Each year PFDs get better. Last year Kokatat came out with the Orbit Tour which is a low profile PFD that you don't feel you have on. Some people have started to wear inflatable PFDs. We are not big fans of this as they don't have any flotation until inflated. If the cartage does not work it would be hard to blow by mouth it up in waves, when nervous or when in cold water. Now comes the Kokatat Sea02. It has 7.5 lbs. of flotation, which is enough to keep most kayakers floating high enough to deal with the emergency that put them into the water. If things are going bad, pull the cord and you have 22.5 lbs. of flotation Most PFDs that kayakers wear have 15 lbs. of flotation. Everyone needs to try one of these. It might change your mind about how comfortable a PFD can be.

Kokatat says: Kokatat introduces the SeaO2, the first UL approved, hybrid-inflatable life vest designed for paddle sports. The lightweight, comfortable design looks similar to many full foam life vests currently on the market; features include generous pocket capacity, 3M™ reflective highlights, multiple side adjustments, and an open back design accommodates the taller seat backs found in many kayaks. Unlike any other life vest, the SeaO2 incorporates a “hidden? flotation chamber within the body of the vest. In an emergency, the life vest’s inherent 7.5 lbs. of flotation can be immediately boosted to 22.5 lbs. by releasing the contents of the CO2 cartridge. An oral inflate/deflate tube allows the user to adjust the amount of flotation on the fly, and the flotation chamber can be inflated, deflated and rearmed without removing the life vest. Swimming while the life vest is fully inflated is also possible. (See page 8 for more details.) Three 16 gram CO2 cylinders and three indicator pins included (additional kits sold separately.)

Hybrid-inflatable life vest
500D Cordura outer and 200D nylon oxford inner shell
Open mesh back
Mesh side panels
Two front pockets, one with key lanyard
Lash tab on back
Passively adjustable neoprene shoulders
Multiple side adjustments for customized fit and security
3M™ reflective fabric highlights for added visibility
Three 16 gram CO2 cylinders and three indicator pins included (additional kits sold separately)
BUOYANCY LB./OZ.
7.5LBS (22.5LBS. INFLATED)
Colors: ORANGE, Cobalt, Mango
Sizes: S/M, L/XL

2006 MSRP

• $174.00
• Rearm Kit (three -16 gram CO2 cylinders) $24.00
• Rearm Kit (One -16 gram CO2 cylinders) $10.00