Astral Layla Women's Life Jacket (USCG Type III)

The Astral Layla is a USCG approved Type III life jacket cut for a woman's body. Princess seams and sculpted chest cups follow your shape instead of fighting it, so the jacket sits flat and stays put while you paddle.

The flotation is soft organic kapok layered with foam, and it gets in and out through a 3/4 side zip. On a long kayak day on a lake or a SUP session in a calm sound, that comfort is the difference between wearing it and stuffing it behind the seat.

Who it's for

• Women who paddle kayaks, canoes and SUPs on lakes, rivers and protected coastal water
• Anyone who has given up on unisex jackets that ride up or gap at the chest
• Boat days where you want a real Type III that you will actually keep on

Key features

• Women's fit: hinged princess seams, sculpted chest cups and soft organic kapok shape the jacket to a female torso.
• Organic kapok flotation: soft natural kapok paired with PVC-free Gaia foam and polyethylene foam.
• Contoured fit: articulated flotation cuts bulk so you keep your full range of motion.
• Side entry: 3/4 side zip with a YKK auto-locking Vislon zipper.
• Storage: a large front pocket with internal compartments keeps small gear organized.

Specs

• Approval: USCG Type III
• Design buoyancy: 16.3 lbs
• Weight: 1.6 lbs (26 oz / 728 g)
• Intended use: touring, SUP and whitewater
• Entry: side zip
• Flotation: organic kapok, PVC-free Gaia foam and polyethylene foam
• Shell: 420 x 220 denier nylon ripstop
• Liner: 200 denier high tenacity nylon
• Webbing: polypro
• Hardware: heavy duty acetal adjustment hardware
• Colors: Hazy Purple, Aqua Blue, Lava Red

Fit and sizing

Measure around the widest part of your chest, then pick your size:

• XS: 27" to 31" chest
• S/M: 31" to 37" chest
• M/L: 38" to 44" chest
• L/XL: 45" to 51" chest

If you are between sizes, go with the one that lets you snug the straps without running out of adjustment. A good fit check: close it up, cinch it, then have someone pull up on the shoulders. The jacket should not slide up past your chin. This is an adult jacket. Kids need a youth jacket sized by their weight, like the Astral Otter 2.0.

USCG approval, in plain words

The Astral Layla Life Jacket is a US Coast Guard approved Type III life jacket, so it counts toward the wearable life jacket you are required to carry for each person on a boat, kayak or paddleboard, as long as it fits the person wearing it and is in good shape. Type III jackets are made for calm and inland water where help is close by, like lakes, rivers, sounds and protected bays. They are not designed to turn an unconscious person face up, so they are not the right pick for offshore runs or rough open water. Read the label inside the jacket and check your state's rules for kids and for paddleboards. Our guide to USCG life jackets and EPIRBs covers the basics.

See it in action

Care

• Rinse with fresh water after salt or brackish water, inside and out.
• Hang to dry in the shade. Long hours in direct sun fade the shell and wear out the flotation faster.
• Store it dry and uncompressed. Do not leave it wadded up wet in a hatch or under a cooler.
• Do not machine wash or dry it, and keep it away from heat sources.
• Look it over each season. If the shell is torn, the flotation is crushed or a buckle is broken, replace the jacket.

Pairs well with

The Astral Loyak W's is the shoe we would put with this jacket for launch ramps and slick docks. Add a Dometic Sip Bottle 1L for the deck bag and a Dometic Unrestricted 17L Cooler Backpack to carry lunch from the truck to the water.

Shipping

Ships free on orders over $199. Rates for smaller orders show at checkout.