Women's Cruiser PFD

This jacket fits me very well and allows complete freedom to paddle. The high back doesn't interfere with my kayak's seat rest. Many adjustments for good fit and nice pockets.

In terms of fit, my chest measurement (36) put me into the M-L size according to the manufacturer's website; but the XS-S fits me better, due to my small back and ribcage. It does press in my chest a bit despite the strategically placed hollows; but if you're used to the feel of a sports bra that shouldn't be too bothersome unless you're really well-endowed.

This PFD is cut to fit a woman's body eliminating most of the crushing that occurs with other styles. There are multiple straps that enable you to get the right fit both around the torso and over the shoulders ad still allows you to breathe. I especially like the cross chest straps that seem to keep the mesh back of the PFD from riding up. The PFD is relatively open on the sides allowing for freedom of movement. I've paddled up to 12 miles a day in this PFD and have not had any rubbing or discomfort. The half mesh back allows for the PFD to not get hung up on your seat back. This is the most comfortable PFD I've worn and it does keep you afloat when you need it! I only give it a 9 out of 10 because there is always room for improvement. I recommend this PFD.

At last a woman's specific pfd that is geared to a woman's anatomy!
I am small, very small, but the carve out in the chest makes a HUGE difference in comfort
No one likes being smashed in constantly for reasons of safety in moving water!
My husband has a pfd with water bladder clip on, radio slots, secret pocket i.e. All bells, but I would rather strap things on and be comfy and safe when and if I go over in my kayak!
Great design thanks stohlquist, also nice flower design on front!

I purchased my Stohlquist Women's Cruiser PFD in March 2014, and have used it extensively this summer. The fit is very good, and it does not ride up while sitting, like previous PFD's I have had. I especially like the padded shoulder straps; a necessity for those day-long paddles!

I have several of these Stohlquist Cruiser PFDs. I first tried a MTI PFDiva. The Cruiser is definitely more comfortable. While kayaking my arms do not rub against the sides of the Cruiser. Perhaps due to the nice adjustment areas.

It seems to me that all women's PFDs are a bit puffy in the bust. The Cruiser fits well for my average bust and does not make me feel like the michelin man. I wear this vest for both whitewater and for flat water kayaking. With both the high angle and the low angle paddling styles the Cruiser is a comfortable fit.

I also like that Stohlquist has bright colors for the Cruiser. I really like being visible. Great pockets. Nice little key clip in the pocket.
Highly recommend.

This is one of the few PFDs that will truly work with a high-back seat like those found in many Old Town kayaks (the ExtraSport XtraComfort seat). Many PFDs claim to be for high backs, but they hit right at the top of the seat back, which is irritating, or they come just below it and you're constantly tugging them down. The foam portion of the Stohlquist Cruiser comfortably clears the seat back even in its highest position, with mesh below.

The Stohlquist Women's Cruiser is the only PFD I've ever owned (I've had several) that I could stand to wear for any length of time. This is mainly because it is cut low in the armpits for great freedom of movement. The women's cup shape really is comfortable. The foam is not bulky---it doesn't protrude out in front of you like many PFDs.

Adjustment is simple: you pull on two straps located on the front and they tighten up the whole PFD, with one additional waist adjustment.
The front zipper works very well. There is a patch on the back where you can attach a light.

I give this PFD an 8 instead of a 10 because I would like the pockets to be larger and I would like to have at least 2 D rings on the outside, not inside the pockets. There is only 1 D ring, inside a pocket.

Price is $90. That's steep, but I guess my life is worth $90. All previous life jackets were used as deck decorations. That could be why paddling.com has never published my photos---they set a bad safety example. Now I can paddle safely and in comfort!