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Contributed By: Dani LewisOver the past eight years, I’ve been lucky to race through some of Australia’s most stunning and remote landscapes. My constant companion on this thrilling journey? The Sea to Summit Solution Gear Quest PFD—quite literally, a lifesaver.
Hi! I’m Dani, the store manager of Wild Earth Brisbane and a passionate Adventure Racer.
If you’re new to the world of adventure racing, let me break it down for you. It’s a grueling endurance sport combining navigation, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, pack rafting, and sometimes even abseiling or other surprise challenges. And it takes you to places so remote and breathtaking that they feel like scenes straight out of a movie.
Out of all the gear I rely on, my Quest PFD is hands-down my favourite. Why? Because it’s built to handle whatever this wild sport throws at it—and trust me, it’s been through a lot.
How It All Started
Back in 2016, I stumbled into adventure racing after spending three years competing in Obstacle Course Races (OCR) like Spartan and Tough Mudder. A friend suggested we try adventure racing, and the rest is history.
One sunny morning, we went for a paddle on the Brisbane River, followed by coffee. By the end of that coffee date, I was signed up for two massive races: GeoQuest (a 48-hour race in Port Macquarie) and the XPD World Championships (an 8-day race in Shoalhaven, NSW, featuring 96 international teams!). It was during this time that I learned about the sheer amount of gear adventure racing requires. Unlike OCR, which needs minimal equipment, adventure racing demands a small arsenal. One of the essentials? A PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Why the Quest PFD?
Even before working at Wild Earth, I bought my Quest PFD from there. I asked around, did some research, and this model kept coming up as the go-to choice. It checked all the boxes:
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Safety Standards: It meets the required certifications.
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Practicality: It has a pocket for a hydration bladder, front storage for snacks and essentials, and it’s super comfortable.
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Durability: This thing is tough.
Since then, my PFD has accompanied me to around 40 races across Australia, from salty ocean paddles to freshwater rapids. And you know what? It still looks and performs like it did on day one—maybe a little faded, but as reliable as ever.
The First Big Tests
GeoQuest 2016 was my first major race—a 48-hour nonstop endurance challenge. Having previously tackled the Kokoda Challenge (96km in 30+ hours), I felt somewhat prepared. Still, 48 hours of continuous movement was a whole new level.
During the race, my Quest PFD got its first serious workout. The final leg involved paddling back to race HQ while battling sleep deprivation and borderline hypothermia. Honestly, it felt like the PFD was holding me upright in the kayak, keeping me going when my body wanted to quit.
Later that year, I faced the XPD World Championships—8 days of grueling racing. From rapids to ocean swells, my Quest PFD proved its worth time and time again.
A Lifesaver in Storms and Rapids
Fast forward to some of the most intense moments in my racing career.
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Coffs Harbour Storm: I vividly remember a chaotic paddle leg where kayaks were flipped vertically by powerful waves as teams fought to make it ashore. My PFD kept me secure through the chaos.
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Victoria’s Alpine Expedition: Just this October, during a two-day pack raft leg, I got thrown into fast-moving water after our packraft hit a tree. My PFD not only kept me afloat but gave me the confidence to let go of the pack raft, swim to safety, and wait for my team to pick me up.
Through rapids, storms, and rough conditions, my Quest PFD has never failed me.
Built to Last
Eight years and counting, my Quest PFD is still going strong.
It’s been:
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Tossed in gear bags.
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Left wet and muddy for days.
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Dragged through mangroves.
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Battered by salt water and blazing sun.
Yet, it shows no signs of fraying, losing buoyancy, or breaking down. All it takes is a rinse, a quick scrub (if it’s particularly muddy), and some air-drying in the shade before it’s ready for the next adventure.
Why I’ll Never Switch
At some point, I’ll need to replace my PFD—it’s a personal safety device, after all. But I’m thrilled this model still exists because I don’t think I could switch to anything else. Its simplicity, durability, and well-thought-out design (those pockets are a game-changer!) make it a must-have for adventure racing.
If you’re considering adventure racing or simply need a reliable PFD, I can’t recommend the Quest PFD enough. It’s not just gear—it’s a partner in every race, challenge, and triumph. Here’s to many more years of adventure, and a big shoutout to the gear that makes it all possible!
Got questions? Don't hesitate to come in-store to chat with our experts (You'll find Dani at our Brisbane store) or shoot us a message online if you have any questions! We’ll see you outdoors. Share your adventures with us on Instagram at @wildearthaustralia and use the hashtag #MyWildEarth to be featured.
Dani Lewis is the Retail Manager at Wild Earth, where she brings her passion for outdoor adventure to her work. A proud mother of two teenage daughters, Dani balances her professional life with her love for adventure racing, a sport she has been actively involved in since 2016. Her competitive spirit and love for the outdoors are integral parts of her life, driving her both in her career and personal pursuits.
