Astral

Layla Personal Flotation Device - Women's

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.

Layla pdf

Most comfortable pdf Ive owned for outrigger canoe. Never any chafing, super comfortable, Ive had mine over 10 years, still in excellent shape, but time for a new one. Id like a bright yellow one or any other high visibility colour.