This was tested and reviewed by Meg Owen
The Astral Layla PFD emphasizes safety and comfort for women pursuing adventures on the water, and builds on the company’s Lola PFD, the first life vest designed specifically for women. Astral recommends the Layla for whitewater, sea, touring, and SUP adventures.
Astral Layla Specs
MSRP: $165
Weight: ~1.8 pounds
Shell Fabric: 200 x 400 denier ripstop nylon
Liner Fabric: 200 denier high tenacity nylon
Foam Insert: Organic kapok, PVC free gaia and PE foam
On the Water
The Astral Layla is the most comfortable PFD I’ve worn, with its sculpted chest support and slim fit. The side zipper makes the vest easy to get on and off. That, combined with the slim fit, means I can hold my arms closer to my body for a stronger paddle stroke. The side straps adjust smoothly for a snug fit. And the vest comes in four sizes—XS, S/M, M/L, LXL—making it a breeze to get good fit and comfort.
Materials
Astral led the whitewater industry by eliminating PVC from its life jackets. The Layla’s foam insert is made of organic kapok, and the shell fabric is a strong 200 by 400 denier ripstop nylon. The liner fabric is a 200 denier high tenacity nylon. The Layla comes in eggplant and glacier blue; I liked the eggplant Layla that I tested and received many compliments on the color.
Giving Back
Earlier this year Astral introduced the Layla LE, a limited edition that used the vest as a canvas for creative designs. Ten percent of proceeds from each sale of the $185 Layla LE, which quickly sold out, went to Lulu Love Tour and Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club to give back to women in paddlesports.
Layla Pros
Comfort: I barely knew I had it on during hours of water adventures. I even wore the Layla during breaks on shore it was so comfortable.
Side zipper: Easier to use than a front zipper.
Side straps: Good adjustments for a snug fit.
Layla Cons
Front pocket: Small. Best for lip balm or a snack bar. Not big enough for a phone.
Price: High compared with other women’s life vests.
Overall Value
The Layla is at the high end of pricing for women’s life vests, but the comfort and design are very good, and the strong materials mean this vest should last for years.
Similar Women’s PFDs
L.L.Bean Breathable Highback PFD
MSRP: $129
MSRP: $129.99
This product was donated for purpose of review.
