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NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD
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NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

$114.95
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Item# 2157 / 40028.01
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Designed with offshore sea kayakers in mind, the NRS cVest Life Jacket has pockets and attachment points for all the essentials. It also has lots of reflective tape and a cool mesh back that works great with high-back seats.
  • For touring comfort, convenience and safety, the cVest can't be beat. Photographers, naturalists and anyone who likes lots of pockets love it too!

  • Six pockets, including one for a radio, provide lots of handy storage.

  • An accessory lash tab and lanyard loops on the front, plus a beacon loop on the back, give you even more options for outfitting this vest.

  • Flotation is concentrated up front and behind the shoulders, with a mesh lower back that lets you recline, relax and stay cool.

  • SOLAS reflective tape on front and back provides outstanding low-light visibility.

  • Eight adjustment points ensure a snug, secure fit.

  • Large arm openings allow for unobstructed movement while paddling or rowing.

  • Design flotation: 16.5 lbs.
  • US Coast Guard Type:  III
  • Profile:  Medium
  • Design Flotation:  16.5 lbs.
  • Outer Fabric:  400-denier urethane-coated ripstop nylon
  • Entry System:  Front zip
  • Pockets: 
    • 6 - Front
  • Lash Tabs: 
    • 1 - Front
  • Adjustment System: 
    • 4 - Side
    • 2 - Shoulder
    • 2 - Waist
  • Features: 
    • Reflective tape on front and back
    • Back strobe holding loop
    • Multiple attachment loops on front
NRS Life Jacket Sizing*
Size Chest Weight (lbs)
Infant - >30
Child 22"-25" 30-50
Youth 24"-29" 50-90
XS 28"-32"  
XS/M 30"-42"  
S/M 33"-40"  
L/XL 38"-46"  
L/XXL 40"-58"  
XXL 42"-50"  
Universal 30"-58"  
*Some sizes may not apply to this
product... please see the drop down
menu for available sizes.

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD
 
4.8

(based on 28 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (22)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Adjustable (27)
  • Comfortable (27)
  • Good ventilation (20)
  • Lightweight (16)
  • Durable (10)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Paddling (24)
    • Kayak / canoe / rafting (14)
    • Boating / sailing (5)
    • Personal watercraft (3)
      • Chest Size:
      • Feels too small

         

        Feels true to size

         

        100% 

        (25 reviews)

        Feels too big

         
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Advanced (7), Intermediate (6)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (24), Yes (3)

    Reviewed by 28 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-5

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    Previous | Next »

     
    5.0

    Comfortable fit, good value

    By Cowtown Kayaker

    from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    About Me Intermediate

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Adjustable
    • Comfortable
    • Good Ventilation

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Paddling

      Comments about NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD:

      PFD has lots of pockets, I especially like the one for my marine radio. Comfortable with lots of adjustment, great fit. Doesn't interfere with paddling and has lots of clearance for kayak seat back.

      • Chest Size:
      • Feels true to size
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      5.0

      cVest might be the best for me!

      By Katabatic

      from Northern Michigan

      About Me Advanced

      Pros

      • Adjustable
      • Comfortable
      • Durable
      • Feature Rich
      • Good Ventilation
      • Great Fabric
      • Lightweight
      • Not Bulky Front Back

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Paddling

        Comments about NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD:

        my fourth & most loved vest, a lot to say after years and many hours on the water w. my trusty vest which is no longer sold. Slim yet well pocketed ultimate touring vest. Petite female w. a short waistline here: amazing fit after hours on the move or doing layback rolls. Fabric weave is durable yet light & soil repellent. Gotta like the slim pocket for radio plus the small upper pocket for ginger, lip balm, ear plugs, etc. This vest has a place for everything yet still retains a slim profile. Great colors, feature rich & well fitted...try one on!

        • Chest Size:
        • Feels true to size
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        5.0

        Best ever owned.

        By mj

        from Knoxville, TN

        About Me Intermediate

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Adjustable
        • Comfortable
        • Durable
        • Good Ventilation
        • Lightweight
        • Waterproof

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Paddling

          Comments about NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD:

          Been paddling for 42 years, best vest I have ever owned. Back fits well against seat back in kayak. Great pockets. Very comfortable. Excellent purchase.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          Maybe the best yet

          By Fuji

          from New Jersey coast

          About Me Advanced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Adjustable
          • Comfortable
          • Durable
          • Good Storage Pockets
          • Good Ventilation
          • Great Fit
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Canoeing
            • Paddling

            Comments about NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD:

            As a long time paid kayak instructor I've had a chance to see and purchase many pfd's, this one fits better than any of the others I have seen and the floatation on the back being high enough not to interfere with the back band on the kayak is just the best feature yet.

            • Chest Size:
            • Feels true to size
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            5.0

            Great Vest

            By Archie

            from Moncks Corner, SC

            About Me Advanced

            Pros

            • Adjustable
            • Comfortable
            • Durable
            • Good Ventilation
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Paddling

              Comments about NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD:

              Great vest that does not ride up when I paddle!

              • Chest Size:
              • Feels true to size
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Displaying reviews 1-5

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              Previous | Next »

              Do you have questions about this product?

              get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.

              8 Questions | 34 Answers
              Displaying questions 1-8
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                How large is the radio pocket? I want to know if my Standard Horizon HX300 VHF radio will fit inside the radio pocket.Radio is 5 inchs high by 2.3 inches wide and 1.3 inchs deep. Second question is says it has a mesh lower back but from looking at the pictures it looks to be a solid piece of fabric not mesh like.
                Asked on 4/19/2013 by dc9mm from Buffalo NY

                9 answers

                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  The radio will fit - the one we have is a VHF marine transceiver EC-M72.
                  The back of the life vest is a mesh - just looks solid in the picture
                  because it is black and a fine mesh.

                  Answered on 4/25/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I have a small VHF, and it fits fine. My mid-sized fire department radio fits. I doubt that it will fit the older, larger radios that we now refer to as "bricks".
                  Regards
                  Doug
                  Sent from a phone - please forgive typos.

                  Answered on 4/22/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I use a Standard Horizon HX760S (H=5.5", W=2.5", D=1.5") and it fits in the radio pocket with a slight snug fit. The fabric on lower part of the back in a fine mesh which is most likely hard to see in photos. The PDF is much cooler than my Kokatat MS fit, especially here in the south Florida summers. Only grip is the knife tab in front if very close the the pocket so I switch from the NRS pilot knife to the co-pilot knife to clear the lower pocket.

                  Answered on 4/21/2013 by Anonymous
                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  The pocket is 2.5"W x 1.5"D (front to back) x 5.5"H (to top of pocket, but 6.5"H to extent of ability of closure strap to still secure with hook-and-loop).

                  Answered on 4/21/2013 by Clyde from NRS
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Yes your radio will fit.
                  Yes it has mesh.
                  Sent from my iPhone

                  Answered on 4/21/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  There are stretchey side panels in the pocket that could perhaps accomodate
                  the radio. (add to previous email)

                  Answered on 4/20/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  The back is mesh with the straps going across which are not mesh. I do not
                  have that radio, so I can't say exactly if it would fit. It looks like the
                  height of the pocket would seem to be OK, and the width would seem to work,
                  it would probably really tight as for the depth, but might work.

                  Answered on 4/20/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I put my HX280 SH radio in the pocket, they are the same size. The mesh back is the lower part of the back, there is flotation high on the back where it should be. All in all I have found this vest to be an excellent bargain for a full feature.
                  Tim

                  Answered on 4/20/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Your radio will fit in either of the lower two pockets at waist-level, and
                  it will fit into the one high (chest) pocket if you don't mind it sticking
                  out the top. The upper back is flotation material and the lower back is
                  mesh; it's not visible from the photo on the website.

                  Answered on 4/19/2013 by Anonymous
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                I have a 52-54 chest. What is proper size to order?

                Thx

                Doug
                Parksville, BC
                Asked on 3/27/2013 by Doug from Parksville,BC,Canada

                1 answer

                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  Doug, the XXL is rated up to a 50" chest. However, the adjustment straps have a generous length so I believe it will fit you. Another jacket you might consider is the NRS Big Water Guide, Item # 2153. It fits up to a 58" chest.

                  Answered on 3/28/2013 by Clyde from NRS
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                I have heard that the flotation panels on all sizes of the cVest are actually the same size, so if I'm on a line between sizes that I should select the larger of the two sizes, and I'll just have some extra strap material between panels. Is this accurate?
                Asked on 3/16/2013 by David from Lower Alabama

                4 answers

                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  Yes, that's basically right. The amount of flotation is the same across the sizes.

                  Answered on 3/16/2013 by Clyde from NRS
                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  Yes, David, each of the sizes has the same amount of flotation.

                  Answered on 3/16/2013 by Clyde
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I would agree with your assessment. If you end up putting on drysuit or
                  various layers, the larger size is useful. I have used the vest for over 40
                  days of sea kayaking in varying conditions and am very pleased with it.
                  Mike

                  Answered on 3/16/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I really can't answer that. I only have one so I have no comparison. It has a great deal of adjustability so that I am sure you can get a good fit. And NRS is good about exchanging gear.
                  Regards
                  Doug
                  Sent from a phone - please forgive typos.

                  Answered on 3/16/2013 by Anonymous
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                Hello what prmero excuse my English, I speak Spanish and use a translator, I hope we can understand.

                I'm interested in this vest but I have two questions, one is the size since you use different measures to the European ones, I measure 1.78 cm and weighing about 90 kilos, I wanted to know if the correct size would be a better one xl or xxl, I have also understood that these vests the only difference between sizes is the length of the straps and vest size is equal in different sizes.

                This is so? For since it would always be better and if I have spare xxl adjustment strap may be cut.

                The other question is if they send it to Spain and need to know before making the purchase, as would be the amount of the costs, and also know how much you would pay for the vest plus shipping.

                I hope you can help me as I am very interested in that vest and here in Spain can not find it any nrs dealer, the more similar the chinook and I like this other model.

                A greeting and thanks.
                Asked on 3/2/2013 by chiluboard from España

                3 answers

                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  ....I order my shirts L and XL and this vest (XL) fits great- I Love this vest.
                  Sent from my iPhone
                  Adam

                  Answered on 3/2/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  We can answer the question about size. We are pretty sure the person meant
                  1.78 meters and 90 kilos. If so the xl is probably the right size.
                  A great vest with the right pockets in the right place!

                  Answered on 3/2/2013 by Anonymous
                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  Hello, I have sent your question to our International Team. They will contact you soon. We have Spanish speakers, email - inter@nrsweb.com

                  Answered on 3/3/2013 by Clyde from NRS
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                Is there a location to mount your sleeved knife?
                Asked on 2/22/2013 by me from Simpsonville, SC

                3 answers

                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Yes, there is.

                  Answered on 2/22/2013 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  On the chest, I think the left side, there's a square piece of plastic
                  that's raised. I have a small dive knife with a clip on the sheath that
                  slides onto the plastic square. The NRS knives have the clips on the
                  sheath too.
                  Good luck

                  Answered on 3/5/2013 by Anonymous
                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  There is a lash tab for attaching a knife sheath. If you have a folding knife, you can tuck it in one of the ample pockets.

                  Answered on 2/22/2013 by Clyde from NRS
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                I note that this is 420 denier nylon while others on the web are 200-210 denier. Are there different models of this cVest with differing grades of denier?
                Asked on 1/11/2013 by Mic from New Zealand

                2 answers

                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  Thanks for the question. The cVest is made with 400-denier (the 420 was a typo) nylon material. Denier is the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of thread. We use it as a reference guide to the thickness of a fabric.

                  Answered on 1/14/2013 by Clyde from NRS
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Not that I am aware of. I can tell you that I am very happy with this vest. I always wear it when I do long solo paddles and in rough conditions because of the additional flotation and safety features. It is comfortable, allows a wide range of motion, and is NOT overly hot (important where I paddle in FL.)

                  Answered on 1/20/2013 by Tmaster from Timucuan Preserve, FL
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                Is this a ok vest for white water?
                Asked on 11/1/2012 by Joey

                7 answers

                • Staff Reviewer

                  A:

                  It is a Type III jacket, with 16.5 lbs of flotation, so it can be used for whitewater. However, it's designed for touring kayakers. There are other NRS jackets better suited for whitewater, like the Ninja, Big Water Guide, Big Water V and Vista.

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Clyde from n
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  It would not be my first choice as a WW kayak or open canoe vest. For
                  something I'm going to wear while swimming amongst rocks, I'd prefer some
                  padding on the back. I use my vest for adventure racing small sailboats and
                  some for flatwater kayaking. I do like it very much for that purpose. FWIW
                  I've got a lot of experience in WW boats from squirt boats to oar rigged
                  rafts.

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I have 30 years of white water rafting experience, but so far have
                  only used this vest for canoe camping. Based on my previous rafting
                  experience, I wouldn't hesitate to also use the vest for whitewater.

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I think that it might not be intended as a WW specific
                  PFD but it actually does a very good job of protecting the upper vertebrae and neck due to the unusually upper positioning of the back cushion
                  The lower back is exposed though.
                  It is missing a SS ring to connect to a "cow tail" for close contact towing which is a real must for more Advanced WW.
                  In summery I would say that it could work with some drawbacks on
                  Anything Class 3 or Under.
                  נשלח מה-iPhone שלי

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Ty from Sunnyvale, Ca
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  The cVest is designed for sea kayakers who need to carry lots of gear. While I'm sure it would work in white water conditions, it might be better to have a smooth front PFD, one with minimal pockets.

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Joey,
                  I cannot really comment on whitewater specifically. I am a sea kayaker and
                  have been extremely pleased with the vest. I have used it over 30 days this
                  year, including 7 day expeditions and rolling. In each case the vest was
                  comfortable, was perfect to keep key emergency gear on my person and has
                  proven durable.
                  Mike

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  our uses are ocean so don't know about white water - do love it for ocean
                  kyaking though.
                  r

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
              • NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD

                Q:

                Where is the c-vest made?
                Asked on 11/1/2012 by Spot

                5 answers

                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  I love this vest, and it is a well made, quality item. But, like most things, it is made in China.

                  Answered on 11/2/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  It is made in China

                  Answered on 11/2/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  Print on label says China.
                  Sent from my iPhone

                  Answered on 11/1/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  It's made in China.

                  Answered on 11/2/2012 by Anonymous
                • VERIFIED BUYER

                  A:

                  the c-vest is made in china and the radio pocket is too small.

                  Answered on 11/4/2012 by Anonymous
              Displaying questions 1-8

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