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Astral YTV 2.0 Review

Updated with a 3rd secret stash pocket, this lightweight option has a secure nonrestrictive fit, sculpted panels, and low-profile yet high-floatation design
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Astral YTV 2.0 Review
Credit: Sara James
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Astral
By Sara James ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 8, 2024
87
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 22
  • Fit - 30% 8.5
  • Comfort and Mobility - 25% 9.5
  • Quality of Construction - 20% 9.0
  • Features and Versatility - 15% 8.5
  • Flotation - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Astral YTV 2.0 is a stand-out favorite for those looking for an unrestrictive, low-profile floatation device. The paneling on this simple PFD is sculpted and articulated, ensuring it contours around the body. With wide arm openings and a super-slim line design, the YTV is popular with those who want a functional jacket without the bulk. This latest 2.0 version has subtle upgrades to the pockets, adding a hidden third pocket and expanding the main pouch to fit our smartphones even better. Delivering more floatation than most of the other jackets tested, there is little to find fault with this jacket. Perfect for a range of water lovers, thanks to the low-profile design, this PFD will not be in your way on the water. Get the skinny on how it stacks up against other top products in our article on the best PFDs.
REASONS TO BUY
Very lightweight
Sculpted foam
Articulated cut for movement
NEW internal secret pocket
REASONS TO AVOID
No attachment tab for inner pocket
Editor's Note: On October 7, 2024, with tested and updated our view with the newly released Astral YTV 2.0.

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astral ytv 2.0
This Product
Astral YTV 2.0
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best PFD for Paddling
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Life Jacket
Top Pick Award
Best Women's-Specific PFD
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your (Paddling) Buck
Best Buy Award
Great Value for a Universal Vest
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$45 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
87
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Bottom Line Delivering more floatation while weighing less, this is a comfortable option for those that like to move around on the waterThis life jacket rose to the top for its ergonomic design that combines comfort with utilityA super comfy, really adaptable women's vest with lots of sizing choicesA comfortable, easy to wear paddle jacket with a high valueSurprisingly comfortable, this super adjustable high mobility jacket is straightforward and functional
Rating Categories Astral YTV 2.0 Astral E-Ronny Astral Layla NRS Vapor Stohlquist Fit
Fit (30%)
8.5
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Comfort and Mobility (25%)
9.5
8.5
8.0
8.0
6.0
Quality of Construction (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Features and Versatility (15%)
8.5
8.0
8.5
5.0
7.0
Flotation (10%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Astral YTV 2.0 Astral E-Ronny Astral Layla NRS Vapor Stohlquist Fit
Intended User Unisex Mens/Unisex Women's Unisex Unisex
Manufacturers Stated Intended Use Whitewater / Tour / Sailing / SUP Recreation, touring, fishing Whitewater, touring, SUP Paddling Paddling, general boating
Entry Style Pull over; side entry, 2 side clips Front zip Pull over; side entry, off-center 3/4 zip and bottom clip Pull over; side entry,1 side clip Front clip
Wear Type Vest Vest Vest Vest Vest
Sizes Available S/M (31-37”)
M/L (38-44”)
L/XL (45-51”)
S/M (31-37”)
M/L (38-44”)
L/XL (45-51”)
XS/S (27-31")
S/M (31-37")
M/L (38-44")
L/XL (45-51")
XS/M (30-42")
L/XL (42-52")
XL/XXL (50-56")
Youth (50-90 lbs)
Youth L/Adult XS (75-125 lbs, 27-33" chest)
Universal (30-52")
Adult XL (48-60")
Size We Tested S/M (31-37”) M/L (38-44”) M/L (38-44”) XS/M (30-42") Universal (30-52")
Measured Weight 21 oz 24oz 27 oz 28 oz 13 oz
Foam Type PVC-free Gaia foam, Polyethylene foam Gaia + PE foam Kapok fiber front, PVC-free PE foam back Ultra soft foam PE foam
Main Material 300 x 300 denier 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop 300D diamond RPET 220 x 420D ripstop nylon shell, 200D nylon liner 400D nylon shell, 200D nylon liner 200D nylon shell
Claimed Designed Buoyancy 16.5 lb 16 lb 16.3 lb 16.3 lb 16 to 18 lb
USCG Classification Type V Type III / performance level 70 Type III Type III Type III

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Astral YTV 2.0 differs very little from the original Astral YTV, featuring an additional pocket to its predecessor. It is a pull-over style slim line life jacket with adjustable shoulder straps and two adjustment straps on either side of the lower torso. It is rated as a Type V jacket by the US Coast Guard and is designed to deliver 16.5 pounds of floatation. The jacket is covered in a re-cycled, bluesign-approved ripstop nylon shell with a 200D nylon liner. Two small pockets on either side are large enough to hold a snack bar and a central internal pocket is sized for a phone.

Performance Comparison


astral ytv 2.0 - the astral ytv 2.0 is a popular choice for those who are looking for...
The Astral YTV 2.0 is a popular choice for those who are looking for unrestricted mobility on the water.
Credit: Sara James

Fit


The YTV 2.0 is available in three sizes, which cover chest dimensions ranging from 31 to 51 inches. Two straps on the sides of the PFD anchor it securely to your lower torso, leaving full freedom of movement for the upper body and arms. The shoulder straps allow for further adjustability to accommodate your upper body length or activity.


In keeping with this vest's low profile and minimalist style, no excessively large straps are found flapping along the sides. Some testers felt the sizes ran a bit small, predominately because the side straps are short and, therefore, difficult to adjust without help.

The two adjustment straps on either side of the torso are quite...
The two adjustment straps on either side of the torso are quite short to reduce excessive straps flapping around once tightened.
Adjusting the YTV is simple and the more specific sized with shortened straps help keep them from flapping around while you recreate.

Larger paddlers or those with limited mobility found it harder to self-tighten this vest. A friend can always help you access those hard-to-reach shorter straps and adjust them to the perfect fit.

Testers found the Astral YTV relatively easy to put on and adjust solo.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort and Mobility


This is one metric where the YTV 2.0 really stood out, as it is designed with movement in mind. The bottom panel is firmly secured around the lower rib cage by two straps on each side. This means the PFD moves with you as you move, resulting in a secure and comfortable feel.


Large arm holes deliver uninhibited arm movement. Paddlers, sailers, and anyone using their arms extensively appreciated this feature. People with large breasts also found this open cut to be more comfortable and accommodating.

astral ytv 2.0 - the ytv 2.0 has a unique foam construction that is exceptionally...
The YTV 2.0 has a unique foam construction that is exceptionally well-suited to dynamic sports such as paddling.
Credit: Sara James

This is one of the few jackets we genuinely could forget we were wearing. The sculpted panels are articulated to flex as you twist, delivering maximum comfort and minimum restriction. Weighing in at 1.3 pounds, the YTV 2.0 is one of the lightest vests we tested.

astral ytv 2.0 - the ytv was one of the more comfortable jackets to actively swim in...
The YTV was one of the more comfortable jackets to actively swim in, thanks to the unrestricted movement it allows.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This style was the least restrictive of all the PFDs we tested. The lack of a large external front pocket helps to keep this PFD slimline — particularly useful for those who may need to climb back onto their raft, kayak, or SUP often.

astral ytv 2.0 - the ytv has a slim line profile with no bulky front pocket to get in...
The YTV has a slim line profile with no bulky front pocket to get in your way.
Credit: Sara James

Quality of Construction


Astral has led the US market in PFD design for over two decades. The ripstop nylon exterior is designed to withstand typical use and abuse. Like all gear exposed to UV rays, the YTV 2.0 is susceptible to sun fade over time.


The seams are all reinforced in the important places, and we saw no signs of fraying during our testing period. We are confident that this piece of equipment will not need replacing anytime soon.

astral ytv 2.0 - after our testing there no evidence of fray or deterioration on the...
After our testing there no evidence of fray or deterioration on the seams of the YTV.
Credit: Sara James

Features and Versatility


The Astral YTV 2.0 is a minimalist PFD with no rescue belt or additional features. The streamlined nature makes it a great option for those who expect to enter and exit watercraft frequently and don't want to be hindered by anything with a bulky front. For this reason, whitewater stand-up paddle boarders are particularly fond of this jacket, as it is not restrictive when trying to haul yourself back onto your board.


There are two small identical pockets on either side of the YTV 2.0 . These are large enough to accommodate keys, a small sunscreen tube, lip balm, or a snack bar.

The slim zippered pockets are useful without getting in the way.

The 2.0 also sees a new secret center stash pocket in the internal cleavage of the vest. This pocket is so subtle you can easily miss its true depth if you don't look properly. This will be a great place to slip in a phone or other small essential items you want to keep close at hand. This central pocket, unfortunately, lacks an attachment tab; however, there are loops to secure items in the other two pockets and an external attachment tab on the front top of the PFD for securing items such as a river knife or radio.

We didn't realize it on our first testing outing captured in this video, but the mesh cover protects the entry to the central pocket which is actually WAY deeper than it looks. Slide the phone in horizontally and then rotate it vertically to find the secure secret stash spot.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Flotation


The YTV is designed to deliver 16.5 pounds of flotation (approximately 70 Newtons), more than most of the other jacket-style PFDs tested in this review. The only options that significantly surpassed the YTV in this metric area are the inflatable weight belt-style PFDs.


When worn in the water, the YTV 2.0 continues to shine in this metric. Thanks to its secure fit and high flotation, users felt comfortable and supported while swimming, floating, and generally being in the water. Unlike some other jackets, this PFD does not have a tendency to ride up when you are in the water, and testers reported finding it to be one of the easiest to swim in.

astral ytv 2.0 - the ytv meets us coast guard certification requirements for...
The YTV meets US Coast Guard certification requirements for floatation.
Credit: Sara James

Should You Buy the Astral YTV 2.0?


If freedom of movement is your number one priority, the YTV 2.0 should be at the top of your list. It delivers the most unrestricted movement of all PFDs tested and is top-notch in floatation. If you are looking for lightweight performance, look no further.

astral ytv 2.0 - stand up paddle boarders enjoyed the unrestricted movement afforded...
Stand up paddle boarders enjoyed the unrestricted movement afforded by the Astral YTV.
Credit: Sara James

What Other Life Jackets Should You Consider?


If you still think the YTV is too bulky for you, an inflatable belt may be your best option, depending on your activity and environment. The NRS Zephyr was our favorite of all the inflatables we tested. However, the Mustang Survival Minimalist Belt takes the cake when it comes to compactness. For those looking for a jacket with larger pockets, you may find the Astral E-Ronny better meets your needs. Whitewater kayakers are particularly fond of the Kokatat Hustle for its clamshell accessible pocket, more full-coverage design, and equally flexible fit. And finally, for those looking to move beyond class III white water, the Astral Green Jacket delivers the same amount of flotation but has rescue-specific features, including a quick-release belt.

astral ytv 2.0 - if you like to move around a lot when wearing your pfd, the astral...
If you like to move around a lot when wearing your PFD, the Astral YTV may be the one for you.
Credit: Sara James

Sara James