Astral

YTV 2.0 Personal Flotation Device

Still winter in Maine

I live in Maine. Bought this in December 2024. I will try it in May when water thaws. It fits well so far wearing it around the house. :)

Perfect GC packrafting PFD

For packrafting the Colorado in the Grand Canyon we needed a light weight pfd for big water. The YTV 2.0 is the answer. Perfect fit, perfect protection, and perfect design. It stays on during big, whitewater swims and its smooth front makes it snag free when climbing back into a packraft. Plus it’s lightweight is mighty nice when rafts go in packs on backs for the steep hike/climb out of the canyon.

Best packrafting PFD

Incredibly lightweight PFD that didn't skimp on features. This is my new favorite packrafting PFD!

Great fit. Very stylish

I love the fit of the lifejacket. Would recommend to others! I am using it for sailing, power boat driving, and dinghy sailing. Stands out a bit compared to the extremely common Zhik vests, so I like the uniqueness. The tan color is also super cool looking and can work with other colors of clothing well, but stands out (and slightly more visible safety wise) more than just a standard black vest. I got the M/L and I am 5’11” ~155lbs and 31” waist Male. Could have maybe done the S/M, but it would have looked quite small. I do cinch down the side straps nearly all the way. Pockets are awesome, especially the phone pocket. I only have 2 gripes: 1. With the phone pocket the foam doesn’t have a cut out for the rough outline of the phone so if you have one in there, it presses out a phones width into your chest which isn’t ideal, but not THAT noticeable. 2. I use a radio occasionally with the vest and there isn’t a way to clip one on there. (Niche issue) I could have gotten a vest with more utility. Could probably add a cloth loop onto the knife holder to achieve this if it was a big deal for me. Have capsized dinghy sailing a few times with it already and it has done a great job keep me up!

Comfortable and Classy

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Small/Medium

I bought this mostly for use with my sup. Easy to get on, doesn’t slide up in the water, and doesn’t restrict a single bit of movement. A couple PFD’s I’ve used were hard to get back on the board with, too bulky on the chest and would catch on the board. Hasn’t happened once with this PFD. The embroidered mandala on the back is also such a sick little piece on the PFD. Highly recommend this PFD

Thoughtful design

There’s a place for everything. The zip pockets are perfect for sunblock and small bits, the cell phone pocket along the chest fits my iPhone securely, and I have quick knife access. Super comfortable to wear and move in as well. A well designed product!

Favorite PFD in 30+ years running whitewater

Super light. Low profile. Comfortable. Easy on. Easy off. I’ve worked commercially on whitewater for 31 seasons from Maine to California to Alaska to Chile to India to New Zealand etc. I’ve taught over 400 swiftwater rescue courses. I’ve used a lot of PFDs. This is my favorite. I love the Astral Green Jacket but it isn’t necessary for many river running endeavors. It’s heavy, bulky, and complex to put on and off. I will always own a green jacket and I will always reach for my YTV as often as I can. Towing boats is not something I advocate for very much with a few exceptions. Tethered rescue swims are cool and fun and really never utilized with some rare exceptions. Light n fast is safe. The YTV helps meet this need. Yeah there is no clamshell pocket up front but I don’t need a lunch box full of snacks in my person. I don’t need pulleys in my PFD and neither do you. It just feels cool. Shaving 10 lbs off my upper body is worth it. The YTV is where it’s at.

Wonderful PFD for raft guide women

Wonderful PFD for raft guiding on the New Mexico Rio Grande! Light weight, flat front for easy self rescue, and plenty of space for the booby gals. Only fits a smaller knife in the pockets, but plenty of space in the hidden inside pocket. Would have been fine with a small/medium but I got a medium/large and it does the trick!

Even better with new pocket

I've been wearing a YTV for SUP and casual paddling since they were first released. Love the huge range of motion it provides and its lightweight feel, but the pockets sucked. With the YTV 2.0 I get all the same benefits of the original, but vibrant colors and the new center pocket it's awesome. Now I can fit all the things... Phone, snacks, and sunscreen.

Love my new YTV 2.0

This PFD is light weight and less cumbersome than traditional PFD’S. Easy on and off good pockets. Comfortable