Spinlock Alto 75N Belt Pack Flotation Aid

What we say

The Alto belt pack flotation aid is a great new product from Spinlock, and very different from anything else we’ve seen on the market. A manually inflated flotation device offering 75N buoyancy, worn in a simple, lightweight and compact belt pack around the waist. Gone are the days of wearing a bulky buoyancy aid which restricts your movement. This new generation of flotation device will give paddlers extra peace of mind and safety on the water without having to restrict their paddling experience.

At first glance the Alto looks just like a normal waist pack you’d expect to carry a phone or snack in. But instead inside this simple, compact waist pack is a neatly folded flotation aid which inflates using a tiny replaceable CO2 cylinder when you manually pull the toggle.

The simple clip makes it easy to take on and off. And the adjustable waist strap (70-145cm) allows the one size pack to fit a wide range of adult sizes. The Alto can be worn on either your front or back so if you want to wear a backpack/hydration pack you still can, and the velcro fastening allows the extra strap to be stored neatly out of the way. Compact and extremely light at just 376g you forget you’re even wearing it, allowing totally unrestrictive paddling.

The yellow inflation toggle is neatly positioned on the waist belt, barely noticeable and yet easily within reach. With one short, sharp pull of the toggle the flotation aid quickly inflates and releases from the belt pack around the chest area. And you’re then just required to re-position your arms over the top of the flotation aid. Because of the 2 part activation process the Alto is approved for adult users only (16 yrs +) weighing over 40kg.

Once inflated the fluroescent 75N buoyancy comfortably keeps you afloat and makes you highly visible. Swimming and climbing back on the board is also possible with the PFD inflated.

The Alto is a flotation aid not a life jacket. It does not offer any buoyancy until it is manually activated. It is designed to be used by a conscious individual as a last resort swimming aid or to attract attention helping to reduce the risk of drowning. Therefore it’s essential the user is conscious and able to tread water unaided during the activation process.

For a paddleboarder the Alto could be a very useful e.g if you loose your board, or are unable to climb back on and are needing an additional flotation aid. Activating the PFD also makes you highly visible in and out of the water and would therefore be useful in situations where you’re waiting for help and wanting to attract attention e.g after loosing your paddle or becoming injured and unable to continue paddling.

Because the Alto does not work as a PFD until activated and fully inflated, for unconfident water users / non swimmers a traditional buoyancy aid would still be most appropriate. However for those more confident paddlers who can swim but are after a lightweight, compact flotation device for emergency use only then the Alto may be the ideal product. Everyday paddlers, adventure paddlers, racers, downwind paddlers… infact any paddler wanting to carry a PFD for emergency use.

Some paddling locations e.g lakes require all water users to wear a buoyancy aid when afloat. Wearing an Alto would ensure this requirement is met but still allowing unrestricted paddling.

After being put to use the CO2 cylinder and clip need to be replaced before the next use. Rearming kits cost £7.50 and include 2 x clips and 2 x 16g cylinders. To ensure your Alto pack remains in good condition its important you rinse it with fresh water and dry thoroughly after submersion. Deflating and re-packing the PFD inside the pack is quick and easy with the clear number markings instructing you where to fold. Optional extras are also available including a Lume-On Bladder Illumination Light and Whistle.

It’s always hard spending money on something you hope you’ll never have to use. But we think £49.96 for this really well designed, compact piece of emergency equipment is money well spent. Just think of it like a leash. Get the right one and it won’t impact on your paddling but will be at hand and help safe your life in an emergency. So if you’re looking for a manually inflated PFD that won’t restrict your paddling but will help keep you afloat and highly visible in an emergency, then check out the Alto belt pack. The SUPboarder team will certainly be taking it on some more downwinders and adventure paddles this year.

Poor Excellent

Ease of use

Build Quality

Value

8.5

Note: Products are rated/compared to other similar (style/construction) products on the market.

Explain our ratings

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Tested by

What the brand says

“Simple and easy to use, this inflatable pack feels invisible when worn yet still offers a certified 50N Buoyancy Aid.”

“Designed for a range of watersports, the Alto is a lightweight, compact, inflatable flotation device worn around the waist. Manually operated, the inflatable tube is released from the waist pack and then supports the user under the arms and around the chest. Alto offers users such as SUP, Fishermen and small boat participants a simple, easy to use, tiny inflatable pack, that feels invisible when worn, yet is certified as a 50N Buoyancy Aid.”

Available in one size / adjustable waist 70-145cm / 2 colour choices / adult use only 40kg+ / 75N buoyancy / manual inflation / not a PFD until inflated

About Spinlock

Spinlock is an independent and innovative company, widely acknowledged as the world expert in rope holding. Based in Cowes, UK the ‘Home of Yachting’ Spinlock has over 30 years experience of designing and manufacturing rope holding equipment, aswell as personal protection equipment including safety lines, harnesses, buoyancy aids, lightweight lifejacket, the Deckvest LITE and more…. The Alto belt pack flotation aid is a new product for 2019.

Register for SUPboarder Pro

Spinlock Alto 75N Belt Pack Flotation Aid

Reviewed by us on Apr 29, 2019

Tested by

Related products

Brand Partners