The 11 Best Water Activated Lifejackets (2022 reviews)
We consider a water activated lifejacket to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best water activated lifejacket for you.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Lifejacket Vests and Best Flotation Devices for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: Onyx Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Lots Of Room: Buy: Absolute Outdoor Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest With Crotch Strap: Buy: Oneill Wetsuits Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Good Value: Buy: Stohlquist Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Youth: Buy: Airhead Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Customer Service: Buy: Drift Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Peace Of Mind: Buy: Eyson Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Adjustable Strap: Buy: Mocotono Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Law Enforcement: Buy: Mustang Survival Corp Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest For Very High Quality: Buy: Bluestorm Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest With Lifejacket: Buy: Bluestorm Gear Water Activated Lifejacket READ REVIEWBest Overall: Onyx Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon We are personally inclined towards Onyx Water Activated Lifejacket, It is not so pricy, but it overachieves its purpose and is outstanding in important aspects. Moreover, the onyx water activated lifejacket travels well, works great, it is pretty comfortable and has a comfortable design. For us, the coast guard approved an inflatable belt pack. In addition, it is great for paddleboarding, It is built with great customer service and has excellent design. Above all, the onyx water activated lifejacket is available in 5 different colors: blue, camo, grey etc., so, it's likely one of your favorites is in the mix.Most buyers found that the lifejacket is exactly as expected and at a very reasonable price. In addition, they strongly agree that the lifejacket is used to blow the bladder up with air. Moreover, a few say that this is not an auto - deploy vest and should only be worn by an adult that can swim. In conclusion, for almost all customers, it was what they were looking for.Customers say that getting a water activated lifejackets, along with lifejacket is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It looks like a rectangular pillow.
- Made in the USA or imported.
- The pocket is for the life jacket that will inflate when pulled.
- This makes kayaking better for sure.
Best For Lots Of Room: Absolute Outdoor Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon Compared with other lifejackets in this category, the Absolute Outdoor Water Activated Lifejacket has a convenient design. The absolute outdoor water activated lifejacket is designed for beginning to avid enthusiast levels of all ages. Its slender design keeps you cool in warm weather, and a soft neoprene neckline means you can comfortably wear it all day on the boat or at your favorite fishing spot. The slim vest inflates manually by pulling a simple t - cord attachment, or automatically when immersed in water. The lifejacket is perfect for fishing, save your money, it can be bought for good value and has an excellent design. Most importantly, the absolute outdoor water activated lifejacket allows for a great fit, It is great for lots of room and has a comfortable design.Most buyers found that the lifejacket would be reliable in an emergency, but haven't needed it or tested it yet. Further, a few also found that the lifejacket is, as pictured, blue in color which may not be highly visible in the water. And, they strongly agree that the lifejacket is awesome & they all want one now.Customers discovered that getting a inflated hit water life vest, along with lifejacket is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This comes with a carbon dioxide (co2) cartridger, which is the gas that inflates it.
- This is great for kayak touring, light and not bulky at a great price.
- Inflates with manual movement of t-cord or automatically upon immersion in water.
- This item is not for sale on Catalina island.
Best With Crotch Strap: Oneill Wetsuits Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention wetsuit water activated lifejackets for regular use. Further, the oneill wetsuit water activated lifejacket fits great, is good for good quality, It is sleek and has a comfortable design. Your life size is determined by coast guard requirements and may be different than your clothing size. Also, it fits snug, it fits great and has a great design. Most importantly, the oneill wetsuit water activated lifejacket looks amazing in black/turquoise/lime (4723) color and is available in 13 other colors: black, black/lime/smoke/lime, black/lime/smoke/lime etc., so, we bet you will like one of these.Almost all buyers opine that the lifejacket offered on Amazon, some through amazon itself, They show neoprene jackets in images, but describe nylon pfd iii life vest in the descriptions, even mentioning neoprene as a material in the last comment in the description. And, they also found that the lifejacket will send you an email to print of qrcode. Furthermore, a few also found that this life jacket has material completely around the side of the jacket. To sum up, for most buyers, it was just what they wanted.Top Customer Quotes:
- This has a max weight rating for each size.
- It is easy to order without going to the store.
- This fits perfectly...with strap adjustments...highly recommend it....has held up great all summer.
- This fits but could be longer.
Best For Good Value: Stohlquist Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon The Stohlquist water activated lifejacket's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Stohlquist water activated lifejacket is great quality, It is easily adjustable and has a nice design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it comes with three full - size front adjustable buckles creating a customized fit. Most importantly, the Stohlquist water activated lifejacket is cost effective, It comes with fit fine and has a great design.Almost all customers found that the lifejacket looks great, stylish for people under 50 years old. They are a little on the small side considering they are one size fits all. In addition, they strongly agree that the lifejacket is not thick and is very light weight. Furthermore, a few also found that the lifejacket does fit short on an adult torso. So, customers were very happy to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.Top Customer Quotes:
- This fits many adult sizes and looks pretty good.
- This is our number one concern for open water explorers.
- These fit fine with some room to spare.
- This stores easily, makes for a great buy, It is very important and has a durable design.
Best For Youth: Airhead Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon The Airhead Water Activated Lifejacket is specially designed for your daily purpose and has all useful features. The airhead water activated lifejacket is easy to understand, It has bought an inflatable raft and has a great design. . The u.s. coast guard approved type ii life vest is designed for inland water near shore, where chances of immediate rescue are likely. The lifejacket is good for country of origin, is worth the money, it went on vacation and has great style. Lastly, the airhead wateractivated lifejacket feels durable, it can wait for a great deal and has an improved design.Most customers quickly discover that the lifejacket will save your life, but if you go out, you often get a more form - - fitted one instead. Also, a few say that the lifejacket is good for near-shore use in lakes or along the coast. In addition, a few say that these are cooler than the best style life preservers because of the open - back design. So, buyers were eager to recommend it to friends and families.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is cheap and gets the job done.
- This is the best choice for at least non-whitewater.
- This is great to keep as spare.
- Basic flotation for the boating enthusiast.
Best For Customer Service: Drift Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon Compared with other lifejackets in this category, the Drift Water Activated Lifejacket has a convenient design. The drift water activatedlifejacket is great for sup, is black, It is great for customer service and has a good design. The manufacturer says: We stand by the quality of our boards. Also, this as well, fits the bill, It is used for jet skiing and has great style. The lifejacket is flexible, it feels great and has an excellent design. In addition, it is very flexible, it is very simple and has a safe design. Above all, the drift water activated lifejacket is ready to go, It is with fast shipping and has a great design.Almost all customers opine that the lifejacket does state that the user needs to be over 80 pounds. And, they strongly agree that the lifejacket is made in Vietnam by a Florida company with Japanese components. Also, they also found that this device is sort of like life insurance. With no doubts, this lifejacket passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers discovered that getting a water activated lifejackets, with this lifejacket made their life much easier.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This belt is comfortable to wear and is perfect for surfing.
- This is functional, works fine, it is more convenient and has a nice design.
- This provides a secure flotation.
- This is best for use on kayaks and sups.
Best For Peace Of Mind: Eyson Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase a lifejacket for their regular usage, but the Eyson Water Activated Lifejacket would be an anomoly. The eyson water activated lifejacket is yellow, it fits right and has a compact design. provides comfort, safety and peace of mind for the sportsman, flat - water paddler, or recreational boater without knowing you have it on, until you may need it. Further, it works for air bag material,s it makes for a great buy and has a comfortable design. Most importantly, the eyson water activated lifejacket is easy to repack, It is great for durable fabric and has a great design.Most buyers opine that the lifejacket is easy to inflate and deflate, and its color is vibrant. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the lifejacket is good to go for next time.Few customers bought inflated hit water life vest, along with the lifejacket.
Top Customer Quotes:
- The first test was for the inflating device, second test was for chamber air leakage.
- Equipped with a back-up oral inflation tube on the left of the life jacket.
- For 150n buoyancy, with fast shipping.
- Ce certificated & solas approved 3m reflectors.
Best For Adjustable Strap: Mocotono Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon The Mocotono Water Activated Lifejacket is the most desirable lifejacket on the market today. The mocotono water activated lifejacket allows for adjustable strap and has a good design. The Manufacturer says: We give you another rearming kit for your backup. In addition, it is made to fit well made of 210d nylon, It looks great and has a comfortable design. The lifejacket is very slim and does not restrict movement. Finally, the mocotono wateractivated lifejacket provides a universal size and can be adjusted to around 29.Most customers opine that the lifejacket comes with a replacement co2 cartridge. And, a few strongly agree that the lifejacket includes spare 33gr co2 and it is easy to air dry and repair. Moreover, they strongly agree that the lifejacket is as good as the expensive ones. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the lifejacket suits the purpose.Customers found that buying a water activated lifejackets, along with lifejacket is useful.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It is easy to put on and take off.
- This is a good best for kayak freedom of movement when fishing.
- This does not say in the description anything about the USCG certification.
- This is made from the best quality materials, it is very happy and has a nice design.
Best For Law Enforcement: Mustang Survival Corp Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon The Mustang Survival Corp Water Activated Lifejacket should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The mustang survival corp water activatedlifejacket is exclusive to mustang survival in North America and maintenance-free for 5 years or until inflated. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The product also features the securezip closure system to ensure the vest will stay closed during even the most rigorous activity and still open effortlessly upon inflation. Most importantly, the mustang survival corp water activated lifejacket is best for a good deal, is very durable, it is suitable for heavy duty and has a perfect design.Most buyers found that the lifejacket is a top - notch work safety vest. Also, a few say that the lifejacket is perfect for everyday use for professionals. Moreover, a few say that this particular vest ( md3188 ) does not have that recommendation ... it is good to go right out of the box for five years. In short, for most buyers, the lifejacket was what they were looking for.Why We Like This:
- This fits the bill, It can vouch for sturdy construction and has a safe design.
- It provides 35 lb. of buoyancy when inflated - more than twice the standard foam PFDS.
- This features a recessed zipper to protect teeth.
- This protects against inadvertent inflation5-year maintenance-free inflator with status indicator windowdurable pu.
Best For Very High Quality: Bluestorm Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon Compared with other lifejackets in this category, the Bluestorm Water Activated Lifejacket has a convenient design. The bluestorm water activated lifejacket features 3d mesh through the shoulders and back that conforms to the shape of the body and promotes air circulation, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit for all-day wear. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the lifejacket is yellow and it is good for very high quality. Lastly, the bluestorm water activated lifejacket reduces moisture around the neck and dries quickly.Most buyers opine that the lifejacket can be inflatable and deflated multiple times though. Further, a few strongly agree that the lifejacket is on the opposite side of the pull tab. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the kits are listed by the associated lifejacket they correspond to, so finding the right one is easy. Without any doubt, this lifejacket passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- This helps you find the rearm kit you are looking for.
- The vest can be repacked and armed for use many, many times.
- You want safety without the bulk.
- This can be trusted for good quality, It comes with reflective tape and has a great style.
Best With Lifejacket: Bluestorm Gear Water Activated Lifejacket
Buy on Amazon We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate lifejacket. The Bluestorm Gear Water Activated Lifejacket is exactly that - it's a simple lifejacket that hits all the right notes. The bluestorm gear water activated lifejacket is great for storing sunglasses, fishing pliers, licenses, sunscreen during boating, fishing, kayaking, sailing, angling and other on-the-water activities. The technology, precision and craftsmanship of Japanese heritage in bluestorm gear ensures you always have the highest-quality and best-designed lifejacket. The stratus 35 features a wide waist belt and a large adjustment slider to ensure a secure, comfortable fit for all - day wear. The lifejacket provides comfort without chaffing and reduces moisture around the neck & waist, and dries quickly. Finally, the bluestorm gear water activated lifejacket comes with 35 lbs of buoyancy, This co2 life jacket will fit chest sizes of 30.Most customers agree that the lifejacket is designed to reduce unintended inflations. And, they say that the lifejacket is far less susceptible to humidity, spray and rain. And, a few say that the lifejacket fits and the weight is manageable.Top Customer Quotes:
- Adjusts to fit chest sizes between 30” and 56”.
- It is black, it is very safe and has a comfortable design.
- This life jacket is not bulky, and very comfortable to wear.
- You want safety without the bulk.