I’ve been using this Jacket for many years now and love it. I keep a Stohlquist Add-A-Buoy bladder in the rope pocket. Gives you an extra few pounds of floatation when desired and I have never had an issue with it popping out.
I bought the new Stohlquist Descent vest because of the pocket for an Add-A-Buoy for big water. Now that I've got the the PFD, I haven't been able to find the bladder for almost a year. I feel that all the rescue vests could use another 20-30% buoyancy, tbh. Might get bulky if that was all foam. Fwiw the Descent isn't a bad vest - huge step up from the non-rescue vest I was wearing. It's easier to get into with the zipper and fastek buckles (I think they call this side-entry) than the Green Jacket. Super comfortable, and stays in place well. Had I known you can get the Add-A-Buoy in the pocket on the Green Jacket, I'd have probably gone the Green Jacket route. The side pockets really make it easy to keep your flip line and a progress capture setup neat and tidy, although I'm old and stiff enough that I have a little problem getting to them.
@@roywheat4490 I have a buddy that uses that vest I tried his on and looked over it liked the shoulder straps but had almost no storage i would miss my big from pocket thanks for the feedback and I’m looking into this bladder thing I did not even know this existed but love the concept
The Stolquist add a buoy is a great idea but in the decent model the space isn’t big enough for full inflation. I’d be curious to know if you can blow it up most of the way in the green jacket. Great video as always, thanks Wade!
got the green jacket. awesome so far.question: was it in this video or another pfd video where you specified there was a hidden pocket in the back? about the size of a cell phone. somewhere i seen you show that.
Just bought one of these last week and haven't even got it wet yet! Probably don't need it as a beginner whitewater paddler, but "buy once, cry once" as I've heard it said lol Pretty much, I know that I won't outgrow the capabilities of the vest, and it'll be just what I need for getting back into swiftwater rescue, so that's why I pulled the trigger on it. I learned a little bit back in my FD days, but nothing like what the guys are doing, for instance, on the Green Narrows, so I decided to go ahead and get the vest that'll enable me to be an asset on the river as opposed to a liability. Plus, I just really liked the way it fits and looks! 🤷♂️😁 I'll get the Green Jacket wet tonight at roll practice, then hopefully, I'll get to take it down river here in the next week or two. I feel like it's going to be a huge upgrade over my fishing vest that I used last time when I borrowed a friend's boat to PFD Nantahala 😅 It'll also be nice to be in my own boat (that isn't too small for me) and have a 197cm whitewater paddle instead of a 230-240cm touring paddle 😂
Yeah you made a good purchase getting the best never skimp on vest helmets and paddles let me know what you think after you give it a go thanks for the feedback
Interesting observation MC I never noticed water puddling up in those but since you pointed it our can kinda see it. You can bet I will be checking that next trip…
That's really well thought out. I like all the extra pockets. You're right, it needs more flotation. Perhaps you can add some arm floaties?! I have the NRS Zen Rescue, which I'm really happy with, particularly 18 lbs 10 oz. of flotation. I'll gladly accept extra bulk to keep my head above water. How long is your tow tether?
And I did a video on the sling I carry awhile back check the links Must Have Kayak Safety Gear "Kayaking Safety Tip #04" ruclips.net/video/gkxznkX7C8w/видео.html
You should do a comparison against a Palm Nevis BA. I like that no strap on the shoulders idea (very neat), Palm Nevis does have a slot to tuck the excess strap into but no strap at all is even better
I tried to get one those actually and reached out to the palm usa reps and was told they have not been us coast guard approved for usa so could not sale me one…
Love the green jacket. I find my snap is reliable. I keep 4 aluminium carabiners, 2 prussicks and 2 pulleys, 6m of nylon webbing and a folding saw. Lives in the hand warmer. Love the pfd not the best for rafting as it does protrude quite far out from my torso in comparison to a palm pfd or kokatat Hustler R.
And the hiko vest i didn’t like the hustle R I had one for awhile and sold it went back to green vest i tried the nrs on and seems good the only vest that rivals the green vest is the hiko right now i use the astral green vest and hiko rescue vest
I've had two Greenjackets over the years. A European one with the side entry and a US one. I think with the newer Palm, Peak and Kokatat offerings, the GJ's limitations are more apparent. I find there is too much movement in the ring position on the QR strap. The Palm and Peak ones have the strap fully covered meaning the ring stays in the middle. Also their QR straps are made from a smoother webbing and have bigger metal buckle plates with more space (less friction), so they release much easier. Finally the pocket behind the foam could do with somekind of velcro closure (lost too many slings out of it). And I'd rather have the knife pocket on the outside like the old GJ.
The ring does move around I wish they would add like a little Velcro strap to hole it in place I lost the ring on my Kokatat hustler beat the ring is massive and it just fell off somehere
You may be right about the main pocket storage. But there are several huge pockets running through the main body of the vest. More useful than the GJ’s little side zippered pockets.
@@jambianibob Yeah I would second that. I can fit a 5m sling, full kayak pin kit, phone, peli case 1040 along with various other essentials/bits and pieces in my size XL no problems at all - haven’t seen anything else made for whitewater that even comes close.
Would love to see a review of your HustleR. Had the bluejacket but replaced it for the kokatat and couldn't be happier. Whould be good to hear your thoughts. Thanks again!
I had one for awhile and never got around to doing a review on one I might try to get one to do a review on me personally was not a fan on them green vest all the way for me
Yeah the pocket definitely isn't as good as the astrals but I don't need to carry too much. Happy to make the trade off for how comfy it is and how low it sits. I'm a canoe guy and find the astrals sit really high which gets annoying when kneeling but I did like it in a kayak. Also got the green limited edition one and think it looks awesome (which is what's really important right?)
Yeah I love those colors just noticed they would seem to get way dirtier and grimy looking after trips. So went with the midnight black this go around to see how it did..
I love my Green Jacket but I only use it for kayaking. I have a Kokatat Ronin Pro for when I’m raft guiding. The Ronin is just slightly more comfortable to me and I feel a bit more mobile in it compared to the Green Jacket which to me feels specifically designed for kayak use which is a good thing. I’m grateful to have both for sure.
Where does this vest ride on your torso? I have a Hustle R and it rides low across my belly. This jacket wants to ride a lot higher. Is that typical or should I size up to a L/XL over the M/L that I tried. I am 5'10" and weight 190 and have a 42 inch chest. That seems to put me in the M/L size, but it seems to ride to high for my taste.
The European version which I have had a zip and clips so you dont have to go over the head with it. Agree on keeping contents of pockets simple I carry a knife, 5meter sling, 3 karabiners to make a 3:1 and a whistle
Kokatat Hustler Rescue vest is more comfortable. Pockets are way more usable in Hustler. Astral is to flat and tight. Kokatat best stays down better also. Hustler sits lower and away from your face. Shoulder straps are more comfortable on Hustler they are padded better and wider. I think Hustler has more flotation but not positive I think it's 18 lb of flotation. Regular Hustler is just made with lighter material but just as comfortable.
I had the hustler R for a year and sold it I agree the fit on the hustler is really good the wrap around style. But the storage was nowhere close to the green vest and I didn’t like the shoulder straps. I think it’s still a good vest for some but In my experience the green jacket still the best to have today for Creeking but overall playing and river running hustler is good also because less bulk. Thanks for the feedback
Wow 4 years of use before it gave out i would consider that a good lifespan. I usually try to update vest every 3 years if used a lot i would think that’s about the lifespan of a rescue vest.
The European version of the green jacket has a side entry, makes a big difference. I think the loop is a belay loop, not an abseil loop but I’ve never found any official info about how strong it is.
Yes it’s called the astral serpent I think they purchased the design from HTP or something like that it’s not the green jacket probably was easier going that route then trying to get CE approved in the green vest just my thoughts
@@jeremiekarlsson got it and your right that must be just a euro version that they added side entrance to I wish that was available here It’s a beast to get on over a dry suit
I wonder why but my Green Jacket and most Green Jackets I see (in Europe), have a click opening on the 3 straps on the right side. You can unclick all and remove the harness and then can get into it sideways. I prefer the overhead approach though. Don't know if it is a regional difference? I would also be happy about a little bit of extra flotation.
No that the astral serpent which I think astral purchased from HTP vest or something like that it’s not the green jacket pretty sure they don’t have the proper CE approval to sell the green jacket in Europe
@@WadeHarrison Oh I can not link to webshops here to show but we can buy the green jacket as well as the blue and the serpent. I have a Green Jacket (bought in spring 2021) in the exact same colors as your old one. Everything is the same but mine has 3 clips to open it sideways, the clips are very similar to the blue jacket on the astral webpage.
Hustle R buy kokatat is much better. Pockets in astral are to toght and flat, straps are not as padded as Hustle . Hard clam shell sucks on astral. Foam on hustle is cut curved so it's more comfortable. You right all vest should have 18 lb. of flotation. Knife tab is better on the hustle also with flap covering it.
I had the hustle r for awhile I didn’t like the lack of storage and genius idea on the knife storage at the bottom I’m currently testing the Hiko guardian rescue vest I’m liking it as well
As for the loop in the front stand alone no run a safety loop to the recuse harness loop in the back. And when I said I used it for rappelling I’m only talking about slight angles nothing like lowering myself down cliff’s. Just like 45 degree angle type stuff. In no way would I recommend using a life vest and throw ropes as any type of climbing and full rappelling device your just asking for it.
That’s true and Technically no it’s not but I use it for that and I’m NOT talking like completely vert 100’ mountains ledges I’m talking just like a portage or putin type incline Personally I would not recommend a life vest of any type as a true safe repelling device! If you think your doing that i would say bring actual climbing harness and real ropes not throw ropes and a life vest. Thanks for the feedback.
@@WadeHarrison with the loop I thing using it to clip into a sit harness to connect them if doing any rope work, but using it on its own seems sketchy with it only connected to your body by your ribs/torso
They should really incorporate an optional stowable internal webbing harness for emergency rappelling and such. I’m sure no one would buy it, but it would be a cool specialty item. I think putting a burly looking webbing loop on the front of a jacket that isn’t rated to hold weight is a mistake from a safety pov.
😂 we all know the guides that paddle with the PBR in the hand warming pockets “for the takeout of course” yeah that’s like a Easter egg people will figure out on their own
Order Yours Today Link Below 👇👇👇
Astral, GreenJacket Life Jacket PFD for Whitewater Rescue--- amzn.to/3GylmRd
Astral Buoyancy Dyneema Throw Bag--- amzn.to/3AbjBFt
I have used the Green Jacket vests for 10 yrs. I absolutely love them.
Awesome thank for the feedback
I’ve been using this Jacket for many years now and love it. I keep a Stohlquist Add-A-Buoy bladder in the rope pocket. Gives you an extra few pounds of floatation when desired and I have never had an issue with it popping out.
Oh I have not seen that Stohlquist Bladder that’s interesting and a good idea
I bought the new Stohlquist Descent vest because of the pocket for an Add-A-Buoy for big water. Now that I've got the the PFD, I haven't been able to find the bladder for almost a year. I feel that all the rescue vests could use another 20-30% buoyancy, tbh. Might get bulky if that was all foam.
Fwiw the Descent isn't a bad vest - huge step up from the non-rescue vest I was wearing. It's easier to get into with the zipper and fastek buckles (I think they call this side-entry) than the Green Jacket. Super comfortable, and stays in place well. Had I known you can get the Add-A-Buoy in the pocket on the Green Jacket, I'd have probably gone the Green Jacket route. The side pockets really make it easy to keep your flip line and a progress capture setup neat and tidy, although I'm old and stiff enough that I have a little problem getting to them.
@@roywheat4490 I have a buddy that uses that vest I tried his on and looked over it liked the shoulder straps but had almost no storage i would miss my big from pocket thanks for the feedback and I’m looking into this bladder thing I did not even know this existed but love the concept
The Stolquist add a buoy is a great idea but in the decent model the space isn’t big enough for full inflation. I’d be curious to know if you can blow it up most of the way in the green jacket. Great video as always, thanks Wade!
@@Nottomorrownotyesterday one comment said they did in the rope pocket
thank you Wade for this great information!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve had mine for about 2 years now she’s tough ! Still looks brand new
They really are very well made
got the green jacket. awesome so far.question: was it in this video or another pfd video where you specified there was a hidden pocket in the back? about the size of a cell phone. somewhere i seen you show that.
I’m not sure what you’re referring too?
Owned one since 2012. Use it WW and OW kayaking. Lots of features!
You hanging in there awhile
Just bought one of these last week and haven't even got it wet yet! Probably don't need it as a beginner whitewater paddler, but "buy once, cry once" as I've heard it said lol Pretty much, I know that I won't outgrow the capabilities of the vest, and it'll be just what I need for getting back into swiftwater rescue, so that's why I pulled the trigger on it. I learned a little bit back in my FD days, but nothing like what the guys are doing, for instance, on the Green Narrows, so I decided to go ahead and get the vest that'll enable me to be an asset on the river as opposed to a liability. Plus, I just really liked the way it fits and looks! 🤷♂️😁
I'll get the Green Jacket wet tonight at roll practice, then hopefully, I'll get to take it down river here in the next week or two. I feel like it's going to be a huge upgrade over my fishing vest that I used last time when I borrowed a friend's boat to PFD Nantahala 😅
It'll also be nice to be in my own boat (that isn't too small for me) and have a 197cm whitewater paddle instead of a 230-240cm touring paddle 😂
Yeah you made a good purchase getting the best never skimp on vest helmets and paddles let me know what you think after you give it a go thanks for the feedback
Agree on all points, one small thing, the little pockets in the main compartment also need drain holes.
Interesting observation MC I never noticed water puddling up in those but since you pointed it our can kinda see it. You can bet I will be checking that next trip…
@@WadeHarrison its a tiny thing, i was keeping a inreach mini there and it doesn't like sitting in water for prolonged periods.
@@mc-zy7ju that’s interesting yeah if I ran one of those i would probably put It in a plastic bag just as extra waterproofing
I’ve also experienced lots of water in the interior pockets. It’s kinda fun smooshing the water out after a trip tho 😅
That's really well thought out. I like all the extra pockets. You're right, it needs more flotation. Perhaps you can add some arm floaties?! I have the NRS Zen Rescue, which I'm really happy with, particularly 18 lbs 10 oz. of flotation. I'll gladly accept extra bulk to keep my head above water. How long is your tow tether?
😂 arm floats would be hilarious to see!
And I did a video on the sling I carry awhile back check the links
Must Have Kayak Safety Gear "Kayaking Safety Tip #04"
ruclips.net/video/gkxznkX7C8w/видео.html
nice video! clear and with all the necessary informations
Thanks 🙏🏻
I like that whistle😉 Kokata Guide Rescue Vest, great vest, was donated to me, since I do alot of guide and safety boat runs
Yup me new favorite whistle by far small easy to tuck away but packs a loud punch!
@@WadeHarrison which whistle is it
Wade?
@@kylecolmar964 it’s a 3d printed one.
You should do a comparison against a Palm Nevis BA. I like that no strap on the shoulders idea (very neat), Palm Nevis does have a slot to tuck the excess strap into but no strap at all is even better
I tried to get one those actually and reached out to the palm usa reps and was told they have not been us coast guard approved for usa so could not sale me one…
Love the green jacket. I find my snap is reliable. I keep 4 aluminium carabiners, 2 prussicks and 2 pulleys, 6m of nylon webbing and a folding saw. Lives in the hand warmer. Love the pfd not the best for rafting as it does protrude quite far out from my torso in comparison to a palm pfd or kokatat Hustler R.
nice great real-world feedback! Thanks
Any suggestions, recommendations or reviews on elbow pads?
I use a few different ones but my go to ones are Sweet elbow guards very flexible move well and take hits nicely link below 👇
amzn.to/3X7jULr
hey there! awesome videos. true to earth. recommendation on green vs nrs vector vs kokatat hustl-r?
And the hiko vest i didn’t like the hustle R I had one for awhile and sold it went back to green vest i tried the nrs on and seems good the only vest that rivals the green vest is the hiko right now i use the astral green vest and hiko rescue vest
Any tips on cleaning?
I just keep paddling mine till it cleans itself
I would think just water hose and soap scrub brush will work if was really bad
I've had two Greenjackets over the years. A European one with the side entry and a US one. I think with the newer Palm, Peak and Kokatat offerings, the GJ's limitations are more apparent. I find there is too much movement in the ring position on the QR strap. The Palm and Peak ones have the strap fully covered meaning the ring stays in the middle. Also their QR straps are made from a smoother webbing and have bigger metal buckle plates with more space (less friction), so they release much easier. Finally the pocket behind the foam could do with somekind of velcro closure (lost too many slings out of it).
And I'd rather have the knife pocket on the outside like the old GJ.
The ring does move around I wish they would add like a little Velcro strap to hole it in place I lost the ring on my Kokatat hustler beat the ring is massive and it just fell off somehere
Palm Nevis also has 10N more buoyancy in the respective sizes than the green jacket
@@andrewross9998 i would believe that I seen one and tried it on it doesn’t have as much storage as the green vest but does make up for it in volume
You may be right about the main pocket storage. But there are several huge pockets running through the main body of the vest. More useful than the GJ’s little side zippered pockets.
@@jambianibob Yeah I would second that. I can fit a 5m sling, full kayak pin kit, phone, peli case 1040 along with various other essentials/bits and pieces in my size XL no problems at all - haven’t seen anything else made for whitewater that even comes close.
Would love to see a review of your HustleR. Had the bluejacket but replaced it for the kokatat and couldn't be happier. Whould be good to hear your thoughts. Thanks again!
I had one for awhile and never got around to doing a review on one I might try to get one to do a review on me personally was not a fan on them green vest all the way for me
Yeah the pocket definitely isn't as good as the astrals but I don't need to carry too much. Happy to make the trade off for how comfy it is and how low it sits. I'm a canoe guy and find the astrals sit really high which gets annoying when kneeling but I did like it in a kayak. Also got the green limited edition one and think it looks awesome (which is what's really important right?)
Astral Green Jacket all day, every day....Red, White & Blue baby!😎
Yeah I love those colors just noticed they would seem to get way dirtier and grimy looking after trips. So went with the midnight black this go around to see how it did..
@@WadeHarrison Agreed! I keep the older ones for pool duty.
I love my Green Jacket but I only use it for kayaking. I have a Kokatat Ronin Pro for when I’m raft guiding. The Ronin is just slightly more comfortable to me and I feel a bit more mobile in it compared to the Green Jacket which to me feels specifically designed for kayak use which is a good thing. I’m grateful to have both for sure.
Nice thanks for the feedback.
Where does this vest ride on your torso? I have a Hustle R and it rides low across my belly. This jacket wants to ride a lot higher. Is that typical or should I size up to a L/XL over the M/L that I tried. I am 5'10" and weight 190 and have a 42 inch chest. That seems to put me in the M/L size, but it seems to ride to high for my taste.
The green vest rides pretty center i actually sold my hustler r because i didn’t like how it rode
The European version which I have had a zip and clips so you dont have to go over the head with it. Agree on keeping contents of pockets simple I carry a knife, 5meter sling, 3 karabiners to make a 3:1 and a whistle
That’s a good load out
Kokatat Hustler Rescue vest is more comfortable. Pockets are way more usable in Hustler. Astral is to flat and tight. Kokatat best stays down better also. Hustler sits lower and away from your face. Shoulder straps are more comfortable on Hustler they are padded better and wider. I think Hustler has more flotation but not positive I think it's 18 lb of flotation.
Regular Hustler is just made with lighter material but just as comfortable.
I had the hustler R for a year and sold it I agree the fit on the hustler is really good the wrap around style.
But the storage was nowhere close to the green vest and I didn’t like the shoulder straps.
I think it’s still a good vest for some but In my experience the green jacket still the best to have today for Creeking but overall playing and river running hustler is good also because less bulk.
Thanks for the feedback
Wade I ware the nrs rescue vest I like a side entry I would like some side pockets though
Yes I had a nrs for awhile just sold it few months ago
nice gusher table
😂 yup and funny had one burst in my vest pocket and that’s why everything is red colored now in there.
What’s that loop that your whistle is attached to on the jacket?
It’s a keychain loop it’s screws into itself and hold very well
My front pocket zipper pulls failed after about 4 years of heavy use. The crimps came apart. That's the only issue I've ever had with the vest though.
Wow 4 years of use before it gave out i would consider that a good lifespan. I usually try to update vest every 3 years if used a lot i would think that’s about the lifespan of a rescue vest.
@@WadeHarrison I agree. It's 5 years old now. I should probably replace it.
@@curtismay3755 if it only floats your head or the tops of your shoulders out of the water then it’s time to replace it
The European version of the green jacket has a side entry, makes a big difference.
I think the loop is a belay loop, not an abseil loop but I’ve never found any official info about how strong it is.
Yes it’s called the astral serpent I think they purchased the design from HTP or something like that it’s not the green jacket probably was easier going that route then trying to get CE approved in the green vest just my thoughts
No, it’s the same exact Green Jacket but with side entry. I have it. I’ll PM you on Instagram with some photos
@@jeremiekarlsson then it’s the blue vest are the little side pockets mesh
@@WadeHarrison haha no, there’s a European version of the Green. I sent you some pictures.
@@jeremiekarlsson got it and your right that must be just a euro version that they added side entrance to I wish that was available here It’s a beast to get on over a dry suit
I wonder why but my Green Jacket and most Green Jackets I see (in Europe), have a click opening on the 3 straps on the right side. You can unclick all and remove the harness and then can get into it sideways. I prefer the overhead approach though. Don't know if it is a regional difference?
I would also be happy about a little bit of extra flotation.
Sounds like the Blue Jacket over here
No that the astral serpent which I think astral purchased from HTP vest or something like that it’s not the green jacket pretty sure they don’t have the proper CE approval to sell the green jacket in Europe
You have the Astral Serpent not the green jacket
@@WadeHarrison Oh I can not link to webshops here to show but we can buy the green jacket as well as the blue and the serpent. I have a Green Jacket (bought in spring 2021) in the exact same colors as your old one. Everything is the same but mine has 3 clips to open it sideways, the clips are very similar to the blue jacket on the astral webpage.
@@MightTower yeah I turned links off because so many spam and malware links to websites added to my channel it was insane
Hustle R buy kokatat is much better. Pockets in astral are to toght and flat, straps are not as padded as Hustle . Hard clam shell sucks on astral. Foam on hustle is cut curved so it's more comfortable.
You right all vest should have 18 lb. of flotation.
Knife tab is better on the hustle also with flap covering it.
I had the hustle r for awhile I didn’t like the lack of storage and genius idea on the knife storage at the bottom I’m currently testing the Hiko guardian rescue vest I’m liking it as well
I wish they would make a low slung side entry jacket like the Ronin Pro. I can’t deal with having a big bulky lump right up in my neck.
I also use the YTV vest for playboating and racing and all round paddling the combined of the 2 is the perfect set up
You trust that loop for rappelling? I have always been told not to trust that loop.
As for the loop in the front stand alone no run a safety loop to the recuse harness loop in the back. And when I said I used it for rappelling I’m only talking about slight angles nothing like lowering myself down cliff’s.
Just like 45 degree angle type stuff. In no way would I recommend using a life vest and throw ropes as any type of climbing and full rappelling device your just asking for it.
@@WadeHarrison ah. That's what I was thinking. Thanks for clarifying!
Yeah the front loop is definitely not OK to use for rappelling. It can be used for lowering boats or anchoring yourself to a belay
I’ve read the front webbing loop is not rated for rappelling at all.
That’s true and Technically no it’s not but I use it for that and I’m NOT talking like completely vert 100’ mountains ledges
I’m talking just like a portage or putin type incline
Personally I would not recommend a life vest of any type as a true safe repelling device!
If you think your doing that i would say bring actual climbing harness and real ropes not throw ropes and a life vest. Thanks for the feedback.
@@WadeHarrison with the loop I thing using it to clip into a sit harness to connect them if doing any rope work, but using it on its own seems sketchy with it only connected to your body by your ribs/torso
@@jamesshort6856 completely agree if there’s a lot of rope work involved i would not rely on something like this only
They should really incorporate an optional stowable internal webbing harness for emergency rappelling and such. I’m sure no one would buy it, but it would be a cool specialty item. I think putting a burly looking webbing loop on the front of a jacket that isn’t rated to hold weight is a mistake from a safety pov.
@@ericclaptonsrobotpilot7276 that’s a good idea I curious how many would actually use it
Im disappointed that you didn't mention the beer can capacity of this vest which is one of its best features
😂 we all know the guides that paddle with the PBR in the hand warming pockets “for the takeout of course” yeah that’s like a Easter egg people will figure out on their own
unless you are a raft guide
Why is that? What do you use for guiding