Board And Kayak
Updated on 8/12/2025
Astral GreenJacket PFD: Ultimate Whitewater Life Jacket

Astral GreenJacket PFD: Ultimate Whitewater Life Jacket

Description

The Astral GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD is a top choice for river guides, expedition paddlers, and anyone looking for an innovative and comfortable rescue vest. It has been time tested by the world's best expedition kayakers, ensuring its quality and reliability.

When it comes to sizing, you can easily measure your chest to find the perfect fit for you. The available sizes are as follows:

  • Small/Medium: 31-37"
  • Medium/Large: 38-44"
  • Large/X-Large: 45-51"

Designed with safety in mind, this life jacket is made to keep you afloat. It features PVC-free Gaia and PE foam inserts, providing a buoyancy rating of 16.4 lbs. Additionally, it has obtained USCG Type V Approval, ensuring its compliance with safety standards.

The GreenJacket offers an incredible fit, thanks to its two-panel fit system. This design eliminates ride-up and allows you to move freely, ensuring you stay in the zone during your adventures. The jacket has a pullover style with adjustable side buckles, allowing you to customize the fit according to your needs. Despite its many features, it weighs only 2.9 lbs, ensuring comfort during prolonged wear.

Durability is a key feature of the GreenJacket. It is made to withstand rugged adventures, with a 500 Denier Cordura Nylon shell and a 200 Denier High Tenacity Nylon liner. The jacket also features nylon webbing, heavy-duty hardware, and zippers with Self Locking Vislon Teeth, providing extra strength and durability for long-lasting use.

For added convenience, the GreenJacket comes with a quick release harness. The clamshell front pocket features multiple compartments and rope storage pockets, allowing you to carry essential items securely. The quick release rescuer's harness is tack stitched into the vest for easy access during rescue situations. Additionally, reflective accents are included to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

At Astral, the GreenJacket is crafted with nature in mind. The entire product line is completely free of toxic PVC, making it environmentally friendly. Astral also emphasizes sustainability by reusing as many scraps as possible, recycling everything, and even composting their coffee beans.

Now let's address some common questions regarding the Astral GreenJacket:

Sizing question: If I measure 43.5 inches with a tee shirt on, should I go with the L/XL to wear over a drysuit with multiple layers underneath?

I would recommend going with the L/XL size. It's important to consider the extra layers you'll be wearing, such as a drysuit and multiple layers underneath.

Is it rated for personal watercraft (PWC), or just kayak, etc?

The Astral GreenJacket is probably much nicer than most PWC life jackets. While I don't know the specific requirements for PWCs, I would suggest kayaking instead, as it offers a way more fun experience than using a noisy motor.

I weigh 225 pounds and I like this PFD because of all the storage space. Will this vest keep me afloat for 6 days in the Gulf of Mexico?

Although I only weigh 125 lbs myself, I can tell you that my son, who is 180 lbs, uses this vest for white water rafting. It is the only vest he trusts. Considering its durability, buoyancy rating, and the features provided, I believe it would keep you afloat for your intended duration.

Where are they made?

From the manufacturer: Astral has always operated out of a small facility in Asheville. However, they currently manufacture the majority of their products overseas. They work with production facilities in Vietnam and China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sizing question: If I measure 43.5 inches with tee shirt on, should I go with the l/xl to wear over a drysuit with multiple layers underneath?

I would, you need to think about other layers also.

is it rated for PWC or just kayak etc?

It's probably much nicer than most PWC life jackets. I don't know what their requirements are but suggest you kayak instead. Way more fun than with a noisy motor.

I weigh 225 pounds. i like this pfd because of all the storage space. will this vest keep me afloat for 6 days in the gulf of mexico?

I only weigh 125 lbs. My son is 180 lbs and uses this vest for white water rafting. It is the only vest I will have.

Where are they made?

From the manufacturer: Astral has always operated out of a small facility here in Asheville. We currently manufacture the majority of our products overseas. We work with a production facility in Vietnam and another in China.