Having been in the water twice while wearing life jackets, I can only say that wearing them is far better than storing them in a compartment. Accidents happen in a split second, there is seldom time to get a PFD out of a boat's storage locker.

I tend to use inflatable PFD's most of the time, but a well fitting jacket type PFD is perhaps better. The alternative float coat can certainly be an option.

It is not a bad idea to test each in the summer months when local lakes are warmer in the PNW.