I tested the Stohlquist BetSea PFD on a 90 day trip through the Inside Passage of Alaska and Canada. I am a small 5’2″ and 110 lbs and I typically struggle with finding gear that fits me well. Stohlquist uses graded sizing– a first among PFD manufacturers. Graded sizing means that instead of using the exact same foam pieces for the full-size range like other manufacturers, Stohlquist changes the foam sizing to build PFDs that are specific to the bodies they are sized for. Imagine a 6’6″ 220 lb person wearing a PFD. Now imagine that all the manufacturer did to change that PFD to fit a 5’2″ 110lb person was to shorten the shoulder and side straps. Prior to graded sizing, that was the norm.

The Stohlquist BetSea has a very low profile which allows full range of motion for rolling. The straps are soft but just the right width to feel secure without creating rub spots. The BetSea has inner cups cut out from the foam so that it fits your body instead of crushing your chest.

Aside from just fitting well, the Stohlquist BetSea is a feature-filled PFD, ready to take on extended trips. There are two large pockets that I used to stash lip balm, snacks and my camera. The lash tab on the front is in an awkward spot and if you attach a knife it sticks straight out in front of you. I sewed on an additional lash tab placed in a more reasonable spot to accommodate my knife. Another great feature is the tabs on the back which make attaching a hydration bladder a breeze. I attached a small hydration bladder and attached a loop to the shoulder strap to hold the drink tube in place.

It has handwarmer pockets, but they were so small that I couldn’t reasonably fit my hands in them. Not a huge deal for me, but it was a little disappointing.

The Stohlquist BetSea proved very durable. I wore it nearly every day, all day for the entire 90-day trip and it shows very little wear. The stitching is intact, no wear spots, no frayed seams, other than being a little sun-faded, it’s in great shape!

Pros

• Graded sizing means small people get small PFDs
• Low profile allows full range of motion
• Good sized pockets
• Durable
• Lash tabs for hydration bladder

Cons

• Front lash tab is not in a good place to attach a knife
• Hand warmer pockets were too small for my hands

Conlusion

I fully recommend this PFD if you are a small person. If you fit into regular PFDs there may be another with a feature set that fits what you are looking for better, but you can’t go wrong purchasing the Stohlquist BetSea.