The Yak Xipe is the one of Yak’s newer Sea Kayaking PFD’s to hit the shelves and pit itself against some of the established buoyancy aids available. Currently retailing at around the £90 it is an attractively priced PFD.

This is the review I wrote for Ocean Paddler Magazine back in May 2011. Thanks go to the OP editor Rich for allowing me to republish my review.

Design and Features.

The Xipe is a front zipped, three pocket design. The rear of the buoyancy aid features a full length, expanding pocket with a wide top zip. It will hold a 3 litre hydration pouch and includes a rubber protected hole for feeding the drinking tube through the top of the pocket. It could also be used for carrying flares, as some paddlers prefer, and the wide mouth with inverted U shaped zip providing access to the pocket.

Yak Xipe PFD - Front VHF Pocket

On the other side is a another decent sized pocket which also utilises a downward opening vertical zip. Inside this pocket is an accessory clip and internal mesh pocket with velcro opening to keep equipment separated. Both pockets feature a drainage hole at the base and chunky plastic covered zips with rubberised zip pulls.

Yak Xipe PFD - Front Buckle

The review model was a two tone red and black colourway – black pockets and straps set against the red RMR400 fabric of the buoyancy aid. At strategic points on the Xipe, reflecttive pipping or decals provide additional visibility in low light conditions.

In use.

Yak Xipe PFD - Rear Pocket

The 50N Xipe I have been using has a very fitted feel, without excess bulk at the front and an uninhibited feel when performing a range of strokes and working at the extremes of body rotation. Adjustment both on dry land and on the water is simple and effective. When first donning the Xipe you have a brief moment of wondering if you’ve suddenly expanded in girth as the two front sides of the Xipe are held back by the heavily elasticated sides. This however allows you to clip and then tighten the webbing belt before pulling the front together and zipping up the buoyancy aid.

Yak Xipe PFD - Concealed Waist Strap

The pockets worked well and can hold a reasonable amount of equipment. The vertical zips provide easy access to the pockets, although there is obviously more chance of kit falling out of the pocket compared to top opening pockets so care clipping items into the provided accessory clip needs to be taken. The VHF pocket is nicely designed and even with the aerial through the provided hole at the top of the pocket I was still able to remove the VHF easily from the pocket due to the vertical zip.

Used as intended, to store a hydration pack, the rear pocket works well, for paddlers who like to store flares in a rear pocket, it is almost impossible to open the rear zip wearing the pdf so you would be reliant on another paddler opening it for you.

After 6 weeks of intensive use, it is difficult to comment on long term durability, however there are no signs of wear and tear after some reasonably heavy duty use and in particular no issues with zips corroding despite an intentional lack of care cleaning the Buoyancy Aid after use (not recommended).

Summary.

I’m really impressed with the Xipe. It is obvious that Yak have thought hard about the design brief with this buoyancy aid. The nuts and bolts of decent sized pockets, slim design, easy adjustment are all sorted but it’s the attention to detail I like such as decent zips with chunky zip pulls for cold wet hands that are corrosion resistant. The ability to tuck away strap ends to avoid flailing ends and reduce snag points. The pockets openings are well thought out and provide ample storage without over-bulking the front of the buoyancy aid and the fit was comfortable during extended paddling. A solid sea kayaking buoyancy aid!

Gallery.

Peak UK Adventure Zip

I’ve yet to review a badly designed one but have yet to find my ideal buoyancy aid, instead finding various features on each that I would like to combine to create the my perfect Sea Kayaking BA.

That is, however, until I got my hands on the Peak UK Adventure Zip as part of a set for an Ocean Paddler round up review. Could this be the buoyancy aid I have been looking for?

Features
The Peak Adventure Zip is a front zip PFD with a waist strap with buckle closure and 2 side tension straps. There is also a top buckle that helps close the PFD over the zip with a neat whistle built into the actual clip itself. The shoulders are neoprene with heavy duty webbing and are also adjustable to get a snug fit. On the left shoulder strap (as you face the BA) is a D ring and a special clip for the drinking tube from a water bladder. All the straps are easy to adjust even with cold wet hands with the ends of the webbing straps featuring rubber anti-fray fittings.

The Adventure Zip has 3 main pockets – a left and right front pocket and a rear pouch pocket designed. The two front pockets are large bellows style pockets (approx 18cm tall x 16cm wide) and have horizontal plastic/plastic coated zips at the top of each pocket. These zips are covered by a flap with stretch fabric in each corner to allow the flap to be lifted up and out of the way when accessing the pocket. At the middle of the flap is a reflective webbing loop to help moving the flap with gloved hands. The side walls of the pockets are mesh to allow water to drain out. Inside each pocket is a small webbing loop with a large clip for attaching items. The webbing loop can also be used to tie in equipment.

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Back Pocket

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Drinking Tube Clip

The fabric is very heavy duty ripstop cordura/nylon in a striking red colour-way and the grey webbing is similarly tough and heavy duty. Stitching and finish is superb and I could find not obvious ‘loose’ ends or imperfections.

Test Conditions

I’ve been using the Peak Adventure Zip as my primary buoyancy aid for a couple of months now on full day and short paddles during day and night and in a range of conditions from flat calm seas to blustery F5 with large wind blown swell. Equipment carried has been a VHF, set of mini flares in a small dry bag, mobile phone in waterproof bag, rescue knife, pencil torch, granola bar or mars bar, watch, compass and water bladder.

In Use

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Bellows Pocket

The webbing loops and clips provide ample tie in points and the top opening design means it is easy to select and access items as required without fear of them falling out as found on some vertical zipped pockets (Reed Aquatic Pro for example).

The Adventure Zip is very comfortable. I can adjust it easily to create a snug fit and with the front zip, removing/donning it on the water to adjust layers is simple enough. Whilst paddling it sits low enough down with enough clearance under the arms to prevent any rubbing or chaffing. It also allows for excellent mobility/flexibilty for more dynamic strokes and paddling.

For my low light/night paddling the reflective webbing strips on the front and rear are very welcome as its the light stick pocket although my use of a Kayalite means I have yet to utilise this pocket fully.

To date the Adventure Zip has proved to be extremely tough. The fabric and fittings are all suitably chunky substantial in design to withstanding heavy duty use. There are no signs of any wear or weak spots after 2 months of regular use (the BA has received a rinse in fresh water after each paddle but no other TLC).

At the end of yesterdays paddle (and after reading some discussion on the UKRSGB forums) I took the opportunity to swim a short distance and then perform a couple of self rescues (straddle and re-entry/roll) and was pleased with the results. Swimming was fine – the BA did stayed in place with virtually no riding up although this was over a short distance. I did not ‘dead hang’ in the water so could not comment on whether the Peak Adventure has a tendency to float you face up or face down.

Peak UK Adventure Zip - Whistle

I have found one ‘superfluous’ feature in the form of a whistle built into the top front clip on the buoyancy aid. Whilst is seems like a clever idea I remain unable to actually blow the whistle without cutting it of the buoyancy aid! Maybe some yoga sessions are needed. I would prefer to see a standard whistle on a cord attached at a sensible point on the BA.

Conclusion
The Peak UK Adventure Zip has hit the mark for me. It is the closest to my ideal design I have found with large enough storage capacity, sensibly sized opening to pockets, durable and tough fabrics and fittings and a comfortable fit.

It has plenty of well thought out features and extras, without being gimmicky (with the one exception of the whistle), that make the Adventure Zip a pleasure to use. The attention to details like rubber stops on the end of the webbing straps to prevent fraying, tags on zips to ensure they are easy to operate in the cold, using loops for pocket clips that provide extra tie in points all enhance the basic sensible and comfortable design.

At approx £120 the Peak Adventure Zip is not the cheapest buoyancy aid on the market but the features and excellent build quality fully justify the price tag. The fact that now the test period is over I am planning to contact Peak UK and purchase rather than return the review model Adventure Zip I think speaks volumes.

From Peak UK

• ISO Approved.
• High performance cut.
• Tough ripstop Cordura / nylon shell with neoprene shoulders and sides.
• 50-70N of self moulding soft foam.
• Shoulder, waist and side straps.
• Two front zip pockets with gear clips.
• Large back pocket for Drinks System (included) or flares.
• Internal mesh zip pocket.
• Reflective stripes.

Sizes: S/M. L/XL. XXL
Colours: Red / Grey
Uses: Touring. Ocean. Instruction. Adventure Racing.
Peak UK Website: www.peakuk.com

Purchasing:
The Peak UK Adventure Zip is available from Bournemouth Canoes for £119

Reed Aquatic Pro Buoyancy Aid

The Aquatic Pro is their first Buoyancy Aid has had input from a number of high profile Sea Kayakers including Nigel Dennis during it’s design/development.

Features
The Reed Aquatic Pro is a front zip style with 8 point adjustment on the shoulders, sides and waist. The upper back and shoulders have neoprene padding under them to add comfort and a more flexible fit..

Reed Aquatic Pro Front

On the front of the Buoyancy Aid are two large zipped pockets. The zips on these run from top to bottom which has advantages and drawbacks.

The bigger opening they provide makes it easy to access larger items. For example, I could stow my VHF in the pocket easily with the aerial sticking out of the slightly open zip. However, when fully opened, it is easy for items not tied in to escape so care needs to be taken.

Reed Aquatic Pro Right Pocket

Although I use an appreciate these, I can’t help feeling a sewn in D ring would be a more secure and useful addition to each pocket.

The spec given on the Reed/Chillcheater website seems to suggest that current models do have D Rings which is a welcome development of this buoyancy aid.

Reed Aquatic Pro Flare Pocket

The rear of the buoyancy aid has a large, zipped pocket along with bungee attachments and a velcro fastening loop. This pocket is ideal for a water pouch and feeding tube, or carrying a set of flares.

In Use
The Reed Aquatic Pro felt a little ‘slabby’ on the front when I first picked it up, lacking the carefully designed curves of something like the Palm Kaikoura Tour. However, once on the fit was very good indeed allowing excellent movement and flexibility. The adjustment available is very good allowing you to get a snug, comfortable fit easily.

Reed Aquatic Pro Rear

The pockets swallow up any kit I want to carry and I use the rear pocket for my water bag. Even with full front pockets there is no hinderance to paddling or mobility.

I was sceptical about the downward opening pockets and have concerns about the strength of the tie in system on my model however I am totally sold on the ease of access to kit this system provided. When I compare it to struggling to remove items from a Kaikoura with pockets fully loaded there is no comparison.

The Reed Aquatic has received a good battering over the last 12 months and stood up to the test of time extremely well. The fabric is very tough and abrasion resistant. The zips and buckles have remained intact due to their quality and chunky construction.

Conclusion

Reed Aquatic Pro Rear Pocket

The build quality is excellent and uses hard wearing materials. This is clearly designed to be a long lasting, workhorse for serious sea paddlers and at £79 it represents excellent value.

From The Manufacturer

• 210 denier outer shell with tear resistant PU reinforced coating.
• PVC, soft profiled foam, providing a low profile design for unrestricted movement.
• 8 point strap adjustment system on the shoulders, side and waist belt to keep the vest in place.
• Neoprene padded shoulders and upper back for comfort.
• Sturdy front zip for easy entry and exit with non corroding nylon teeth and slider.
• Full refelctive ’3M’ piping on front, back and shoulders.
• Front stretch flare pouch with velcro retaining loop.
• 2 secure zippered fron draining pockets over soft neoprene handwarmers. ‘D’ ring inside pockets for secure attachments.
• Large and secure back pocket for top feeding camel back drink holder or large rocket flare. Adjustable for a low profile.

Website: Reed Chillcheater

I’ve been using the Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid for several months now. Designed as a low profile, touring buoyancy aid it utilises a side zip fastening allowing for a large pocket across the front of the PFD and one large rear pocket.

Constructed from ‘supersoft’ foam and tough ripstop nylon, the Koast is a rugged yet comfortable piece of equipment. I have found the lower profile of this buoyancy aid to be extremely comfortable to wear, allowing a full range of movement without ever feeling restricted.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Front

The front of the Yak Koast sports a single, top opening pocket which covers almost the full width of the buoyancy aid. This pocket has a top opening zip with 2 zip pulls, allowing the pocket to open from the centre point. On the front of this pocket, is a seperate knife pocket, with a downward pulling zip. The main compartment contains D rings for attaching equipment and is easily large enough to swallow my VHF along with other equipment. I have the aerial sticking out of the centre of the pocket which is ideal, as it keeps the VHF aerial central avoiding my arms catching on it during strokes – a problem I have had with some ‘side’ pockets.

The other benefit of the large, top opening is it reduces the risk of items dropping out as is the case with vertically opening pockets. The knife pocket is a reasonable size and easily holds a small to medium size diving style knife.

Also on the front of the Yak Koast is a standard lash tab suitable for attaching a torch for night paddling or a knife for easy access.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Back

The rear sports a large pocket designed primarily for a hydration pack. Their is a suitable opening and channels across the shoulder to secure the drinking tube. This pocket has a flap closure and side zip making it easy to stow the hydration system before donning the buoyancy aid.

The combination of an over the head with side zip method for donning/removing the Yak Koast is very welcome. I find it easier to put on/take off on the water (when removing or adding layers) than some front zipped buoyancy aids, although the side zip took a little getting used to doing up.

Yak Koast - Wide Neoprene Shoulder

The wide, neoprene shoulder are very low profile and extremely comfortable, with webbing and buckle adjustment. The Yak Koast also boasts multiple side adjusters to get a snug fit. These are all easy to adjust on the water, even with cold, wet hands.

The colour scheme is bright and high visibility backed up by reflective panels. This has proved invaluable during recent weeks as my sunset filled evening paddles slowly become full blown night paddles with the nights drawing in. An addition I would love to see, given it’s suitability for low light/night paddling, would be light stick holders as some other buoyancy aids are now sporting (for example, the Yak Escape).

In use, the Yak Koast has proven to be extremely comfortable. I like the lower profile and uncluttered/fussy design. I also like the fact the single, wide front pocket keeps items closer to the body, rather than smaller, bulging pockets. The fact I can keep my VHF on my person, yet out of the way by sitting central to the buoyancy aid is fantastic.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Side Zip Closed

The large, top opening means I am never concerned about accessing items, although the single pocket may not appeal to those who like to more flexibility in segregating/organising equipment. For me, it’s never been a problem however.

I’ve been reliably informed by observers that the reflective patches combined with torches on my person/boat work well and provide enhanced visibility.

As with all equipment I test, the Yak Koast has been given quite a hammering and shows no signs of damage or significant wear and tear.

Along with the Yak Conquest Cag, it makes an ideal, comfortable, durable and high visibility combination.

The final consideration is price. Compared to some of the sea kayaking/touring specific buoyancy aids on the market, this is a real contender. For example, Bournemouth Canoes are selling this at £68 – this is between £30-£60 cheaper than some of its rivals (Palm Taupo, Peak Adventure Zip, Palm Kaikoura Tour). Yak seem to have a knack of producing no-nonsense, well designed equipment at very reasonable prices.

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Side Zip Open

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Open Back Pocket

Yak Koast Buoyancy Aid - Lash Tab

From Yak:

Yak Koast

1. Ergonomic foam shape for maximum comfort
2. Multi point adjustment for the ultimate fit
3. Bright colour and reflective panels for excellent visibility
4. Expanding front pocket and knife pocket for additional storage
5. Vertical back pocket designed to accommodate hydration pack

Price: £70 approx

More details can be found on the Yak Website, along with details of their other Buoyancy Aids. The Yak Koast can also be seen in action in this short video clip.

Palm refers to the Kaikoura Tour Buoyancy Aid as “A front zipped expedition level touring PFD – packed with features and storage space – which uses Palm’s Flex Formed Foam system.” Whilst it certainly looks the part on the brochures and adverts – does it live up to the hype?

If the answer to this was judged by demand and lack of availability you would certainly think so. During the summer I contacted a number of retailers to try and source a Kaikoura Tour to no avail. Forum posts abound on well known sea kayaking blogs bemoaning the lack of availability. However, the good news is that they are coming back into stock and are well worth a look.

Kaikoura Tour - Unzipped

The Kaikoura Tour is a shorter cut buoyancy aid, with quite a bulbous look at the front due to reasonably large foam buoyancy and an excess of pockets. However, do not be fooled by appearances – once on the buoyancy aid does not feel large and bulbous. The cut of the Kaikoura gives excellent freedom around the shoulders/arms allowing you to move freely.

Adjustment comes in the form of a waist and midrift straps as well as shoulder adjustment. This is easy to access and adjust wearing the buoyancy aid. A front zip design allows the Kaikoura to me removed on the water, to remove a layer of clothing for example.

Kaikoura Tour - Right Pocket

There have been many discussions on Sea Kayaking forums regarding the Kaikoura’s zip and corrosion, however it is important to note that the design has been updated with a plastic zip and this problem addressed.

Storage on the Kaikoura is superb and one of features that has led to the praise within the sea kayaking community. The front of the Kaikoura has four pockets along with fleece lined hand warmers and a whistle pocket.

The two main pockets contain pouches and key clips. The smaller front bellows pockets also contain key clips and allow storage of smaller items.

Kaikoura Tour - Left Pocket

The right main pocket has an aerial slot to allow a vhf to be stored. To my mind it provides a secure place to store the radio and listen in to radio traffic but I would be concerned about accidental button presses switching channels (I tend to monitor channels 16 & 67 on dual watch).

I currently have my iCom radio under the deck lines in a waterproof bag but would like to keep the deck clearer and keep the radio on my person. time will tell if this is front pocket is the perfect solution.

The left pocket is a more straight forward double pocket – one larger top/side entry and one smaller front entry. The larger is a great size for snacks, penknife on a lanyard and other items you wish to keep on your person.

Both left and right pockets had a reflective patch on them – an increasingly common addition to paddling kit and useful for dawn/dusk and night paddlers.

Kaikoura Tour - Back

The back of the Kaikoura has a larger pocket – obviously designed for a water bladder. The shoulder straps contain loops to keep the drinking tube organised. However, the pocket is also a perfect size for flares or other larger items. This pocket has an over the shoulder opening strip.

To round off the pockets, the right shoulder has a ‘strobe’ pocket with d-ring and whistle already attached. This is ideal for those who carry the smaller torch/strobe devices for night time or emergency situations.

Final, the Kaikoura has an flat, inside back pocket which I currently do not have a plan for – however there are suggestions floating about on the UKSRG forums.

The Kaikoura fits very comfotably and when packed is seems as if it will be functional and provide easy access to key items. I look forward to more detailed testing and will report back after a period of sustained use. if you are a Kaikoura user, let me know how you have found it!

Palm Kaikoura Tour from Palm – available from Bournemouth canoes, Woodmill and other stockists.
Features include:

• Palm Flex formed foam cut-wraps around torso
• Vent mesh lining and neoprene under arm patches
• Palm 3D ‘anti ride-up’ waist system
• YKK front zip entry with closure cover
• Easy Glide™ strap adjustment throughout
• 3M® reflective panels on shoulders, front and rear panels
• Large rear cargo pocket with over shoulder opening tab
• Double front cargo pockets with internal compartments, attachment points and VHF aerial slot
• Shoulder ‘strobe’ pocket with whistle and D ring
• Hydration bladder storage guides and park
• Front and rear lash tabs

Fabrics: Cordura® 550D Ripstop
Colour: Blue / Grey, Red / Grey
Code: BA325
Size options: XS-S (60N) / M-L (70N) / XL-XXL (70N)

Featuring easy adjustment and ample storage yet retaining a slim designthe Palm Axis Extrem bouyancy aid is now a prized addition to the gear bag.

I wanted a lower profile bouyancy aid, which afforded a larger range of movement. Both my white water and sea bouyancy aids included padding/bouyancy over the shoulders and felt restrictive and bulky.

It also needed to be dual purpose, and as such include features such as chest harness that are not normally found on Sea/touring pfd’s. I also wanted sufficient storage on the bouyancy aid for a compass, knife, whistle, chocolate and vhf radio. Was this going to be possible?

The Palm Axis Extrem was actually one I discounted early on. George at the Woodmill shop highlighted it as one of their best sellers, however it looked too complicated with a range of straps. However, as I worked my way through the other possibilities the combination of features and price made it the ideal choice.

It has a large amount of bouyancy (75n) yet remains low profile. The large pocket on the front easily swallows my VHF, as well as other small items and has d-rings and a removeable key clip.

The shoulders have comfort padding that remains low profile and the active cut allows a full range of movement when paddling. On the rear, reflective tape will aid safety when paddling in low light or at night.

The bouyancy aid is over the head, so not as easy to remove when in the boat, however it has a great range of adjustment, cleverly designed to be accessible when on the water.

The chest harness is present for when I do hit white water, but does not get in the way when out on the sea.

On the rear of the bouyancy aid, there is a lash tab for attaching lights for night paddling.

This was undoubtedly the most comfortable of the bouyancy aids I tried on and has felt ‘right’ since day one of use. I still have my 5 pocket ‘old school’ bouyancy aid to hand if I needed the storage space, but the increased feeling of freedom and movement from a lower profile PFD can’t be beaten.

Features include:

• >75N Soft foam buoyancy.
• Adjustable Easy Glide™ padded neoprene shoulder straps.
• Adjustable Easy Glide™ glide and chest straps.
• Easy Glide™ Chest Harness with quick release cam buckle and load spreader.
• Karabiner retainer.
• Front zip fastened pocket with internal and zip fastened external stretch mesh pockets.
• Two “D” rings and security hook contained within the pocket.
• Lash Tab to secure a flash light etc.
• Fast draining mesh inner lining.
• Reflective tape on shoulder straps
• Reflective piping around pocket.

Fabrics: Shell: 550D Ripstop Cordura®.
Colour: Mango/Black

Price: £99.95