EV-Eight Personal Flotation Device
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Why We Like The EV-Eight Personal Flotation Device
The world's first breathable PFD gets an eco-friendly upgrade this year in the EV-Eight Personal Flotation Device. This version features a new bluesign-certified recycled polyester shell, along with Astral's patented Airescape technology and high-mesh back to keep comfort at an all-time high. Vent ports at the front and back allow trapped body heat to escape during a muggy river trip, with contoured foam and a mesh liner that promote cooling airflow. For further comfort, the vest is fitted with a soft EVA foam back panel designed to cushion your back against your kayak, while its expanding mesh pockets let you outfit the vest to your liking.
Details
- Highly breathable PFD made with an eco-friendly construction
- Recycled polyester shell maintains a durable, comfortable design
- Airescape foam is the first breathable foam for active endeavors
- Zipper and buckle for secure closure and customized fit
- Adjustments at shoulders and sides solidify fit
- High mesh back pairs well with boat seats that have back rests
- Item #ASLT01V
- Flotation / Buoyancy
- 16lbs
- Tow Compatibility
- no
- Closure
- zipper, buckle
- Pockets
- 2 front
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 3.5oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 1 year
- Activity
- paddling
- USCG Type / Level
- USCG Type III
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 27 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 5, 2025
Love it!
Great PFD, very lightweight and easy to move. The velcro straps are also nice addition to keep them out of the way.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
July 2, 2025
safety, access and breathability
I bought this for my adventure photographer boyfriend, he loves this! It has access points for safety gear AND cameras. Plus the breathable back helps him regulate his temp during intense paddles and shoots.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
June 13, 2025
Completely worth it
Very comfortable - nice and cool, doesn't feel bulky or restrictive
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
June 10, 2025
Great for high back seats, hot weather, casual use
I own two of these for whitewater inflatable kayaking. Great option for high back seats and casual rafting. Stays cool and comfortable. Be aware: a friend wearing this vest fell off the raft in some class 4 water, and while being pulled back in the raft via the shoulder straps, the main zipper came undone, and only the bottom waist buckle was keeping the PFD on. I wouldn't rely on this vest for serious whitewater for that reason. One of pocket zippers has also busted on one of them.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
March 25, 2025
soooooooo lightweight
I didn't know life jackets could be this lightweight. I dig the fit, air pockets and all, but this literally feels so light you can't belive it. Bonus points for the velcro bits to secure the strap ends. Give the person who thought of that a raise.
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
November 11, 2024
Rubs under arms unless very tight
I've kayaked with this PFD several times and thought of returning it but decided not to. I like that I can sit fully back in the seat of my kayak, which has a high back, without the PFD padding pushing me forward since it is high, and I like the ventilation in the PFD, and the pockets. The thing that causes me problems is that unless I pull it very tight on the sides, the side paddling sticks out and rubs under my arms while paddling and would make sores. This is not a problem for my husband with the same PFD though. He loves everything about the same PFD.
Originally reviewed on our US website www.llbean.com
October 13, 2024
Is this the same vest?
I tried this best at a competitors store and loved it. Ordered from LL Bean. Seemed like a different vest. Felt thicker, lacked some features.
Originally reviewed on our US website www.llbean.com
September 13, 2024
Excellent PFD
I own one of these for myself and two for guests. They are comfortable and (reasonably) well ventilated. More fit adjustments than many vests have. The floatation on the back is located high up right under the neck. It is thcker than the front floatation. It works well as long as it is above the back of your seat. It could be uncomfortable to actually lean against this portion. I believe this is a specific design feature for kayak seat backs. It works great unless it doesn't.
Originally reviewed on our US website www.llbean.com
September 12, 2024
Nice Lifejacket
Really great PFD. I ordered the smallest size. I'm 5'11" 195 lbs. and there was plenty of adjustment left in both directions. Also, I tested it out, and it easily holds my head above the water. The mesh back is great for a long day of paddling in a kayak. PDFs with lower padding make it uncomfortable, by pushing you forward, if your kayak seat has a backrest. All the ventilation helps keep me cool on a hot day. The only thing I would change is the pockets.
Originally reviewed on our US website www.llbean.com
August 19, 2024
Incredibly Light & Breathable
These are the lightest and breathable PFD’s I’ve ever owned…and clients love them as well!
Originally reviewed on astraldesigns.com
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