Collection: Mustang Survival

There is a difference between a life jacket and a PFD (personal flotation device). A PFD is designed for constant wear where comfort and flotation are the critical issues. A PFD will float you, but not self-right you (turn you over in the water). A life jacket will turn you face up in the water, but the foam filled varieties are bulky and less comfortable to wear. Typically, life jackets are horseshoe shaped in design and slip over your head with all of the flotation in the front of your body up around your neck. Both exceptional comfort and self-righting performance are now available to you with Mustang Survival inflatable life jackets. These products carry U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard approvals, depending on the specific model.

No. Manual Inflatable life jackets are inflated by pulling the cord with the 'Jerk to Inflate' knob at the bottom of the device. This causes the life jacket to be inflated using a CO2 gas cartridge. All inflatable life jackets do have an oral inflation tube as backup should you want to inflate it by mouth.

Automatic Inflatable PFDs by Mustang are designed so that they have to be immersed in water before the inflation mechanism can be set off. The device may accidentally inflate if the inflator is exposed directly to water.

Inherently buoyant products provide constant flotation in water, as they are constructed with materials that float such as foam. Once worn, these products provide immediate flotation when in-water without additional action from the user.

The Khimera’s Level 70 approval is equivalent to the Type III foam classification. USA and Canada are harmonizing flotation standards. As part of this, there is a new naming system for performance, replacing the current “Type” system.

Survival time varies dramatically depending on the type of product you are wearing, the temperature and conditions of the water, as well as your own physiological conditions. Visit our Hypothermia page to learn more about cold water survival.

A survival suit is regulated by an Immersion Suit standard. These are suits designed to be donned quickly in an emergency situation where a person could potentially be awaiting rescue for some time. These suits offer maximum flotation and environment protection and let little to no water into them. A work suit is designed for constant wear while still offering flotation and environment protection. They are classified as PFDs and are worn in situations where help is closer at hand.

Yes, Mustang Survival suits are often used in extreme temperatures. The closed cell foam that we use in these suits provides excellent thermal protection from extreme temperatures.

We would recommend that you use a mild detergent (no bleach) in warm water. Scrub with a medium bristled brush and rinse thoroughly in clean water. *NOTE: Consult product specific care and maintenance guidelines.

The best way to remove mildew is to never let it start - prevention is the key. Always store your boating equipment and garments in a dry and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, and be sure to avoid stowage in areas that are prone to high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations. You can try the following steps to help neutralize and limit the spread of mildew on the garment:

1. Soak in a solution of 2 cups of salt per gallon of warm water

2. Scrub affected mildew areas

3. Rinse with clean, fresh water

4. Hang to dry in a well ventilated area

5. Once dry, hand wash with an antibacterial soap and warm water

6. Rinse with clean, fresh water

7. Hang to dry in a well ventilated area

8. Store in a dry place out of direct sunlight

You can apply a waterproof spray to your garment in order to add additional water resistance. Outdoor stores may be able to recommend additional products but please ensure that the product you select is intended for nylon products. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the spray. No dry-clean sprays. Please note that certain waterproofing sprays may increase waterproofness but decrease breathability of your product.

The MD1165 (Deluxe Inflatable Fisherman Vest) and the MIV-10 (Inflatable Fisherman Vest) do not carry approvals from either Transport Canada or Canadian Coast Guard. The Fisherman's Vests while not approved, will provide the required buoyancy, when inflated, to keep the user afloat. The Inflatable Fisherman's Vests offer 16 lbs of buoyancy when inflated compared to 15.5 lbs of buoyancy in traditional, inherently buoyant, personal floatation devices. The standard in Canada for approved vests or suspenders type inflatable PFD's is 150 Newtons or nearly 34 lbs. Our full line of Inflatable PFD's (excluding the Fisherman's Vests) are approved under UL 1180 with Canadian Addendum. These units offer 35 lbs of buoyancy when inflated.

Average sized adults need approximately 7 – 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their head above water. The minimum requirement for an adult PFD is 15.5 lbs of buoyancy. All you have to remember is 'If It Fits You, It Will Float You'.