Image unavailable
Astral YTV 2.0
$165.00
View on Alpaca Raft
You'll be taken to Alpaca Raft to complete your purchase.
Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
SKU: astral-ytv-2-0
Overview
Built around a low-profile Torso Lock foam platform, this PFD is aimed at paddlers who want a clean, mobile fit without extra bulk. The updated version keeps the same core design while adding larger pockets and a bluesign approved, 100% recycled shell. It is positioned as a preferred backcountry whitewater option and pairs well with the Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series. For harder whitewater or rescue-focused use, a full rescue PFD is recommended instead.
Why Hunters Choose the Astral
Low-profile Torso
Lock foam platform supports a
Maintains Ytv
Architecture while increasing pocket size
Adds Bluesign
Approved, 100% recycled shell
Preferred Backcountry
Whitewater PFD according to the
Works Well
Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked
Key Features
- Low-profile Torso Lock foam platform for a simple, clean, high-mobility PFD design.
- YTV 2.0 keeps the same core architecture as the original YTV.
- Increased pocket size adds more storage capacity than the previous version.
- Features a bluesign approved, 100% recycled shell.
- Positioned as a preferred backcountry whitewater PFD.
- Recommended by the brand for pairing with Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series.
Best Used For
- Backcountry whitewater paddlers wanting a low-profile PFD with high mobility
- Users pairing a PFD with Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, or whitewater decked Alpacka Series
- Paddlers who want a simple, clean design with increased pocket size
- Front-country or side-country users who may prefer a full rescue PFD instead
Specifications
| Compatibility | Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series |
|---|---|
| Long Description | Designed with the low profile Torso Lock(TM) foam platform, the YTV(TM) has cemented itself as a simple, clean, high mobility PFD. The YTV 2.0(TM) maintains the same architecture, while increasing its pocket size and adding a bluesignA(R) approved, 100% recycled shell. It's our preferred backcountry whitewater PFD, which makes it a great match for the Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series. For harder whitewater, front country, and side country, we recommend getting a full rescue PFD like the Kokatat Maximus Centurion or Astral Green Jacket. |
| Pfd Type | High mobility PFD |
| Pocket Size | Increased |
| Recommended Use | Backcountry whitewater |
| Shell | bluesign approved, 100% recycled |
| Short Description | Designed with the low profile Torso Lock(TM) foam platform, the YTV(TM) has cemented itself as a simple, clean, high... |
| Torso Lock Foam Platform | Yes |
| Trade Offs | For harder whitewater, front country, and side country, a full rescue PFD is recommended |
Pros
- Low-profile Torso Lock foam platform supports a simple, clean, high-mobility design
- Maintains the YTV architecture while increasing pocket size
- Adds a bluesign approved, 100% recycled shell
- Preferred backcountry whitewater PFD according to the product description
- Works well with Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The YTV 2.0 is built around a low-profile, high-mobility design, so it favors freedom of movement over a bulkier rescue-style PFD layout.
- It is described as a preferred backcountry whitewater PFD, but for harder whitewater, front country, and side country use, a full rescue PFD is recommended instead.
- The updated pocket size adds storage, but the product is still positioned as a simple, clean PFD rather than a feature-heavy rescue vest.
- The shell uses a bluesign approved, 100% recycled material, which is a meaningful sustainability choice but may matter more to some buyers than others.
Suggested Comparisons
- Backcountry whitewater PFD
- Full rescue PFD
- Front country PFD
- Side country PFD
Suggested Accessories
- PFD rescue knife
- Throw bag
- Helmet
- Dry bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed on the YTV 2.0 compared with the original YTV?
The YTV 2.0 keeps the same overall architecture and low profile Torso Lock(TM) foam platform, but it increases pocket size and adds a bluesignA(R) approved, 100% recycled shell.
What type of PFD is the YTV 2.0 designed to be?
It is described as a simple, clean, high mobility PFD.
Is the YTV 2.0 intended for rescue use in harder whitewater?
No. The description recommends a full rescue PFD, such as the Kokatat Maximus Centurion or Astral Green Jacket, for harder whitewater, front country, and side country use.
What activities or setups is the YTV 2.0 a good match for?
It is described as Astral's preferred backcountry whitewater PFD and a good match for the Gnarwhal, Alpackalypse, and whitewater decked Alpacka Series.
Does the product data list the pocket size or shell details beyond the recycled material claim?
No. The data says the pocket size is increased and the shell is bluesignA(R) approved and 100% recycled, but it does not provide exact pocket dimensions or additional shell details.