Folding Kayaks Forum

Does anyone have information on the Lotus Mildwater PDF? With nearly all mesh on the back, how safe is it for keeping you afloat?
Or the Lotus Deepwater?

I tried to find a forum with a thread on this PFD (about 5 or 6 messages with photos), - but coudn't. As I recall, they also discussed its official rating - it was USCG approved. Here is one opinion (Malcolm has quite substantial paddlig experience, though): http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Techn ... read/16636
I'm planning on buying one, probably Mildwater. Deepwater's only difference is 2 lash tabs and larger left pocket for VHF (who keeps VHF in a pocket anyway?), and extra $40 price-tag. Don't have to buy any, actually, - after having my older PFD with multiple vertical panels modified to fit higher backrest (couldn't bring myself to maiming a newer one), but I like ventilated back of this Deep/Mildwater.

I've had the mildwater for a year now. It works, I dont notice any less or more floatation than other vests I've used. The pockets are small, but on one side I can stash skyblazers and a few light sticks, the other holds a whistle, compass and can fit my vhf, though somewhat tightly. Rather than being noticeably cooler the mesh back allows you to layback more and lets me wear a dry bag type fanny pack which I use sometimes.

I have two Mildwaters I've been using for over a year, now. Love them. 16 lbs of floatation is 16 lbs of floatation-- they work at least as well as anything else, and are much cooler and much more comfortable with high-backed seats. If you want more carrying capacity on your person, get a sealpack/waistpack.

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Chris T.
~'91 Klepper A2 w/ BSD schooner rig.
'64 Klepper Passat/Tradewind and T12 restoration projects.
Non-folding: '84 Hobie 16; early '90s Old Town Canoe.
Previously owned '04 Pakboat Puffin II and '05 Swift.

I've been using the Mildwater for a couple of years for anything other than open water and big waves.

and... What do you use for open water and big waves?

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Chris T.
~'91 Klepper A2 w/ BSD schooner rig.
'64 Klepper Passat/Tradewind and T12 restoration projects.
Non-folding: '84 Hobie 16; early '90s Old Town Canoe.
Previously owned '04 Pakboat Puffin II and '05 Swift.

I do. I want it with me if I go in the drink or get washed ashore. Also makes listening to it much easier. Plus, gets better reception than if it is laying on the deck of my boat. Mine is lanyarded to the closure strap on its pocket.

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Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Folbot Kodiak, Cooper, and Edisto; three hardshells; Mothership: Surf Scoter the Bartender; dinghy Little Blue Duck.

My better judgment

Actually, I have a number of older PFDs in different sizes with higher flotation, but I couldn't tell you the model names. Two are Extrasports.

>I want it (VHF) with me if I go in the drink or get washed ashore. Also makes listening to it much easier. Plus, gets better reception than if it is laying on the deck of my boat. Mine is lanyarded to the closure strap on its pocket.

Sorry - I didn't make it clear; I meant - mounting it on the shoulder strap rather than keeping in a pocket. Laying on the deck it will be useless if you and boat get separated.