Gear Review- Stohlquist safety PFD's The X-tract and Descent

The X-tract in action boofing it up in Ecuador

        Ever since the demise my trusty Lotus whitewater PFD (personal flotation device) I have been sporting the Stolhquist brand. The nature of my business not only insists I wear a PFD three quarters of the year but I also have the chance to sample various other brands. When I first realized I wanted to be a kayak bum I purchased a Lotus P-vest from Trailhead in Toronto. Not really knowing much about what I was looking for I simply asked for the best they had. I enjoyed a good number of seasons on the Ottawa river with the P-vest and a few other Lotus play vests but knew I had to upgrade when I moved to BC for some gnarly creeking. This is when I was introduced to the Stolhquist X-tract PFD.

I moved to BC in 2004 and never looked back. Being a big water boy from the warm waters of the Ottawa I experienced a sensation similar to gasp reflex when I first tried my hand at BC boating on Skookumchuck creek in the East Kootenays. I realised that creek boating was for me and the days of floating relaxed for kilometres in between rapids were over. It was time to upgrade some gear and get safe. I purchased a red Stohlquist X-tract from a store named Wildways on the banks of the Slocan river. After doing some research on the vest I was certain I made the correct decision.

        The X-tract is comfortable similar to the many play vests I had retired in the past. The PFD sits right where I want it--nice and low and not impeding my upper body movement. The high visibility stripes on the shoulder straps have come in handy on a few unscheduled night take outs. The centring loop at the back of the vests' quick release system is great for ensuring your pig tail (cow tail, tether tow, etc) does not drag down low potentially causing a hazard that can get snagged on the many random pieces of wood in the creeking world. The quick release buckle located at the front for the paddle beaner on the end of your pig tail is genius; with one hand I can free my beaner ready to latch it on to an unfortunate friends floating paddle. Side entry makes it easy to get in and out of the vest with a simple zipper and buckle. Other pullover models leave you feeling like mom just forced grandmas sweater over your head leaving you dizzy and a pair of eyebrows like Burt off sesame street. One disadvantage of the zipper system is while cold weather paddling you might have to wait to get into the hot tub to undo it when it freezes solid. Overall the simplicity of the vest is key, not a lot of straps to tighten, simple cut protecting a large portion of your back with ample padding on the front. A great entry safety vest for the aspiring creek boater or rubber rider. Any improvements needed on this great vest were introduced with the new Stolhquist decent.

        The decent is hands down the best safety best on the market. Stolhquist maintained the side entry feature and instead of adjustable shoulder straps added elasticity to them for a snug fit. New features include the wrapture form fitting foam that caresses your torso like a drunken hug from a buddy, yup, “I love you too man”. The new Descent also incorporates the cinch system that is by far the best way to securely fit a vest by snugging down the front panel while the rear panel embraces your back. If fitted properly pulling downward on theses two straps is all you need for final adjustments before putting on. A major improvement to the paddle carabiner quick release allows you to unclip the buckle with an upward movement of the biner itself. A large front pocket is a great addition for those who want to carry the accessory Bullet throw rope although the actual rope in this product is thin and not very finger friendly so stuff a shorter thicker rope if possible. There is also ample space for other items like a tasty snickers bar, extra floatation bladder, write-in-the rain notepad, or even pieces of an extraction kit. I suggest having your kit in your kayak to avoid over -weighing your vest and other potential mishaps. I have seen first hand someone rushing to save the day and losing their kit to the river gods after trying to get it out of their vest on water, sorry Bubbles bad idea good safety is methodical not rushed.  The feature I appreciate most of the Descent is the padded and abrasion resistant shoulder straps. Not only is this totally awesome for portages with a loaded boat but I can first hand attest to the functionality of the “armour” incorporated into the vest. As soon as I received my Descent in the mail from my star rep Ross I was on the road to White Salmon WA to paddle some early season juice with my bros. On the third day out we were with Stohlquist team paddler Tao Berman on a super high Little White run when I realised how awesome the PFD was. I was sweeping the crew when the group of four pulled into a three boat eddy and I was left to treadmill paddle on the eddy line. I lost my position and drifted backwards into a ledge hole just as Tao was explaining the next drop. I rolled back up lightning fast just in time to tuck under a log and briefly stop until the force of the water slowly crept me under the log. My Descent was rubbing the log with the armour protecting my back and shoulder and I had my first souvenir of a log stain, better than the alternative of a ripped drytop and gouged skin. I ended up running the blind 20+ footer painless with ease thanks Stohlquist!

The Descent being true to it's name on Lynn Creek near Vancouver

        Overall the two vests have your bases covered in the Safety PFD world. The X-tract is simple, affordable and long lasting. I am STILL wearing my red x-tract original as my primary guide vest in Ecuador. There is an expression that gear and kayaks go to die in Ecuador which believe me is true but I am still floating in my X-tract. The Descent is a little more flashy a little more expensive but the fit and functionality is worth it. As you are shopping around for a safety PFD consider the Astral Green Jacket too, I have many friends who enjoy it. We all have different body types and personal fit is something to consider. Stay away from any safety vest that has adjustment buckles at the top of the shoulder straps, this is not well thought out and very uncomfortable unless you never have to carry your boat on shoulder. Stay very clear of any vests that do not have at least inch thick webbing connecting the shoulder straps to the body of the PFD. Integrated harnesses are pretty neat but no substitute for the real thing. Overall, think about what you are looking for in a safety PFD weather it be comfort, functionality, visibility, or even price.

See you floating,

Chris Ryman

For more information...

check out the Stolhquist website