Sailing Mystic Hearts

Note: Our review of this product was part of a paid promotion. Our thoughts about the product are our honest opinion.

I didn’t know what to expect when our ALTO belt pack from Spinlock came in the mail. I pulled it out of the packaging, read through the safety information, and was quickly impressed. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as a flotation device, the belt pack is such a cool concept. Worn like a fanny pack around the waist, it can be manually activated, which releases a tube that sits around the chest and under the arms. Unlike life vests, which can be bulky and uncomfortable, the ALTO belt pack is less obstructive.

I don’t plan to wear the ALTO belt pack for offshore cruising – a traditional life vest that inflates and hugs the body seems more secure, but I think this product is perfect for water sports in calm seas. We love to kayak around smooth anchorages and peaceful rivers in conditions that we don’t expect to fall out of our kayak. In the event that we do, I’ve got this as a flotation device for extra peace of mind.