A top sailing life jacket will fit comfortably and help keep a person safe while sailing or out boating on the water.
A life jacket is a great personal flotation device (PFD) that helps protect men, women and children when sailing.
There are a number of top sailing life jackets to choose from with each having its own strengths.
The best sailing life jackets are:
- Best Overall: Onyx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest
- Best For Men: Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket
- Best For Women: O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest
- Best For Kids: Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket
- Best For Price: Stohlquist Fit Adult Life Jacket PFD
These life jackets for sailing will ensure safety and good buoyance in the water while also fitting comfortably. There are both offshore life jackets and inshore life jackets on the list.
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
1. Onyx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest
The best overall sailing life jacket is the Unisex MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest manufactured by the brand Oynx in Minnesota, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest between $60 and $90. This life jacket comes with a 1-year warranty to protect against manufacturer defects and errors in workmanship which is a great comfort for first-time buyers.
The Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest is U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved and comes with a USCG/TC label inside the life vest so buyers know it provides great safety in the water.
It is a Type III PFD which means it is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
The Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest is constructed of 200 denier nylon outer shell, shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads, adjustable side straps, mesh material on the front and the back, a non-corrosive heavy-duty front zipper and soft, lightweight floating foam to help with buoyance.
This Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest's adjustable side belts and shoulder straps help adults to conveniently alter the size of the life vest to fit their body size perfectly.
The Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest comes in 3 size options including:
- X-Small/Small: 90lbs+ adult with an adjustable chest size of 28" to 36"
- Medium/Large: 90lbs+ adult with an adjustable chest size of 36" to 44"
- X-Large/2X-Large: 90lbs+ adult with an adjustable chest size of 44" to 56"
The Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest comes in two color options which are blue and yellow.
For better and more enhanced visibility when sailing, the yellow-colored Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest is our recommended color to buy.
The benefits of the Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest are:
- It is comfortable & breathable: This life vest has great ventilation with mesh material on the front and back to help make the life jacket more breathable in warm weather and keep people cool
- It is a unisex life vest: This Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest is unisex so it can be worn by both men and women and is not restricted to one gender
- There are plenty of size options to choose from: This life vest has 3 different size options to choose from that can be adjusted to fit most adult body shapes and sizes which means there are plenty of options
- It is lightweight: The Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest weighs 1.2 pounds meaning it is lightweight and easy to wear without sacrificing flexibility or mobility
- It is cheap: This life vest is one of the cheapest top sailing life jackets on the market with a price of just $60 to $90
One disadvantage of the Oynx MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest is it does not have any pockets so there is no place to store items when sailing.
2. Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket
The best sailing life jacket for men is the Men's Edge Life Jacket manufactured by the brand Stohlquist in Buena Vista, Colorado, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket between $100 and $140. This life jacket comes with a 3-year warranty to protect against manufacturer defects and errors in workmanship which is a great long time period warranty for added peace of mind. This life jacket weighs 1.7 pounds.
This life jacket is perfect to use when sailing and doing watersports.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket is U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved and comes with a USCG/TC label inside the life vest.
It is a Type III PFD which means it is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket sea level buoyancy ranges from 15.8 pounds buoyance to 17.8 pounds buoyance.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket is constructed of lightweight PVC foam material for great buoyance, 240D mini-ripstop outer shell, 200D nylon inner liner, 3M reflective accents for the best visibility in all light conditions, mesh sides for improved ventilation in warm weather, anti corrosive zipped front pocket for storing items with a front waist buckle closure for the perfect fit, 2 adjustable shoulder pads and 4 side pulls.
The adjustable shoulder straps, adjustable side pulls and the wrapture shaped torso fits around any body type and gives a custom and unique fit.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket offers exclusive sizing known as Graded Sizing. This graded sizing provides the perfect dimensions with varying amounts of flotation foam for many sized sailors to ensure the right amount of buoyance and comfort.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket comes in 3 size options including:
- Small/Medium: This is an adjustable chest size of 33" to 39" with a sea level buoyance of 15.8 pounds
- Large/Extra Large: This is an adjustable chest size of 40" to 46" with a sea level buoyance of 16.8 pounds
- 2XL: This is an adjustable chest size of 46" to 52" with a sea level buoyance of 17.8 pounds
These sizing options cover most adult body sizes and shapes.
The Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket comes in 4 color options which are red, black, royal blue and lime green/grey.
The benefits of the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket are:
- It is extremely comfortable: With the ergonomic wrapture shaped torso and mesh material for ventilation, this life jacket is extremely comfortable to wear when sailing
- It comes with a storage pocket: This life jacket comes with a zipped front pocket which can be used for conveniently storing items
- Large arm openings prevent chafing and improve mobility: This sailing life jacket comes with large arm openings which helps prevent chafing and discomfort and improve mobility
- 3M reflective accents means great visibility: This sailing life jacket comes with 3M reflective accents which makes it safer and more visible in any lighting conditions
- It comes with a great 3-year warranty: This life jacket comes with a great long 3-year warranty
One disadvantage of the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket is it is better suited and fits better on men and it is not recommended for women.
3. O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest
The best sailing life jacket for women is the SuperLite Life Vest manufactured by the brand O'Neill in Santa Cruz, California, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest between $50 and $90.
This life jacket comes with a 2-year warranty to protect against manufacturer defects and faults which is a great bonus for first-time buyers of this life jacket. This life jacket weighs 1 pound so it is lightweight.
The O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest is U.S. Coast Guard approved and comes with a "U.S.C.G. Approved" label inside the life vest.
It is a Type III PFD which means it is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
The O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest comes in 4 size options including:
- Small: This is an adjustable chest size of 30" to 33"
- Medium: This is an adjustable chest size of 34" to 36"
- Large: This is an adjustable chest size of 37" to 39"
- X-Large: This is an adjustable chest size of 40" to 42"
These sizing options cover most adult female body sizes and shapes.
The O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest comes in 4 color options which are
- Black, turquoise & lime
- Black, smoke grey & black ultra violet
- Black & turquoise
- Pacific blue, navy, ultra violet & white
The O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest is constructed of a coated polyester shell, lightweight polyethylene foam, 4 heavy-duty 1.5" wide webbing belts with Delrin buckles, large armhole size, overlock stitched strong seam and quick-release quad safety buckles.
The benefits of the O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest are:
- It is comfortable: This lightweight life jacket at just 1 pound and the adjustable straps fits helps to make this life jacket to fit comfortably on most body types and the polyethylene foam is soft for added comfort too
- It's great value for money: This life jacket is one of the cheapest top sailing life jacket and buyers get a great quality life jacket for a reasonable price of $50 to $90
- Large armhole size improves mobility: This life jacket comes with large armhole sizes which helps to improve mobility while wearing it when sailing
- It has multiple color options to choose from: Sailors can choose from 4 different color options and patterns which gives plenty of choice for the female sailors
One disadvantage of the O'Neill Women's SuperLite Life Vest is it does not have a pocket for storage.
4. Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket
The best sailing life jacket for kids is the Unisex Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket manufactured by the brand Zeraty and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket between $25 and $50. This life jacket weighs 13.12 ounces so it is extremely lightweight.
The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket is EN 13138-1: 2014 approved meaning it meets European safety standards.
It is a Type III PFD which means it is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket comes in 3 size options including:
- Small: This is for recommended ages 1 to 3 years with a weight range of 18 pounds to 40 pounds and a size recommendation of 33.4" to 39.3"
- Medium: This is for recommended ages 4 to 6 years with a weight range of 40 pounds to 55 pounds and a size recommendation of 39.3" to 49.2"
- Large: This is for recommended ages 7 to 9 years with a weight range of 55 pounds to 77 pounds and a size recommendation of 49" to 55"
These sizing options cover most children's body sizes and shapes.
The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket comes in 2 color options which are blue and pink so there are life jacket colors that both boys and girls will like.
The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket is constructed of EPE polyethylene foam cotton, 5 layers of 0.6cm thick cotton, flexible 2MM neoprene, double adjustable chest nylon straps with quick-release buckles, adjustable nylon crotch strap, 50-N buoyance aid and a front zipper.
The benefits of the Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket are:
- It is a great price: This life jacket is a great price at $25 to $50 and it is not expensive and the price fits in most sailor's budget
- It's comfortable: The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket is comfortable with an ergonomic design and adjustable straps to help ensure the perfect fit and the flexible 2MM neoprene is soft on the skin
- Large armhole size helps with mobility: There are large armhole sizes that help with mobility when sailing. The larger armholes also allow for space so kids can wear armbands too
- It is unisex: This kid's life jacket is unisex and not restricted to one gender which means both boys and girls can get one
One disadvantage of the Zeraty Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket is it does not come with a warranty.
5. Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket
The best sailing life jacket for the price is the Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket manufactured by the brand Coleman in Minnesota, America and sold worldwide.
Most retailers price the Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket between $25 and $40. This life jacket weighs 1.4 pounds.
The Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved and comes with a "U.S.C.G. Approved" label inside the life vest.
It is a Type III PFD which means it is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
The Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket comes in 2 size options including:
- Universal: This is for adults 90 lbs+ with a chest size of 30" to 40"
- Oversized: This is for adults 90 lbs+ with a chest size of 41" to 52"
These sizing options cover most adult body sizes and shapes.
The Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket comes in 2 color options which are blue and red.
The Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket is constructed of soft polyester nylon shell, crosstech flotation foam, two 1-inch webbed adjustable straps and 3 adjustable buckles.
The benefits of the Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket are:
- It is comfortable: The soft crosstech flotation foam and adjustable straps make this life jacket comfortable to wear
- It is cheap: This life jacket is the cheapest top sailing life jacket on the market with a price of $25 to $40 which means most sailors should be able to afford it
- It is durable: The crosstech flotation foam is extremely durable and this life jacket can last up to 5 years
One disadvantage of the Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket is it does not come with a warranty.
Top Sailing Life Jackets Comparison Table
What To Consider When Buying A Sailing Life Jacket
The factors to consider when buying a sailing life jacket are:
- Price
- Safety
- Size & Comfort
Price
The price of a life jacket for sailing is an important factor to consider when buying one. Due to a life jacket being crucial for safety while sailing, it is best to not buy cheap or poor quality life jacket. However, some great life jackets costs as little as $60 so there are great priced options for every sailor's budget.
Safety
When choosing a great life jacket for sailing, it is vey important to only choose life jackets that are safe and meet the proper safety standards.
Typically, a buyer should only buy a life jacket that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or Transport Canada.
Typically, a life jacket that is approved by these government bodies will have a label inside the life jacket with a mark labeled "U.S.C.G. Approved" or "T.C. Approved". Also, only purchase a life jacket from reputable retailers.
Size & Comfort
The size and comfort of the sailing life jacket is another factor to consider before buying it.
Sizing for life jackets can be different than sizing for other clothing items so make sure to read the sizing chart of the life jacket to get the perfect measurement for your specific body size.
A buyer will need to choose a life jacket that fits their own body dimensions. A properly fitted life jacket will ensure maximum efficiency when sailing. A properly fitted life jacket will also be more comfortable to wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Sailing Life Jackets
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top sailing life jackets.
What Are The Top Sailing Life Jacket Brands?
The top sailing life jackets brands are:
- Onyx
- Stohlquist
- Zeraty
- O' Neill's
- Helly Hansen
- Coleman
How Much Do Top Sailing Life Jackets Cost?
The best life jackets for sailing cost between $25 and $140.
How Much Does The Cheapest Top Sailing Life Jacket Cost?
The cheapest top sailing life jacket is the Coleman Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Jacket which costs $25.
How Much Does The Most Expensive Top Sailing Sailing Life Jacket Cost?
The most expensive top sailing life jacket is the Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket which costs approximately $100 to $140.