I bought this pfd for a minimalist summer only. It seems to be more light weight than my other primary pfd (NRS Ninja). It is a front zip. The adjustment straps have straps to enable tucking away any extra strap, and keep "flapping"to a minimum. the front has 2 securable pockets, 1 is zippered and has a small hole for an antenna of a radio. The other has a velcro closure. both are large enough for an item the size of a cell phone. The lined hand pockets are not very large, and are not very functional as hand warmers in my opinion.
The strap placement, adjustability and very high quality materials make this my most comfortable pfd against bare skin, and it shows nearly no age after 3 years of wear.
There are pfds with more bells and whistles, but few that are more adjustable and comfortable.
