I plan on doing the Montana Mecca Pilgrimage again this year but some health issues have me looking at personal flotation devices. I wet wade almost 100% of the time.
…any recommendations?
I am also going to Montana this July – don’t know where – somewhere in the south west part (never been there before) – but I guess I’ll figure that out.
As part of my gear, I will be taking Mustang suspender type floatation devices – not sure just how I’ll wear them yet-- probably under my vest --I’ll figure that out also. However, I think they also come as kind of a belt/fanny pack.
I use the Mustang PFD. It’s recommended by the manufacturer to [u]not[u] wear it underneath clothing. Cabela’s has a nice selection of PFDs in their Spring Flyfishing catalog. Have fun in Montana. Jim
Depending on your price range, I would check into Wakeboarding PFD’s. They are not the most “floaty” PFD, but they will keep your head above water and would easily fit under a vest.
I use a Cabela’s PFD under my vest when I float tube. I don’t ever know I have it on when I’m fishing so it must be confortable. Luckily I haven’t had to use it so don’t know how well it works.
Beaver
Inflatable vests are the only way to go.
BassPro and Cabelas have many varieties, from $80 up.
SOSpenders even has an inflatable fishing vest, but it’s expensive.
I am NEVER without an inflatable and it does NOT get in the way. Some fishermen I know put it on between their waders and their vest, but since I use a belt pack and not a vest, I don’t have that issue.
I spent years investigating watercraft deaths, and I tell everyone I know to wear an inflatable at ALL times, even when not moving. It’s no impediment to fishing and WILL save your life if the occasion arises.
I second everything that CoachBob is saying. And, if your PFD isn’t cumbersome, you’re more likely to actually wear it all the time. Furthermore, if it’s hot outside, the inflatable doesn’t insulate you… another bonus.
CO2 inflatables are the top choice for fishermen in my most humble opinion.
I wore an inflatable when using a pontoon on a small mountain lake nymphing for brookies. I hardly even knew the thing was on, and that’s good since anything bigger would’ve gotten in the way when I was rowing (I’m a big guy and pushed the weight limit of that aging pontoon to the max).
Very nice! Thanks for sharing that. 
It seems like such an obvious addition to a vest. I wonder if there are more out there like that?
I have had one of the short Stormy Seas vest for 13 years. I wear it sailing and wading. I get home from a sailboat race (30 mile drive) and have a fine dinner and discover I still have my vest on. It is that comfortable.
Glad to hear. Wife and I also have the full coats they make. Let Stormy Seas Know about the vest. He is a buddy of mine for over twenty years (I even know Mike’s mom!), and I still can’t get them as sponsors. I want more guys know that ‘they’ work,because a guy WILL WEAR THEM. 
Can you use your influence to get them to get Coast Guard certification for them! I must carry a cheep kapok vest in the bilge to satisfy that requirement.