Khimera PFD: The Dual Flotation Advantage
For years, choosing a PFD meant compromise: the bulk and constant buoyancy of foam flotation, or the slim profile and on-demand protection of a manual inflatable paddling vest.
The Khimera is built to bridge that gap. Featuring Mustang Survival’s Dual Flotation technology, this hybrid PFD combines lightweight foam with inflatable buoyancy for a low-profile, comfortable fit that doesn’t compromise on safety.
As a Transport Canada approved and USCG approved PFD certified under Harmonized Level 70, the Khimera delivers a versatile, confidence-inspiring solution for paddlers, anglers, and inshore boaters who want freedom of movement without sacrificing peace of mind.
Why the Khimera is the Best Hybrid PFD
- Dual Flotation = Built-In Backup. Lightweight foam provides always-on buoyancy, while the inflatable chamber adds extra lift when deployed.
- Low-Profile Fit Without the Trade-Off. Moves like an inflatable, with the inherent buoyancy of foam—designed for all-day comfort without bulk or restriction. This design also makes it the best PFD for kayak re-entry.
- Level 70 Harmonized PFD (USCG & Transport Canada). Certified to the latest North American standard for compliant, cross-border safety performance.
- 20.5 lbs Total Buoyancy (Foam + Inflated). Enhanced in-water support compared to foam-only PFDs, helping keep you higher and more stable.
- Fast, Simple Maintenance. No complex repacking—resets in under two minutes with a Re-Arm Kit G (Model #MA7116), so you’re ready to go again quickly.
A Low-Profile PFD Designed for Performance
Developed in our Waterlife Studio in Vancouver, Canada, the Khimera PFD launched in 2018 to solve a long-standing challenge in flotation design.
Built for paddlers and inshore sailors, it delivers more than a traditional foam vest—combining the comfort and mobility of a low profile SUP PFD with the added confidence of dual buoyancy. Over time, it has become a trusted choice for those who demand performance without compromise.
From Professional Rescue to Recreational Foam Flotation
At Mustang Survival, our innovation starts in the most demanding environments. Technologies developed for military, coast guard, rescue personnel, and law enforcement often shape what we build for everyday use.
The Khimera Dual Flotation PFD is a direct result of that process—bringing professional-grade safety, mobility, and performance into a streamlined design for recreational users.
Want to see how it all started? Read the full story behind Khimera’s development.
Beyond the Bulk: How Dual Flotation PFD Technology Works
The Khimera Dual Flotation PFD is designed for those who want more from their time on the water—more comfort, more mobility, and more confidence.
Its hybrid design combines 7.5 lbs of inherent foam flotation with an additional 13 lbs of manually inflatable buoyancy, creating a system that adapts to your needs in real time. Lightweight and low-profile, it’s the most comfortable life vest, staying close to the body with adjustable shoulder and waist straps that help it stay put during active use and water entry.
If additional buoyancy is needed, simply pull the cord to activate the inflatable chamber. The result is increased lift and stability, which is particularly valuable for situations like reboarding your kayak or stabilizing in open water.
Thoughtful details—like a front storage pocket for a spare cylinder, gear attachment points, and reflective shoulder patches—make the Khimera a versatile, ready-for-anything solution.
Where to Wear It
- Paddleboarding (low profile SUP PFD use)
- Kayaking (ideal for kayak re-entry scenarios)
- Canoeing
- Inshore sailing
- Fishing
Best For
- Active days where mobility matters
- Situations where you may enter the water intentionally
- Users who want foam flotation with the option for added buoyancy
- Anyone seeking the most comfortable life vest without bulk
How It Works
- Pull on overhead and secure using adjustable shoulder straps and side buckles
- Tighten for a snug, close-to-body fit to prevent ride-up
- Rely on foam flotation (7.5 lbs) for immediate buoyancy
- Activate the inflatable chamber when needed for up to 20.5 lbs total buoyancy
- Deflate and reset easily using a Re-Arm Kit G (Model #MA7116)
Product Demo: Testing the Level 70 Harmonized PFD with Paddling Magazine
“It’s the only dual flotation life jacket approved as a Harmonized Level 70 PFD… you can wear it in both the US and Canada and go back and forth between borders.”
— Mark Branagh, Sales Director at Mustang Survival
In an interview with Paddling Magazine during a live demonstration at the world’s largest paddlesports expo, Canoecopia, Mark Branagh walks through what set the Khimera apart in real-world conditions.
From the start, entry and fit are dialed—an easy side-entry design with adjustable shoulder straps and belt buckles creates a secure, close-to-body feel. On the water, the thin back panel acts as a cushion against high-back kayak seats while still delivering the safety of a full life jacket.
Its dual-buoyancy system adds versatility. A few breaths through the oral tube provide a small boost, while a pull of the ripcord delivers an immediate surge of additional buoyancy—over 13 lbs instantly.
Even when fully inflated, the Khimera maintains paddle mobility, allowing you to move freely, re-enter your vessel, or assist others without restriction.
Watch the full Khimera product demo with Paddling Magazine to see the dual flotation features in detail.
Khimera PFD: What You Need to Know
Is the Khimera PFD legal for use in both the US and Canada? The Khimera is Harmonized Level 70 approved, meaning it meets the specific life jacket safety standards required by both the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Transport Canada.
Do I have to pull the cord to stay afloat in the Khimera? You get 7.5 lbs of inherent buoyancy immediately from the foam panels. The manual pull-cord is there to provide an additional 13 lbs of lift (20.5 lbs total) if you need extra buoyancy.
Is the Khimera suitable for high-speed motorized boating or whitewater? This Transport Canada approved paddling vest is also optimized for inshore sailing, and fishing. It is not recommended for high-speed motorized activities or whitewater Class III+ environments where a higher-impact foam vest is required.
How often do I need to replace the CO2 cylinder? You only need to replace the cylinder after the inflatable cell has been deployed.
Do I need to professionally repack the vest after it inflates? One of the best features of the Khimera is that there is no complicated repacking required. Simply squeeze the air out of the bladder and replace the CO2 cylinder.
How do I re-arm my Khimera PFD? Re-arming the Khimera is a simple process that takes less than two minutes. You will need a fresh Re-arm Kit G, which includes a 12g CO2 cylinder and a green indicator pin.
- Deflate: Use the oral tube cap to fully exhaust the air bladder.
- Replace Cylinder: Unscrew the spent CO2 cartridge and thread in the new one.
- Reset Pin: Insert the new green indicator pin to confirm the system is armed.
For a full visual walkthrough on how to reset your vest after deployment, watch our Khimera PFD re-arming video guide.
How do I deflate the inflation bladder? Never use sharp objects like pens or keys to deflate your PFD, as they can damage the internal valve. Instead, use the dust cap on the oral inflation tube. Flip the cap over and use the small "nubbin" on the end to depress the valve while gently squeezing the air out of the vest.
What does the green indicator pin mean? The green pin is your visual safety check. If the pin is missing or broken, it means the manual inflation system has been triggered or the CO2 cylinder has been pierced. Always inspect your vest before heading out; if you don't see that green pin, it’s time to install a new Re-arm Kit G.
A Smarter Approach to Flotation
The Khimera PFD changes what you expect from a life vest. By combining foam flotation with on-demand inflatable support, it removes the need to choose between comfort and safety—delivering a low-profile, high-performance solution built for real days on the water.
Whether you’re paddling, fishing, or sailing inshore, the Khimera is designed to move with you, support you when it matters, and reset quickly so you’re always ready for what’s next.