Used it on a river trip. Lots of great pockets and gear loops for all of your stuff. I hopped in the water and it kept me floating so I give it 5 stars.

Love this jacket! I have ran with it for three years so far guiding down in Moab and its has held up real nice. The color obviously has faded and my zipper on the front pocket broke my second season. Other than those things the jacket is awesome! The neoprene shoulder straps at ehh bomb! I just wish it just a little more floatation for bigger water.

This is a great vest. Comfy and solid. I do wish that there was a M size. As a perfect medium sized person I fall right at the divide between xs/s and m/l. In the end I went with the xs/s. (It fits a bit larger than the specs would imply) Remember a whitewater vest should be very snug. Second, Kokatat has such a great 'MADE IN AMERICA' principal, it's a shame that this vest is made in CHINA. And it's not exactly inexpensive. I got a great deal on a closeout so I feel better about the purchase.

I'm a whitewater raft guide on a class V river. This is the pfd we are all buying now.

Great movement because the top moves independently, it's not constricting. I don't notice it on the water because it's really comfortable and doesn't get in my way. The thick neoprene straps are greAt. They Prevent chafing and they stay put. Floats me high in the water and doesn't threaten to come off of me(even when getting worked in a hydraulic).



I love that it's easy to throw on and is super adjustable.



I'm not sure why the zipper is gasketed because it's not like it keeps the water out - there's a mesh vent on the front pocket.



I'm a 5'6'' and 140lbs female and the small is a good size for me. Lots of room still. My 6'2'' 225lbs friend wears the large rescue version and swears by it.

Use for Sea Kayak and particularly Ocean White water.



Would benefit from a 25 mm Molle webbing patch centre back to fit Camelback Pakteen hydration pack. I dont like the Kokatat. tributary hydration pocket its too big. This is the only fault with the Maximus it fits well comes up slightly large which is good for big paddlers. The Strobe patch is on the front not the rear as described. front left slot pocket easily and securly accomodates the smaller range of waterproof VHF radios good storage for my Spyderco Salt knife Pocket large enough for a mobile phone in an Aquapac and perhaps 1 small food item.



Hydration options need a re think otherwise its the best PFD out there