Astral - V Eight 4.0 PFD

If heat and discomfort have ever made you want to ditch your PFD, the V-Eight 4.0 was built to change that.

Astral's patented Airescape technology drives real airflow through the jacket, and the high mesh back panel takes that ventilation further while sitting flush against high-back kayak seats without bunching or interference. It's a combination that makes a noticeable difference on warm paddling days, whether you're touring a Canadian lake in July or putting in long hours on a SUP.

Super-soft Gaia foam is sculpted to follow the body's natural contours, with a carved-out chest panel that prevents ride-up and keeps the jacket sitting low and secure through active paddling movements. The three-pocket system draws inspiration from trail running vests, prioritising one-handed access so you can grab what you need without breaking your stroke or your focus. Knife storage and an integrated whistle round out the safety features without adding bulk.

The bluesign approved recycled shell reflects Astral's standing as the first PFD manufacturer to use bluesign certified materials, backed by two decades of replacing PVC and neoprene with cleaner alternatives. Progressive sizing patterns each size to fit real paddling postures, not just scaled dimensions.

• Approval: USCG Type III
• Designed buoyancy: 16 lbs
• Entry: Centre front zip
• Foam: Super-soft contoured Gaia foam with carved chest panel
• Shell: Bluesign approved recycled material
• Liner: 200 denier high tenacity nylon with breathable polyester mesh back
• Pockets: Three-pocket trail running vest inspired system with knife storage
• Includes integrated whistle
• Weight: 660 g / 22.4 oz
• Sizing by chest measurement: S/M 31-37", M/L 38-44", L/XL 45-51"

BLUESIGN

Astral is the world’s first company to make PFDs with bluesign approved materials. 

Liner Fabric :200 denier high tenacity nylon, breathable polyester mesh
Webbing : Polypro
Zipper : YKK® auto-locking Vislon®
Hardware : Heavy duty acetal adjustment hardware
Weight : 1.46 lbs / 22.4 oz / 660 g
Sizing : S/M = 31 - 37”, M/L = 38 - 44”, L/XL = 45 - 51”
Design Buoyancy : 16lbs
Approval Type : USCG Type III