Stearns Life Vests

Stearns Life Vests: Decades of Water Safety You Can Trust

When it comes to personal flotation devices, few names carry the weight that Stearns does. Personal flotation devices are the core of the Stearns brand, and that focus is evident in every vest they produce. With over 60 years of experience and innovation, Stearns has become the trusted expert when it comes to providing safety products for outdoor activities. That legacy isn't just marketing — it's written into the history of recreational boating safety itself.

A PFD Pioneer With a Proven Track Record

Based in Minnesota, Stearns boasts a long history of manufacturing high-quality products for outdoor activities, including boating, hunting, and camping. Their pivotal role in the evolution of life vest design dates back decades. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 allowed manufacturing companies to develop new PFD designs consistent with U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, resulting in the manufacture of more Type II PFDs but also opening the door to new innovations in the industry. Stearns was at the forefront of that innovation — Stearns Manufacturing's Type III PFD was lauded as a reason for the decline of boating-related fatalities nationwide.

A Life Vest for Every Boater

The Stearns life vest lineup spans recreational, youth, and commercial applications, giving boaters of every type a reliable option on the water.

• Recreational & Family Use: Stearns life vests for adults, youth, and kids are bright-colored to increase visibility. Youth-specific models such as the Classic Series feature open sides, three adjustable chest belts, and a crotch strap for a tight fit and better movement, and are built with durable nylon construction and PE flotation foam, along with webbed straps designed to last season after season.
• Kids & Infant PFDs: Stearns child vests include a "Heads-Up Flotation" design and feature quick-release buckles, easy-adjust straps, and a lined crotch/leg strap to keep the vest in place and reduce riding-up and chafing during active use. Bright, easy-to-spot colors and a top rescue loop make for quick grabs and convenient hanging storage.
• Commercial & Work Boat Vests: Stearns provides high-quality life jackets, flotation suits, and industrial PFDs trusted by commercial and recreational mariners alike. The Versatile™ series, for example, features a series of flotation foam inserts for buoyancy and flexibility, while 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material makes it easier to spot wearers in the water or on the boat.
• Type I Offshore & Rescue Vests: Heavy-duty offshore models include safety features like heavy-duty hardware with an attached SOLAS whistle, a light attachment, a lifting loop for rescues from boats or helicopters, and a buddy line that attaches to other PFDs.

Built to USCG Standards

Stearns has been a pioneer in water safety for decades, and their products are designed with a focus on durability and USCG compliance, ensuring boaters stay safe and afloat in any condition. Whether you are a weekend lake-goer, an avid angler, or a professional mariner, a Stearns life vest delivers the fit, visibility, and buoyancy that responsible time on the water demands. Browse the full selection of life vests or explore everything Stearns has to offer.