Astral

Layla Personal Flotation Device - Women's

So far so good!

I am a fly-fishing guide on the CO River headwaters and bought this last season, hoping it would provide a more functional fit on my larger-busted body than the PFDs I've worn for work in past seasons. As a fly-fishing specific user, I needed something comfortable enough to back row and recirculate slower water all day, while also being safe and non-restrictive enough to make it through rapids in higher water and bonus points if I have full range for casting on the days I get to fish! I'm a HUGE fan of my Layla. It's comfortable and while there are lower profile PFDs on the market, this one doesn't feel too bulky. It fits around my larger chest without a problem, and cinches in completely around the smallest part of my waist so it doesn't ride up. I'm 5'10" and about 165lbs and the M/L is small enough to wear with a thin sun shirt on warm days but expands enough to fit well even over the top of my chest waders and jackets on cooler days. It's still in great shape after being worn 5-7 days a week all season and intermittently throughout the winter. The only downside is that it can get a little warm on long trips on hot summer days compared to some of the other PFDs I've worn. That being said, the comfort of the fit outweighs the little bit of discomfort from the extra heat in my opinion. I may be on the market for something with a little more ventilation but will be keeping and using this all spring and fall and offer it up for lady clients to use!

Poor knife placement

Great overall life vest, but Astral overlooked one important feature. As a long time white water rafter and a female who rows her own boat, I am disappointed in the placement of the knife holder. It became evident within the first 10 forward strokes on my sticks, that the placement the safety knife would catch my L hand as my hand would come up toward my chest. This is a huge overlook by Astral. Otherwise the vest is very comfortable and stylish.

Comfortable and stylish

Very comfortable fit. Easy to zip once you get used to the side zipper.

Comfy and safe but roomy

This is a beautiful PFD (love the front pocket!!). The material is durable and all the straps are easy to reach. I ordered the size small-medium (I'm a size 4) and had to synch it all the way down and it still has room to move.

Great overall PFD

Works exactly as advertised maybe runs a tiny bit large

Best PFD Out There!

Super comfy PFD! Almost forget I'm wearing one on the river. It fits in all the right places and doesn't make me feel claustrophobic when I'm sitting down.

Pointless pockets

Honestly i find this PFD kind of dumb. It fits well, and the side zipper is neat. But the second most important feature - the front pocket - is so incredibly terribly designed. It's made of flimsy mesh, so putting anything in it will rip it. It's shaped weirdly, so if you do use the pocket, it will form a bulge. Good luck self rescuing! The pockets inside the mesh pocket are tight and ill-made. Then there's the sleeve pocket behind it.. good luck fitting anything in there! It's so tight. Honestly. Been working on it since the 90s and no one's thought "maybe we should make the pockets usable"? It's like the woman's jeans of the waterworld lol

The BEST! I found my new PFD.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

M

Height:

5' 8"

Weight:

165

After using random PFDs for lake kayaking or group trips, and then trying other well regarded white water brands and returning them, I found my one! The Layla is the best fit for me (doesn't squish the boobs like the NRSs did), I love the female taper, fits me great. I'm 165, 5'8", curvy hips, size B up top. I tested the size M and L, and the M was the best fit. I use it for Class 2-3 river pack-rafting in current. The female fit is rad, the drink holder/phone holder pocket is seriously the best functionality (you can have an open can in the pocket and snap the top closed for rapids), cool color options, and love the lotus design on the back. The PDF you love, is the one you'll wear.... and I LOVE this PFD!

Comfortable enough to be PJs

Okay, maybe not quite that comfortable. After a 35-year hiatus from water sports, I needed a life jacket. I bought the Layla, and I plan to wear it for my Viking funeral when I am sent out to sea and my kayak lit on fire. I love it that much. It is so comfortable, I don't bother taking it off when we come ashore for lunch. Kudos on crafting the perfect woman-specific fit and offering that fit in fabulous colors.

Comfortable and did it's job well!

Loved the fit, the first women-specific PFD I've ever purchased, and it was so comfortable. I also took a really "good" swim in a Class IV-V- and had to float the entire rapid in the water. I had one hairy moment stuck in a hole but I didn't doubt the vest for the second. It was also very comfortable for being hauled in.