Stohlquist Men's Trekker Life Jacket/Personal Floatation Device

I am 6'8" and 280lbs and this PDF fits like a favorite pair of gloves once I got it adjusted, which is easy to do. Unlike other reviews I read before buying this, I have actually used it on the water and IN the water with both my kayak and canoe about a dozen times so far. While in the water it kept my head up and provided plenty of floatation. Granted this was on the lake and river, not the ocean, so I don't know how it handles wave action yet. I intentionally fell out of both my kayak and canoe to see how the PDF would work and if I would have any trouble getting back in the boats. No problems at all (canoes are always a bit tricky at times but this vest didn't make it any harder.) The PDF never "rode-up" on me even with all the in-and-out and paddling. With the kayak this PDF fits like it was made for my 2005 14' WS Tarpon. The high back floatation fits above the seat and doesn't interfere with my comfort or paddling strokes. In the canoe it is the same thing, complete freedom of movement for anything I needed to do. It sounds corny but I really do forget I am wearing it once it's on which is the best thing I think I can say about it! There are 8 different straps to adjust to get the right fit and once that is done all I need to do is zip it up each time, no need to readjust anything at all yet. I could care less about the color and how I look in it but my wife says that it works so that's all I need to hear. One of my favorite features is the 2 zippered front pockets, Perfect for storing all the little things I like to take with me on the water, pocket knife, keys (no FOB, it isn't water-proof), and small snacks are all within easy reach at anytime. There is no question that I will recommend this PDF to others I kayak with and I would buy another one if I needed too without hesitating. I am very happy with this PDF so far.

I have the Large/XLarge in Black. I'm 6'1" 195 with 43" chest for your perspective. This size would fit an elephant. I am a kayaker and a waterfowl hunter. I put this PFD on over the top of my Cabelas 2 jacket layers arctic waterfowler's parka that I wear hunting down to Zero degrees. The attached photo shows how much additional "room" on the adjusting straps there is after cinching it over this parka. I put this on over my Sterns neoprene full size flotation work jacket with nearly the same amount of extra room for fitting over even more layers of clothing. Unless you are starting with a 50 inch chest, for most men this will cover you from summer in a tank top to winter with your parka on while trolling for Alaska's winter king salmon. As a kayaker I don't want a PFD with all those big pockets for holding a half dozen plano tackle boxes. That is NOT what a PFD should be used for. Besides that it adds bulk to your ability to move around and fish or paddle or just be comfortable. Keep your fishing gear in the boat. This PFD has two large pleated (bellows) pockets on the front that can expand according to what you want to carry. They are big enough to fit my VHF marine radio in with the antenna sticking out at the top of the zipper. Perfect if you fish from any boat on the ocean. Can easily hold your waterproof pouch for cell phone and other small items of necessity. The back side flotation is positioned on the top half of your back so it doesn't interfere with leaning back against my high back kayak seat. A great plus for long days paddling or peddling on the water. If you are a fisherman you are going to get this slimed. So although the yellow and red are better safety colors they are going to look pretty bad with blood, dirt, and slime so consider the darker color that won't show stains. Which brings up a great construction feature of this model. Most PFDs have 200 denier outer and inner shells. This Trekker model has a very tough 500 denier outer shell to take the punishment of active outdoorsmen and hold up to the occasional stray hook snag. The very thick flotation material has a rating of 18 pounds of dead weigh capacity. This in itself will float anyone that can fit in it. Most PFDs in large/XL sizes are only 17 to 17.5 pound float max. Speaking of the thickness of the foam, this is like body armor insulation. You will find it insulates your body core to prevent heat loss whether above the water or in the water if properly snugged. Leave it a bit looser if you need ventilation to stay cool in summer. I'm buying a second one for my second kayak. That brings up my last point. The multiple adjustment straps on this Trekker model are NO marketing gimmick. Its the real deal. The way the angles of tension from each strap pull to fit against your body or underlying layers of clothing and jackets truly does create an exceptional fit no matter your body shape or bulky clothes. I wish they would put this feature on more of their models.

I purchased a cheap, one size fits all life jacket from a sporting goods store and it felt okay in the store. But for kayaking, it is terrible. It has no sizing on the shoulder straps, like this one does, and that makes a huge difference. (Notice the buckles on top of the shoulder straps). The cheap one comes up to the bottom of my ears when seating in the kayak. Of course, I took it off and stored it under the tie down straps on my kayak. When I turned over in my kayak, I had to hear a lecture from my wife about not having it on. So I purchased this one from Amazon. Received it in two days as a Prime customer. I've used it several times and I can customize the fit so many different ways it's amazing. This is by far the most comfortable life jacket I have ever owned. If you still want a cheap life jacket, at least put it on then try sitting down with it on. If it comes up to your ears, you don't want it. Then come back to Amazon and buy this one :)

Very comfortable paddling vest. The back of the vest stays clear of my seat and the arms allow ample movement for any stroke I need. It gives plenty of buoyancy, but support in the water is only marginal -- if you get knocked senseless you are liable to end up face down. This is a great vest as long as you are conscious to work with it -- good for use on open water, but I might look for something else on activities where a helmet is warranted. I do have one minor gripe -- the pockets are too small for my electronic gizmos. When I am in my touring yak the pockets on my vest are about the only pockets I can access without popping my cover -- it would be convenient if I could fit my GPS (5" screen) into one of those for easy access, but it just doesn't fit. Not a big deal to work around -- like I said, just a minor gripe.

I have been using this jacket for several months and I love it. It is highly adjustable and very comfortable. The high back works well in a kayak seat. I find the pocket space to be fine for my needs. While it doesn't have lots of little pockets for different items to be held separately, I find that the larger pockets hold what I need and they are easy to get things in and out of while you are balancing yourself in a kayak. While having worn the jacket many times, I have never had to us it for flotation purposes. I am assuming it would work well in time of need.

I haven't tested this product in the water yet because I just bought it in December. However, it fits perfectly and it allows my arms to move freely which is perfect for kayaking. It is also very comfortable as well and I like the high back. A friend of mine has the female version and she loves it too.

Ordered mine friday...had it sunday morning! Paddled 7.miles today and I didn't feel like I had a pfd on. Super adjustable, nice roomy pockets for my large smartphone....keeps my back cool and fits great on my kayak! I am good to go!

I'm a classic "medium" for shirts and this fits just fine. Love the arm room for kayaking and pockets up front. Its zipper design is easier and quicker than buckle pfds Stays in place and lighter weight than my more boxy pfd.