I recently upgraded my Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The vest I had wasn't really made for kayak fishing in a sit-on-top. It was uncomfortable to wear, so I would just toss it in the back of the kayak to meet the legal requirements….not something I should be doing. As a pro staff writer/public figure, every photo of me in the kayak SHOULD show me wearing a PFD, and I apologize for my irresponsibility in regards to that.

Now, after asking my fishing buddies what they use (Stohlquist FisherMan) and doing a bit of online research, I chose the Get-A-Way because it’s almost identical to the FisherMan (both are rated Type III and both are high backed sit-on-top, front zip kayak vests) it just doesn’t have all the pockets and attachment points that the FisherMan has, and is about $30 bucks cheaper. I’m not going to put anything in those pockets anyway because they aren’t water proof. The Get-A-Way does feature 2 Velcro closing chest pockets that you might put your camera and maybe a small box of lures or bag of soft plastics into while you’re wading, but please remember that the pockets aren’t waterproof.

This vest is so comfortable, I don’t even realize that I have it on, which is a good thing until you’re walking into the convenience store after your fishing trip and the clerk asks if you know something he doesn’t. The vest features several adjustments points to offer an almost tailor made fit to make it comfortable yet still be worn properly.

I did wear it while paddling and fishing and can report that it’s ultra-comfortable and doesn’t get in the way AT ALL! It also has mesh on the back and open sides to make it a bit cooler for the person wearing it. Since I was attending the Demo Days event after fishing at the Gandy yesterday, I didn’t want to test out its capabilities in the water. Nothing like showing up at an event looking like a homeless person, so after I arrived home and got the kayak cleaned up and put away, I put the vest on and walked down to the pool.

After jumping in, I found that the vest did a good job of keeping my head and face out of the water, doesn’t limit range of motion while swimming, and also doesn’t feel as if it’s going to come off. I jumped in face first a few times and can report that it flipped me over onto my back fairly quickly. Same result with the relaxed face down test. I was able to make a few quick adjustments to the straps while floating as well.

The rugged front zipper and tough 420 Denier material make this PFD a vest that will be around for a long time, and DID deflect a set of treble hooks that the fish decided to toss my way when it came unbuttoned at the side of the kayak. The high viz, reflective Stohlquist logo on the back gives it an added advantage of being easily seen when using it at night.

So the Badtastic Bottom Line is – a great product for folks on a budget, comfortable, and does what it’s supposed to. 5 out of 5 stars.


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