I have sung the praises of the Mustang PFD inflatable before and am somewhat surprised they are not a more common option with the paddling community. Standard fare for the sailing community as well as fish and game officials. Throw in the Coast Guard for good measure.

I only speak for myself............but I would have a hard time not bursting into flames wearing a traditional pfd. I get overheated while paddling or hiking when I have to much stuff on.

The initial cost can be high........especially with the hydrostatic models (automatic). I was also concerned about the additional cost and weight of a re-arm kit. But having had the idignity of rolling my boat while connected to the pike of my life (of course it was  ;) ) and causing my vest to inflate (nothing quite like 35lbs of bouyancy) I became familiar with the blow tube option. I was fairly astonished at just how few breaths it took to pump up the bladders and now I don't even think of a re-arm kit.

Anyway, the thing is so comfy you literally don't even realize you have it on.