x 10 on the NRS Chinook. I am also on my 2nd as the same problem with the pocket zippers on my first one.. I find it comfortable and just completed a 395 mile paddle trip over 7 days of wearing it and felt as comfortable as my own skin. I too had a Stohlquist prior to NRS, I gave it to my older son who still has it. It did not have the pockets but was very comfortable. I may look and see what models they have out now

Another vote for the Chinook. I wore a high end mustang inflatable 100% of the time when I had my Ranger but didn't want to trust it on the yak. The Chinook is as comfortable and easy to wear all day as the inflatable was.

Regardless of what you buy, it's pointless to not wear it. Just watched a couple of minutes of a video where a guy is fishing a small lake, cold air and water, and pfd is safely stored.

My humble opinion, inflatable PFD have an advantage in / comfort and because they take a lot less space to pack and store for things like air travel. I am more likely to wear um because of comfort, and the front flotation turns an unconscious person face up.

For me, the loose webbing is more comfortable and allows for better ventilation during the super Sun blazing hot and humid Texas Summers, especially compared to the full jacket type.

They can be adjusted to the level of risk. They can be worn partially inflated with the mouth tube to resemble a smaller comfortable version of the traditional front foam type, OR with the automatic inflate immersion pressure valve activated which can protect when overboard under unconscious conditions. They can also be used with the traditional pull cord, if someone is swimming or snorkeling underwater.

Whichever kind someone gets, they should be tested under simulated overboard conditions including wind and chop, to see how they turn you and if there is enough flotation, plus adjustments needed for satisfactory re-entry.

Hope this helps.

The problem with Inflatables and kayaks...It isn't a matter of if you'll go in the water it's a matter of when you'll go in!