The Kayak Blog

“For runners who hate the bundled-up South Park feel of an average front-loading rec-and-touring vest, the lightweight Lola’s sleek, side-entry, tri-panel design creates a breaking front and an adjustable, ultracomfortable fit — agile enough to handle whatever gymnastics the drop requires. With a large stretch-mesh pocket and sewn-in D-ring for clip-in items. Designed for women, but men like it too. How it fits: Tri-panel design with princess seams for a low-profile fit that conforms to most body types. Use it for: Rafting Sea Kayaking Whitewater Kayaking Extended Touring Details: Easy entry and exit through a side zipper with a neoprene flange to prevent skin-zip Tri-panel design with eight webbing adjustment points conform to almost any body type Adjustment points on the side panels, neoprene waist tunnel, and shoulder pads Large stretch-mesh pocket with internal D-ring keeps essentials within reach 500-denier Cordura body; 200-denier nylon oxford interior; Acetyl buckles and hardware 16 lbs., 4 oz. of flotation 794 g. (28 oz.) Imported

“

“The trusty Sherman provides unhindered mobility for any way you want to move on the river — from whitewater creeking to park-and-play to cartwheeling down a Class III play-run. Most of the flotation is low on the torso, which has radically scooped sides that allow complete freedom to handle your paddle. The snug fit, unobtrusive cut, and easy, multiple adjustments eliminate fussing when the river needs your attention. Use as a slip-on pullover or side-zip entry vest. With an internal handwarmer pocket and a mesh pocket with a D-ring inside. How it fits: Unobtrusive cut and easy adjustment points; close-to-the-body fit. Use it for: Whitewater Kayaking Sea Kayaking Rafting Outrigger Canoeing Details: Gusseted construction places the side panels and adjustment points close to the body Internal, body-side neoprene handwarmer pocket Curved stretch-mesh pocket with internal D-ring Low-profile front and back panel is topstitched for strength and a clean finish 500-denier Cordura body; 200-denier nylon oxford interior; Acetyl buckles and hardware 16 lbs., 7 oz. of flotation 808 g. (28.5 oz.) Imported

“

“We designed this technically advanced, open-passage sea-kayak touring vest specifically for women - both waist and side adjustments fine-tune the fit. It has an easy side-zip entry. Pockets will hold a smaller VHF radio or GPS unit. With a strobe holder, lash tab, marine-grade whistle on a lanyard and reflective trim. How it fits: Tri-panel design with princess seams for a low-profile fit that conforms to most body types. Use it for: Sea Kayaking Guiding Expedition Paddling Details: Extended TouringHuge, double-mesh pocket (one zippered, one buckled with a flap) has internal D-rings to secure small items Marine-grade non-corroding whistle included in the pocket Over-the-shoulder stobe holder Centered lash tab for securing a knife Reflective tape on front and back adds visibility Accommodates Touring Tow system 500-denier Cordura body; 200-denier nylon oxford interior; Acetyl buckles and hardware 16 lbs. of flotation 539 g. (19 oz.) Imported

“

“A Lotus vest for your kid: carefully crafted, comfortable and safe, with an adjustable fit that keeps your child’s attention off gear and on the joys of the river. It’s made from durable Cordura fabric, in a zipperless pullover design that slips on easily. Bright colors and reflective tape add visibility. How it fits: Fits youthful growth from 50-90 lbs.; side adjustments customize fit. Use it for: Outrigger Canoeing Rafting Sea Kayaking Fly Fishing Details: Reflective tape on the shoulders adds visibility Zipperless design 500-denier Cordura body; 200-denier nylon oxford interior; Acetyl buckles and hardware 12 lbs., 6 oz. of flotation 468 g. (16.5 oz.) Imported

“

The Lola Life Vest is Lotus Designs best selling life vest for a reason. This versatile life jacket is one of the most comfortable PFDs out there and has low-profile design made for women and short-torsoed men.

“The Lotus Designs P-Vest Life Jacket gives you the mobility, safety, buoyancy, and features you need to perform intricate moves and rescue maneuvers on whitewater. This high-performance PFD is designed for river professionals.

“

Shake your hips in the Patagonia Core Temp Shorts and your boat will dance with you. Patagonia gave these 2mm neoprene shorts a textured bottom for solid traction against your boats seat to help you steer.

The Patagonia Long-Sleeve Paddle Top is a light and mobile whitewater top that keeps you cool so you can concentrate on getting through the rapids.

“Lotus Designs specifically designed the Lolita Life Vest for paddlers who have short torsos or smaller frames with a tri-panel hinged front, and low-sitting compact design, making it ideal for women.

“

“Keep your paddling childs focus on the water and not on a poor fitting PFD with the Lotus Designs Half-Pint Life Jacket. This simple, short-waisted life jacket is type III approved, highly adjustable, and easy for your boy or girl to pull on.

“