When it comes to trusting a type 5 personal flotation device (PFD) with your life, the Astral Greenjacket is among the first choices of expert river runners. These days you can’t go to a whitewater town in the United States without seeing at least one of these top of the line PFDs. What makes this jacket superb in comparison to its competitors is the fact that it is equipped witheverything you need in a PFD and nothing that you don’t. Several of the key components to this jacket are its superior comfort, safety, and storage space. The Greenjacket is a low profile vest that slides overhead where it rests comfortably on your torso. The flotation rests primarily in the stomach and lower back and is fully adjustable for different sized paddlers with eight different adjustment points. A wide nylon strap runs around the rear of the jacket and fastens next to the front clamshell pocket with a quick release equipping the vest with rescue capabilities and boasting 1,200 pounds of rescue capacity. The clam shell pocket has several smaller compartments within it that are logically set up for a variety of purposes and are great for holding essential gear such as a river knife, snacks for the river, and one to three beers depending on individual cramming abilities. Also included are side pockets for smaller items that can be tucked away snuggly and a section of fleece for hand warmth. Another feature of this vest that isn’t standard on other vests is the Spectra nylon loop on the front of the jacket below the clamshell pocket. This loop allows a variety of uses and reliability during technical rescues and operations. Even though the name suggests that the jacket is green, there are a several colors to choose from. I personally do not recommend green if you use your PFDs frequently and if fashion matters to you because the color will inevitably fade from the sun and water making it a dirty yellow color. While this shows other paddlers that you get your money’s worth from your gear it also can make commercial customers more aware of how dirty you are and make them realize the smell of river funk is likely coming from you. After using several PFDs over the past few years my number one choice is the Greenjacket and will be for the foreseeable future. Other than the fading green color I have always been satisfied with every aspect of this PFD and it has always performed in the harshest conditions. The retail price for this item is $250 but can usually be found on websites other than Astral’s for a discount. River communities and craigslist are also good resources for finding this product but gear should always be inspected before purchasing to ensure there isn’t any damage that will make it useless. Everyone should do their own research and find out what is best for them but I guarantee the Greenjacket will be a first choice for most of you other paddlers as well.
When it comes to trusting a type 5 personal flotation device (PFD) with your life, the Astral Greenjacket is among the first choices of expert river runners. These days you can’t go to a whitewater town in the United States without seeing at least one of these top of the line PFDs. What makes this jacket superb in comparison to its competitors is the fact that it is equipped witheverything you need in a PFD and nothing that you don’t. Several of the key components to this jacket are its superior comfort, safety, and storage space. The Greenjacket is a low profile vest that slides overhead where it rests comfortably on your torso. The flotation rests primarily in the stomach and lower back and is fully adjustable for different sized paddlers with eight different adjustment points. A wide nylon strap runs around the rear of the jacket and fastens next to the front clamshell pocket with a quick release equipping the vest with rescue capabilities and boasting 1,200 pounds of rescue capacity. The clam shell pocket has several smaller compartments within it that are logically set up for a variety of purposes and are great for holding essential gear such as a river knife, snacks for the river, and one to three beers depending on individual cramming abilities. Also included are side pockets for smaller items that can be tucked away snuggly and a section of fleece for hand warmth. Another feature of this vest that isn’t standard on other vests is the Spectra nylon loop on the front of the jacket below the clamshell pocket. This loop allows a variety of uses and reliability during technical rescues and operations. Even though the name suggests that the jacket is green, there are a several colors to choose from. I personally do not recommend green if you use your PFDs frequently and if fashion matters to you because the color will inevitably fade from the sun and water making it a dirty yellow color. While this shows other paddlers that you get your money’s worth from your gear it also can make commercial customers more aware of how dirty you are and make them realize the smell of river funk is likely coming from you. After using several PFDs over the past few years my number one choice is the Greenjacket and will be for the foreseeable future. Other than the fading green color I have always been satisfied with every aspect of this PFD and it has always performed in the harshest conditions. The retail price for this item is $250 but can usually be found on websites other than Astral’s for a discount. River communities and craigslist are also good resources for finding this product but gear should always be inspected before purchasing to ensure there isn’t any damage that will make it useless. Everyone should do their own research and find out what is best for them but I guarantee the Greenjacket will be a first choice for most of you other paddlers as well.
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AuthorMichael Pero is an avid outdoor adventurer. His main passions are whitewater kayaking and rock climbing. Archives
November 2018
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