I've spent a lot of long hours in PFDs on all sorts of water as a San Diego Ocean Lifeguard and on other open waters. These are exactly as pictured and described. The pockets are in mostly all the right areas and the fit is great, as the sizing guide indicated. The straps are such that you can adjust them once to perfection then just don and doff the vest with the zipper. We chose these for canoe paddling. The fabrics are designed for sun but not neglect in UV. They will withstand some abrasion but not survive as seat cushions on barnacles. Really good PFDs are not inexpensive. These are perfect for canoeing when you need access places for the extras you'd bring on long trips camping or fishing. There are more fly fish specific PFDs out there than these, but these would be fine for that or waterfowl hunting. They're not too bulky since they're padded with enough floatation for mild, flat water. These will not babysit an unconscious tubing binger or roll over someone face down. These are to provide some warmth and flotation to a conscious, calm person awaiting rescue or facing a long tiring swim to safety. Be intentional when selecting a PFD for your proposed water activity, there are flotation ratings for everything from kiddie pools to tow-in surfing at Jaws. You do not want to be in the wrong elements with the wrong equipment. 🤙🏽

Bought two different vests but this is my favorite. The other vest, the Onyx Aqua MoveVent, is a bit lighter than this one. This vest was my favorite though due to the pockets and a heavy material. I did a LOT of looking and ultimately purchased this vest by default after another one I wanted was unavailable. However, I am glad I ended up with this one in the end. The fit was great, too. 5'3 145lbs and has plenty of room to be much much larger

Is a little tighter than expected. Wasn't sure to get a small or medium, but ended up with a small because of the description given online. It is a bit tight, but fits.

I haven't gotten a chance to use it yet, but I bought it for a fishing trip this upcoming June. It fits well, is comfortable, and the pockets are great. There was another one I was looking at with more pockets for fishing gear, but it seemed like overkill. Looking forward to using this.