OutdoorGearLab

The Astral E-Ronny is a standout PFD due to its comfortable slim-line fit, simple closure system, and dialed features such as pockets and attachment points. The zipper-only front closure provides an exceedingly comfortable fit. This jacket has no waist clip, so you can avoid that uncomfortably tight squeezing of the stomach that so many other vests create after hours of sitting in your boat. In addition, the side adjustments create an evenly distributed overall feel that we love. Many testers appreciated the thinner top front section, which gives it a natural contour. Narrow shoulder sections and large armholes help keep your arms free for longer paddling journeys. The thinly padded back works well with boat seatbacks, and vented sections in numerous places provide breathability.
In addition to comfort, the E-Ronny also shines thanks to its utility. A larger pocket accommodates phones, radios, or tackle with a smaller pocket that is perfect for snack bars and multi-tools. Functional lapels tuck away loose ends such as a radio antenna or straps. However, if you're the kind of fishing fanatic who loves to keep half a tackle box worth of gear in your PFD pockets, the E-Ronny may not be your best bet as it doesn't have the largest pockets. And if you prefer a more streamlined approach, consider the Astral E-Linda, which is almost identical but with smaller pockets. Overall, if you are looking for a life jacket that's comfortable, versatile, and great for paddling, the E-Ronny is our favorite. 
Read more: Astral E-Ronny review

The Astral E-Ronny is a stand-out life jacket due to its comfortable slim line fit, simple closure system, and dialed features such as pockets and attachment points. The zipper-only front closure provides an exceedingly comfortable fit. The lack of a waist clip avoids that uncomfortably tight squeezing of the stomach that so many other vests create after hours of sitting in a boat. In addition, the side adjustments create an evenly distributed overall feel that we love. Many testers appreciated the thinner top front section, which gives it a natural contour. Narrow shoulder sections and large armholes help keep your arms free enough for longer paddling journeys or activities such as fly fishing. The thinly padded back works well with boat seatbacks, and vented sections in numerous places provide breathability.
In addition to comfort, the E-Ronny also shines thanks to its utility. A larger pocket accommodates phones, radios, or tackle, and a smaller pocket is perfect for snack bars and multi-tools. Functional lapels tuck away loose ends such as a radio antenna or straps. If you prefer a more streamlined approach, consider the Astral E-Linda, which is almost identical but with smaller pockets. However, if you're the kind of fishing fanatic who loves to keep half a tackle box's worth of gear in your PFD pockets, the E-Ronny may not be your best bet as it doesn't have the largest pockets. But if you're on the hunt for a life jacket that's comfortable, versatile, and great for paddling, this one is our favorite. 
Read more: Astral E-Ronny review

Budget Pick

amazon.com

yotpo

Wirecutter

The Stearns product is a lot like water wings, only better and safer in every way because it supports your child's arms and chest with foam. It doesn't deflate for easy packing, but we'd happily trade convenience for added safety.

walmart

stamped

Consumer Reports

This child's vest feels like a dream against the skin. The O'Neill Child Reactor is made of soft, hydroprene fabric that, though a bit heavy, is also exceptionally comfortable. If that isn't enough, the entire vest is flexible rather than stiff, with segmented foam panels inside that let your kid still be a kid. A front zipper helps to give even more security without compromising comfort and movement. The tops of the shoulders lack stiff foam, making it easy to do whatever stroke &#40;or best attempts&#41; your child is comfortable with. A loop on top of the jacket also makes it easier to grab and hoist your child with one hand if the need arises. 
While the sides have expandable panels, they only expand so far, making this vest not a great fit for girthier children. Those panels also mean it's not as breathable as an open-sided design. The leg strap isn't as long as some of the others we tested, making it less conducive to kids who are sprouting straight up like beanstalks. The armholes could be larger &mdash; keep in mind that they might be a source of inner arm rash for some children. Though this vest may not fit larger kids, it's an exceptionally comfortable model to wear.

trustpilot

powerreviews

The Stohlquist Spectrum is a great budget option for recreational paddling. This one-sized universal PFD fits paddlers of a wide variety of sizes thanks to the multiple adjustment points &#40;shoulder, chest, and lower torso&#41;. The center zip entry is cut with large arm holes, making it comfortable for extended paddling days. For a budget-priced PFD, we were pleasantly surprised with just how much we enjoyed wearing the Spectrum.
There are multiple small stash pockets on the Spectrum that can be used to store essentials like snack bars and chapstick. These pockets lack a closure system or attachment points, making them convenient but not the place for valuables. The back panel is made of thinner foam layers, making it comfortable when worn against various kayak seats. Compared to other 'universal' life jackets, we found this had the shortest torso length, making it more comfortable to wear against a spray skit for closed cockpit paddlers. Keep in mind that due to the one-size-fits-all design, smaller paddlers found it ill-fitting with a tendency to ride up by the small-torso paddler's ears. But if this vest fits you, it's a great budget-minded option to consider. 
Read more: Stohlquist Spectrum review

bazaarvoice

shopify

The Stohlquist Fit is a "universal sized" life vest that is surprisingly comfortable throughout the range of sizes it manages to accommodate. Both large and small testers across genders find this vest easy to wear and simple to adjust to the correct fit. A thinner top section of the front side also allows this vest to bend more easily than many others, which our women testers, in particular, greatly appreciated. Some similar life jackets we tested fit too high and tight around the neck and collar bones, but we found this one to be just right. Relatively large armholes keep it decently comfortable and potentially even spacious enough for you to wear on a short paddling trip. Numerous loops all the way around the vest also help keep strap tails out of the way, making your day that much more hassle-free and enjoyable.
However, for slimmer individuals, the top strap's first containment loop is a bit too close to the buckle, making it more challenging to tighten completely. And while the jacket is thin enough to be comfortable leaning back in your boat, it's a bit on the long side for scrunched-up postures like kayaking. Though it's unlikely to blow your Aqua Socks off, this simple design is comfortable and easy enough to ensure you'll actually be able to wear it all day. 

The Stohlquist Fit is a "universal sized" life vest that is surprisingly comfortable throughout the range of sizes it manages to accommodate. Both large and small testers across genders find this vest easy to wear and simple to adjust to the correct fit. A thinner top front section allows this vest to bend more easily than many others, which our female testers particularly appreciated. Some similar life jackets we tested fit too high and tight around the neck and collar bones, but we found this one to be just right. Relatively large armholes keep it decently comfortable and potentially even spacious enough for you to wear on a short paddling trip. Numerous loops all the way around the vest also help keep strap tails secure. 
Slimmer individuals should be aware that the top strap's first containment loop is a bit too close to the buckle, making it more challenging to tighten completely. And while the jacket is thin enough to be comfortable leaning back in your boat, it's on the long side for scrunched-up postures like kayaking. Though it's unlikely to blow your Aqua Socks off, this simple design is comfortable enough to ensure you'll actually be able to wear it all day. 
Read more: Stohlquist Fit review

Life Vest Comparison