Mustang Survival

Few names in water safety carry the history of Mustang Survival. Founded in 1967 by Irv Davies in Vancouver's Gastown district and now based in Burnaby, British Columbia, the company started out making foul-weather gear for people who worked on the water. Along the way it stumbled onto a breakthrough: closed-cell foam, the material used in lifejackets, also works as insulation. The result was the Floater Coat, a cold-weather jacket that doubled as a life preserver and became the brand's signature product.

A Reputation Built on Flotation Innovation

Over the decades Mustang Survival expanded from coats into a full range of personal flotation devices, immersion suits, dry suits and technical outerwear. Its gear is used by recreational boaters, commercial mariners, water rescue teams, military units and coast guards. The company has also worked on programs for NASA, including inflatable vests developed for astronaut suits, and that experience feeds into the inflatable technology found in its consumer products. Mustang's PFDs span the USCG Type I to V range, covering everything from offshore and commercial use to casual paddling.

Life Vests and Inflatable PFDs

Foam-core life vests remain the simplest, most dependable choice for many boaters. They need no re-arming, provide constant buoyancy, and suit anglers, skiers and anyone who wants a grab-and-go option. For wearers who prioritize comfort and mobility, inflatable life vests are a slimmer alternative. Mustang is known for its Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT), which is designed to inflate automatically only when submerged rather than from rain, spray or humidity. The brand also offers manual and convertible automatic/manual models, so there is a style for different activities and risk levels.

Gear for Children and Working Professionals

Getting kids to wear a PFD is half the battle, which is why comfort matters so much in children's vests. Mustang's youth and child foam vests, including the Lil' Legends and REV lines, use soft fabrics and segmented foam designed to flex with active kids. On the professional side, flotation apparel and work suits carry on the company's original mission, combining buoyancy and thermal protection for people who work in cold, wet conditions. Items like flotation coats and anti-exposure coveralls are staples for commercial vessels and shoreline crews.

Keeping Safety Gear Ready

Inflatable PFDs need periodic inspection and maintenance, so the right safety parts and accessories, such as re-arm kits, are an important part of ownership. Replacing a used cylinder or worn-out bobbin promptly keeps a vest ready to perform when it counts.

What to Consider When Choosing

• Intended use: match the USCG type and approval to your activity, from recreational boating to commercial work.
• Foam vs. inflatable: foam offers constant buoyancy, while inflatables offer lower bulk and greater freedom of movement.
• Fit: a PFD only works if it is worn, so check size, adjustability and comfort, especially for children.
• Maintenance: inflatables require regular inspection and timely re-arming after use.

With more than five decades of cold-water experience behind it, Mustang Survival continues to build gear for people who depend on it.