The pfd will have the rating classification clearly legible on the inside of the collar area. One thing I look for is flotation poundage--depending on your weight, skill vs degree of difficulty, etc., that can be crucial.

 

It depends on how old it is. If it is really faded, falling apart, and not holding you up very well, replace it. I have my own personal set of criteria from various "fun" swims I have had:

I only wear high float(22lbs and up)
secondary buckle/waist belt in case zipper blows open(very fun swim)
I never buy used pfds(a different but equally fun swim in a 70s vest)
always attach a knife and whistle
I always carry a backup knife in pocket

A lot of kayakers like low floatation(around 15 lbs) and a lot of rafters like more. Any good brands will work fine: astral, kokatat, extrasport, stohlquist, NRS, etc.

In a kayak, fit and overall comfort/range of motion wil probably be more important than in a raft where you have more room.

Also, decide if you want a rescue jacket...a lot of yakkers wear them

 

It's a relatively new PFD, about 1 year old. It says Class III on the inside. Its a very light vest. It has a thick front but a very thin back with mesh in between the back panels. I can't seem to find the floatation poundage. All I can see is where it says for people over 90 lbs. However, it does not list a flotation poundage anywhere on the label.

EDIT: the website says 15.5 lbs.

 

Right, which, depending on your weight might be fine for class III or less. I've been through enough 3-5 whitewater that I prefer at least a couple more pounds--but I weigh 200 lbs.

 

It is fine. You want more floatation in the front cause it is theoretically more likely to float you face up. When you start getting into class 4 or big continous class 3 upgrade.

 

Ok, thanks. That makes sense... Currently I'm not doing anything continuous, especially with the paddle I have!

 

15 or 15.5(can't remember which) is the USCG min. which should work fine. In whitewater, I would want it to have a secondary attachment system. My GF has an astral camino with just a zipper, which I have modified to make safer. My jackets have waist buckles which have come in handy when the zipper blows open. Doesn't happen often, but when it does it could save your life.

 

This one has a waist buckle and a chest buckle that is under the zipper area. Then you can zip it up as well.

This vest just seems so puny compared to all the PFDs I see on other whitewater kayakers, I just started to wonder if it was ok... It's labeled as a "recreational" life vest too...

 

It will work, but if you want, find some safe areas and do some test swimming. A good time to brush up on your swiftwater skills anyhow...

 

I think you are fine for now. When you step it up you might want to think about better PFD's but it has the same flotation as many other whitewater vests just placed differently around the vest for comfort reasons. If you want to run stuff bigger than CL III start looking for a new PFD.

 

!5.5 pounds of flotation is enough, it will teach you to swim instead of floating around waiting to be rescued.
DO NOT GET A RESCUE VEST until you have taken a SWR class first and know how to properly use it, and never modify a PFD (like Rafterman has suggested) to make it safer. ANY modification will take away the Coast Guard approval and make it unusable if inspected by a Ranger or anyone else checking for proper equipment.

 

never modify a PFD (like Rafterman has suggested) to make it safer. ANY modification will take away the Coast Guard approval and make it unusable if inspected by a Ranger or anyone else checking for proper equipment.

I tied a piece of paracord onto the zipper with a loop on the other end for a biner to attach to the shoulder strap to keep the zipper from opening on its own. I suppose if this made it not pass inspection I could untie the cord...which shouldn't be excruciatingly difficult.