Do you like water-related activities? Sorry to burst your bubble, but every day, 11 people die because of drowning in the United States alone. That’s an average of 3,960 deaths a year!
It doesn’t have to end this way. By wearing a life jacket, you can keep yourself safe when you’re swimming, surfing, or even when doing extreme sports like river rafting.
The good news is you don’t have to search far and wide to get your own personal floatation device. Believe it or not, you can find yourself a good quality life jacket in local retail stores — like Costco.
In this guide, we’re going to do a comprehensive review of the best life jackets you can find in this store, including where and how you should use them.
Table of Contents
Top 6 Best Costco Life Jackets
The main purpose of life jackets or PFDs (personal floatation devices) is to save your life, that’s why you should always wear one whenever you’re in the water. In case anything unfortunate happens, it’ll keep you safe and alive until help and rescue arrived.
Here’s the summary of the best life jackets you can find at Costco:
Men’s
- Hyperlite Men’s Life Vest — Top Pick
- Hyperlite Indy CGA Wakeboard Vest — Best Budget
- Hyperlite Domain CGA Wakeboard Vest — Best High End
Women’s
- Hyperlite Indy CGA Wakeboard Vest — Top Pick
- Hyperlite Women’s Life Vest — Best Budget
- Hyperlite Ambition CGA Wakeboard Vest — Best High End
Men’s
#1: Hyperlite Men’s Life Vest — Top Pick for Men
Specifications:
- Price: $49.99
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Weight capacity: Minimum of 90 lbs. (41kg)
- Buoyancy level: 70
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: Biolite, Fluid Flex, True Fit Technology (TFT), Hypervent, United States Coast Guard (USCG) / Transport Canada (TC) approved
If we’re talking about experience, Hyperlite’s got what it takes. They’re the longest-standing brand when it comes to wake equipment and accessories. Since 1991, they’ve been manufacturing products from boards to bindings, ballasts to lines, and now — innovative life-saving jackets and vests.
For our first Costco product, we have the Men’s Life Vest from Hyperlite. This high-performance Hyperlite vest is made by integrating different kinds of technology such as Biolite (this makes it 25% lighter than other coast guard-approved PFDs). It also features Fluid Flex and True Fit 4 features for added flexibility and better fit.
This life jacket has a buoyancy level of 70. It utilizes Hypervent technology that helps keep this life jacket cool, especially on hot summer days. The Temperature Regulating Technology, on the other hand, helps maintain the body temperature when you’re swimming in cold climates.
The Hyperlite Men’s Life Vest is suitable to use for adults weighing 90 lbs. or more. It has expanded arm and neck holes for comfortability and freedom of movement, so you can wear it whatever your water sport is. Most importantly, this life vest is Transport Canada and United States Coast Guard approved.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this life jacket costs $10 more online compared to when you buy it in-store.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and lightweight fit | Sizing a bit small |
| Well-constructed, durable | |
| Great value for money | |
#2: Hyperlite Indy CGA Vest — Best Budget
Specifications:
- Price: $44.99 – $89.99
- Size: S to XXXL
- Weight capacity: Minimum of 90 lbs. (41kg)
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Bodyboarding, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: Segmented foam panels, Superior drain-ability, United States Coast Guard (USCG) / Transport Canada (TC) approved
If you’ve been on one of those island group tours where they take you to popular tourist sites, then you’ve probably worn one of those bright-colored life jackets before. They’re not the best looking for sure, but those vivid colors keep you visible in the water.
Are all life jackets like that? Nope. That’s not always the case. Thankfully, the Hyperlite Indy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing PFD we’ve seen. It’s minimalistic and straightforward, and it goes well with any kind of wetsuit.
But what about its safety features? The Hyperlite Indy is a US Coast Guard and Transport Canada-approved jacket that is specially designed for wake sports. It has anchored and segmented foam panels that provide the right amount of buoyancy. The panels also allow you to move freely while wearing it.
For a more secure fit and easy adjustment, this life jacket features belt loops, zippers, and PVC buckles. It’s comfortable to use whether you’re sitting inside the boat adoring the tourist sites or riding the wakes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable to wear, easy to move around | May need to order one size up |
| Made from good neoprene material | |
| Dries fast | |
#3: Hyperlite Domain CGA Wakeboard Vest — Best High End
Specifications:
- Price: $99.99 – $109.99
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Weight capacity: Minimum of 90 lbs. (41kg)
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Bodyboarding, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: Segmented Rib Panels, PVC buckles, Superior drain-ability, United States Coast Guard (USCG) / Transport Canada (TC) approved
It’s true when they say that you get what you pay for. The Hyperlite Domain may be expensive, but its top-notch quality won’t make you regret the hard-earned money you’ve spent on it.
This life jacket is the Hyperlite company’s ‘Vest of Choice’, and it’s also a personal floatation device that’s both approved by the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada. One of its main features includes the segmented foam panels that provide comfort and ease of movement while riding the wakes.
Made of neoprene material with superior drain-ability, the Hyperlite Domain displaces water quickly so it remains lightweight and buoyant whether it’s dry or wet. It also features a zip-up closure, PVC buckles, and a secure belt loop so you can easily adjust it to fit your body. Hands down — this life jacket feels as good as it looks!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stays lightweight even when wet | Expensive |
| Very comfortable to wear | |
Women’s
#4: Hyperlite Indy CGA Vest — Top Pick
Specifications:
- Price: $44.99 – $69.95
- Sizes: S to XL
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Bodyboarding, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: Anchored and Segmented Foam Panels, Superior Drain Ability, Belt Loops, PVC buckles
Life jackets must be visible so that the rescuers can see you — this is the reason why some PFD have bright colors and reflectors. With the Hyperlite Indy Vest, you’d be able to abide by this standard qualification and look stylishly sleek at the same time!
But of course, it’s not all about physical appearances, the Hyperlite Indy’s more walk than talk. It’s a high-performance life jacket that’s not only coast guard-approved, but it’s Transport Canada’s, too. This jacket will surely keep you safe in case of a water accident or a wipeout.
For its construction, this life vest is made from segmented and anchored panels to allow ease of movement during your water activity of choice. It’s also made from quality neoprene material that dries quickly; therefore it doesn’t get sticky when you’re sweaty or when it’s too hot. It also stays lightweight whether you’re in or out of the water, thanks to its superior draining ability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True to size, comfortable to wear | It may run small for some body types |
| Great value for money | Difficult to return or exchange |
| Stylish design | |
#5: Hyperlite Women’s Life Vest — Best Budget
Specifications:
- Price: $49.99
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: Biolite, Fluid Flex, True Fit Technology (TFT), Hypervent, United States Coast Guard (USCG) / Transport Canada (TC) approved
Another great Costco find is the Hyperlite Women’s Life Vest — a PFD designed and patterned with the true body measurements of a woman for maximum comfort and greater fit. It’s non-bulky and contoured, which doesn’t come often in women’s life vests. It also features hinged construction, as well as a zipper closure and buckle straps for easy adjustments.
This life jacket is a USCG Type III, which means that it’s safe to use for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, or kayaking. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear even during a whole day of doing water activities. This is because of the modern technologies that it’s integrated with like the Biolite, Fluid Flex, and True to Fit.
The Hyperlite Women’s Life Vest has oversized armholes to allow better movement. Combined with the Hypervent technology, these features make this life jacket both breathable and flexible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True to size, doesn’t cause chafing | Neckline is a bit high, may be uncomfortable for some |
| Can also be worn by teens | |
| Cheap | |
#6: Hyperlite Ambition CGA Wakeboard Vest — Best High End
Specifications:
- Price: $59.99 – $99.99
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Compatible for: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Skimboarding, Kayaking
- Other features: True Flex Technology, Segmented foam panels, PVC buckles
A common issue with life jackets is they come up and try to choke you when you’re wearing them in the water. This happens when they’re too big or they just fit you in all the wrong places.
If you’re tired of this awkward situation between you and your PFD, we recommend going for the Hyperlite Ambition Vest, a specially-made life jacket for women. It’s made with True Flex technology combined with stretched and segmented foam panels for an unlimited motion range. This allows you to paddle with ease when kayaking or do arm strokes with less fatigue.
The Hyperlite Ambition is also made with secured belt straps and PVC buckles which you can easily adjust to tailor your body shape. With its zip-in closure, the life jacket will fit you better and prevent it from coming up and bothering you whenever you’re swimming.
Lastly, this PFD’s neon color combination is not only nice to look at, but its visibility adds to this vest’s safety.
Pros Cons
True to size, great fitting Other sizes can be expensive
Good value for money
Stylish design
Buyer’s Guide: What type of life jacket should you buy?
There are four types of life jackets according to where you will use them.
Specialist Floatation Device
The Personal Floatation Devices mentioned on this list are meant for low-risk water activities.
If you are a person who engages in high-risk water sports (river rafting, jet skis, water polo, and water skiing), you will need a Specialist Floatation Device. This life jacket is more durable and provides more protection during high-impact situations.
Open water life vest (Minimum buoyancy = 5.5 kg)
You should use this one for open waters such as sea, lake, or ocean. This life vest/jacket will keep your head above water and prevent you from drowning.
Inshore water life vest (Minimum buoyancy = 7 kg)
This style of life jacket prevents hypothermia. It should be used to keep the body warm and to maintain its temperatures in inshore waters or the shallow part of the continental shelf.
Buoyancy vest (Minimum buoyancy = 8.5 kg)
This is designed to be thrown to a drowning victim, not for wearing.
What else should you look for in a life jacket?
In addition to the type of life jacket, other factors should be considered when choosing the right Costco life jacket for you.
Stamp of Approval
Did you know that life jackets require a stamp of approval? When purchasing your Costco life jacket, you must ensure that it is approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). You can find the USCG stamp inside your lifejacket next to the sizing label.
Size
Making sure your life jacket is the right size is critical for your safety, and your life jacket will not work properly if it’s too big or too small. A life jacket that is too small may not be able to support you, and a life jacket that is too large will float up around your face. It’s important to ensure that your life jacket is snug but still allows you to move comfortably, with no extra room around the arm openings.
Condition
It’s important to ensure that your life jacket is in good condition, that it is free from any rips or tears, and that it is not waterlogged. Life jackets require certain maintenance, which can be found in your lifejacket’s owner’s manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Costco life jackets any good?
A: Yes, Costco is a retail partner of one of the most reliable brands when it comes to wakesurfing — Hyperlite. This company creates United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets for various water sports.
Q: Does weight matter for life jackets?
A: The general rule is that if your life jacket fits you properly around the chest, then your life jacket will support you, regardless of your weight. This is because the buoyancy in a USCG-approved life jacket will more than support you in the water, making your weight no longer a factor.
Q: Should you size up in life jackets?
A: Whether you are shopping for an adult life jacket or a kids life jacket for them to “grow into”, you should never buy a life jacket that is too big or too small. As mentioned above, it’s crucial to purchase a life jacket that is just the right size to ensure it will work properly in the event of an emergency. Buying a size life jacket, whether for an adult or a child, will result in being improperly protected.
Q: What color life jacket is best?
A: While you may not think that color matters when it comes to a life jacket, it can make the difference between getting seen in the water in an emergency situation and being passed by. Bright colors like orange, yellow, and red are the ideal choice for life jackets, and/or life jackets with reflective tape.
Q: Can you wash a Costco life jacket?
A: While a Costco life jacket can be washed, it’s important to never machine wash it, have it dry cleaned, or use strong detergents on it. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for how to wash your Costco life jacket without damaging it.
Q: Are Costco life jackets Coast Guard approved?
A: Yes, many of the life jackets sold at Costco are Coast Guard approved. However, it is important to check the product description to confirm that the jacket you are interested in meets Coast Guard safety standards.
Q: Can I return a life jacket to Costco if it doesn’t fit or I’m not satisfied with it?
A: Yes, Costco has a generous return policy and will accept returns on most products, including life jackets. However, it is important to check the specific terms and conditions of the product and the store’s return policy.
Q: Can I buy life jackets in bulk at Costco?
A: Yes, Costco offers discounts for buying items in bulk, including life jackets. This can be a good option for families or organizations that need multiple life jackets.
Q: Can I purchase life jackets online at Costco?
A: Yes, Costco offers online ordering and delivery for many of its products, including life jackets. This can be a convenient option for those who don’t have a Costco store nearby.
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
