We may earn commissions if you shop through the links below. Usually I’m writing a review or a how to or something like that, but instead I’m writing about the state of things right now. With the pandemic supply issues still affecting the outdoor industry, you’re going to want to get your purchases done early this year. All the new gear is starting to hit the stores right now, and if you want to get a specific product you should buy now. I’ve needed a new life jacket for a couple of years and when I went looking last year for the vest that I wanted, it was sold out. I figured that it would come back in stock at some point during the year, but it never did. I checked everywhere and often. It seemed like every vest I was interested in didn’t come back in stock last year. This year, I’ve been waiting for and found the Stohlquist Descent at REI. I did the member sale and had cash back from being an REI member (you should join because it’s usually 10% back), so I got a really good deal. But it’s already sold out at REI in my size. Outdoor Play still has it in stock. I might add that it is on sale and less expensive right now at Outdoor Play. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a new Stohlquist vest, but I wore my old Stohlquist Brik for most of my canoe trips last year and the fit was so good. My Brik is shot though. My Kokatat Guide sea kayaking vest is also past retirement. It’s faded, the nylon is worn, and the foam compressed. I loved that vest, but I wanted a vest with a big front pocket. The Descent has that pocket and it has all the rescue features that I might want, but really I got it because it had a big front pocket with the right amount of organization (plus it can fit two cans of coffee). It has a stash pocket for Chapstick and sunscreen near the neck line and a big pocket on the back for hydration. There’s another small pocket on the big pocket as well and a pocket for a folding knife in addition to a lash tab on the front. Inside the vest there is a big kangaroo hand warming pocket that you could stuff a sling in or a waterproof camera. It has pockets! Lots of pockets. Plus the Stohlquist fit is so good on their high-end products that feature the cross-chest cinch harness and graded fits. If you need a rescue belt, it comes with one. It also has a couple of split plastic D rings that you can pull a carabiner off quickly. I wanted the side entry, big front pocket and all the extra pockets, so I snagged one after waiting for a full year. For paddlers that want most of the features of the Descent but don’t want to spend the money for a rescue vest, the Rocker is a great option. It was a hard decision for me, but the extra pockets and bigger stretchy front pocket pushed me towards the Descent. The NRS Ninja is back in stock right now, too! In all sizes! In all colors! At less than $150! It also has a big clamshell pocket that can hold cans of frosty coffee and has handwarmer pockets. The rescue version of the Ninja is the NRS Zen, and it’s in stock right now. It’s so exciting to see choices in stock. Anyway, I’m not trying to sell you on any vest, but the ones I mentioned above are my favorites. I’m just trying to tell you that if you want a specific product, it is time to beat the rush and get it now. While there are signs that the explosion in participation in outdoor sports is ebbing, it’s not back to 2019 levels and the production capacity hasn’t increased. Don’t wait. If it is in stock now and you plan on buying it later, buy it now or be prepared to wait until next year.