This dual-flotation PFD made our 2019 Gear of the Year list for its unique design and performance on the water — here’s why.
With interest in sports like kayaking and paddleboarding steadily increasing, PFDs have become more widespread — and technical — than ever. We tested Mustang Survival’s newest PFD, which aims to fit the needs of every sportsman and sportswoman: from daytime paddleboarders to expedition kayakers, anglers, and more.
The Khimera Hybrid PFD has a very low-profile chassis and large armholes to offer the greatest possible range of motion. While it looks to have a more square body style, don’t be fooled — it’s adjustable for many body types.
It also has a new technology that provides extra buoyancy when needed, if conditions or the intensity of your watersport changes.
Dual Flotation Technology: Wave of the Future
The Khimera PFD is one of the first dual-flotation PFDs on the market. That means the PFD has both foam construction and inflatable chambers, filled via a CO2 cartridge hidden in the lower part of the vest.
The best part? The Khimera PFD functions as a Type III (the most common flotation classification) but can be adjusted to each user’s specific needs.
![Khimera PFD CO2 inflation tab Khimera PFD CO2 inflation tab](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1583.jpg)
The Khimera can be inflated both automatically and manually in two different ways. Simply deploy the extra CO2 inflation with the pull handle on the wearer’s right side, hidden with covers to prevent catching. Or inflate manually with the tube on the top inside of the vest. Then deflate with the manual valve.
The Khimera offers 20 pounds of total dual buoyancy: 7.5 pounds with the foam flotation plus 12.5 pounds with CO2 inflation. Simply put, in the water (a deep flatwater lake), it kept me afloat. And after a few dips, I found the foam component of the vest to dry out fairly quickly.
Unlike CO2 inflatable Type V PFDs, the Khimera PFD doesn’t require post-inflation repacking — users simply deflate the bladder with the manual tube and replace the single-use CO2 cartridge if it was used. Even without the CO2 cartridge, the Khimera still functions as a Type III PFD, and can be reinflated manually to obtain the extra buoyancy.
If you’ve ever used a fully inflatable PFD, you can see that the Khimera requires much less fiddling and maintenance.
Mustang Survival Khimera PFD
- Type III PFD (adult only)
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
- Max buoyancy: 20.5 lbs.
- Components: mesh backing, two adjustable torso straps, two shoulder straps, Velcro-secured front pocket (which we discovered can fit a smartphone, Garmin inReach, or a smaller AM/FM radio)
- Inflation: 1 CO2 cartridge and CO2 compartment
- Price: $200
![inflating the Khimera author inflating the Khimera to full buoyancy](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1596.jpg)