Astral

BlueJacket Personal Flotation Device

Great vest

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

L/XL

Because of my own experience, I was glad to see this on sale and bought one for my adult son. He enjoys flat water paddling and whitewater rafting, and he will appreciate this vest. I’ve had one for around 18 months, and it’s been my go-to when WW kayaking or rafting. It fits well (I’m 6’1 and around 220), and the clamshell pocket comes in handy, especially on longer excursions. At regular price it is very expensive, and I wish it had more flotation. Instead, it has the near-standard ~16 lbs. Also, as much as I like the clamshell, it does have one slight downside; it sticks out far enough to be a small impediment when getting back in the raft after a swim. All of that said, I like mine very much, and, regardless of the price, I would not put my son in one if I were not very pleased.

The best, in BLUE!

Honestly, I already have a three year old Blue Jacket in the black and pine green color, but bought a Prijon Beast in almost this same Glacier Blue, and just could not pass up have a matching PFD. My old one is now dedicated to pushing rubber, where it compliments a Shredder with esteem! I will love them both equally~

Comfy and secure

Comfy but secure fit, love the low profile allowing a great range of motion. Clam shell front zip pocket is quite handy for things like rescue carabiners, snacks, or a fly box. I can wear the Blue all day and forget I'm wearing it.

At last, the perfect PFD.

I have been a boater since 1996 and this is by far the best PFD I have ever had. The clamshell pocket is ample in size and by design very easy to access. The profile allows for unimpeded movement while delivering 16.4 pounds of floatation. The placement of the straps allows for a fit that feels as comfortable as it secure. I especially appreciate the design of the shoulder strap adjustments that make it easy to adjust from the lower front of the pfd rather than the awkward top of the strap standard. The build quality of this vest is industry unmatched IMHO. Thanks Astral!

The Versatile Green Jacket is just what I needed.

I have been looking for a good versatile and comfortable PFD. I’m an Instructor and teach safety in my classes so often play the rescue victim so know how effective it is when in the water and out of your boat. I also serve as a safety boat for paddling events so have towed a number of Kayaks, Canoes and SUPs for exhausted or injured paddlers as it performs well. I enjoy sea kayaking and surfski paddling so paddle often in rough conditions and confident the Green Jacket adds additional safety. It has plenty of flotation and appreciate the extra protection it gives my rib cage. I did some open water rescue training on Lake Superior in windy conditions there was never a problem with the Green Jacket it stayed secure and in place. I recently purchased a second one as we spend the winter paddling season in Texas so want to always have one handy.

Comfortable, Innovative, Brilliant Design

The fit is great. It’s designed so well that I barely know I have it on. The bottom part gently hugs my torso, very comfortably moving with me. Yet, the front clamshell stay’s slightly away from my body, even when its separate straps are pulled down tight, making it feel roomy and freeing. And the cut up top leaves plenty of room for every movement. It’s really a brilliant, innovative design. The small, side gear pockets and the large front storage pocket (with really smart and convenient sun pockets) is also definitely a huge plus!

Another Winner

Loving the Blue jacket. Lighter than my old Green Jacket. The flip down front pocket is the main reason I bought the jacket. Plus I can slip in a tow harness if I need to be prepared for doing any light rescue work.

Love it!

This is my second bluejacket and I love it, love the side entry, love hopping off the raft to swim in it, love the large frontal pocket for sunscreen and the small back pockets for guests trash.

Great product

Perfect PFD for freestyle kajaking. Thanks to a lot of freedom of movement and wearing comfort. I love the colour and the lightweight. I also use it in my touring kayak.

I love the bladder but it takes practice

I purchased this about a year ago specifically because I liked the fit of the green jacket but wanted the hydration bladder as well as a side entry. Though the hydration bladder (not included) takes some practice getting the loops connected so it hangs properly, I’ve never had a problem with it “falling out” while I’m wearing it even when I’m swimming class III/IV rapids. That just sounds like user error. It does fall out once you take the jacket off though, which is annoying. I think the ability to access to water outside of my spray skirt highly overcomes that annoyance though. My only gripe is that the tube doesn’t fully secure to my shoulder strap and so I need to tuck it into my hand sleeve and tighten the sleeve down when I’m not using it. The mag clip that comes with the bladder does not fit the connections on the shoulder strap. When the bladder is full, you have a snug fit so if you’re right on the edge of sizing, I would suggest sizing up if you plan to use the bladder. I would also like to see newer models of the blue in the cool custom designs that they make the green in each year. Fix the should strap attachment point for the tube, make sure the bladder doesn’t fall off when you toss it in your gear bag, include some cool designs and I will totally purchase again when mine wears out.