I am looking into buying a drytop and pfd. Can anyone recommend any brands? Also... I am planning on paddling for many more years, so my main question: do I get a pfd with a rescue / towbelt attachment, or just simple pfd? I heard the pigtails (lines to attach to the boats?) are very dangerous. Is it better to buy a rescue pfd, or just a basic? Thanks for your help!

go with a basic PFD from astral or Extrasport


go with a Kokatat or IR for your Drytop

remember these are just my opinions you should try them out before you buy them

Manufactures recommendations are that a pfd should be replaced every 3 years (I run an outdoor centre and so our pfd’s are float checked every 6 months and I reckon they actually last about 5-6 years but it all depends on how you look after it) what do you need now and will your needs be the same when it comes time to change your pfd?? It also depends on what grade (you probably don’t need to think about a harness bellow grade 4) and type of water you are paddling (big volume less chance of a harness being useful, steep low volume creeks more chance of a harness being useful) as this has a bearing on the likelihood or not of you needing a harness. The other question is do you know how to use a harness, and are you happy entering the water attached to a rope. If the answer is no then don’t get a pfd with a harness. A pfd without a harness is likely to be lighter in weight and offer more freedom of movement than a pfd with.

As for dry tops ones by most major manufacturers are good whatever fits you best try them all on then sit on the floor or better still in a boat and then wave your arms around lots. Should give you a pretty good idea.


just my opinion:)

go to your local shop and they will be able to give you any help that is required. they will have a range of pfd's that you will be able to try on both with and without harnesses. it is also possible to buy a pfd and retro fit a harness at a later date.

Yes it is possible to retrofit a harness system later but most manufacturers of rescue vest add stiching in key areas to reinforce the increased stress that may accompany a rescue situation. If you want to eventually use a rescue vest I say buy one now take off the harness (if you don't know how to use it. Thay way no one will assume you do) and later put it back on when you know how to use it. Even if the recreational jacket looks the same the extra reinforcing makes a big deal. I know lotus uses heat treated shoulder buckles in their resuce vests and adds extra bar tacks to beef it up. There is also a bit more floatation. I have 2 Rio's. One is rescue and one isn't. There is a difference.

Good point about the harness comming off just make sure it will, as not all PFD's have a harness you can take off.

True some manufacturers do have one end of the belt (usually near the qr buckle) sewn to the jacket so you don't loose the whole belt.

Look at the peak uk stuff

yeah peakuk make some nice pfds ive had the same pfd from them for years now with no problem except its started fraying abit but no where it causes any major issues.

I use NRS for both and couldn't be happier. Since I'm not throwing down on class V creeks I went for comfort over anything else and so far it's worked out great.

As others have said, go to a store and get them to show you what they have and try it all on.