STEARNS Hybrid Fishing/Paddle Vest

I had previously purchased a  MTI Calcutta Kayak Fishing PFD  which was "okay". Being a larger kayaker (350lbs), my options for a PFD with pockets was very limited (I prefer to keep a pit of gear on/in my vest). The Calcutta fit the bill, but with its full padded back was quite uncomfortable (though I purchased it as I needed a PFD). After finding the  Coleman Hybrid Fishing/Paddle Vest  (it is actually a Stearns PFD - Stearns being one of the worlds largest PFD manufacturers) and seeing that it has the half padded back more commonly found on paddling PFDs I ordered it right away.When it arrived I was very pleased with the quality of the PFD, the materials felt much nicer than the ones used on the Calcutta. I greatly prefer the zipper front closure to the Calcutta's buckles (it keeps me from looking like I am stuffed into the PFD). The vest adjusted easily and did not ride up quite as readily as the Calcutta did. While this PFD doesn't have as much pocket space as the Calcutta, I still have plenty of room for the knife, strap cutter, light, radio, whistle, and other items I prefer to have on my PFD when I kayak.I do wish that this PFD had some additional large pockets and or a dedicated radio pouch (honestly, if a PFD manufacturer would sell a vest with PALS webbing so I could add exactly the pouches I wanted, that would be the best - maybe one day). The only other complaint I have is that this vest doesn't have the size range of the Calcutta (52in to 62in vs 30in to 56in) so I will eventually have to buy another PFD as I loose weight.

Great I wear 3 or 4xl and still plenty of room was going to buy a second for backup but it tripled in price