Astral have released details of the the new Indus PFD. It is a higher buoyancy update to the Greenjacket.
You can certainly see the Greenjacket’s DNA. But the clam shell pocket has been replaced with a zipped side entry pocket.
I have seen previous images of this PFD some while ago so it is great to see it being released.
Whitewater athletes continue to progress the sport on larger volumes and higher flows. With 22 lbs of flotation sculpted into Astral’s industry leading FoamTectonics™️ architecture, the Indus™️ is the world’s first freestyle-inspired high float life jacket. That’s a 33% increase in flotation over the legendary GreenJacket™️ for those drawn to big water.
Astral
Technical Details
Intended Use : Whitewater, Swiftwater Rescue
Entry : Pullover
Foam Insert : PVC-free Gaia® foam // Recyclable polyethylene foam
Shell Fabric : 500 denier Cordura® nylon canvas
Liner Fabric : 200 denier high tenacity nylon
Webbing : Nylon
Zipper : YKK® auto-locking Vislon®
Hardware : Heavy duty acetal adjustment hardware // Stainless steel
Weight : 3.0 lbs / 48 oz / 1365 g
Sizing : S/M = 31 – 37”, M/L = 38 – 44”, L/XL = 45 – 51”
Design Buoyancy : 22 lbs
Approval Type : USCG Type V
The Indus retails at $375.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
From Astral:
It may not look like it, but the pocket has as much storage as the clamshell! With the Indus being designed with Class V kayaking at the forefront, that includes Class V portaging – and we’ve noticed that when folks pack their clamshell to the brim, it can impact ground visuals while portaging on sketchy, high consequence river banks. The Indus pocket is intended to keep the front of the PFD sleek while still fitting your whole pin kit/other safety equipment. For those who see the clamshell as non negotiable, we are still making (and loving!) the GreenJacket. Hit us with other questions!