Kokatat Maximus Prime PFD

This is a functional, durable, comfortable, and secure feeling PFD.

I love this thing. Super comfortable, no sense that my movement is restricted, and excellent, reassuring fit.

This is a type V rescue PFD and comes with the typical bells and whistles: tethering system, quick release, tow ring, and a covered sheath mount for your river knife. All things you hope you don't need to use, but that you must have for safety on whitewater and sea kayaking (don't forget the rescue class(es)!).

Fit is easily and extensively adjustable and pockets are easy to reach. Tethering is secured and adjustable to prevent snags all while being easily accessible. There's a lot of padding on this thing, which is nice when lugging your boat, or maybe bouncing down a rapid.

My one and only quibble: I would like the pocket space divided into a couple smaller compartments, just for ease of getting thing A instead of thing B.

Construction is top notch and done with excellent materials. I have no reservations about quality or durability and expect I'll stick with this until it's destroyed. After looking online it appears that Kokatat has discontinued this model—which is weird—but it's still available, at discount, through a few big shops.

I haven't had to make any adventurous swims in this...yet...but flotation is more than sufficient in less aerated water.