Stohlquist Keeper Fishing Lifejacket (PFD)

Bought this to replace my worn out PDF. I went with the bright yellow/orange color because I would like to be located if I ever got lost in the water. They make other colors BTW. I use this for kayak fishing and my previous PDF had the standard large bulge in the rear neck/ lower back are. This made sitting on my kayak seat uncomfortable. But the design of this PDF is perfect!! As described, the floatation pads are distributed throughout the back and not just focused on the neck area. It provides a nice layer during the winter time too!! I can sit on my kayak seat all day now. The four front pockets work perfect. I put my phone, gloves, large vape, and glasses without issues. My only first world problem is that it uses two straps on each side for adjustments. I would have liked only one strap as I often slide my hands behind the PDF to keep my hands warm. I can't do that with this one.

The full length back doesn't ride up like a normal pfd it stays down with my high back kayak seat, comfort between the two doesn't compare. I won't be using my old pfd.

I usually don't review products not yet used for their intended purpose, however, I have worn this PFD all day on several multi-day river trips, just not had the need for it to save my life, yet! I'm confident that it will and when it does, I'll rate it seven stars. From my experience I consider it an Awesome PFD! Nice snug fit, but comfortable for all day wear. Large arm holes for paddling. The back panel is perfect for the high back seat on my fishing kayak. Much more comfortable than my previous PFD, which had a mesh back low and a thick flotation pad up high on the back - with this design the PFD was always up around my ears and damaging the top of my seat. The Stohlquist has a great fit adjustment system, well sized, accessible pockets and excellent zippers. Pockets work well for small tackle boxes when I'm wading & fishing or when fishing from the kayak on forgiving waters. On solo (don't try this at home kids) multi-day river trips, I use the pockets to carry the ten essentials with me for the unfortunate occurrence when a strainer takes my beloved Jackson Coosa and leaves me alone and on foot in the backwoods for a few days.Only one wish...I wish it had quick release belt. YAK ON! ps...any PFD you are wearing is better than the one laying on the deck of the boat!

super comfort looks and feels great, full gear on very comfy. I know because I bought like 5 other PFD just to try on this one is the best. I'm 5 8 and 160 pounds. I got a M

High quality and very comfortable for high backed kayak seats. I'm 6' and 165LB and the med fits decently.nnthe large seemed a little big on me.

Got this for Xmas to replace my NRS Chinook Fishing PFD. Very comfortable to wear despite having slightly larger front flotation in the front than the NRS. I find the solid back of the vest more comfortable than the Chinook and the upper back floatation on the Chinook was always needing to be adjusted out of the way of the top of the kayak chair. Pockets and storage are good. The Chinook is an excellent fishing pfd but given the choice between that and the Stohlquist Keeper, I would choose the Keeper.

Just a tad bulky. All in all solid quality vest. Love the pockets.

I was worried about the sizing of my order. When it arrived I loosened all the straps and put it on, adjusting as it set in shape. At 6’1” 260lbs I was nervous, but everything I wanted this vest to do, freedom of movement, non-binding, snug, pockets useable, all these things passed muster. I’m wearing it around the house to get used to it so when I can get back out on the fishing boats I will be confident in my PFD.