I flat water on lakes with a sit-on-top; I just use my normal carry at 3-4 o'clock with one of those newer style thinner life jackets. It doesn't really seem to affect me, and I typically don't remember I have it on. I suppose it depends on what you carry but my G40 with a light would fit the same holster.

Not sure if this meets your needs for a sit inside kayak... nor the hand cannon you want to carry but the "Stohlquist Fisherman Life Jacket" (the one with two large, semi-round zipper pockets on the front) fits an unholstered G26 size pistol quite well; draws much like a chest holster. This PDF also has the half-sized back panel so as to make it more comfortable when sitting in a kayak.

I’m carrying a much smaller pistol. I always have a Glock 42 in a vedder holster in my stohlquist fisherman pfd. It fits perfectly in one of the pockets.

If you’re set on using a chest holster, I’d suggest looking into ones that offer quick-release options or better access. I had the same issue with a chest holster when I started kayaking, and I found that some holsters have top flaps or quick-access designs that make it easier to get to your gun even with a life jacket on. Also, you might want to try different positions for the holster to see what works best for you while you’re in the kayak.

Well the girlfriend got me an auto-inflating jacket for my birthday. After thinking about it, I just wasn't comfortable with the idea. We had done a trip on Eklutna Lake earlier this season, got caught in a thunderstorm and had to unass from our kayaks quickly and get up the bank. Once out of the kayak, the bank collapsed underneath me and I went ass first into the lake off a very steep bank. Thinking back on it I just didn't like the idea of depending on an auto inflation system or pulling the cord to get flotation.

Went to West Marine today to exchange it and ended up with this.

https://stohlquist.com/collect...-pfd/products/rocker

Initial impression is that I'm pretty happy with it. Some adjustment with both the vest and my chest holster and it works. It may even work with a shoulder holster setup. I like the design of the vest, less bulk up top. Hoping to get one more kayaking trip in this season to see how it works while paddling.