Performance Paddling

LIFE JACKETS
SPRING / SUMMER 2015
Eric Parker
ASTRAL
Connect with us:
895 Broadway St.
Asheville, NC 28804
P. 828.255.2638
E. info@astraldesigns.com
www.astraldesigns.com
Darin McQuoid and crew camping
midway through their multiday
kayaking expedition on the remote
Class V+ Fantasy Falls of the North
Fork Mokelumne in California.
Darin McQuoid
Welcome to Astral Buoyancy
Here at Astral we are passionately committed
to the art and craft of PFD design; creating the
world's best lifejackets with the smallest
possible impact on our natural environment.
From the day we opened our doors, Astral has
been on a mission to eliminate the use of toxic
raw materials from PFD manufacturing. In
2002 we introduced a PVC-alternative foam to
our line, starting an industry-wide shift away
from this known carcinogen. Then, a couple of
years later we started using organic kapok,
modernizing the use of this buoyant plant fiber.
When we came to market with the original
V-Eight six years ago, nobody had ever heard of
a "breathable lifejacket" and what was perhaps
more interesting is that it weighed just over a
pound. Not only did we find a real performance
value in a lightweight recreational vest; but we
also find weight to be a clear measure of a
product's environmental impact
Moving into 2015, we are proud to say that we
have a lifejacket line that is 100% neoprene
free. While we notice some of the industry
slipping back towards toxic PVC; we renew our
commitment to organic kapok.
We invite you to browse these pages and meet
our 2015 line of PFDs; each designed for
maximum performance with a minimal impact
on the natural world.
S/S 2015’ Collection
V-Eight
Abba
Norge
Ronny Fisher
Linda
Ronny
Greenjacket
Seawolf
Camino
YTV
Otter
Birddog
Accessories
BUOYANCY
INNOVATION
ASTRAL
BUOYANCY INNOVATIONS
We are committed to developing unique and necessary lifevests using the best and most
environmentally considerate materials we can find. PFDs to keep you safe and comfortable;
respecting the natural relationship between your body, boat, and climate.
Here's a look at some of the key technologies found in our 2015 PFD line:
Every product in our line is completely free of toxic PVC and
Neoprene. We reuse as many scraps as possible, recycle as
much as we can, and compost our coffee beans.
Well known for its durability, quick dry time, and abrasion
resistance; we have chosen to work with CORDURA® fabrics as a
primary component of Astral PFDs since day one.
SAFETY & RESCUE
Astral rescue PFDs are designed for ultimate safety and
protection for kayaking class V. Integrated rescue features like
reinforced shoulder straps, our rope-ready pocket, and a
Spectra® safety loop are clutch in an emergency situation.
This buoyant plant fiber comes from the seed pod of the kapok
tree (Ceiba pentandra) and is the most sustainable buoyant
material we know. Ours is grown organically in Indonesia, and
offers a uniquely conforming and insulating fit.
We create PFDs specifically for women, honoring the natural form
and elegance of the female torso. Our women's design team makes
sure they look damn fine too.
WOMENS DESIGN
A unique approach to designing recreational vests in which the
back panel is made of a superthin foam, allowing the paddler to
fully recline in the tallest of seats. A thin mesh strip along the
spine helps keep you cool on the hottest days.
This revolutionary advancement in PFD technology allows your
lifejacket to fully breathe. Vent ports on the front and back allow
trapped body heat to escape, while contoured foam and a soft mesh
liner promote air flow.
A two-panel fit system designed to eliminate ride-up and allow for
maximum mobility. Adjustable torso height provides a custom fit.
Simple by design, this fit platform locks the vest in place right
below the rib cage. It's easy to adjust and a favorite for freestyle
kayakers.
V-Eight
Redesigned for
2015
The world's first breathable PFD. The V-Eight combines our Airescape® technology
(patent pending) with an ergonomic design, and light weight construction.
Velcro on the sholder straps to manage
loose webbing ends.
Great for warm weather
Integrated Airescape ®
air flow system.
Quick access knife tab.
Two large and expanding
mesh pockets.
Super high mesh back makes for a
great fit for the tallest seat backs.
GRAY
Details
Intended Use: Sea/Recreational/Touring
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam and EVA Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200dx400d Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 1.24 lbs/ 19.84 oz/ 562.45 gr
Liner Fabric: Polyester Mesh
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
7
SS 2015
Ty Caldwell
ORANGE
BLUE
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
8
Abba
"A Beautiful Buoyancy Aid" made just for women. Built with environmentally friendly
materials, this PFD is designed for ultimate comfort, strength, and safety.
Redesigned for
Organic kapok is sustainably grown and conforms to
2015
the torso like no other buoyant material.
Fleece-lined handwarmers
and insulating Kapok panels
provide comfort in cold
weather.
Quick access knife tab.
Short torso for a
true female fit
Two large zippered pockets and
exterior folding knife slip pocket.
BLUE
GREEN
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Sea/Recreational/Touring/SUP/Sailing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: Kapok & 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200d x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 2.0 lbs/ 32 oz/ 907.18 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon, Polypropylene Fleece
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic & Stainless steel
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SS 2015
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
Norge
Made of environmentally friendly raw materials, this Norge is our classic front
entry whitewater and tourning vest.
Redesigned for
Organic kapok is sustainably grown and conforms to
2015
the torso like no other buoyant material.
Fleece-lined handwarmers
and insulating Kapok panels
provide comfort in cold
weather.
Quick access knife tab.
Two large zippered pockets and
exterior folding knife slip pocket.
BLACK
RED
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Sea/Recreational/Touring/SUP/Sailing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200d x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 2.06 lbs/ 32.96 oz/ 934.4 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon, Polypropylene Fleece
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
10
Ronny
Fisher
The Ronny Fisher was designed to meet the needs of expert anglers. Our ThinVent™
back design keeps you cool and comfortable, while loads of storage options keep the
essentials well organized and at your fingertips. We’ve also added a unique stowable
rain hood, tool organizer and beverage pocket.
High visibility, weather protectant,
pocketed hood.
Thin-Vent™ back is the best fit for tall seats.
Tool organizer with multiple
attachment points.
Two flip down pockets with working
Convertible beverage pocket.
platforms, and two zippered pockets.
Details
Intended Use: Kayak Fishing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 500 Denier Cordura© and 1000d Ballistic fabric
Weight: 1.84 lbs/ 29.44 oz/ 834.61 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon & Polyester Mesh
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
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SS 2015
Damon Bungard
GREEN
CHARCOAL
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
12
Linda
The Linda is a beautifully designed women's lifevest featuring our Thin-Vent™ back.
This design is the best answer to today's high seat-back recreational kayaks.
Thin-Vent™ back is the best
fit for tall seats.
Mesh Liner for Added Comfort.
Pre-shapped foam offers a
Reflective Trim
Featherlight construction.
great fit for women.
Two large pleated pockets
with zipper closure.
AZUL
GRAY
Details
Intended Use: Recreational/Touring/Kayak Fishing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: High Tenacity 200 Denier Nylon
Weight: 1.02 lbs/ 16.32 oz/ 462.66 gr
Liner Fabric: High Tenacity 200 Denier Nylon & Polyester Mesh
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
13
SS 2015
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
The Ronny delivers the best answer to today's high seat-back recreational kayaks.
Featuring our Thin-Vent™ back design, light weight construction, and a variety of
easy access pockets, this lifevest has been designed for maximum comfort.
Ronny
Thin-Vent™ back is the best
fit for tall seats.
Reflective Trim
Mesh Liner for Added Comfort.
Stowable drink holder
Featherlight construction.
Variety of four utilitarian easy
access pockets.
SAFFRON
BLUE
Details
Intended Use: Recreational/Touring/Kayak Fishing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: High Tenacity 200 Denier Nylon
Weight: 1.08 lbs/ 17.28 oz/ 489.88 gr
Liner Fabric: High Tenacity 200 Denier Nylon & Polyester Mesh
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
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Green
Jacket
The Greenjacket represents the most innovative and comfortable rescue vest to
date. Featuring a freestyle tectonic front panel, large clamshell pocket with multiple
compartments, added back protection, fleece handwarmer and a variety of safety
features, this jacket is the top choice for river guides and expedition paddlers alike.
Reinforced Shoulders integrate with chest
Enhanced Flotaction
harness to provide 1,100lbs strenth.
upper back and ribs
protects
Large clamshell front pocket
Luxurious
with multiple compartments
Fleece
Handwarmers
Side
Rope ready storage
Integrated quick release
emergency extractions.
rescuer’s harness.
BLACK
GREEN
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Rescue
Webbing: Nylon
Foam Insert: Gaia® & 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 500 Denier Cordura® Nylon
Weight: 2.9 lbs/ 46.6 oz/ 1315.42 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic & Stainless steel
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SS 2015
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
for
Web-Toe ™storage.
behind front panel.
Spectra ® Safety Loop for
pockets
Sea Wolf
This sea kayaking inspired lifevest combines incredible fit, light weight construction,
ample organized storage space, and a great selection of technical features.
Featherlight Construction
Reflective Accents
Large clamshell front pocket
with multiple compartments
Luxurious
Fleece
Handwarmers
True Torso Length Adjustment
Side pockets for
extra storage.
Compatible
Buckled Side Entry/Exit
with
quick
release rescuer’s harness.
YELLOW
BLACK
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Sea/ SUP/Fishing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: Gaia® & 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200d x 400 Denier Ripstop
Weight: 1.76 lbs/ 28.16 oz/ 798.32 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon, Polypropylene Fleece
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic & Stainless steel
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
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Camino
200
The Camino 200 is Astral's most versatile lifevest combining our Airescape ®
breathable technology with a comfortable ergonomic fit, front zip entry and a great
selection of technical features. This jacket is great for Rafting, Sea Kayaking, SUP
paddling and anything in between.
Great for warm weather.
Reflective accents.
Integrated
Airescape ®
air flow system.
Quick access knife tab.
Featherlight construction.
Compatible
Two zippered pockets and
with
quick
release rescuer’s harness.
two hand pockets.
NAVY
YELLOW
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Sea/ Recreational/ Touring/SUP/Sailing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200d x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Weight: 1.66 lbs/ 26.56 oz/ 752.96 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic
17
SS 2015
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
YTV
Pure and simple, the YTV introduces Astral's freestyle inspired Torso Lock™ foam
platform. A low-profile fit offers plenty of mobility to a wide range of paddlers and sailors.
Simple by Design
Quick access knife tab.
Featherlight construction
Torso Lock ™ fit platform
YELLOW
Two zippered front pockets
BLACK
NAVY
Details
Intended Use: Whitewater/Sea/ SUP/Sailing
Webbing: Polypro
Foam Insert: Gaia® & 100% PE Foam
Zipper: Self Locking Vislon Teeth from YKK
Shell Fabric: 200d x 400 Denier Ripstop
Weight: 1.76 lbs/ 28.16 oz/ 798.32 gr
Liner Fabric: 200 Denier Nylon
Primary Technology:
Hardware: Heavy Duty Acetal plastic & Stainless steel
SIZING: S/M = 31-37” M/L = 38-44” L/XL = 45-51”
SS 2015
18
Otter
This Organic Kapok filled PFD is extremely comfortable for kids and constructed with
the same quality details as our Adult PFDs. This is a jacket that kids want to wear!
Fits Kids 50-90 lbs.
Adjustability allows
room for growth.
Reflective accents.
Soft Kapok front panels
conform to any body type.
Child friendly front entry .
Flotection protects ribs
Easy reach side adjustments (easily
and organs.
adjust without parental assistance).
Accessories
GREEN
Quick Release Rescue Belt
This 1.5" Quick Release belt with a stainless steel
ring is designed specifically for the Astral Sea Wolf.
The size of the belt should correspond with the size
of your vest. Also, this belt is compatible with the
Tempo
200
(discontinued),
Wonderjacket
(discontinued), Aquavest 300 (discontinued), and
Wonderpro (discontinued). Available in 3 sizes (S/M,
M/L, and L/XL) depending on the size of your chest.
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SS 2015
RED
Birddog
The Bird Dog is designed to provide safety and style for the canine athlete.
A perfect option for active swimmers looking to take on new rapids, or for
helping newbies learn their doggie paddle in calmer waters.
Features
Durable CORDURA® Shell for abrasion resistance.
Ergonomic foam distribution supports your
dog in a natural swimming position
Hinged foam for added mobility and comfort
Raised grab handle
Reflective piping for visibility
Leash loop
Adjustable neck and chest straps
RED
Sizing
GREEN
Dyneema
Throw
Lenght: 50”
Working Load 1800 lbs
Diameter:7mm
This Dyneema® core throw rope integrates
perfectly into the Greenjacket's rope ready
pocket, where it is accessible at all times
(even when your boat happens to be
downstream.)
Size
Weight
Girth
Suggested Breeds
XS
5-15 lbs
13”-19”
Chihuahua, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier
S
15-25 lbs
17”-25”
Pug, Pomeranian, Rat Terrier, Shih Tzu
M
25-45 lbs
21”-31”
Australian Shepherd, Border Collie
L
45-75 lbs
26”-35”
Labrador Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback
XL
75+ lbs
30”-39”
Great Dane, Newfoundlan, Mastiff, Saint Bernard
Web Toe
A 6 ft. Spectra® tow strap equipped with a
locking carabiner. This system safely packs
into the side pocket of our rescue vests,
making it easily accessible but not
dangerously hanging where it could get
caught on logs and such
SS 2015
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