Palm Tika Women’s PFD
We love it when a product is designed specifically for women, and the all-new Palm Tika PFD is just that – a considerable amount of research and development has gone into this with extensive testing and feedback from expert and beginner paddlers. The Tika was released on the 15th of December, having just won the ‘Apparel and Equipment’ category at the 2024 Paddlesports Show Product of the Year awards.
The full-on testing of this product has created something wonderful for women of all shapes and sizes, and as usual with Palm products, safety and comfort are key. It has a tapered profile and wrap-around fit, so you know the ‘women-specific’ tagline is no gimmick when you wear it. The uniquely tailored Giai non-PVC foam panels wrap to the sides and angle on the chest and don’t create bulk on the waist, so it looks great and feels great, too. It has a front entry zip that is so easy to pop on and off and has a fully flexible fit with easy glide nylon straps. The neoprene padded shoulder straps and sides prevent chaffing and are very comfortable, and the 3D anti-ride-up waist belt ensures no movement from the PFD when appropriately fitted.
There are two unobtrusive but very roomy zip pockets on the front with soft clips. When I looked at the PFD, I was convinced my huge phone would not fit, but it does, so I’m very happy. There’s plenty of room for snacks too. The shaped foam and low-profile pockets mean that things do not get too bulky around the chest area – if you are one of those ladies who struggle to get back on your board, these features could help you. Snug fleece-lined hand warmers are tucked away in the top inside front of the PFD.
There are a few tiny extras that show the level of design and care that has gone into this PFD, and if they weren’t there, we might not notice, but they are, and we love them! Reflective details are always good on a safety outerwear product if you need to be spotted in the dark. There are a couple of flat tabs just under the shoulder straps, which you could easily hook your sunglasses into when not wearing them. There is another little tab just under the shoulder straps at the bottom of the PFD near the zip – such a clever little detail means you can grab that whilst pulling the zip up – it’s the little things!
I have loved wearing my Tika; it’s not bulky, it’s super comfortable and perfect for touring my local waterways, and I can almost forget that I am wearing it because it is so low profile compared to others – wearing a PFD certainly gives you confidence just in case the unexpected happens.
The Tika PFD by Palm Equipment has had all the R & D thrown at it, and as a woman, I appreciate that they have taken their time to talk to real paddlers, pros and beginners alike, and have listened to their feedback. Palm is also donating £1 from each sale to causes that encourage and help women to get on the water.
More importantly, it has been designed to fit real women and comes in 3 sizes to cover from XS to XXL with bust sizes from 85 to 145. It’s available in Teal, Tangerine, and Purple.
Tika WXS/S 82 – 98
Tika WM/L 94 – 114
Tika WXL/XXL 110 – 145
RRP: £135.00
