Pfd Recomendations(loading it up)

I have been looking for a PFD and right now i'm still a bit lost of what i'm looking for. But what i would like to see....

1) Needs to fit well shape wise with a trapeze harness


2) Would like to be able to keep my small radio on the vest.


3) Would like to keep my dive knife on the left chest easily accessable. ~ 5-6 inch total length


4) Would like a place to clip my Leatherman Skeletool on the right chest again open and accessible.


I have been drawn toward the inlatables because of the lack of bulk and ease of motion. But are there inflatables that i can strap stuff to without weighing it down in use or as a flotation device?

I bought an extrasport top of the line vest last year.. love it! Works with my full harness too!

Zhik makes what you are looking for as well. Any paddle jacket or Hobies own will work.

The Zhik jackets may be comfy and stylish, but are not Coast Guard approved . . .

A PFD can only handle so much multi-tasking. My knife, I strap to my vest but for the VHF, GPS & Skeletool, I got a "sports fanny-pak" that works well and is virtually undetected while sailing. I have a Lotus kayaking PFD (coast guard approved and allows lots of clearance for the trap hook) that also has a chest pouch for carrying small items (keys, I.D., e.t.c.).

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Happy Sailing,

David