Best Snorkeling Vests
Swimming is a lot of fun, but after a while, it can take a lot out of you. These products typically have a little hose located on the breast to allow swimmers to inflate or deflate it to adjust for buoyancy. Basically, they are a simpler version of the BCD vests used for scuba diving.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
As for what it looks like- all of these products on the market all share just about the same similar shape. With the horse collar designs, there were a few variances in the shape and size of the neck hole, as well as the length. A larger neck hole made it easier to throw over your head and fasten into place. Between the two designs- we found that users preferred that jacket models over the horsecollar models because they didn’t have the nylon strap that runs up between their legs.
The downside about the jacket model, however, is that has a tendency to ride up around the neck when it is fully inflated and you are floating on top of the water. Designs that utilize materials such as neoprene and canvas are not only significantly more comfortable than their PVC counterparts, but they will also keep swimmers just a little bit warmer when submerged in cooler waters.
Materials
Typically, products that use canvas as a lining with PVC or other plastics for the interior membrane were significantly more durable and comfortable than those without. We made sure to favor the designs that used canvas or neoprene on the exterior because they are significantly more resilient to harsher conditions in salt water. For the buckles, we shied away completely from designs that used steel of any kind. While steel is considered to be a lot stronger than harder plastic- it will rust over time, especially in salt water.
Size
This was a tricky thing to keep an eye on because a lot of these come in a one size fits all type situation. We liked to select models that have various sizing available with clear parameters as to that body type each size would fit. If they were a one size fits all, we tried to distinguish if it was really true based on the feedback that past users left. If we discovered that there were a lot of customers that felt it did not fit them well- we knew that the straps provided must not be the proper length, and swiftly moved on to the next product.
Features
Everyone likes extra features! We tried to keep a lookout for products that offered just a little bit more than just added buoyancy. One thing that we really liked that came standard on a few models that we included were zippered pockets. There typically isn’t a lot of room to put anything- such as keys or jewelry- on a swimsuit, so it’s nice to have a place to put some of the things that you don’t feel comfortable leaving back on the boat or at the shoreline. We tried to select models that had the oral nozzle used to blow up the interior bladder that was easy to use and could be operated without the use of your hands. And, of course, the addition of a carrying case was an added plus that we liked because it made traveling a lot easier.
10 Best Snorkeling Vests
1. Scubapro Cruiser
This is the Cadillac of all of the other models out there on the market. And just like a Cadillac- you are going to pay a higher price tag. This model looks incredibly sharp when equipped, it has some additional features that swimmers will really appreciate, and it is incredibly comfortable. It does, however, come in at a significantly higher price point than a lot of the others that you will find out there.
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While most others are designed to look like a vest or a life jacket, the Scubapro Cruiser looks like you are wearing an inflatable sleeveless t-shirt when fully equipped. Instead of fastening in the middle, it fastens at the side. It is offered in two very bright colors: orange and yellow, to make sure that you won’t get lost in the shuffle.
Materials
The materials used for this product are incredibly durable and will hold up in the harshest of saltwater conditions. It is made from ⅛ inch neoprene that is not only a really tough material, but it will also serve to keep you a little warm if the water is a little colder than you might prefer.
Sizing
You shouldn’t have to worry about something that doesn’t quite fit right, because this is offered in a myriad of sizes. Sizes include extra small, small, medium. Large, and extra large. Scubapro urges that if you find that you are between sizes that you should order the next size up because it is better if it is a little big than a little small).
Features
In order to adjust your buoyancy, or to completely deflate the unit in order to dive underwater to investigate an interesting reef, simply use the hose on the vest to inflate or deflate as you see fit. What makes this unit extra special is that it has a few pockets that can be used to hold important things that you want to keep on your person as you are swimming.
Summary
It is important to note that this product costs significantly more than a lot of the other design out there on the market. However, the higher price point is due in part because it sports a superior fit, and it made from high-quality materials.
2. Scuba Choice
This design is the most prevalent design currently on the market. The Scuba Choice horse collar design is made to fit just about anyone, and it is offered at an affordable price that won’t eat into your vacation funds. Users love how simple and effective this particular design was for them.
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The model used for this is called a horse collar design. It looks like a traditional life jacket, but it has the option to be inflated and deflated as you see fit. It is offered in just one color- safety yellow and has the brand name printed on the front in big black and red letters.
Materials
The materials used for this design is incredibly lightweight. The bladder compartment is made from durable plastic. The snaps and buckles that keep it in place are made from thick nylon that is held together with heavy-duty plastic buckles that were designed to hold up in harsh salt water.
Sizing
This is a one-size-fits-all type of scenario. It is even able to fit securely on adults that weigh over 200 pounds. The straps and buckles are designed to be adjusted to various heights and weights to provide a comfortable fit.
Features
There is an oral tube that sits right next to the right breast that is used to inflate and deflate the entire unit. The inflator is made from durable plastic and it is very easy to use, especially if you are already in the water.
Summary
Users love how easy this product is to adjust and use, and it is made from high-quality materials that are sure to last you many years of underwater adventures. Plus, the price is incredibly affordable, so there is no reason not to give it a try this summer.
3. Lesberg
The Lesberg design is another horse collar design that has a few differences in the harness as well as the materials used, compared to some other similar snorkeling vests. It sits really comfortable on your neck and has mechanisms that are simple to use for when you need to make adjustments while in the water.
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This horse collar design slips up over your head and then cinches in place with a series of straps and buckles. Unlike some of the others out there on the market, this design comes in more colors than just the standard safety yellow. Users can also choose from (in addition to yellow), orange, pink, and aqua blue. It also has a collar that is just a little bit longer than some of the others, offering a little bit more room for adjustments.
Materials
Instead of simply using high-grade plastic like many of the other horse collar models, the Lesberg also utilizes a thin layer of canvas on the top to provide a comfortable fit against the skin, while also adding another layer of durability. The straps that hold it in place are made from stitched nylon, and the buckles are constructed from a sturdy plastic.
Sizing
Just like all horse collar models- this is another one size fits all scenario. To ensure that you have a proper fit before you hit the water, simply pull the straps so that they fit securely against your body. The straps go around your waist, and there is also a strap that goes under your crotch that prevents ride up.
Features
The one thing to note about this design is that it has an oral inflator along the breast that is incredibly easy to use- especially in a pinch. If need be, it can go from deflated to inflated in about 15 seconds using the inflator. Also, it folds up to be incredibly compact and is just a little bit bigger than a smartphone, making it a cinch to throw into a suitcase without taking up that much room.
Summary
If you are in the market for something that is easy to use, made for fit most body types, and is incredibly comfortable- this is going to be an excellent addition to all of your ocean adventures. Plus, it comes in at a price that is incredibly adorable.
4. Rrtizan
This is a really great design that looks great and is a snap to throw up over your neck and snap into place. Plus, it comes in a lot of fun colors that will make you stand out from the crowd. It’s made to fit a wide array of body types, and the best part is that the cost is incredibly affordable.
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The Rrtizan sports a horse collar design with an incredibly large neck hole. Some users find that smaller neck holes can be a little constricting at times, and Rrtizan sidestepped this issue by crafting a neck hole that is larger than most on the market. It is also available in multiple colors that include yellow, orange, and pink.
Materials
This model utilizes two distinct types of materials for the bladder that serve very specific purposes. The interior of the bladder is constructed from a PVC membrane- which is very durable as well as simple to inflate. The top of the bladder is coated with a canvas material that feels comfortable against the skin, but it also incredibly durable against punctuation.
Sizing
Much like all horse collars, this is a one size fits all type of product. However, the additional straps and buckles make it easy to adjust to any body shape. It is designed to fit comfortably for persons that weigh between 80 to 220 pounds.
Features
One of the best things about this design is that it is incredibly easy to inflate and deflate. The oral nozzle on the right breast is able to fully inflate the unit in approximately 10 seconds and can deflate just as fast. This easy to use nozzle is great when you want to adjust your buoyancy while you are swimming. When you are done using it, it stores up neatly and compacts in a mesh carrying case that is included with purchase.
Summary
If you are in the market for something that is simple to use, affordable and has a larger neck hole that a lot of the other designs out there on the market- this is going to be a perfect fit for all of your needs without breaking the bank.
5. Innovative Scuba
The Innovative Scuba design offers a few extra features than some of the other more traditional horse collar designs that are currently out there on the market. Those additional features, however, come at a slightly higher price point.
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The design of this horse collar model is a little bit more compact than some of the others you might come across. The neck, for instance, is a bit smaller than some of the others- which might prove to be a little uncomfortable for some, so keep that in mind while considering this design. It is offered in three colors- black (which you don’t see very often with these types of products), pink, and safety yellow.
Materials
The materials used to construct this design are of high quality and made to withstand the harshest of salt water. The bladder is constructed of 210 denier urethane coated nylon which makes it incredibly tough. It also utilizes straps that are made from a tough nylon and plastic squeeze style buckles that made for an easy release when it is time to pack up and head home.
Sizing
Unlike a lot of the other horse collar designs out there- this isn’t a one size fits all type of situation. There are three different sizes that you can select from, and they include a child size (up to 100 pounds), and adult size (100-190 pounds) and an extra large that will hold up to 230 pounds). It fastens in place with a series of straps and buckles that are easily adjusted into place up the middle and around the waist.
Features
This unit has an oral inflator that is easy to use, and it is made from high-grade materials that won’t break down over time. To use, simply unscrew the mouthpiece to fill the bladder with air, and leave the mouthpiece open if you wish to deflate it in order to dive underwater. One thing that is included with purchase that other products don’t have is a safety whistle that affixes right next to the oral value for easy access if you ever need it (and we hope you don’t!)
Summary
If you are in the market for something that doesn’t come in bright and flashy safety colors and fits incredibly comfortably in place- this is going to be a great fit. Keep in mind, however, that it’s set at a slightly higher price point than many of the other similar horse collar designs.
6. Phantom Aquatics
We are going to take a brief break from the horse collar designs to show you an alternative jacket model. This design is a little bit bulkier than its horse collar counterpart, but it offers quite a few more features and innovative designs- albeit at a significantly higher price point.
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The jacket design is made exactly as it sounds- it slips on over the shoulders exactly like a jacket. It is a little bit bulkier, but there are some added benefits to the additional materials. It is only offered in one color option- a black top with a safety yellow bottom.
Materials
The back of this unit is made from soft yet durable neoprene, and the front is constructed from nylon- making is resistant to becoming punctured or wearing out quickly. It has reflective yellow tape on the surface to ensure that you are never overlooked in the water, and an adjustable nylon waist strap to help keep the entire unit in place at all times. These materials are designed to not only keep you comfortable but also keep you warm if you are swimming in cooler waters.
Sizing
The downside to this unit is that it doesn’t come in various sizes. This can be a problem due to the fact that it fits like a jacket, and not all shapes of people can wear the same jacket. Users don’t seem to find this to be an issue, however- most likely due to the adjustable straps around the waist.
Features
There is a nozzle that is located to the right of the breast that is able to blow up the interior bladder with air if you find yourself tired of swimming. When you decide that you want to dive down under the water, simply deflate the bladder and dive down. The neoprene and nylon materials will keep you warm even if you dive under some chilly waters.
Summary
If you feel that you would not like the horse collar design, and want something that fits like a piece of gear instead of a life jacket- this will be well worth the slightly higher price tag.
7. KUYOU
The KUYOU design is everything that one would want in one of these designs- is simple, easy to use and adjust, and comes in at a really affordable price point. The cost of this will likely set you back the same amount of money that you spent on lunch today. Plus, it’s really easy to throw into a suitcase without taking up all that much room.
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This horse collar design is offered in two safety colors- yellow and orange. It has sharp black accents along the edges, and the KUYOU logo printed in the bottom left corner. To put it on, you simply pull your head through the medium sized neck hole at the top and adjust it into place.
Materials
The exterior is made out of a type of material called TPU. TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane, and it is a mixture of both hard and soft plastics- perfect for making a bladder that is both durable but flexible. The straps used to adjust it into place are constructed from stitched nylon, and the buckles are made from hard plastic.
Sizing
Much like all horse collars, this one is a one size fits all. To ensure that you get the proper fit before you hit the water, be sure to adjust the straps that run along the waist, and the ones that run under the crotch (to avoid it riding up around your neck while swimming).
Features
Along the breast, there is an oral hose that is used to inflate and deflate the bladder. If you find yourself getting tired, simply squeeze the oral mouthpiece together with your teeth and blow to inflate it, and squeeze it together without blowing to let the air out of it. When you are done, it will fold up and fit nicely into a mesh carrying case that is included with purchase.
Summary
If you are in the market for something that has a really simple design and that is easy to use- this is going to be an excellent addition to all of your ocean adventures this summer. Plus, it comes in at a really great price point that is hard to refuse.
8. Typhoon Sports
For those that want a horse collar design that offers up just a little bit more than many of the other similar models on the market- Typhoon Sports is going be your best bet. They set out to offer all of the features that you might find from a more expensive jacket design, but with the lower price tag that comes from a model that slips on over the head and fits around your neck.
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This is offered up in one simple color- safety yellow. It is accented along the edges with sharp black stitching, a heavy duty zipper in the middle of the bladder, and the Typhoon Sports logo at the bottom in black letters. The neck hole is a little smaller than some of the others that you might see on the market- however, some users actually prefer the smaller neck.
Materials
The interior and exterior of this design are made from a high quality 420 Denier Nylon that is resistant to becoming punctured or losing air easily. The straps are made from stitched nylon, and they lock in place with the aid of hard plastic buckles.
Sizing
Fortunately, this is offered in three different size options- which is rare for these types of over-the-neck designs. It comes in a child size (up to 80 pounds), an adult size (80-180 pounds) and an extra large option for those that are 180 pounds and up.
Features
What makes this unit stand out from the crowd is the addition of a zippered pocket on the front. These types of pockets are pretty standard on the jacket designs, but you don’t see them very often on the horse collar options. It also has an oral hose that has a locking mechanism so that you can be sure that you will not be losing air when the bladder is completely full.
Summary
If you are in the market for something that has some of the features of a jacket design but doesn’t come with the heavy price tag- this is going to be the best option to suit all of your nautical needs on your next vacation. Plus, it folds up compactly to be able to throw into a suitcase.
9. Auto-Vox
This is another really solid horse collar design for those that just want something that is really simple and easy to use (and store). It doesn’t have a lot of different color options offered, or a lot of additional features- but these discrepancies are forgiven when users look at its incredibly low price point.
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This of offered in the classic horse collar design that slips up and over your neck. It doesn’t come in a lot of different colors- simply safety yellow. The edges are stitched with black accents, and the oral hose and straps are also black.
Materials
The bladder of this design is made from tear-resistant materials that if perfect for ocean adventures. The straps that hold it into place against your body are constructed from stitched nylon, and the buckles used to fasten it into place are designed from hard plastic.
Sizing
Unfortunately, this is a one size fits all type of scenario- and it is only functional for adults that weight between 100-180 pounds. While the bladder might work for those that weigh more than that- the straps are what might be a little to short for users that weigh over 180 pounds.
Features
There is an oral hose that is located on the right breast that is used to inflate and deflate this design. To inflate it, simple unscrew the nozzle to the hose and blow air into the bladder when you feel you are getting tired of swimming. When you are ready to dive down or pack it up for the day, simply leave the nozzle unlocked and press the air out of the bladder. When it is time to travel back home, it folds up to fit easily into a suitcase or even a carry-on.
Summary
If you are looking for something that is simple, affordable, and easy to travel with- this is really going to be your best option without breaking the bank.
10. Plceo
The Plceo design is significantly smaller than a lot of the other options out there on the market. It doesn’t come down as far on your waist like some of the others- which some users actually prefer. It is offered at a really low price point that really gives you no reason not to give it a try on your next summer vacation.
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Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design. It is offered in only two colors- safety orange and yellow. It has black accents around the trim, the oral hose, as well as on the black straps used to secure it in place against your body. To put it on, you simply pull it over your head and secure it in place.
Materials
The bladder of this product is made from a quality plastic material that will hold up in harsh saltwater conditions. The straps that are used to hold it in place against your body are made from stitched nylon, and the plastic buckles are designed to be squeeze release so that you can put it on and take it off without much of a struggle.
Sizing
Unfortunately- this is a one size fits all situation. The good news is that it claims to be able to support weights that range from 80 pounds to an impressive 330 pounds (far surpassing any other brand making this list).
Features
To inflate the bladder, simply unscrew the top cap and blow into the oral hose. When you are ready to dive underwater, simply leave the cap off and press on to the unit itself to let out the air. The downside to this design is that it isn’t very practical to have to take off a cap while in the water- you will probably lose it upon your first trip into the water.
Summary
If you are in the market for something that is affordable and has the range to accommodate most body types- this design is offered at a really incredible deal.
Sources
- Best Snorkel Vest: Snorkeling The Safe Way, Snorkeling Blog ,
- The Best Snorkel Vests 2019: Snorkeling Gear to Keep You Safe, Buying Guide ,