Mustang Survival is an internationally recognised brand with more than 56 years of experience designing and manufacturing safety marine gear for on, above, and below the water. Fondly dubbed ‘Mustang,’ they provide equipment to the Navy SEALS, Coast Guard, police, military, tugboat operators, ocean racers, professional athletes, recreational paddlers and anglers, and even Hollywood actors. In the late ‘60s, John Wayne personally rang up the head office in Vancouver, demanding ‘one of those floating coats’ since a buddy of his had one, and he thought it was the absolute greatest thing. Floater coats, while still in everyday use, have evolved into a complete range of life-saving solutions, and now the time has come for Mustang’s new ISO-approved Atlas 190 Life Jacket to make its UK debut.
The developer of the Atlas, Nigel Parkes, has decades of experience designing and engineering life jackets: “The primary goal was to make it super comfortable,” Parkes explains. “I wanted to design a product that is very free around the neck when you’re wearing it in its packed state but offers ultimate performance when inflated. The secondary goal was to challenge conventional bladders and increase the safety features without impacting comfort, resulting in a revolutionary new design.”
The jacket’s sleek silhouette draws immediate attention to the low-scooped neckline. This vest is comfortable to wear all day long, with twin buckles making for quick and efficient tensioning of the waistbelt. The true innovation sits wrapped in a soft multiple-foam layered package, the contoured bladder has a three-dimensional shape to follow the body. It is designed using Mustang’s ADAPT technology: ADvanced Airway Protection and Turning. When the bladder is inflated the high buoyancy effectively turns the wearer over as fast as possible.
The pillow keeps the head upright and slightly forward, and the airway stays clear. This ensures that in precarious situations the wearer can spot incoming rescuers and hazards. Darren McKell from the Suzuki Pro Fishing Team has been putting the Atlas 190 through its pace angling at sea. He cites the 190 as one of his most vital pieces of kit: ‘“The biggest compliment I can give is that you hardly notice you’re wearing it. The Atlas lifejackets are extremely comfortable and very easy to adjust. Thoughtful design touches like side-adjustable straps keep our rods tangle-free so we can focus on the big catch!”
The new Atlas has proven market appeal; it received the Red Dot Award in 2024 and a Special Mention at the 2023 DAME Design Awards. Building on the innovative inflatable platform and redesigned bladder of the Atlas 190 Life Jacket, the DLX (deluxe) model adds an integrated spray hood for added airway protection and a water-activated light for increased visibility in emergencies, ensuring everyone returns home safely.
The Atlas 190 is a life jacket so comfortable that it’s what the Greek god Atlas would have wished for with the celestial sphere weighing on his shoulders. He could have only dreamed of that same all-day comfort.
COMFORT
Ergonomically shaped to sit off the neck
SAFETY
ADAPT Technology delivers strong turning + airway protection
PERFORMANCE
190N buoyancy
DURABILITY
Abrasion-resistant cover + anodized aluminum hardware
SECURE
Integrated deck safety harness
UNIQUE DESIGN
The 3D pillow cradles your head
FUNCTIONAL
PLB + AIS storage is optimally placed
The new Atlas has proven market appeal; it received the Red Dot Award in 2024 and a special mention at the 2023 DAME Design Awards.