Life Vests & Life Jackets

Safety on the Water: Life Vests & Life Jackets for Kids and Adults

Stay safe on the water with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests and personal floatation devices designed for men, women and youth. Choose life vests and floatation devices that are safety-compliant for field and stream water activities, boating, kayaking, skiing and more.

Look for life vests constructed for absolute utility on the water with pockets for stowing away small items and quick-release buckles for easy entry and exit. Choose from multiple hues, including subtle tones that let you blend into nature, or bold, vibrant colors. Select from jackets constructed of nylon and neoprene fabrications.

Expect unbeatable quality in your life jacket from top brands MTI®, O'Neill®, O'Brien® and more. Most life jackets are engineered for individuals of a certain weight range, so consult our sizing information to find a PFD recommended for your size. Shop adult life jacket or kids' life vests.

Looking for additional options? Explore even more life vests, water shoes, and boat safety equipment at Public Lands, a specialty outdoor store with a purpose-driven mission to help all people enjoy the free outdoors.

Think about the water environment where you plan to adventure. No matter what your pastime has in store, ensure that you choose a life jacket that delivers a snug, secure fit without interfering with movement.

Anglers can opt for fishing life jackets designed for casting or spending long days near the water. Look for these jackets in nature-inspired hues with extra pockets and compartments for stashing tackle.

Make waves in jackets designed for wakeboarding, water tubing or hanging out beachside. Look for double buckles to adjust fit and a full zipper that allows for easy on and off. Hinged vests and devices with flex points along the front and back provide maximum mobility for comfortable wear.

For children, look for youth-sized life vests that are appropriate for a child's age range, including infant life jackets for little ones weighing up to 30 pounds. Bright vests ensure young swimmers are visible in any water condition.

Consider whether you will be in placid water or fast-moving currents to find a device that delivers the appropriate level of safety. Pull on a life vest that is constructed as a foam device, inflatable device or hybrid.

1. Foam is considered the most reliable construction for a personal floatation device, according to the Coast Guard.
2. Inflatable life vests are the most compact and intended for swimmers and paddle-boarders.
3. Hybrid life vests are designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers.

Shop all life vests for kayaking, fishing or paddle boards from DICK'S Sporting Goods.

Life Jacket & Life Vest Buying Guide

A life jacket is a safety must-have for most water activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing and more. Life jackets, also called Personal Flotation Devices, PFDs, and Life Vests, come in a variety of options. Make sure you find the right life jacket for your activity before you gear up and get out on the water.

Life Jackets for Every Activity

Fishing Life Vests may feature wider cuts around the arms for open movement, casting, reeling and paddling. This type of life jacket may include tool hangers and loops for all of your fishing gear.

Kayaking Life Vests also allow extra movement for paddling with wide arm cuts. This type of life jacket typically has a thin nylon backing for extra comfort when sitting in a kayak or canoe.

Water Skiing & Tubing Life Jackets are often foam vests with multiple buckles for a comfortable but snug fit.

Compliance Life Vests are simple and durable vests that are designed to meet some regulations for boating. This type of life vest is often foam with a single strap.

Nylon vs. Neoprene Life Jackets

Nylon and neoprene are two of the most common life jacket materials. Nylon life jackets are commonly used for paddle sports. The nylon material is light, making it a comfortable option for paddling and casting. Neoprene life jackets are commonly used for water sports like tubing, skiing and knee boarding. The neoprene material features high amounts of buoyancy to keep wearers afloat in deep waters.

Life Jacket Sizes & Fit

Life jackets should fit securely and be the correct size for the wearer. Keep in mind that adult, youth, toddler and infant life vest sizes are specifically designed to provide safety with different cuts, weight allowances and fits. Make sure that you have the correct life jacket size before getting in the water.

Your life vest should provide a snug fit and should not be able to be pulled over your head via the shoulder straps once it is secured. Be sure to check the model and brand sizing recommendations before you make your purchase, and stay safe by always following local safety recommendations and guidelines.