I use the manual inflate waist pack style. looks like a small fanny pack until you need one. Here in southern Oregon it gets real hot in the summer and the SOS suspenders rub if you are only wearing a T-shirt or tank top. If you are wearing a collared shirt then the suspender type is great. thats what the warden guys wear here. I also keep regular type in the boat for all people so the law about inflatables only counting if worn doesnt applie to me (at least here in Oregon). Bottom line is wear something. Im a good swimmer but no match for 45 degree water in warm clothes. We have places called Rattlesnake, Boat-eater, and Dunn riffle (as in hit a rock here and your dun) in the Rogue and Umpqua and you won't have time to get to something in a dry box. FYI inflatables don't qualify for kids under 12 (at least in Oregon) and they have to wear one any time the boat is underway.