Kokatat MsFIT Tour

~ Leesa

I received the Kokatat MsFIT Tour Life Jacket early this fall. I’ve had the opportunity to wear it a few times while kayaking and canoeing. One of the first things I noticed, is that it fits really well. I’m not a great swimmer, and have had a love-hate relationship with most pfd wear. I wouldn’t dare go in the water without one, but always wish they fit better. I need more room in the top area, but wearing a larger size makes it too bulky around the waist and shoulders.

The Kokatat MsFIT Tour is designed with a woman’s figure in mind. There is plenty of room in the chest area and the waist is adjustable enough to accommodate different types of clothing. I’ve worn it over a thin t-shirt, a base layer and Kokatat GORE-TEX Paddling Jacket (read the review), and the Paddling Jacket over a wool blend base layer and vest. The Life Jacket fit well in all circumstances. I had complete range of motion, never felt restricted – at least by the life jacket, just by my ability. When the sun was out and it was warm, I never felt the jacket made me too warm. At no point did I perspire because of the jacket. It has a low-profile, and at times I forget I have it on. Even after paddling for a few hours, I never found that I had contact points that chaffed.

From Kokatat:

Front and rear reflective tape, a strobe lash tab, two bellows pockets and one vertical front pocket will give the gadget-happy paddler plenty of room for toys. Ergonomic and innovative components such as thermoformed, padded Hypalon® shoulders, 3 side adjustments & quick-release waist closure, clip-on tabs for accessories and superlative construction methods set the standard in modern PFD design. Made with GAIA® PVC-free foam.

BUOYANCY LB./OZ.

S (16/05), M (16/05), L (16/06), XL (16/13)

* 500D Cordura® outer and 200D nylon oxford inner shell

* Articulated shell and foam panels

* 2 bellows pockets with zippered side entry

* One electronics pocket

* Front lash tab

* Reflective tape

* Strobe lash tab on back

* USCG approved

* Transport Canada (ULC) approved

* CE approved

BUOYANCY LB./OZ.

S (16/05), M (16/05), L (16/06), XL (16/13)

Kokatat MsFIT Tour Life Jacket

* 500D Cordura® outer and 200D nylon oxford inner shell

* Articulated shell and foam panels

* 2 bellows pockets with zippered side entry

* One electronics pocket

* Front lash tab

* Reflective tape

* Strobe lash tab on back

* USCG approved

* Transport Canada (ULC) approved

* CE approved

I found the pockets to be extremely useful for storing some necessities – snack bars, mints, chapstick, bug repellent, camera and tissues. The pockets all seal and open easily with one hand, which comes in handy while holding on to a paddle. The front zipper is easy to maneuver, even with cold, wet hands. I can vouch for the reflective tape – while packing up the gear at the end of the day, I had the jacket on, since it was easier than carrying it, and as I walked someone who had a headlamp on found that he could spot me at a good distance.

The jacket dries fairly quickly once wet. This is especially nice when using it in less than warm weather. Nothing more uncomfortable then a cold, wet life jacket. The Kokatat dries to the touch within a half hour, when the air is dry and there is a light breeze. I took it off while I had lunch one day, and put it on and it was dry. I have not actually had the opportunity to try to float in it, but will soon, as I am taking a indoor paddling class this winter. I’m looking forward to using it this winter, and again next spring.

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