PFD

In everyday use anglers say life jacket and PFD interchangeably. The formal term exists because the category is broader than jackets: inflatable belt packs, throwable seat cushions and work vests all count.

The one that matters is the one you will actually wear. A vest hanging on a hook behind you is legally present and practically useless, since most fatal incidents involve someone going in without warning. Comfort is therefore not a luxury feature, it is the whole purchase.

Fishing-specific PFDs add features that make wearing them easier to accept: high-back cuts for seats, ventilated panels, and pockets sized for pliers and trays.

The legal requirement in most US states is that a wearable device is on board for every person, plus a throwable on boats over sixteen feet, with children under a certain age required to wear one. The exact ages and rules vary by state.