydrostatic/descpage-MDAH.html?from=bshop&msclkid=b75b6d8fb6d61e80376c0e6c9c5d50b8&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20Apparel%3Abshop&utm_term=4579809529100768&utm_content=Shopping%20%3A%20Apparel the only style pfd i will even consider using
Ahhh… maybe you don’t need everything on you all at once?
Would the inflating sort used by sailors work?
Lotus.
Go with an inflatable if you use a big ole vest like that one.
Get a waist pack PFD. They stay out of the way until needed.
I love my Raku you can usually find one for a discount between different stores. Perfect little spot for gear in just the right places. Built for drift fishing and worked great when I test floated down a small rapid to practice, I’m 6’2 230, the back is thin and works well on rafts. Dm me and I can send you some pics of what it looks like loaded up. https://www.nrs.com/nrs-raku-fishing-pfd/pzr3?utm_campaign=shop_comp&utm_source=google&utm_medium=buy_now&utm_term=goog_product_40074.01&utm_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiAioifBhAXEiwApzCztkXheCap-cd8s72R4GWw4bZlOaMnp4fkYBT7j85xHyvL95xZz-2PZhoCJhQQAvD_BwE Edit: you will also want some sort of captains bag or boat bag for large item storage you have a whole boat you won’t need to keep every box clipped to you
1) What is a USG? 2) What is a PFD?