PFD's

[Dave E]

Hello Melk, I have no idea what type of water you're paddling on, but for what it's worth.
While we have two inflatable PFD's onboard our drift boat ( for what reason I'm not certain, no one chooses to wear them ), in our area they are only considered legal while being worn. Which seems sensible, until that one time you get checked out by the sheriffs river patrol and it dawns on you, that you took it off to wade and now that you're back in the boat floating the river, it's slung over the seatback.
We all know what we should do, then there's the rest of time when we're just being human.
What we wear to keep us safe in flowing water are white water vests, built for the act of rowing and while wearing them is the best insurance, just having them onboard ( even if not being worn ) passes our inspection process.
Once you find the one you want, a good practice is to take the plunge. Put it on and go for a good swim with it. Doing so will show you the difference between adjusting it to be comfortably worn and having it adjusted so it won't ride up over your head when you're adrift or that it tends to roll you over face down in the water when at rest ( as you would be if you were rendered unconscious ). Anyone whose relying on a PFD of unknown characteristics and fit to preserve their life is taking the chance of a lifetime.
Check out what your state mandates, then go to a place the offers many styles of application specific vests in a wide range of sizes, then choose one based on the type of water you'll be using it on and what value you place on your life.
These folks have a huge selection and better info on vests and their uses than most: http://www.nrs.com/category/2547/life-jackets/
Safe Boating, Dave