Palm Rescue 825 & 850

Equipment Review - Palm rescue 850 & 825 PFDs

In October 2011 at the Kayak Trade Show we were able to take a look at the new Palm PFDs for professional swiftwater rescue teams, and since then we have been given the 850 model to test on courses. As always the Palm R&D department have been listening to what people want and have succeeded in improving on their rescue 800 jacket, which is considered one of the best rescue PFDs in the professional market.

The first major change is that Palm have updated the fit of the new jackets to improve freedom of movement whilst still keeping the high amount of floatation. In particular the shoulder straps are now easier to adjust and have a nice pocket to tuck away the end of the strap. The new cut has also given the new jackets better adjustability to fit a larger range of different sized rescuers so that the M/L size will fit most rescue personel. Both models now come standard with removable crotch straps, which is without a doubt the best way of preventing the jacket riding up on an unconscious person. The 825 model (left hand photo) has a similar buckle and pocket layout as the current 800 model, with the addition of a velcro identification attachment panel on the back.

The 850 model (right hand photo) has two pockets on the front of the jacket, an internal pocket and one pocket on the rear, also with a velcro identification attachment panel on it. This looks like a much better set up for teams who like each rescuer to carry personal rescue equipment with them. This is our perfered way of working, which means that each rescuer always has a minimum of equipment on them to use for rescues, rather than relying solely on using equipment carried in the team bag, which might not be where they are.

Like all palm jackets the construction is very high quality and ISO & CE approved. Both the 850 and the 825 are available in three sizes XS/S, M/L & XL/XXL.

Swiftwater Rescue Team Equipment Recomendations

Availble in the UK from Palm Equipment - Contact Email

For German speaking countries contact Palm Equipment's Jan Kellner