Life Vests

For fly fishing, choose a life jacket or PFD that meets your local regulations for Type I, II, or III PFDs. Once you know what type of PFD you need, then look for one with a streamlined profile so it won’t impede your casting. All the life vests in this collection are specifically designed with a low or medium profile and easy-access pockets for fishing accessories.

Inflatable PFDs, like the ones we offer at Orvis, are as effective as traditional PFDs, but it’s important to remember that PFDs are not designed to keep your head face-up if you are unconscious in the water, as life jackets are. If you want the added safety provided by a traditional life vest, it’s best to go with a life jacket. If you want assurance that you’ll stay afloat if you tip out of your fly fishing watercraft, an inflatable PFD is an excellent choice. Keep in mind that you will have to manually inflate the PFD, either by the pull tab mechanism or mouth inflation valve.

We recommend suiting up your dog with a well-fitting life jacket on a boat, the same as you would your kids. Dogs with short snouts or flat faces, like pugs or bulldogs, absolutely need life jackets since they are not adapted to water or breathing while swimming, so going overboard could be life threatening. Small breeds with short legs, like dachshunds or yorkies, or breeds with low body fat like greyhounds, all need to wear life jackets on boats since they can tire easily or not stay afloat once they hit the water. Boating accidents can happen, and even outstanding swimmers like our beloved labs need the safety and protection that comes from wearing a dog life jacket.

Choose the best fly fishing life vest by considering the activities you need it for and the features you prefer. If you’re going to be paddling for hours, look at our fly fishing PFDs designed for kayaking, like the NRS Chinook. Stand-up anglers on a boat might prefer a dedicated fly fishing PFD, and women should look for a PFD specialized to fit their torso and shoulder proportions.