The Kokatat HustleR is built on the same chassis as the Hustle, so it shares the same outstanding comfort and fit for both men and women, but it is a Type V rescue PFD w/quick release tow harness belt at an unbeatable value. Also the HustleR is a pull-over style PFD which makes it a bigger fuss to get on and off, but the comfort while wearing it more than compensates for this and the price beats anything in its class. The large front pocket is the same as on the Hustle, but the “R” version comes “tether/tow system ready” with a quick rescue belt.

Other features on the HustleR are similar to the Hustle except due to different standards for the rescue belt the HustleR is US Coast Guard certified ONLY– it does not have harmonized certification for US and Canada.

Its Gaia foam flotation panels are sculpted so as to wrap around your torso like a comforting hug. The three adjustment straps on each side plus adjustable shoulder straps let you snug it up for a secure fit that stays in place while swimming for a wide range of body types.

Not having a zipper down the middle also allows for a large front pocket. The Hustle comes with a top opening, zippered pocket with two internal stretch-mesh sleeves perfect for holding snack bars and a sleeve for lip balm plus a big internal zippered pocket for things you don’t want falling out – like your I.D. and credit card. 

The top opening zippered pocket makes it easy to look down inside and see where everything is.

The HustleR is designed for whitewater kayaking, however sea kayakers looking for a PFD with quick release tow belt will find ways to make it work too. The front pocket works well for holding a VHF radio and the pocket’s dual zippers allow several options for positioning the antenna. All that’s missing for a high end sea kayaking PFD is a lash tab on the back for a strobe light, and you could attached that to a shoulder strap instead.

Features

US Coast Guard certified

Loops on shoulders for attaching a Kokatat Tributary Hydration System/Rear Pocket

Adjustable padded shoulder straps

Front lash tab for knife just below the pocket

500D Cordura outer shell and soft stretch fabric on the inside

Sizes (Buoyancy lbs /oz.) | XS/S (16/00), M/L (16/00), XL/XXL (16/00)

UL Colors: Mantis and Black

Tributary Hydration Pack sold separately