[quote author=solotripper link=1268283928/10#12 date=1268351304]I hardly recommend this vest. Cool mesh and the large pockets allow you to carry a small fire starter kit. On sale now.
The back padding is nice even if you use a canoe seat. It's called the comfort mesh vest, #9IS-943049

  (You need to Login or Register

Obviously a typo error ;D  It's a great vest and I water tested it with the pockets loaded with my ditch kit. It floated me just fine, all 195#. I'm confidant it would float a much heavier guy than me. The comfort factor takes away one of the major complaints about some PFD'S.

Not going to revive the whole PFD debate. But the seatbelt comment is relevant too the subject. Like seat belts, they only work if your wearing them. Worse case scenario, they'll help the authorities identify your body ;D IF you make the decision not to wear one, hopefully you have the swimming skills to back it up? Anyone who has tried to put on a PFD once in the water, knows it's damn near impossible.
Since I travel alone, I choose to wear one anytime I'm on the water. I've learned over the years to hope for the best, be prepared for the worst ;) So far it's kept me out of harms way.