Stohlquist Cruiser Women’s PFD Review

I got the Stohlquist Cruiser PFD a while back and wanted to really wear it in a few different water and weather conditions before giving my review.  After multiple uses I feel very confident that the Cruiser is a well fitted and comfortable lifejacket that is well made to suit most women’s bodies.

I initially chose the Stohlquist Cruiser for several reasons:

• The biggest reason was that I wanted a PFD made for me and not a unisex model.

• This particular lifejacket has mesh on the side panels as well as on the lower half back area which makes it ideal for hot weather

• There are two big pockets on the front that can fit my camera and other things I want to keep close by.

• It has extra wide armholes – there is nothing worse than a PFD that is tight around the arms and restricts movement.

• It is made with hand-scupted PVC-free front foam with supportive inner cups – no PVC means better for the environment.

• It has several great colours to choose from.

The Fit of the Stohlquist Cruiser

I was really impressed with the fit.  It is the first PFD I have worn that did not feel really bulky.  It is easy to put on with the zippered front and it was very comfortable and easily adjustable. I found that it did conform to my body far better than any PFD I had every worn prior and it felt good when sitting in my kayak seat.

I did find that I had to pull the back down once while I was paddling as it had ridden up slightly but that also likely had to do with the back of my seat and my shifting around… so wasn’t a big deal. 

Also the padded shoulders and waist belt were really comfortable.  The armholes were large enough that I didn’t feel restricted at all and it did not rub or irritate my skin which was my main concern.

The mesh siding is fantastic.  I am notorious for complaining about being too hot in my PFD.  I hate the feeling of sweating in my lifejacket while out paddling in hot weather.  It was a really nice change to actually be able to ‘breathe’ in my lifejacket with the mesh siding and back.

I got the Cruiser in two different colours, the pink and the blue although it is also available in other colours.  The colours are a nice shade and I think look good on the water. 

I have lent out my second one to a couple of different friends and they also found that the PFD was very comfortable.  Although my PFD is a small I found that it can be adjusted quite a bit at the shoulders, chest and waist to suit different body shapes. 

The Pockets

I was very pleased that the pockets were as big as they looked in the pictures.  I could easily fit my camera in one and my snacks in the other.  You would also easily be able to fit your cell phone, keys, or other necessities if you needed to.  I have used these pockets each time I have gone out so I think they are very handy.

My Pictures:

Click the pictures to see larger view on Flickr.

Stohlquist Cruiser PFD Stats:

• Buoyancy 16 lbs. 12 oz.
• 500 denier Cordura shell
• 200 denier oxford liner
• Front zipper entry with #5 YKK non-corroding slider
• Hand sculpted front foam with supportive inner cups
• Extra wide armholes and cool mesh side panels
• Adjustable neoprene-padded shoulders
• Cinch harness system
• 1.5” webbing waist belt with forward pulls
• Zippered bellows pockets with drainage
• High waistline cut
• #10 YKK Vision front zip entry
• 4-way accessory lash tab
• 3M reflective trim front and back
• PVC-free Gaia foam
• US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved

Although I have only used this PFD for kayaking, I would imagine that it would be fine for many different types of water activity.  However if you are paddling it is best suited for ocean or lakes… not whitewater.

The Stohlquist Cruiser is Available at:

The best prices I have found are at:

• Amazon.com – Stohlquist Cruiser PFD
• REI.com – Stohlquist Cruiser PFD

Paddling Gear – Where to Go & What to Get

If you have a kayak or a canoe you may want to suit up with proper paddling gear.

Over the course of several years of buying different kayaking equipment and apparel I have narrowed down my shopping to a few favorite online stores as well as a few favorite apparel items and accessories that I don’t like to be without.

Where to Shop

Except for the odd time that I might find a really good sale in a kayak shop in my hometown, I almost exclusively shop for paddling gear online.

There are a couple of specific websites that I tend to gravitate to for my kayaking gear. They are:

• NRSWeb.com – I really like NRS because they have it all. They are one of the original inflatable kayak manufacturers and offer everything from kayaks to every paddling apparel item and accessory you can think of.
  
  I have a fair amount of NRS gear and I know that if there is something I need to enhance my kayaking experience… they will usually have it. I have never once had any type of problem with anything I have purchased from their online store. They are a great place to shop for paddling gear and accessories.

• Amazon.com – Who doesn’t shop at Amazon? After I have decided on something that I want to buy I will normally do a search for it at Amazon to see if they have it as well. Amazon is known for having some great deals and for carrying just about every item imaginable.
  
  If I can’t get a better deal at Amazon I will usually take my service to NRS but if I can I am always happy to save a buck or two. Just remember if you are shopping at Amazon to check out the shipping rates before you buy. I sometimes think the item is cheaper on Amazon until I factor in the shipping costs and realize it is going to end up costing me more. Still, they are always worth checking out.

There are lots of other paddling stores of course and you may have one or two that you favor. For myself I may stray every now and again but for the most part I have found these two websites to meet just about all of my kayaking gear and apparel needs.

To view a more complete list of where to buy paddling gear please see our Kayak Retailers page.

What to Buy

As far as what type of paddling gear you need is really up to you. Some items are not completely necessary but will certainly enhance your paddling experience and keep you comfortable and happy.

Below are some paddling gear and accessories that I personally use on a regular basis:

• PFD
• Water Shoes
• Water Socks (for colder weather)
• Paddling Gloves
• HydroSkin Shirts
• Hat
• Bilge Pump
• Boat Sponge
• Paddle Bag
• Waterproof Camera
• Paddle Grips
• Dry Bag
• Helmet – only necessary for whitewater paddling

If you would like to view some of our own kayak gear reviews and information please see our Kayak Gear page.

A PFD Fit for a Woman

For all of the women kayakers out there you will likely know as I do how uncomfortable a PFD can be. Most lifejackets are not designed for a women’s body and consequently can be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable pieces of clothing/protection that you could wear.

As most PFD’s are unisex I never really thought in years past about the fit of my lifejacket. Up until this year my lifejacket was old and well used. It had been worn by many people both men and women.

It fit okay but usually within minutes of beginning to kayak it would get uncomfortable. Either the back would ride up or it would rub against my skin or it would cause me to sweat in the heat. I never enjoyed wearing it.  I was constantly wanting to take it off.

A PFD that actually fits?!

This year I decided to look into getting a PFD that was designed specifically for a woman’s body. Don’t ask me why I had not thought of this before. I guess because I had a PFD to use and although it wasn’t the best fit, I knew it worked fine and I simply didn’t think of spending the money to replace it.

However I like comfort and I decided I wanted my PFD to actually fit MY body and not everyone’s body. I knew that Stohlquist made some excellent PFD’s and that they had several models that were specifically designed for women so I started searching there.

The Stohlquist women’s PFD models are:

• The Stohlquist Women’s BetSEA
• The Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser
• The Stohlquist Women’s Kitty
• The Stohlquist Women’s GETaWay
• The Stohlquist Women’s eSCAPE

Each of these PFD’s have received good reviews from other women… specifically the Stohlquist BetSEA, and the Stohlquist Cruiser.

After a little bit of research I decided to go for the Stohlquist Cruiser.

I liked this PFD for several reasons:

• It has two big pockets in the front – I can fit my camera and other nicknacks in them.
• It has hand-sculpted PVC-free (better for the environment) front foam with supportive inner cups
• It has extra wide armholes
• It has mesh side panels and lower half back – great for keeping cool in hot weather
• I liked the colors!

Stay tuned for my review of this PFD

Once I have worn my Cruiser a few times I will post a review to let you knoew exactly how it fit and how comfortable it is. Stay tuned…

Update:  After wearing it several times my review of the Cruiser is now complete and can be viewed here… Stohlquist Cruiser PFD Review.

Stohlquist PFD – A Lifejacket for Every Need

Stohlquist is a very popular manufacturer of life jackets. You can expect each Stohlquist PFD to be designed for comfort and strength. They are known to be made with great care and in fact each pfd is hand made with attention to all details.

Their PFD’s meet all the Coast Guard specifications. They have many different types of PFD’s and there is a model that will suit every person and every paddler or boaters needs.

Stohlquist PFD Material

Each life jacket uses only top grade foam that is specially formulated to be the lightest, softest and most buoyant for its weight. The foam they use will not degrade over time nor will it lose buoyancy. Every part of the life jacket is strength tested before it leaves the factory and consequently every Stohlquist PFD has a very long life.

The Stohlquist PFD’s are available at:

• Amazon.com – Stohlquist PFD
• Backcountry.com – Stohlquist PFD
• REI.com – Stohlquist PFD

Most popular Stohlquist PFD models:

Stohlquist aSea

By far one of the top selling Stohlquist life jackets and is consistently rated with 5 stars. The aSea is designed as a soft form-fitting vest that has added ventilation and a high cut back. The bottom half of the back is mesh which allows for great ventilation. Good for all types of boating and has self draining bellows pockets.

Stohlquist Brik

Great for pro-paddlers. This pfd uses the latest technology to add more thrust and less bulk. It uses the Cinch diagonal cinching system and internal Gripp-Loc panels to eliminate vest ride-up. Offers low profile and excellent mobility.

Stohlquist Descent

This is one of the top choices for a whitewater high-performance rescue vest. It offers a body-wrapping, ergonomically articulated wrapture shaped torso combined with the cross-chest cinch harness adjustment and self-tensioning shoulders for a very balanced and comfortable fit. It also has Gripp-Loc interior non-slip panels which provides for zero ride-up as well as multiple adjustment points. Excellent customized fit.

Stohlquist Fisherman

Designed specifically for anglers, this PFD comes with a half flotation, half mesh back, front zipper, multiple adjustments as well as drawbridge dual front-mounted tool pouch pockets and outer mounting locations for fishing tools. Excellent life jacket for any person who loves to fish.

Stohlquist PiSeas

This is another very affordable fishing vest that offers cool mesh on the sides and lower half of the life jacket as well as extra-wide armholes and open sides for great comfort and range of motion. Lots of adjustment points, large drawbridge front pockets and lots of thought has gone into this PFD to make it practical and comfortable for all anglers.

Stohlquist Wedge-E

The Wedge-E offers low-cut side zip entry, adjustable neoprene padded shoulders, ventilated mesh side panels, forward waist pulls and extra wide armholes. Good for most types of paddling, this PFD is comfortable and easy.

Stohlquist Women’s BetSEA

The BetSEA was designed specifically for women. It is cut short and small and specially shaped foam for a perfect anatomically correct fit. It has stretchy shoulders so there is very little restriction and the shorter back will not hinder movement or rub against seat backs. The BetSEA is known for almost feeling like it isn’t even there.

Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser

The Cruiser is designed for female sea kayakers and sit-on-top paddlers. It has a smaller cut, a shortened torso and supportive inner cups. The back fits comfortably above most seat backs and the Cinch harness makes for zero ride ups. Lots of adjustability, zippered front pockets, neoprene padded shoulders and a lower back waist band make this a very popular life jacket for women.

Stohlquist Women’s Kitty

The great thing about the Kitty is that it stays out of the way. It has a very flattering and compact feel as well as a petite look. It has a side zipper entry and fits like a glove for a wide range of women’s figures. It is consistently rated very high by women who are not comfortable in other life jackets. It has anatomically sculpted inside foam and is shaped to fit cup sizes B to D. Great PFD for women and good for all types of paddling and boating.

More detailed information on each Stohlquist PFD can be found at:

• Amazon.com – Stohlquist PFD
• Backcountry.com – Stohlquist PFD
• REI.com – Stohlquist PFD

PFD Hydration Pack

Depending on how hard you want to paddle, kayaking can be relaxing and it can also be a great workout. Staying hydrated is extremely important… especially if you are out in the hot sun.

Keeping your water bottle in an easy access spot is not always convenient when kayaking. Also as anyone who has ever kayaked before will know, in order to drink from your water bottle you have to completely stop paddling and hold on to both paddles with one hand while you reach for your water bottle with your free hand for a drink. It is not so convenient.

That is why the NRS PFD hydration pack is so handy.

I have been seeing more and more kayakers using one of these hydration packs as a method to stay hydrated while paddling. This particular one is designed to easily clip to your PFD, or it can even be used for hiking or other land activities by attaching the removable shoulder straps.

It is extremely durable and can handle a lot of abuse. It has a padded mesh back that breathes easily and will help your back to stay comfortable and cool.

Lifejacket Hydration Pack Stats:

• Capacity: 1.5 liter
• 3.5’ flexible hose
• Padded mesh back
• Removable shoulder straps
• 2 short straps for PFD attachment
• Outer accessory pocket
• Includes water bladder

I have a regular hydration pack that I have often thought I would like to use for kayaking but it never fit over my PFD properly and consequently was very uncomfortable.

This hydration pack is specifically designed for a PFD and is a very convenient way to have accessible and clean drinking water while kayaking. It keeps your hands free and your body hydrated.

For more information go to NRSweb.com - PFD Hydration Pack.

Important Accessories for an Inflatable Kayak

If an inflatable kayak has become your #1 self-powered mode of transportation, recreation and fun then there are a few accessories that you will need to have.

Most of the accessories listed below are essential to have with you at all times, but some you will only ever need if doing a longer excursion.

Accessories you will likely need at some point while using your inflatable kayak:

• Bilge Pump – I normally bring my bilge pump with me each time I go paddling even if it is very unlikely I will need it. It is typical for a little water to get in my kayak while paddling but I have never needed to use the bilge pump when flat water kayaking. However if there is a chance that you may tip over or that you will be in stronger waves or whitewater then a bilge pump is a very handy accessory to have. Most kayak outfitters will tell you to have one with you at ALL times.

• Boat Sponge – I really LOVE my boat sponge. This is a fantastic accessory for mopping up uncomfortable wetness in the kayak. I didn’t use a boat sponge for several years but now that I have one, I will never go out again without it. It is the most convenient little accessory you could get for your inflatable kayak and it costs next to nothing.

• Cell phone – This is a personal choice of course, but I rarely go kayaking without it. Sometimes I am kayaking out of cell phone range but I still seem to always have it handy. I have never actually used it while kayaking but it seems like a good safety item to bring… just in case.

• Comfortable Seat – Not all inflatable kayaks come with a supportive and comfortable seat. If you don’t find your regular kayak seat to be as good as it should be, I would highly advice looking into a good supportive kayak seat as it makes a massive difference in your overall kayaking experience – not to mention will save you from many aches and pains.

• Dry Bag – If you don’t have a dry bag then you won’t be able to bring anything along with you on your kayaking trip. Dry bags come in all shapes and sizes and can cost very little. As most of my kayaking trips are one day recreational types of adventures I mostly use my dry bag for food, extra clothing, my camera, my cell phone, my repair kit and my car keys.

• Foot Pump – Obviously if you have an inflatable kayak you will need to be able to pump it up. Which type of pump you use will be personal preference but I definitely prefer the foot pump. It is easy to use, weighs next to nothing and takes a lot less effort than a hand pump. Electric pumps can be good too, but even if you use one you will want a foot pump to top it off.

• PFD – A lifejacket is essential for kayak safety and all water safety. I actually very much dislike wearing my lifejacket on hot sunny days while kayaking on a calm lake. However you cannot deny that ultimately anything could happen, including tipping your kayak and bumping your head, so it is very necessary to always wear one.

• Repair Kit – If you have an inflatable kayak, it would have come with its own repair kit. Keep it with you in your dry bag at all times as you never know when you might need it.

• Rope – I don’t always bring rope with me, but it can be an important safety accessory. It is very easy to keep rope stored in your kayak so you might want to add it to your kayaking checklist before you go out for the day. If you are doing an overnight trip I would definitely recommend bringing rope with you.

• Whistle – Store a whistle in your repair kit or you can attach it to your PFD. This is a very easy little accessory to acquire and one that every kayaker should own. Do not go kayaking without a whistle, it could save you in a stressful situation.

Of course there are lots of other accessories you could bring with you, especially some other safety items but these are the main ones to be aware of. The most important thing to remember is that if you are prepared for anything then you can relax and enjoy your paddling experience.

Check out our list of the top kayaking online retailers for the best places to suit up.

Inflatable Kayak Glossary of Terms

In your research on inflatable kayaks you may have come across certain terms that are slightly confusing. Especially if you are new to kayaking it is nice to know what all the words mean when reading the kayak descriptions.

Below is a list of important inflatable kayak terms – most of which are also terms you will come across for all types of kayaking.  If there are any terms that you know of that you see missing, please let me know and I will add them to the list. Read more

Inflatable Kayak Safety Tips

There are always safety risks while traveling through water and kayaking is no different. By being aware of a few safety precautions you can glide through the water worry free.

Safety Tip #1 – Always wear a lifejacket that is securely fastened so as not to slip off in the rapids.

Safety Tip #2 – Dress for the elements. Being too cold, too hot, or very wet makes for a lousy kayaking experience.

Safety Tip #3 – Avoid all obstructions. It is possible to be pinned beneath a fallen tree or branch even in shallow water. Be sure to stay focused and steer clear of debris.

Read more

Choosing the Right PFD

Choosing the right PFD will depend on the type of kayaking you plan on doing.  The most important thing to be concerned about – besides the fact that it actually floats – is comfort. 

If your lifejacket isn’t comfortable, if it is rubbing in certain areas or riding up in the back, you will not want to wear it.  Getting a PFD that fits well and suits your style of paddling will make all the difference.

Fit

Proper fit will ensure that you are comfortable and equally as important that you float properly in the water (hopefully you won’t end up there).  When purchasing a pfd online it is really important to read the reviews.  It can sometimes be hard to know if the lifejacket you are looking at is going to fit your body properly.  By reading other user reviews you can get a fairly accurate idea of how you will feel in the pfd.  Also watch for pfd’s that are specifically for men, women or unisex.

For range of motion look for a PFD that offers good stretchy material.  Many will offer mesh sidings which really helps with breathability as well.  Also beware of where the zipper is placed and if it is easy to get on and off.

Buoyancy

The design of your pfd will determine how it floats you.  If the flotation foam is positioned low on the body it will ensure that it is submerged and therefore provide good lift.  Any foam above the waterline when you swim does not help to float you.  It is nice however to have some padding on the tops of the shoulders.  Keep in mind that you will float lower in lakes than in the ocean and even lower in whitewater surf.

Touring vs. Whitewater Kayaking

Usually PFD’s that are made for touring are full-torso styles.  They will often have pockets to hold things that you would like to be easily accessible.  Whitewater pfd’s however are usually lower-body styles.  They have minimal to no pockets and are geared for maximum mobility.  If you are simply a recreational kayaker than I would recommend using whichever type of you find the most comfortable as long as it is an approved PFD.

Color

You will find approved PFD’s in an assortment of colors.  It would be wise however to stick to the high-visibility colors like red, yellow, or orange as they are much easier for someone to spot you should you need help.

Care

It can be tempting sometimes to sit on your PFD especially if you don’t have a proper seat in your kayak.  However this is not recommended as sitting on your PFD will cause abrasion and compression (and it also means that you are not wearing it!).  Make sure it gets completely dried out before storing it so you don’t get any mildew and store it out of direct sunlight.  If you need to clean your lifejacket use warm water and a gentle soap and clean it by hand.

Let’s be honest, an awkward, uncomfortable lifejacket is simply not going to get used.  It is worth having one that feels like it is almost not there (if that’s possible).  Put some thought into your PFD purchase and it will probably be the only one you ever have to buy.

For the best selection of PFD’s check out our list of online retailers for kayaks and gear.

Finding the Right Inflatable Kayak Gear

Having the right gear for your inflatable kayak expedition can literally make all the difference for an enjoyable ride. If you have already chosen a kayak, now you are ready to suit up. This does not need to be an expensive process as there are really only a few basics you need to be concerned with.

Necessities:

Paddle
Many kayaks will come with a paddle, but some will not. Which type you choose will depend on the type of kayaking you want to do. There are basically two kinds of paddles, touring and whitewater. Read our article on choosing the right kayak paddle length before purchasing so that you know exactly what you will need. These are the choices you will have when purchasing a kayak paddle:

• Touring kayak paddle –  These are made for efficiency and comfort. They are usually two pieces with adjustable ferrule positions which allows for feathered or unfeathered paddling. You will be able to choose the length, the blade shape as well as the material of your paddle.
• Whitewater kayak paddle –  These paddles are all about control so they will have a rigid shaft and wider blades. Again you will be able to choose the length, blade shape and material of your paddle.

Double Action Pump
An inflatable kayak needs to be pumped up. It is wise to invest in a good hand or foot pump. If your kayak is hard to inflate you will most likely be less inclined to use it. Having a good pump will make inflating your kayak a quick and easy process and therefore provide for an overall happier experience.

Dry Bag
Having a waterproof kayak bag allows you to store things like extra clothes, sunscreen, a compass, food, a camera, or anything else you’d like to take with you on your excursion that needs to be safe from the elements.  They come in all shapes and sizes so there is one to fit everyone’s need.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A lifejacket is needed for the obvious safety reasons. Though it can be tempting to not wear your lifejacket on hot days and while in flat water, I must caution you that there are huge safety risks to doing this. A kayak can capsize at anytime for a multitude of reasons. Even if you are a good swimmer it is essential that you wear a PFD.

Spray Skirt
Unless you are always going to be kayaking in calm waters a spray
skirt will be necessary. The spray skirt connects to the cockpit of the kayak and essentially creates a watertight seal. This will keep you as well as the inside of your kayak dry. When purchasing your inflatable kayak, many companies will suggest a spray skirt that is right for your boat.

Crash Helmet
Only necessary if you are doing whitewater kayaking.

Luxuries

Kayaking Gloves
It is really personal preference whether you will want a pair of kayaking gloves to wear. Some people love them and others hate them. I can tell you from first hand experience that a good pair of kayaking gloves will save your hands from unnecessary blisters, cuts and scrapes. They will help you to be able to kayak much further with absolutely no pain (to your hands anyway). Though on super hot days they may seem like a slight nuisance, your hands will be much happier having them on.

Compact Cart
This will make either rolling from car to water or strolling through an airport effortless. You just strap your inflatable kayak duffel/storage bag to the frame and away you go. Well worth the few extra dollars!

Drytop/Paddle Jacket
I have personally never used either of these, however there are others who will never go out without one. On hot summer days while doing easy recreational kayaking, I don’t find them necessary. I usually just have a light waterproof rain jacket with me in case it should get drizzly. I can see though that if you are way out in the ocean or in the whitewater rapids, a drytop would really help you to stay comfortable. Depending on the weather as well as how long of an excursion you plan on doing, a drytop may make a huge difference.

Water Shoes/Booties
A good pair of water shoes will be extremely helpful to have. Your feet will inevitably get wet while getting in and out of your kayak and possibly within your kayak. With water shoes, you simply don’t have to worry about it. Make sure they are not clunky and that you fit easily in your kayak while wearing them.

Rope Bag
Hopefully something you will never need to use, however it is a great safety device that could help save the life of a friend.

Knife
Admittedly I have never carried a knife with me kayaking. However I also tend to do fairly short excursions. Some die-hards though will always have one with them. You will probably never use the knife, however it is handy to have should the unlikely event happen where you get caught up in some rope or stuck under a raft.

For the best selection of inflatable kayak gear check out our list of top online retailers for kayaks and gear.