I’ve got a few budget ones I’ve picked up. None are very functional for paddling, casting and fighting fish however.  

Anyone got any recommendations for something with a bit more mobility?  I’d like to keep the price around $100.

I have two I bought for my kayak fishing.  both NRS versions.

 

the Chinook and the Ninja.  the Ninja is way more comfy.  but the Chinook has perfect pockets for me.  I wear the Chinook and it looks it.  faded, some tears, etc.  my Ninja looks brand new.   Both have flotation in the back that allows me to sit on the seat and lean back comfortably.  

 

I feel naked without the Chinook on.  

NRS Chinook is probably the best bet. They retail for $130, but usually sell on Amazon for $120 or less but I’ve seen them around $85 before. They’re well laid out, pockets, pliers holders, high back etc

 

There’s a few I like better like the Old Town Lure Angler II and the one my oldest kid has (forget the brand) but they’ll run at least $150 on a good sale and not that much difference.

I came in to say how much I love my Mustang HIT.  But I checked current prices, and I am a bit shocked.  Unfortunately,  not in your budget ballpark.  Before that one, I used Stohlquist kayak fishing PFD for years and I had no complaints.  Pretty comfortable, pockets are good...just that it now seems bulky after wearing inflatable.

Stohlquist are reasonably priced, comfortable and easy to wear all day. I wear the “fisherman” model and find the utility outstanding.

Onyx AM/24 is an automatic inflating vest. You can get it for $101 on Amazon.

 

A foam vest on a kayak can be uncomfortable to wear all day and they usually trap heat.

 

It’s also easy to re-pack if you do something dumb like accidentally dunking it in the water. You just need a new CO2 cartridge.

 

I would never go back to a foam vest.

15 hours ago, bp_fowler said:

Anyone got any recommendations for something with a bit more mobility?

 

Like @Boomstick, the NRS Chinook gets my vote.  Mine has to be 8 - 10 years old now, has faded shoulders, but is still intact and comfortable.  I last used it in March '24 when I went in 40* water to rescue one of my rigs that went overboard.

3 hours ago, Koz said:

Onyx AM/24 is an automatic inflating vest. You can get it for $101 on Amazon.

 

A foam vest on a kayak can be uncomfortable to wear all day and they usually trap heat.

 

It’s also easy to re-pack if you do something dumb like accidentally dunking it in the water. You just need a new CO2 cartridge.

 

I would never go back to a foam vest.

 

I've been looking at those but feel like the first thing I would do is snag the pull cord and trigger it accidently.  

I had some ancient life jackets in the old boat.

 

When I upgraded to the Adventure, figured I had better get a good PFD. 

 

Went with Mustang Survival Corp Inflatable PFD with HIT (Auto Hydrostatic) for $279 on Amazon.

 

I like it very much. Yep, a bit out of your budget, but what price put on safety?

8 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

Like @Boomstick, the NRS Chinook gets my vote. 

The NRS Chinook for the win! I don't know if it's the best, but I've had mine for 10 years and love it. I would buy another one if I needed to.

9 hours ago, Standard said:

 

I've been looking at those but feel like the first thing I would do is snag the pull cord and trigger it accidently.  

I thought the exact same thing.  I was CERTAIN I would rip that thing like I was skydiving.  Five years later and never a problem.  I forget I'm wearing it.  I won't go back.  I'll tell you this, you must have to pull it like you mean it because I've snagged it a million times getting it in and out of the storage bin, on my coat, etc.  

16 hours ago, Standard said:

 

I've been looking at those but feel like the first thing I would do is snag the pull cord and trigger it accidently.  

That’s never going to happen. It’s a short cord it takes a bit to pull it.

 

It’s more likely that you accidentally dunk it in the water like I did. Even then, it’s no big deal to squeeze all of the air out, roll the inner liner, and velcro the outer liner around it. Just make sure that you keep a spare CO2 kit around.

 

Look at it this way: when people talk about a foam vest the biggest concern is if the vest is comfortable. You can spend a lot of money on a foam vest and end up being uncomfortable and hot.

 

With my Onyx A/M 24 I don’t even realize that I’m wearing it.

The NRS Chinook is the standard for fishing vest type pfds

Nrs chinook.. Or in the summer I'll wear a mustang elite 28 inflatable.. Both are really comfortable to wear all day long... 

yup.  clearly the Chinook. when I bought mine, there was this annoying virus going around.   along with the MIA toilet paper I couldnt find the Chinook to save my life (to close to reality to be a pun?).  it was clearly the crowd favorite.  I kept looking and finally found one in RED.   it has been awesome.  fits well, easy don/doff, floated me well, and I can shimmy back onto my flipped and righted kayak easily.  that big front floatation pad allows me to grunt aboard with no problems.  not sure I can do it in an inflatable.   those are very voluminous.  

 

my red looks like butt.  very faded.   but wearing it 100% in the sun is brutal.  I will buy another one soon.  maybe a red one again.  people recognize me on the water by it. hahah..

 

the Ninja is awesome but lacks pockets.  I get the knife area, but I carry a whistle, go pro batteries, my cell phone, and my left pocket is my trash bin.  line and food wrappers get stuffed inside.

 

I have gotten accustomed to pockets.

I also have an NRS, can't remember which model tho... probably a ninja or chinook. I do remember trying on several different models and brands and whatever I chose was the only one that fit me both comfortably and properly. 

Another vote for the NRS Chinook. Comfortable and the pockets are great for keeping hooks, baits, and pliers.

Buy once, cry once.

Another vote for the Chinook.

 

Saved my life about two years ago. I got stuck on a stump with no one around me and no cell service. I had to get out of my kayak.  It was 70+ degrees outside, the water temperature read 62 so I put my feet in to test it and jumped in. The surface temperature was 62 but water below that was freezing.  I went into shock and passed out. Without that life jacket,  I wouldn't be here.

@bp_fowler ever decide?

On 4/3/2025 at 12:49 PM, bp_fowler said:

I’ve got a few budget ones I’ve picked up. None are very functional for paddling, casting and fighting fish however.  

Anyone got any recommendations for something with a bit more mobility?  I’d like to keep the price around $100.

the Mustang Topwater Foam vest looks kinda nice and is $99.

I have the Basspro branded Onyx A/M 24 for like $60… use the extra $ to buy a spare cartridge… I did something stupid after 3 seasons and had to repack it. The cord requires a sharp pull so I’ve never accidentally set it off that way.

 

The best PFD is the one you’ll wear and for me that’s the inflatable.

On 4/12/2025 at 9:57 AM, Motoboss said:

@bp_fowler ever decide?

Not yet,  I’ve got my BPS ones for now.  So I’m not in a hurry and can wait and see if I can get a deal on one of the above mentioned ones.  It seems like the NRS is the more recommended option for now.  
 

I’d also like to get a chance to wear test a couple different models that folks mentioned on here before I make my decision.  

2 hours ago, bp_fowler said:

Not yet,  I’ve got my BPS ones for now.  So I’m not in a hurry and can wait and see if I can get a deal on one of the above mentioned ones.  It seems like the NRS is the more recommended option for now.  
 

I’d also like to get a chance to wear test a couple different models that folks mentioned on here before I make my decision.  

 Makes sense. Try as many as you can to find “the fit”.

dang.  i stayed on dry land until i could get myself a PFD.  that's how i ended up with the red version (which has grown on me colorwise).  

 

i had to get one FAST.