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Astral BlueJacket Life Jacket (PFD)

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Product title: Astral BlueJacket Life Jacket (PFD)
SKU: ELJ_ALBLUJAC-CherryCreekRed-L/XL

The Astral Bluejacket Lifejacket combines incredible fit, organized storage, and a variety of technical features. Originally a sea kayak PFD, the versatile BlueJacket also performs on lakes and whitewater rivers, making it a go anywhere, do anything lifejacket. Multiple adjustment points make it easy to securely fit the vest to your shape and size while body-molding foam wraps you in protective floatation to keep you safe on the water. The Astral BlueJacket is perfect for whatever kind of paddling adventure you’re heading out for.

  • Versatile crossover design works well for sea kayaking, whitewater, flatwater, and fishing
  • Tough outer shell provides long-term durability while the liner fabric feels good against your skin
  • Side-buckle entry allows for easy on and off
  • PVC-free foam flotation panels mold to your body for all-day comfort
  • Freestyle Tectonics outer front panel moves freely while the inner panel stays securely in place
  • Multiple adjustment points ensure a custom fit
  • Large clamshell front pocket with inner compartments for easy organization
  • Dual side pockets provide more storage for small essentials
  • Handwarmer pocket is oh-so-comfortable on chilly days
  • Reflective accents keep you visible in low-light conditions
  • Internal sleeve holds a hydration bladder and routes the hose to either shoulder (bladder not included)
  • Quick-release tow belt compatible for light rescue (belt not included)
  • US Coast Guard Type III Certification through testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
  • Manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the reasonable product lifespan

Technical Specifications

CertificationUS Coast Guard Type III
Design Buoyancy16.4 lbs.
ProfileLow
Entry SystemSide-release buckles
Adjustment Points4 side, 2 front, 2 waist
PocketsFront zippered clamshell with internal organization, 2 zippered side pockets
Outer Fabric200 x 400 Denier ripstop nylon
Liner Fabric200 Denier lightweight nylon
Foam InsertPVC-free Gaia & 100% PE foam
ZippersYKK with self-locking Vislon teeth
HardwareHeavy-duty Acetal, stainless steel, and polypro nylon webbing
Average Weight2 lbs. (907.2 g)
Hydration BladderCompatible with Crux 1.5L or similar size (hydration bladder not included)
Rescue BeltCompatible with 1.5" width quick-release belts (belt not included)

Overview

Product title: Astral BlueJacket Life Jacket (PFD)

SKU: ELJ_ALBLUJAC-CherryCreekRed-L/XL

The Astral Bluejacket Lifejacket combines incredible fit, organized storage, and a variety of technical features. Originally a sea kayak PFD, the versatile BlueJacket also performs on lakes and whitewater rivers, making it a go anywhere, do anything lifejacket. Multiple adjustment points make it easy to securely fit the vest to your shape and size while body-molding foam wraps you in protective floatation to keep you safe on the water. The Astral BlueJacket is perfect for whatever kind of paddling adventure you’re heading out for.

  • Versatile crossover design works well for sea kayaking, whitewater, flatwater, and fishing
  • Tough outer shell provides long-term durability while the liner fabric feels good against your skin
  • Side-buckle entry allows for easy on and off
  • PVC-free foam flotation panels mold to your body for all-day comfort
  • Freestyle Tectonics outer front panel moves freely while the inner panel stays securely in place
  • Multiple adjustment points ensure a custom fit
  • Large clamshell front pocket with inner compartments for easy organization
  • Dual side pockets provide more storage for small essentials
  • Handwarmer pocket is oh-so-comfortable on chilly days
  • Reflective accents keep you visible in low-light conditions
  • Internal sleeve holds a hydration bladder and routes the hose to either shoulder (bladder not included)
  • Quick-release tow belt compatible for light rescue (belt not included)
  • US Coast Guard Type III Certification through testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
  • Manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the reasonable product lifespan

Technical Specifications

CertificationUS Coast Guard Type III
Design Buoyancy16.4 lbs.
ProfileLow
Entry SystemSide-release buckles
Adjustment Points4 side, 2 front, 2 waist
PocketsFront zippered clamshell with internal organization, 2 zippered side pockets
Outer Fabric200 x 400 Denier ripstop nylon
Liner Fabric200 Denier lightweight nylon
Foam InsertPVC-free Gaia & 100% PE foam
ZippersYKK with self-locking Vislon teeth
HardwareHeavy-duty Acetal, stainless steel, and polypro nylon webbing
Average Weight2 lbs. (907.2 g)
Hydration BladderCompatible with Crux 1.5L or similar size (hydration bladder not included)
Rescue BeltCompatible with 1.5" width quick-release belts (belt not included)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should a PFD fit?

The primary size guideline for PFDs is chest size, which is measured at the widest part of your torso. A PFD should be snug yet allow you to move freely without chafing. For proper fit, first loosen all adjustable straps and then put the lifejacket on. You’ll tighten the straps starting on top side straps and working down to the waist. Last will be the shoulder strap adjustments. A properly fitted PFD will not ride higher than the ears or mouth of the wearer. Straps will also loosen when wet, so be sure to recheck the fit after swimming.

How do I clean my PFD?

Proper care and storage of your PFD between uses helps maintain its structural integrity and buoyancy. We recommend washing your lifejacket by hand with a mixture of mild detergent soap and warm water. A nylon bristle brush is helpful to break up the stains. Do not use a household top-loading style washer with an agitator as it will damage your life jacket. We recommend washing your lifejacket after using it in salt water, or water that seems especially dirty, and at the end of the season before extended periods of storage. Hang the PFD out of direct sunlight to air dry and allow it to fully dry before storing. Avoid unnecessary compression of the lifejacket and store it in a cool, dry place.

When do I replace my PFD?

The reasonable lifespan of a PFD is about 5 years or 300 uses, whichever comes first. At this point, the buoyancy will start to degrade and not be as effective as you would have grown used to. Inspect your lifejacket at the beginning of every season and before multi-day trips. During this inspection, visually check to make sure there are no holes or obvious tears in the fabric or seams. Physically check the hardware to make sure the zippers, buckles, and webbing are in good condition and function as intended. Test swim your life jacket in calm, protected water to test the buoyant force. During this inspection, if you discover any damage or your jacket seems to float less than you remember, it may be time for a new one.

What does buoyancy mean?

The buoyancy rating a PFD has means it can float that amount of dense matter. However, humans are about 80% water and 15% fat. Those are going to have no weight, and will help float you if you fall overboard, so they can be ignored, leaving only a small amount of denseness to account for. For example, a 200-pound person only needs about 10 pounds of additional buoyancy to comfortably float.

What do the different types of PFD ratings mean?

The US Coast Guard determines PFD ratings. We primarily carry Type III and Type V lifejackets approved for use in the United States. A Type III PFD has a zippered or buckled front closure and provides a minimum of 15.5 lbs of flotation. They are intended for general use near shore by a conscious person. A Type V lifejacket is a catch-all category reserved for “special uses” such as rescue and most inflatable PFDs. There is also a newer Type 70 “harmonized” rating that is approved by both the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada. These PFDs are similar to the Type III US standard, and are suitable for us in both the United States and Canada.
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  • B
    Brian
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 months ago
    My go-to PFD

    The Bluejacket has been my go-to PFD for years. The side-entry is easier on my tweaky shoulder than a pullover life jacket but still offers full coverage protection. I also like that just can adjust the length up or down, which is handy when I switch from kayaking to SUP. The hydration bladder sleeve is key for long summer days or multi-day trips.

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