The 10 Best Life Vests of 2022, According to Experts Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search What to Buy 10 Best Life Vests of 2022 to Keep You Safe During Water Activities Made from premium materials, the Jetpilot Neoprene Vest is our top pick. By Ravi Davda Ravi Davda Ravi Davda is a certified personal trainer with nearly 10 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Ravi has worked with a range of personal training clients both in-person and online. Learn about our editorial process Published on August 16, 2022 Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Lecia Landis No matter which water activity is your favorite—whether it’s paddleboarding, white-water rafting, kayaking, or jet skiing—wearing a life vest can help to keep you safe. “You may choose to use a life vest anytime you or your child is near any water, including a pool or beach,” Chris DeJong, founder of Big Blue Swim School, says. “Life vests are specifically designed to keep someone afloat, turning the wearer face-up with their mouth and nostrils above water.” Reviewed & Approved The Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest is our men’s top choice, thanks to its premium materials and extra protection around the ribs and sides. We also recommend Mustang Survival Women’s Destiny Vest, our women’s top choice, thanks to its adjustment capabilities and reflective trim. Life vests come in a wide range of materials, colors, fits, and types. To find the best life vests, we reviewed dozens of options from the top, trusted brands. We also interviewed a founder of a swim school and a kayaking coach for expert insight, and chose the best life vests based on price, material, fit, and more. Based on our research, here are the best life vests on the market. Our Top Picks Best Men’s Overall: Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest at Jetpilot.com Jump to Review Best Women’s Overall: Mustang Survival Destiny Foam Vest for Women at Walmart Jump to Review Best Budget: Stohlquist Fit Unisex Adult Life Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kayaking: L.L. Bean Breathable Highback Vest at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best for Paddleboarding: Field & Stream Element Angler Vest at Dick's Jump to Review Best Inflatable: Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Airhead Wicked NeoLite Vest at Amazon Jump to Review Best Neoprene: O'Brien Women’s Focus Life Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Size Range: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Jacket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Men’s Overall: Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest 4.8 Jetpilot View On Jetpilot.com Pros Made from premium materials Durable Extra protection around ribs and sides Cons Only comes in one color Expensive No mesh pockets We chose Jetpilot’s Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest as our best overall pick. It has been expertly designed by a professional wakeboarder, who tested it during every watersport you can imagine before it was made available to purchase. This life vest is made from flex-lite neoprene, which makes it not only soft and lightweight but also durable. It holds less water than other life vests, which is great for any watersport you may decide to do. Although only available in one color, we love the silver look. It’s U.S. Coast Guard-Approved, and there is foam cut and segmented into 19 panels on the life vest. That means there is extra support, especially around the ribs and sides, areas that usually hurt the most when you fall. Sizes: XS-2XL Material: Neoprene Certifications: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: One Best Women’s Overall: Mustang Survival Destiny Foam Vest for Women 4.8 Walmart View On Walmart View On Mustangsurvival.com Pros Large mesh pockets Six points of adjustment Enhanced visibility in low light conditions Cons Only comes in one color Only comes in two sizes Expensive Because it has six points of adjustment, we recommend Mustang Survival’s Women’s Destiny Vest for its thoughtful features. It’s great for women who usually find the fitting on life vests awkward, and there is even added support for the shoulders and bust areas. The large mesh pockets are ideal to keep your valuables safe and secure. We love the reflective trim on the front, back, and shoulders, because it means it can be used in the late evening or night, or on days when there is low visibility. Although it only comes in one color and two sizes, this life vest has all the features you need. Sizes: S/M and L/XL (two sizes) Material: Nylon/neoprene Certification: Harmonized Level 70 - USA and Canada Flotation: 15.7 lbs Colors: One Best Budget: Stohlquist Fit Unisex Adult Life Jacket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lightweight Designed for high mobility Thinner back for comfort when seated Cons Only comes in two sizes May ride up during use No reflective trim For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Stohlquist’s Unisex Adult Life Jacket. Like many others on our list, this life vest is U.S. Coast Guard-Approved. It’s both lightweight and comfortable, because it’s made from polyethylene foam. It doesn’t matter if you want a life vest for the beach or for a watersport—this one comes at a reasonable price point. This life vest has a thinner back, compared to the front, to make it more comfortable when seated, and it has larger armholes than other life vests on our list for increased mobility. The downside is that it may ride up during use, which might not be ideal for some watersports. There is also no reflective trim for when there is low visibility, and it only comes in two sizes. Sizes: Universal and Oversized (two sizes) Material: Polyethylene Foam Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: 18 lbs Colors: Four 11 Best Women’s Water Shoes for All Your Outdoor Activities Best for Kayaking: L.L. Bean Breathable Highback Vest L.L. Bean View On L.L.Bean Pros High-back construction Well-padded Enhanced visibility in low light conditions Cons Only comes in two colors If you’re looking for a life vest for kayaking, we recommend L.L. Bean’s Breathable Highback Vest. This life vest has a high-back construction, making it more comfortable when seated in a taller kayak or canoe seat. It also has reflective material on the front and back, which is ideal for low-light conditions. We love how padded this life vest is—it gives you extra comfort and protection when doing any water activities, especially when you fall. There’s also a mesh pocket to keep your valuables secure. L.L. Bean’s Breathable Highback Vest comes in two colors. Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL Material: Nylon Certification: Not listed Flotation: 16 lbs Colors: Two The 9 Best Kayaks of 2022 Best for Paddleboarding: Field & Stream Element Angler Vest Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's Pros Large range of sizes Heavy-duty front zipper Convenient for fishing sports Cons Only comes in two colors No reflective trim For paddleboarding, we recommend Field & Stream’s Element Angler Vest. We love the large range of sizes on the life vest—this means that there should be an option for everyone out there. There’s a heavy-duty front zipper, so it’s easy to put on and take off this life vest. But what’s also great is that there’s a rod holder, which makes it perfect for fishing or angling. A mesh pocket at the front keeps your valuables safe and secure, and although there is no reflective trim for low-light conditions like on some other vests on our list, we do like the fact that it’s made from premium materials. Sizes: M-3XL Material: Nylon/neoprene Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: Two Best Inflatable: Eyson Inflatable Life Jacket Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lightweight and durable Large range of colors Back-up oral inflation tube Cons One universal size Not U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Eyson’s Inflatable Life Jacket is our top pick for inflatable life vests. In some situations, an inflatable life vest may be preferred over a foam life vest (which is what all of the others on our list are). This is usually because they are more compact and lightweight, which are exactly the features that Eyson’s Inflatable Life Jacket boasts. It can be inflated manually in seconds by pulling the cord, but there’s also a back-up oral inflation tube in case it’s needed. This life vest also comes in a wide range of colors. Although it only comes in one universal size and is not U.S. Coast Guard-Approved, it does come in at a great price point, and it is extremely comfortable for all-day use. Size: Universal (one-size) Material: ‎Polyester, Nylon, Neoprene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane Certification: CE-Certificated & SOLAS-Approved Flotation: 33.7 lbs Colors: Nine Best for the Beach: Airhead Wicked NeoLite Vest Airhead View On Amazon View On Airhead.com Pros Large range of sizes Made from quick-drying and soft materials Minimal bulk design Cons Only comes in one color May need to order a size up For trips to the beach, we recommend the Airhead Wicked NeoLite Vest. When you’re at the beach, you’re usually looking for a life vest that’s less bulky, and that’s why we love this life vest. It weighs less than others on our list, and because it’s made from quick-drying and soft materials, it should keep you both comfortable and dry. There is a large range of sizes you can choose from, from youth to XL, so you can match your children if you wish. One downside is that it only comes in a hot-pink color, which may not suit some people’s tastes. Note that you may need to order a size up from your usual when ordering. Otherwise, this life vest is secure and easy to remove, making it perfect for a day out at the beach. Sizes: Youth-XL Material: Nylon Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: One The 10 Best Sports Glasses of 2022 Best Neoprene: O'Brien Women’s Focus Life Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Obrien.com Pros Made from environmentally friendly materials Lightweight and comfortable Designed for high mobility Cons Only comes in one color No mesh pockets No reflective trim We recommend the O’Brien Women’s Focus Life Jacket if you’re looking for a neoprene life vest. Made from environmentally friendly materials, this neoprene life vest is fast-drying, light, and comfortable, making it great for any watersport you choose to do. The wide armholes also give you increased mobility. Be aware that there are no mesh pockets for your valuables and no reflective trim for low-light conditions. And note that it only comes purple (which we love, by the way!). Otherwise, it’s a dependable life vest that comes at a reasonable price point. Sizes: XS-XL Material: Neoprene Certification: U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: One Best Size Range: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Jacket Amazon View On Amazon View On Onyxoutdoor.com Pros Large range of sizes Marine whistle included Large storage pocket Cons No reflective trim In need of a life vest that offers a wider range of sizes? We recommend the Onyx MoveVent Life Jacket. We love this option because of the range of sizes it offers, going up to 2XL. It’s not often that you see life vests that have comparable sizes. A large storage pocket is included, which helps to keep your valuables in easy reach, and there’s a marine whistle attached so you can call for help in case of an emergency. Although there is no reflective trim for low-light conditions, the Onyx MoveMent Life Jacket is a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved vest that can keep you safe while you're doing your favorite water activities. Sizes: XS-2XL Material: Nylon Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: Four Best for Kids: O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest Amazon View On Amazon Pros Large range of colors Minimal bulk design Durable Cons Some colors are more expensive than others Some kids may not like the snug fit We chose the O’Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest as our top pick for a life vest for kids, mainly because it has a wide range of colors to choose from, which should appeal to most children’s tastes. It also boasts a minimal bulk design and is extremely durable, which is ideal for kids who love to play. Note that some colors are priced at nearly double those of others, and the snug fit on this life vest may be too tight or uncomfortable for some kids. Otherwise, it’s a top pick from a trusted brand, which is why it made our list. Size: Universal (one size) Material: Nylon Certification: U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation: Not listed Colors: Six Final Verdict The Jetpilot Shaun Murray Neoprene Vest is our top men’s overall pick, as it’s made from premium materials and has extra protection around the ribs and sides. Its durability means that it’s great for multiple uses. We also recommend Mustang Survival Women’s Destiny Vest. We love the adjustment capabilities on this life vest, and the mesh pockets are great for keeping your valuables secure. How We Selected To choose the best life vests, we first spoke with Chris DeJong, owner of a swim school, and Elliott Davidson, a kayaking coach. They shared their advice on the reasons for using a life vest, how and why the fit of a life vest matters, and the factors to consider when purchasing one. Next, we researched dozens of different life vests from the most trusted brands and picked the best products based on quality and value. We also considered fit, color, materials, and the type of life vest. What to Look for in a Life Vest Type br Life vests can come as either standard or inflatable. Inflatable life vests are usually lighter and more comfortable, making them great for all-day use. They do, however, require manual inflation, so you may prefer standard versions that do not. The best type of life vest for you also depends on other factors, like the watersport you do and your swimming ability. Fit br When shopping for a life vest, consider how it fits. If you get it wrong, it may not protect you in your time of need. “A life vest is usually adjustable around the waist and shoulders with straps. This is so that you can get the life jacket around the natural middle between your neck and waist. It shouldn't be one extreme or the other,” Davidson says. When it comes to fit, you’ll want a life vest that fits snug but also allows some room for movement. Price The price point for life vests varies. If you’re going to use it often and perhaps in rougher conditions, investing in a high-quality, durable, well-fitted life vest is recommended. If you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, it’s also recommended to get a high-quality life vest. However, if you’re going to use it less often or in less-extreme conditions, you may prefer a more budget-friendly option. Certification br The most common certification to look for is the U.S. Coast Guard certification. Not all life jackets are approved by the U.S Coast Guard, so you may want to consider that before buying a life vest. “A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required for certain activities, such as boating, and care should be taken to select the right device for the situation,” DeJong says. Frequently Asked Questions What are the different types of life vests? You can get standard life vests, which are made from a foam material, or inflatable life vests, which are usually lighter and more comfortable for continuous wear. The benefit of standard life vests is that they don’t need to be inflated by pulling a cord or by manual inflation. However, they can be bulkier than inflatable versions. What is the best material for a life vest? The outside of most life vests is usually made from nylon or neoprene, or a combination of the two. Nylon is less expensive, and lighter, making it great for paddle sports. For more intense sports, neoprene is usually preferable. It’s more expensive but provides a snug fit and higher amounts of buoyancy, which is great for keeping you safe. How should a life vest fit? The best color for your life vest depends on where you’ll be using it. If it’s for the beach or for low-risk activities, any color you prefer will usually do. However, if you’re using it for more extreme water sports, you may want to purchase a bright and visible colored life vest, such as orange or yellow. That will make you easier to spot in case of an emergency. What is the best color for a life vest? The best color for your life vest depends on where you’ll be using it. If it’s for the beach or for low-risk activities, any color you prefer will usually do. However, if you’re using it for more extreme water sports, you may want to purchase a bright and visible colored life vest, such as orange or yellow. That will make you easier to spot in case of an emergency. What are the safety features of life jackets? When it comes to additional safety features on life jackets, some come with none as standard, and some may have one or two additional features. However, it’s important to note that these can be added afterward. For example, crotch straps, a whistle, a light, and a spray hood are all things that could enhance your chances of survival, so you may want to consider adding them on. “If there are crotch straps to stop the lifejacket from rising up, make sure to use them,” Davidson says. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well reviewed by those who’ve tried them. The Best Swimsuits, According to a Former Competitive Swimmer 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to choose PFDS (life jackets). REI. How to buy A life vest. PRO TIPS by DICK'S Sporting Goods. Published December 8, 2021. 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