Astral YTV Review

The Astral YTV is a pull-over style slim line life jacket with two adjustment straps on either side of the lower torso. It is rated as a Type V jacket by the US Coast Guard and is designed to deliver 16.5 pounds of floatation. The jacket is covered in a 200 x 400D denier ripstop nylon shell with a 200D nylon liner. Two small pockets on either side are large enough to hold a snack bar and keys but not your average-sized phone.

Performance Comparison

Fit

The YTV is available in three sizes, which cover chest dimensions ranging from 31 to 51 inches. Two straps on the sides of the PFD anchor it securely to your lower torso, leaving full freedom of movement for the upper body and arms. The shoulder straps allow for further adjustability to accommodate your upper body length or activity.

In keeping with this vest's low profile and minimalist style, no excessively large straps are found flapping along the sides. Some testers felt the sizes ran a bit small, predominately because the side straps are short and, therefore, difficult to adjust without help.

Larger paddlers or those with limited mobility found it harder to tighten this vest. A friend can always come in handy to access those hard-to-reach shorter straps to help you adjust to that perfect fit.

Comfort and Mobility

This is one metric where the YTV really stood out, as it is designed with movement in mind. The bottom panel is firmly secured around the lower rib cage by two straps on each side. This means the PFD moves with you as you move, resulting in a secure and comfortable feel.

Large arm holes deliver uninhibited arm movement. Paddlers, sailers, and anyone using their arms extensively appreciated this feature. People with large breasts also found this open cut to be more comfortable and accommodating.

This is one of the few jackets we genuinely could forget we were wearing. Weighing in at 1.3 pounds, the YTV is one of the lightest vests we tested. In addition, the sculpted panels are articulated to flex as you twist, delivering maximum comfort and minimum restriction.

The lack of a large front pocket helps to keep this PFD slimline. For those who may have to climb back onto their raft, kayak, or SUP often, this style was the least restrictive of all the PFDs we tested.

Quality of Construction

Astral has led the US market in PFD design for over two decades. The ripstop nylon exterior is designed to withstand typical use and abuse. Like all gear exposed to UV rays, the YTV is susceptible to sun fade over time.

The seams are all reinforced in the important places, and we saw no signs of fraying during our testing period. We are confident that this piece of equipment will not need replacing anytime soon.

Features and Versatility

The Astral YTV is a minimalist PFD with no rescue belt or additional features. The streamlined nature makes it a great option for those who expect to enter and exit watercraft frequently and don't want to be hindered by anything with a bulky front. For this reason, whitewater stand-up paddle boarders are particularly fond of this jacket, as it is not restrictive when trying to haul yourself back onto your board.

There are two small identical pockets on either side of the YTV. These are large enough to accommodate a small sunscreen tube, chapstick, or snack bar. However, we were disappointed these are not large enough for your average phone. An attachment tab on the front top of the PFD allows you to attach items such as a river knife.

Flotation

The YTV is designed to deliver 16.5 pounds of flotation (approximately 70 Newtons), more than most of the other jacket-style PFDs tested in this review. The only options that surpassed the YTV in this metric area are the inflatable weight belt-style PFDs.

When worn in the water, the YTV continues to shine in this metric. Thanks to its secure fit and high flotation, users felt comfortable and supported while swimming, floating, and generally being in the water. Unlike some other jackets, this PFD does not have a tendency to ride up when you are in the water, and testers reported finding it to be one of the easiest to swim in.

Should You Buy the Astral YTV?

If freedom of movement is your number one priority, the YTV should be at the top of your list. It delivers the most unrestricted movement of all PFDs tested and is top-notch in floatation. If you are looking for lightweight performance, look no further.

What Other PFDs Should You Consider?

If you still think the YTV is too bulky for you, an inflatable belt may be your best option, depending on your activity and environment. The NRS Zephyr was our favorite of all the inflatables we tested. However, the Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt takes the cake when it comes to compactness. For those looking for a jacket with larger pockets, you may find the Astral E-Ronny better meets your needs. Whitewater kayakers are particularly fond of the Kokatat Hustle for its accessible pocket, more full-coverage design, and equally flexible fit. And finally, for those looking to move beyond class III white water, the Astral Green Jacket delivers the same amount of flotation but has rescue-specific features, including a quick-release belt.