Life Jackets

Let us talk about the subject of Life Jackets.It's something some of where at all times in the boat,and many of us have only tried our life jackets on once,and keep them more so in the boat due to law.

It's only wear and tear in most cases is the dirt in picks up on the bottom of the boat,or being transported.

A person buys one life jacket,and as long as that person don't lose it.It's the last life jacket he'll ever buy,unless he or she is buying one for their children,or loved one.

The secret about what's the best life jacket for you.Does not come down soley to the price.

A life jacket in the 20.00 - 30.00 may be the one that's just right for you.

That's the funny thing about life jackets.You have the average priced ones that are really affordable,and then the life jackets that cost 30.00 more.


Which one is better?

They are both equally as good!!

The difference is that the more expensive ones  fit better,that don't snug up so close to the neck,and the armpits.It makes canoing,fishing,and even swimming in it so much easier than your standard life vest.

The more expensives ones have a better fit.If a person did have to swim a mile in one,you wouldn't have the scraping on the jacket from your arm pit area.That can bruise,and chaff something fiercely.

If you're a person who can't swim at all,or just choose to play it safe and wears a life jacket the whole time while out on the open lake.Then the more expensive one is the better choice.

The other life jackets are a little uncomfortable.They work great,and they are great to have along in the boat.I personally use the cheeper ones,because I never wear them.I'm a good swimmer,and if the boat tips over.Odds are I'll be able to get to it.

But if I couldn't swim at all..and if I spent more than just a couple weekends a year out on the water.I'd buy the more expensive one.After all..if you're going to be wearing something alot.Why not make it comfortable.

However..I do like the more expensive,and better fitting ones when I do some serious adventure.Like for trips into the Boundry Waters.I do wear my life jacket after ice out on canoe trips in the BWCA..and when venturing into Canada to spend some time Lake Trout fishing in the Quetico.

For canoe travel,and if one wears it just to have more space in the canoe for other gear.A better fitting life jacket says alot.

So you see..It's not the price of the life jacket that should determine if its right for you.

It comes down to a little about you,and what activities you're doing out on the open water.

If you're doing a little of both,and you just want a good life jacket that you wear when the conditions feel right for it.Such as windy,or possible stormy weather,white caps etc..Then go for a medium priced size jacket.

I'm all about the quality of my equipment,and like gear that's right for me.

Another thing that comes to mind is what's the right size life jacket for me?

I always get a jacket big enough that I can wear a winter coat underneath.So get a semi loose fitting jacket.They are all adjustable to some degree.So if it feels a little to big,just tighten up the straps some.

You want an adjustable life jacket.One that you can use just after ice out,to a hot day in August.So when picking out the right life jacket for you.Don't buy one specifically for the month of August.I think you know what I mean.

Lastly..if you're a guy like me who never wears a life jacket,but has one in the boat just in case.Not to mention it's the law.The fine for not having a life jacket in the boat for each passenger,costs more than a new life jacket.So make sure you have one for both of those reasons.

If that be the case.Then get your average adult stearns life jacket to have along in the boat,or canoe for that matter.They only cost between 20.00-25.00 bucks and will save your life.Good quality,heavy duty,and will last a life time.

These are the things I just wrote about when it comes to what life jacket is right for you.