Kokatat debuts HustleR rescue life vest at Paddlesports Retailer

August 26, 2019

Ultra-durable life vest is designed for river guides & experienced paddlers

ARCATA, California — Kokatat, long recognized as the leading manufacturer of PFDs for all types of paddlers, heads to the Paddlesports Retailer Show being held in Oklahoma City later this month with two versions of the Hustle, its newest vest platform.

Earlier this year, Kokatat unveiled the standard Hustle, a comfortable, low-profile PFD that’s an ideal all-around choice for most paddling adventures. At the Paddlesports Retailer Show, Kokatat will show off the rescue version of the vest: The HustleR.

A low-profile PFD, the HustleR comes specifically designed with the features that veteran paddlers and river guides require in swiftwater rescue situations. With 16 pounds of buoyancy, the HustleR also comes with a quick release chest harness. It also has a stretch mesh sleeve designed to fit Kokatat’s River Tow Tether, and a D ring attachment for a standard cow tail.

The HustleR (MSRP $229) features two stacked and sculpted, pre-curved GAIA, PVC-free foam panels that wrap around the paddler’s torso and float to allow optimal fit on varied torso sizes. These floating panels of foam are covered in rugged 500D Cordura® in two colors, mantis or black. The large, extra-deep front pocket is another highlight. It comes complete with an extra security zipper and internal organization. There’s also a covered front lash tab for a rescue knife on front of the pocket.

Both the new Hustle and Hustle R will be on display in Kokatat’s booth (V2) at the Paddlesports Retailer Show being held Aug. 27-29 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

About Kokatat Inc.

Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California, for almost 50 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Learn more at www.kokatat.com.