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Stohlquist DRIFTer PFD

Water Sports > Floatation & LifejacketsRated: ***** by 9 reviews.

REI

The low-profile DRIFTer PFD's unique cross-chest cinch eliminates ride-up for full mobility, buoyancy and comfort on and in the water.

  • Durable Cordura® nylon shell resists abrasion and UV rays for long-lasting service
  • Stretchy, adjustable neoprene shoulders follow your movement without hindering it
  • Eco-conscious Gaia™ PVC-free foam is soft, flexible and won't break down in a wet environment
  • Unique cross-chest cinch strap design totally eliminates annoying ride-up and keeps flotation in place to float you higher when in the water
  • Hand-beveled foam for a closer, more comfortable fit; high-waistline cut and short lower back won't hinder motion or rub back-rest
  • Roomy, zippered bellows pocket with drainage grommet stores accessories securely
  • Center-zip design with non-corroding nickel zipper slider allows easy entry
  • Cool mesh side panels with wide side cinch-straps secure fit while allowing cooling airflow
  • 3M® reflective accents provide better low-light visibility
  • 4-way lash tab lets you secure accessories like strobes or knives
  • Dual-adjust waist strap with side-release buckle closure

Backcountry.com

For paddlers seeking a comfortable, low-profile PFD, the Stohlquist DRIFTer Life Jacket fits the bill perfectly. The front-access DRIFTer has a cross-chest cinch strap to eliminate ride-up, and the high waistline prevents interference from a seat or spray skirt. A large front pocket holds a flip line, knife, or sunscreen. Made with the same attention to detail as other Stohlquist PFDs, the DRIFTer has wide arm holes, adjustable stretch shoulder straps, and low-profile foam that all make it so comfortable you'll forget it's there.

Closure:Front-zip with waist buckle
Country of Origin:China
Flotation:16 lbs. 8 oz
Flotation / Buoyancy:16lb 8oz
Gender:Unisex
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:Nylon/rubber/polyurethane
Pockets:1 Front
Touring Tow Compatible:No
USCG Classification:Type III
USCG Type:III

View other products from Stohlquist classified in Water Sports > Floatation & Lifejackets.

View all products from Stohlquist.
View other products classified in Water Sports > Floatation & Lifejackets.

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Stohlquist Drifter PFDStohlquist Drifter PFD - Kids$89.95
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
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Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

SizeColor
Mango
Mango
Royal Blue
Royal Blue
Fireball Red
Fireball Red
Chili
Extra Extra Large101.96101.96101.96120.00
S / M101.96101.96101.96 
Small / Medium   120.00
L / Xl   120.00

Legend

  •     - REI
  •     - Backcountry.com

Stohlquist DRIFTer PFD Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****7
****0
***2
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Life Jacket Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Xander Kerman

Rating:*****

I actually have to think hard to find things wrong with this vest... It is comfortable to wear (even bareback!)- almost enough to make me keep it on all the time! And that means a LOT for me! It has both a zipper (for ease of wearing) and a buckle (for attaching to a pack for a portage) closures. The range of motion is perfect for me. Does it ride up? Of course, but show me a PFD that doesn't. And if that really bugs you the straps tighten enough that you can prevent it at the cost of some of your comfort. Also when wearing without a shirt the bottom buckle clasp can chafe slightly but after a little while it'll wear in. Kneeling in cedar/canvas canoes in this is mildly difficult to situate (but perfectly comfortable after that) but the only PFDs really good for that are those awful thin vest-style PFD that are beyond uncomfortable. And anyways you'll be wearing this PFD the whole trip anyways! (Wear your PFD!!!)
Last things- I mainly use this vest for canoeing but I have paddled kayaks in it too and it is equally as comfy and functional! And keep in mind that the front section is considerably thicker than the back, but that really only makes it more comfortable. Keep paddling!

Xander Kerman at Backcountry.com on 05/03/2009

I love this PFD

Rating:*****
I love this PFD, I have read many Reviews about this product and similar products, about 60% of people that remark about PFD riding up, do not adjust them correctly they are suppose to be tight like you can feel them. If you really look at this aspect of weight when kayaking the vest can really not be too heavy unless you fill the pockets with allot of useless items. I normally keep survival necessity with me and a knife incase I get separated from my boat. GPS pocket are nice but you can figure out a little mounting option for those. Know about heat. Any vest that I have put on will eventually warm up depending on what you are doing when you are wearing it. Just like survival situation dress in layers and shed what you don't need. But even that does not matter it's just the way it is.
Gizmo at REI on 06/09/2009

Perfect Fit

Rating:*****

This vest is incredibly comfortable. I'm a woman and while I'm not huge in the bust, I'm not flat either. It fits perfectly with out making me feel like I'm being squished to death. It provides full range of motion for your arms/shoulders and has minimal ride up for me. I hardly remember that I have it on which makes it that much easier to wear.

lif100369078 at Backcountry.com on 08/21/2009

wat er lady

Rating:*****
I got this for my granddaughter to wear when kayaking with me. Since I adore her, it had to be safe and comfortable, so that she would keep it on, with pleasure. After many trips, she loves it and wears it all day. thanks for a great vest
short-lady at REI on 07/28/2009

Love it!

Rating:*****
I love this PFD. I tried on several women's models and none of them fit as well as the men's Drifter. I'm 5'10" (34D chest) and bought the men's S/M and it fits perfectly. It is super comfortable with plenty of arm movement. I highly recommend this PFD.
Summer Lovin at REI on 10/14/2007

Light Weight, Ease of Use

Rating:*****

I needed two vests for Kayaking and my two most important criteria were weight and arm hole size. This jacket filled my needs perfectly. Stitching and fabric are high quality. This was a great purchase.

alpop at Backcountry.com on 09/25/2008

I like it

Rating:*****

I use this for 1-3 hour flat-water tours and find it comfortable.

Michael Kisow at Backcountry.com on 11/18/2008

Neutral Reviews:

a little uncomfortable

Rating:***

I was looking for a vest that was very comfortable and did not restrict arm movement at all. My friends have some older vests that I love. However, I was not any to find any newer "women's" vests that were as comfortable. I order a few and sent many back. Of the ones I tired, this is the one I liked the most. It is much more comfortable than the Kitty vest from the same company. It seems that the women's vests are made for women with very large breasts, but myself (any many of my active female friends) do not really fit into that category. The women's vests seemed to be bulky around the chest area for this reason. What I am getting at is that if you do not have a large chest, you might like a men's vest better. Always try them of because fit is VERY important.

AmyM at Backcountry.com on 09/20/2007

careful w/sizing

Rating:***

i have a 39" muscular chest & can wear 40" sport jackets but this jacket in the 39"+ size had way too much baterial when zipped & strapps were way too long for shoulders. guess i'll have to check out a small instead.

larry at Backcountry.com on 07/03/2009