Waist-Pack Inflatable PFD & Waterproof Phone Lanyard

Wear a life jacket you will actually keep on, and keep your phone dry and reachable.

Beginner

4 min

WAIST-PACK INFLATABLE PFD & WATERPROOF PHONE LANYARD
[ ] Manual Pull Waist PFD
[ ] IPX8 Phone Case
[ ] Emergency Strobe

Manual Pull Waist PFD: inflates when you pull a cord. Check the label for the approval type and for anything you must do to keep it ready. Manufacturers describe service and re-arming steps, so follow them.
IPX8 Phone Case: IPX8 is a rating for continuous immersion, with the depth and time set by the maker. Check the maker's stated limits.
Emergency Strobe: a small flashing light. Check the battery and the run time on the product page.

Wear it, do not stash it. A life jacket on your board is no help once you are in the water. Why it matters: cold water can sap your strength quickly, and a manual PFD only works if you pull the cord.
Know the limits of an inflatable. Manual inflatable PFDs are not approved for every age, weight or activity, and they are worth a careful read of the label. Check current local rules, as some places have specific requirements for paddleboard users and children.
Never trust a phone case blindly. Waterproof ratings are lab tests. Check the seal every time, and carry a whistle as a backup signal. A tether that cannot release is a hazard, so wear the lanyard in a way you can slip off.

Gear types only.

Inflatable waist-pack life jacket with a Coast Guard approval label
Waterproof phone case and lanyard
Strobe light for low light and emergencies
Whistle
Wild Dirt clothing for sun and cool mornings (clothing category)

Life jacket requirements for paddleboards, including who must wear one and what types count, vary by state, waterway and age. Check current local rules with the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org), your state boating agency and the managing agency: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park website.

The best life jacket is the one you are wearing. Pick one you will keep on, test it and paddle with confidence. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Waist-pack PFD

Manual Pull Waist PFD with a U.S. Coast Guard approval label
Read the label for the age, weight and activity it is approved for
Wear it buckled and snug around your waist, with the pack in front or at the back as the maker directs
Know where the pull cord is and practice finding it
Check the inflation indicator and the CO2 cylinder as the maker directs
Re-arm or replace used parts after any inflation

Phone

IPX8 Phone Case, closed and sealed per the maker's instructions
Test the sealed case with a piece of paper inside, in a sink, before you go
Waterproof lanyard worn around your neck or tied to your PFD, in a way that can release
Phone charged and ready for calls or a map

Be found

Emergency Strobe clipped to your PFD
Check the battery before each paddle
Whistle on your PFD
Bright clothing or a brightly colored board

Know the water

Check the forecast, wind, waves and water temperature
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Stay close to shore until you are confident

After the paddle

Rinse the PFD and case with fresh water
Dry and store them as the maker directs

Waist-pack PFD

Manual Pull Waist PFD with a U.S. Coast Guard approval label
Read the label for the age, weight and activity it is approved for
Wear it buckled and snug around your waist, with the pack in front or at the back as the maker directs
Know where the pull cord is and practice finding it
Check the inflation indicator and the CO2 cylinder as the maker directs
Re-arm or replace used parts after any inflation

Phone

IPX8 Phone Case, closed and sealed per the maker's instructions
Test the sealed case with a piece of paper inside, in a sink, before you go
Waterproof lanyard worn around your neck or tied to your PFD, in a way that can release
Phone charged and ready for calls or a map

Be found

Emergency Strobe clipped to your PFD
Check the battery before each paddle
Whistle on your PFD
Bright clothing or a brightly colored board

Know the water

Check the forecast, wind, waves and water temperature
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Stay close to shore until you are confident

After the paddle

Rinse the PFD and case with fresh water
Dry and store them as the maker directs