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Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are more than just safety gear; they are essential for life on the water, whether for recreation or occupational use. Mustang Survival has designed an array of high-performance PFDs tailored for various environments and activities.
This article will guide you through the different types of PFDs, explaining which one best suits your needs and why.
Why Matching the Right PFD to Your Activity Matters
The usability and effectiveness of a PFD depend on matching it with the water environment and the activity at hand. Certain PFDs are considered appropriate only for specific activities or conditions, based on their features and safety standards.
Whether you’re kayaking in calm fresh waters, paddling through rapids, or in remote water for a fishing expedition, there’s a Mustang Survival PFD designed specifically for your adventure. Let’s break down the types of PFDs and the activities they are made for.
Foam Vests: Reliable Buoyancy
What Are Foam Vests?
Foam vests are designed with inherently buoyant foam, providing consistent and immediate flotation without requiring inflation. These are typically USCG/Transport Canada-approved as Level 70 PFDs, providing roughly 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) of buoyancy.
Why They Matter
Foam PFDs guarantee reliable buoyancy even if you're unconscious, tangled in gear, or unable to inflate a vest. Well-designed foam vests allow freedom of movement, making them ideal for prolonged wear during active water sports.
Top Mustang Survival Picks
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Topwater Foam Vest: Perfect for kayak and boat anglers, this vest includes practical features such as tackle pockets, an engine kill switch tether, and a ripstop shell for durability.
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Vibe Foam Vest: Ultralight and racer-back styled, this PFD is a favorite for paddlers, stand-up paddleboarders (SUP), and whitewater enthusiasts.
Best For
Low-chop paddling, fishing, and sports activities where consistent flotation without bulk is essential.
Inflatable PFDs: Compact, Comfortable, and Inflated on Demand
What Are Inflatable PFDs?
Inflatable PFDs are low-profile vests that only inflate when needed. They use CO₂ cartridges and can be activated manually or automatically, providing higher buoyancy levels with minimal on-body weight during wear.
Why They Matter
Inflatable PFDs are ideal for capable swimmers who prioritize mobility and comfort. Their lightweight design ensures you hardly notice you're wearing one until it’s needed.
Top Mustang Survival Picks
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MIT 70 Manual Inflatable PFD: As North America’s thinnest inflatable PFD, it’s perfect for paddlers seeking ultimate control with manual activation.
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MIT 100 Convertible A/M PFD: This convertible PFD offers manual or automatic activation options and provides seamless flotation support for offshore adventures.
Best For
Calm to moderate water conditions, particularly for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who values unrestricted movement.
Hybrid PFDs: Combining Foam and Inflatable Technologies
What Are Hybrid PFDs?
Hybrid PFDs blend the inherent buoyancy of foam with the added support of inflatable chambers. These devices are sometimes referred to as combination PFDs due to their dual flotation technologies. This combination offers flexibility for varying water conditions.
Why They Matter
Hybrid PFDs provide standard flotation for calmer waters by the shore and give the option to boost buoyancy in an emergency. This makes them an excellent choice for gear-heavy trips or environments with shifting weather patterns.
Top Mustang Survival Pick
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Khimera Dual Flotation PFD: With 7.5 lbs of foam and an additional 13 lbs of inflatable buoyancy, the Khimera allows the user to inflate in an emergency. Simply pull the hand or use the breath into the manual tube for added buoyancy.
Best For
Paddlers, anglers, or recreational users who need both steady flotation for calm waters and added safety during unpredictable conditions.
Updated for 2025 PFD Regulations
As of 2025, new regulations have introduced a harmonized standard for life jackets across the U.S. and Canada, replacing the previous U.S. Coast Guard “Type” system (Type I–V) with international “Level” labels, such as Level 50, 70, 100, and 150.
These levels reflect the amount of buoyancy and the intended environment of use. The most common for recreational users is Level 70, which replaces the legacy Type III life jackets. It provides the same amount of buoyancy (15.7 lbs or 70 Newtons) and is approved by both the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada under the new harmonized testing standards.
The goal of this change is to simplify labeling, improve user understanding, and allow for dual-certified products that meet both countries’ safety requirements. Consumers can now expect clearer labeling, more consistent safety standards, and a wider range of cross-border compliant gear, especially in regions where both U.S. and Canadian boating activities overlap. It's important to note that existing Type-approved life jackets remain valid as long as they’re in good condition and used as intended.
Looking for more info? Read all about it here in our resource.
PFDs by Environment: Matching Risk with Rescue
Selecting the right gear for an activity can be challenging and overwhelming. When designing products, our engineers and designers consider both the primary activity and the environments where the activities take place.
The four main environments we consider are:
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Inshore
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Coastal
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Offshore
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Open Ocean
Each of these environments are associated with different levels of risk and needs, impacted by weather and water conditions and rescue possibilities.
When considering intended use within an environment, our designers can create products (or gear) with the right characteristics:
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Fit
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Features
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Materials
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Construction
Open Ocean
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Remote ocean waters
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Extreme exposure
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Very long time to rescue—external assistance may not be available
Open Ocean Inflatables:
Open ocean safety requires PFDs with purpose-built features, high buoyancy, and additional safety equipment—like sprayhoods and water-activated lights—standardly included. These inflatables meet the demands of delayed rescue and large sea states with designs that maximize airway protection and improve the chances of turning the wearer face-up.
Offshore
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Waters outside the protection of land
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High exposure
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Moderate to long time to rescue and external assistance
Offshore Inflatables:
Venturing beyond the coast raises the risk of delayed rescue and prolonged exposure. Offshore inflatable flotation provides extra safety features, enhanced airway protection, and a higher chance of turning unconscious users face-up.
Coastal
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Farther from shore but still visible
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Moderate exposure
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Moderate time to rescue
Coastal Inflatables:
PFDs for coastal waters—far from shore yet within sight of land. These inflatables provide safety features for moderate exposure risks and possible rescue delays in an emergency.
Inshore
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Shore is near and visible
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Lower exposure
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Shorter time to rescue
Inshore Inflatables:
Inflatable and dual-flotation PFDs offer safety solutions for near-shore and inland waters, where exposure is lower and rescue times are shorter.
Our Commitment to Safety and Performance
At Mustang Survival, we’ve spent over 55 years engineering marine safety gear that meets rigorous USCG and Transport Canada standards. From foam vests offering dependable flotation to innovative hybrid solutions, we ensure that each PFD is built to protect, not just in calm waters but in life’s most unpredictable moments on the water.
Learn more about us and our commitment here
Stay Safe, Stay Confident with a PFD Tailored to You
Safety on the water begins with choosing a PFD that supports your activity and environment. Whether you're cruising the coast, navigating rapids, or working offshore, Mustang Survival has the perfect PFD for you.
Browse our full range of PFDs to find your fit and enjoy peace of mind with every trip.
