Jon reviews the River Guide PFD

River Guide Review - Jon Best

The definition of the word ‘classic’….’judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.’ This can be said of the Peak PS River Guide PFD!

I have been using this PFD for well over a decade and throughout that time I’ve not felt the need to change... why?

The reason got me thinking after Peak PS ask if I could write a review about this particular piece of legendary equipment.

FIT

Incredibly the shape of the River Guide PFD hasn’t changed much over the years... this is because it works! The cut is based on the low profile Racer Pro, a high performance PFD worn by slalom athletes worldwide. This comfortable low profile shape revolutionised the way PFDs balanced ergonomic design whilst not compromising floatation.
The River Guide uses the same ‘Olympic Cut’ to create an incredibly comfortable River PFD.

POCKET LAYOUT

We all carry stuff in our PFDs, whether it be for safety gear, snacks, phones or all three!
The River Guide pocket design allows for compartmental storage... and there’s lots of it.
The front pocket is perfect for your sling and crab, the side zips allow access to another pocket which runs the width of the PFD, ideal for your phone, more crabs, chocolate, ear plugs, pulley(s), prussic, you name it! The beauty of these independent pockets allow you to grab the gear you need quickly, without the rest of your valuable kit falling onto the floor or the bottom of the river. There are two other cleverly positioned pockets, both are perfectly placed to store your knife.

SAFETY

Designed to perform in the most advanced white water environments, this PFD holds some very important safety features.
The shoulder straps run through the length of the vest, this is vitally important for strength and durability. The quick release harness is adjustable which allows the wearer to ensure a safe length of tail is achieved (and no more cutting down to size!) The side adjuster straps are tucked behind the side panel to reduce snagging. We all know a clean profile reduces the chance of getting snagged on unwanted objects along the river bank or river bed, the River Guide once adjusted has no loose ends!

VERSATILITY

I use this PFD for pretty much everything. Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding, it just works and it’s comfortable.
The thing I love about this vest, is its ability to hold a lot of gear whilst still allowing ease of movement. Due to the way the pockets span the length and width of the vest, even when full they don’t hinder my ability to tuck forward in my kayak, or get back into a canoe/raft or onto a paddleboard. The River Guide PFD is cleaver in its design, trusted for its safety and timeless for its comfort and durability.

If you want to be more like Jon and own some PeakPS kit, then check out or dealer page to find a stockist close to you.