Astral Ringo Life Jacket (USCG Type III)

The Astral Ringo is a USCG approved Type III life jacket with a low profile fit that works on a lot of different body types. The front is built from three panels, so it bends with you instead of standing off your chest like a block of foam.

Soft organic kapok and foam make up the flotation, and a 3/4 side zip means you pull it on and off without fighting a front zipper. It is a solid all day jacket for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on lakes, rivers and calm coastal water.

Who it's for

• Kayak, canoe and SUP paddlers who want a slim jacket that moves with them
• Lake and sound paddlers who spend hours on the water at a time
• Anyone who wants a soft kapok jacket without a women's specific cut

Key features

• Low profile fit: articulated seams and soft organic kapok shape the jacket to your torso.
• Organic kapok flotation: 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: 1.8 lbs (28.8 oz / 794 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: Carbon Black, Shibori Blue

Fit and sizing

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

• 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 Ringo 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

For footing on wet rocks and boat ramps, the Astral Loyak AC drains fast, and the Astral Hiyak adds a little warmth for cooler water. A Dometic Sip Bottle 1L rides along in the deck bag.

Shipping

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