Layla

Comfortable and did it's job well!

June 20, 2021

Loved the fit, the first women-specific PFD I've ever purchased, and it was so comfortable. I also took a really "good" swim in a Class IV-V- and had to float the entire rapid in the water. I had one hairy moment stuck in a hole but I didn't doubt the vest for the second. It was also very comfortable for being hauled in.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Carrie S, Atlanta, GA

Layla pdf

April 07, 2021

Most comfortable pdf Ive owned for outrigger canoe. Never any chafing, super comfortable, Ive had mine over 10 years, still in excellent shape, but time for a new one. Id like a bright yellow one or any other high visibility colour.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Jill, Hong Kong

Excellent vest, if a tiny bit bulky

December 30, 2020

After a full season of use, I still really like the Layla. The fit is better than almost anything else out there for a woman with boobs and hips. The materials are super durable, and actually keep surprisingly clean despite muddy southeast rivers. I bought the glacier blue and haven't washed it in the 9 months or so I've owned it, and it's still really bright and clean-looking. I honestly liked the fit of the YTV slightly better, but the pockets and no zipper thing pushed me toward the Layla. This pocket is really convenient and fits a lot more than you'd think--I carry a spare pair of contacts, eye drops, and a granola bar all the time and can still use it as a drink holder between eddies. I haven't used the knife tab or tried the QR belt yet. My one concern with this vest is that, when I learned to roll, the full profile of the vest made it a lot harder to tuck tight enough for a C to C roll. With practice, this is no longer an issue, but it might be much harder for shorter-torsoed women to get used to than some other vests. I think this vest is perfect for open boaters, SUPers, and recreational paddlers without high seat backs, and great for whitewater once you learn to work around the tuck issue.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Charlotte,

June 13, 2018

I purchased the Layla and I LOVE it! It is so comfortable and has a full zip to take on and off easier. I am 53 and 130 lbs and I purchased a small/medium. Fits great and is super cute!

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Kristen, Utah

Love it!

February 21, 2018

I absolutely love the Layla I recently purchased. It fits fantastic, better than anything I have had before. And yes, I do believe I will be a customer for life.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Mary, Bend, OR

Layla

February 12, 2018

As a newbie who loves to thoroughly research gear before buying I did a lot of work before purchasing the Layla. After sifting through specs, reviews, and talking to people it was an obvious choice to go with the Layla and Im so glad I did. Perfect for everything from my 21 day trip in the Grand Canyon to an afternoon of SUP. Absolutely in love with the comfort, fit, and versatility of the Layla!

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Ryland, Wilmington, NC

Layla

July 07, 2016

I have the original design from over 20 years ago and I love it I've never found another one that fits quite the same about another brand before I realized that you had switched your name and we're remaking the design I'll definitely buy it another one of these I'd also like to see it with a shorter or thinner back so it doesn't ride up on my touring seat.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: deborah werter, San Francisco,California

Classic Restored!

July 09, 2020

I love this pfd. Had the Lotus design version for 18 years and was sad to have to let it retire UNTIL I realized Astral took over and made the same one! This vest is SO comfortable. I am 58 165 lbs and wear S/M which fits great. My only wish is there was a bit more storage. My lotus had two pockets which makes a big difference storing a sunscreen stick, lippy and waterproof iPhone. Small price to pay for the amazing fit (and cute color)! I tried the Astral Blue because of the storage but the way the front is shaped and compressed my chest and soft arms, Blue was not very flattering. So I bought the Layla, my true love.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Kristi, Golden, CO

Old School New School

July 13, 2018

I had the original design of this jacket by Lotus for 20+ years. I was stoked to hear that Lotus had reemerged as Astral, AND that they had released an updated version of my beloved PFD. I am 5'7", 125lbs, with AA cups. I know this was designed for women with boobs, but my old one worked for 20 years and I have always appreciated the comfort of the curved seams and the ease of the side zipper. I ordered the S/M, and it is probably a tad big, because of the boob cups. On a recent raft trip, the jacket seemed to fit as it should when I wore a shirt or sweatshirt underneath. It was a tiny bit loose wearing just my swimsuit- I had to pull the shoulder and side straps as tight as possible. I wish they made this just a tad smaller or made an XS/S. Otherwise....absolutely stellar look and performance.

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Shawn, Bend, OR

FINALLY!!

August 24, 2017

LOVE the Layla! I used to rock the old Lotus Designs, and it's great to see it come back around. The fit is very much women's specific, however even my male counterparts like the torso wrap/ low profile aspects and borrow it frequently! Using it with the QR belt is solid, too. I was a bit hesitant but for everyday simple rescue use, it's great!! As per usual, the bomber Astral materials and build are spot on and a great quality. The only issue I have is that the shoulder straps are loose- which as an instructor, means that throughout the courses as I move around, so do they... I wish that there were pockets to tuck them in like the YTV. A simple issue, but after a day of SWR or playboating instruction, it gets to be quite annoying. Aside from that, this is a great jacket!!

I would recommend this product

submitted by: Danielle, Arizona