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Rockfish on the fly with Drifter2007

Topic: Lightweight/packable PFD  (Read 2651 times)

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  • http://[img]http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/gallery/806_15_12_09_4_03_17.jpeg[/img]
  • Location: Hilo, HI
  • Date Registered: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 100
Aloha all,
I'm in the midst of planning a thru hike of the Oregon Coast Trail next summer, after section hiking a little bit of it this summer. 400-some-odd-miles from the Columbia south jetty to the OR/CA border, and on into CA thru the coastal redwoods. To avoid a lot of highway walking, I just ordered a tandem packraft from Alpacka for all of the bay and river crossings along the way. My question is if anybody has any recommendations for an ultra lightweight/packable PFD? Or is anyone uses an inflatable PFD that they like?
I've been looking at the Astral v-eight, foam jacket that weighs ~ 1.5 lbs, and the NRS Matic manual inflatable, about the same weight but I'm assuming much more packable. Never having used an inflatable, can you roll them up without damaging the internal components? Any other pro/cons?


Pinstriper

  • Sturgeon
  • *******
  • Location: Outer Southwest Portlandia
  • Date Registered: May 2015
  • Posts: 1043
I have an automatic inflatable I wear on powerboats and drift boats. Pretty much fungible, but the Onyx is what you will have an easiest time finding recharge kits, which you will need to do every 2-3 years.

Manual are fine if you are sure you won't be knocked out by whatever accident or mishap is putting you in the water. OTOH, things like rafts and kayaks are inherently a "wetter" experience and could set the thing off when you don't need it.

They are easy to repack, but if it inflates, you need a new CO2 cartridge and they need to be the specific type for your vest.

I won't question whether the weight/bulk of your raft justifies carrying it all the way for the times you will use it, versus taking different routes. (ok, I just questioned it)

But I will suggest you might be better off with a basic foam PFD that functions as your pillow, than an inflatable that needs to be inflated several times between supply points and is completely useless if you don't have a new cartridge.

Let's eat, Grandma !
Let's eat Grandma !

Punctuation. It saves lives.
........................................................................


Ling Banger

  • Sturgeon
  • *******
  • Location: Lincoln Beach, OR
  • Date Registered: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 2589
On an unrelated note. Keep a very close eye on the tidal data when crossing the coastal waterways. If you get sucked out in a raft you'll quickly find yourself in a major shit pickle.
"We're going to go fishing
And that's all there is to it." - R.P. McMurphy