Does anyone know if there are pfd kits that are built into hydration backpacks out there?

If we cannot find anything does anyone know anyone who can custom build these for downwind/ocean paddles?

The bum bag PFD is very light duty, the next level up inflatable horseshoe (gas and manual) are better built, and if you put them into a waterproof marine bag and place that in your backpak/hydro it stays dry and lasts longer. That's what i use and never have to wash it every time. Pricing as about the same.

It folds in half so is quite small un-inflated.

R

This is the one

Make one?

X angie

A hydration backpack is a pfd yes?? could you not just modify it so if you need it as a floating device that you could just blow air back in to it and fill the bag with air?? That's just of the top of my with out really thinking or looking to see if it would work....

Jacko

A hydration pack is certainly useful to use as a floatation device, as Jacko says. I am looking for something that goes a little further than this. A type 1 PFD needs to be able to have bouyancy behind the head and this is what I woulkd like to see built into a hydration backpack.

My little bum-bag PFD is so small it can be worn around your waist and also wear a Camelbak without effecting each other.

DJ

MM
SOS Marine Australia do a PFD which fits a hydra pack in the back and comes with a padded drinking tube and pockets as well.


I tried to upload a pic and am new at this, hope it works. You would need to wear a rashy underneath it. upon pulling the toggle they are gas activated. They are classed as PFD 1 as well. They are very comfy and tough.
better pic on this link
http://www.sosmarine.com.au/Pages/Defence/Police/Police%2010%20Water%20Police%20PFD-1%20Safety%20Vest.htm

Hey Lacey.. Most of them sit very high and tight'ish under you're arms.

The one I use lets you lower it so you don't look like 'Harry high pants'.. and mine only costs $140.

The pocket on the back is for a hydration drink bladder.

DJ


Ultra trek
http://www.ultrapfd.com.au/default.asp?PageID=64

.

something i have discussed with og sup is in qld, a full pdf would probaby cause you to overheat. a dark rashie is too hot in summer. hence, we are looking for minimal upper body coverage. thats probably not a concern for the southern states i'm guessing
cheers

LSD said...

Guys...before you get too carried away with current gear, a new Aust standard 4758...regarding pfds....is now in.. check it out.
cheers

Dean I looked into all this and although there is a change coming there will be a period of maybe years before the new standard to be required.. First there will be a period to let shops sell existing stock.. and then there will be a period (prob 10-15 yrs if not more) before we will need to upgrade to the new standard.. I'm sure in that time you'd be getting your moneys worth out of whatever you buy now.

DJ

Thanks for everyone's feedback. With more of us looking we might just find what we need out there.

There are a few things that we need to look for:

1) Ideally it should be a PFD type 1, so that we cover all bases. A type 1 has neck support and is designed to keep you floating face upwards with your head above water. Some of these great options that have been sent in are Type 2 and 3

2) There has to be freedom of movement under the arms, due to the nature of our paddling stroke.

3) Ideally it should be 1 single system, but if we cannot find one we need to find 2 components that fit well together.

4) It needs to be light (some of these gas filled ones are simply too heavy)

5) It needs to be affordable.

Imo, the Pinnacle II is too expensive (A$1499) and looks like it could be restrictive on the sides



the Trek is too expensive (A$2260) and looks like it could also be restrictive on the sides



The combo of the combination of the SOS 5114 and SOS Hydropack looks ok. I will try and get some prices on these. As they build gear for the military they may have what we are looking for.





The gear from Canoeing Downunder looks pretty good (and reasonably priced) but I could not find a Type 1 system.

This is what they have:













I will keep looking...

Savage1 said...

Mikeman, what your looking at is the Model number, not the price.

I just picked up the Trek for $130.

Looks like good quality for a fair price...

Cheers

i was speaking today to the guy that owns/runs canoeing downunder. he uses the race pro and the ocean pro. the race pro doesn't have spare pockets for gear, but would be good for races. the ocean pro is a bit bigger, but comfy and has more pockets and features etc then you can poke a stick at.he thinks the trek is one of the best and value for money. the photos are of the vest siting flat so there is no bulk on the sides. he says some of these jackets aren't rated to oz standards, but have been rated in other countries.it takes time and a lot of money to get them rated in australia
cheers

OG SUP said...

Hey Lacey,

I agree with DJ have a good long look at the Trek, I have used it quite a few times and found it did and excellent job.

Phill

phill, they do look good. however, i'm being fussing and i know a lot of people aren't that keen to be wearing them. ideally, i think a water pack, some storage and most of the pfd on the back would be perfect, but there doesn't appear to be anything around. if it's compact, reasonably light weight and out of the way, a lot more people will or would wear them. so the search/ aim to find or get somebody to make em is high for sure
cheers

jenkz said...

Mikeman, I have the Pinnacle ultra and I find it to be fine. What you can't see in the picture is that the sides are mesh at 17cm high and 32cm long. You can adjust these with two straps. I tend to paddle with these two loose and the bottom one firm but comfortable. There is also heaps of adjustment in the shoulder straps. I use a 3L bladder from a camelbak in the hydration pocket. Due to padding in the front to make you float on your back it may seem to be bulky but it doesn't restrict my paddling style. This vest is the PFD type two. I think you may need a neck support on a life jacket to get it to rate as a PFD type 1 but I could be wrong.

jenkz, for me, if all else fails, the pinnacle looks the best all round package
cheers

DavidJohn said...

I can't see myself ever wearing a type 1 PFD.

Aren't they more for kids to keep their head up?.. I'd hate to have that collar on my PFD while I'm paddling.

DJ

Sorry to disappoint you but you just might have to start learning soon. The regulations are tightening up on all of us ocean paddlers, especially after a recent event down south.

i will have a look at a ultra pinnacle today. a place called aqua sports and dive on the goldie are listed as having them.i'm not that fussed on wearing them, but have been told they are no problems, so it will be good to try one on myself
cheers