5 Alternatives to the Helly Hansen Rider Vest Buoyancy Aid - Ebony, 60 to 70 Kg

1) Helly Hansen Rider Vest Buoyancy Aid - Ebony, 70 to 90 Kg — £41.49, 4.7★

This is the closest match by far. It’s the same model, same price, and same strong rating, but sized for a heavier user. If you’re between sizes or your weight has shifted, this is the most obvious alternative. What’s better: it gives you the same trusted feel and performance without changing brand or design. What’s worse: if you’re actually in the 60 to 70 kg bracket, sizing up can mean a looser fit, which is not ideal for comfort or safety on the water. Choose this only if the 60 to 70 kg version is unavailable and the larger size genuinely suits your bodyweight and fit.

2) Osprey Men's Osp M - Origin Shorty Wetsuit, Blue, 3XL UK — £39.99, 4.4★

This isn’t a buoyancy aid, so it serves a different job entirely, but it’s a practical alternative if your real need is more warmth than flotation. Compared with the Helly vest, the Osprey shorty wetsuit gives you thermal protection for summer sessions in the UK, especially on breezy days at the coast or on cooler inland water. What’s better: it’s slightly cheaper and useful for comfort in colder water. What’s worse: it won’t replace a buoyancy aid for safety, and it’s only suitable if you already have flotation sorted elsewhere. Pick this if you’re building a full watersports kit and need a warmer layer for paddling, dinghy sailing, or swimming.

3) AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera - £56.99, 4.4★

A very different alternative, but a popular add-on for people who are browsing watersports gear. If you were looking at the Helly vest because you’re heading out on the water and want to document sessions, this camera is a budget-friendly way to capture action. What’s better: 4K recording, touchscreen, waterproof housing, and accessories make it good value for recording coastal SUP trips or summer sailing clips. What’s worse: it doesn’t help with flotation, warmth, or safety, so it’s only a side purchase. Choose it if your priority is filming your time on the water rather than replacing the buoyancy aid itself.

4) AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera with 64GB microSDXC Memory Card — £56.98, 4.4★

This is another camera option, and it’s the more complete out-of-the-box bundle thanks to the included 64GB memory card. Compared with the Helly Hansen vest, it’s obviously not an alternative in function, but it can be a smart buy for people who already own buoyancy gear and want to add content capture to their kit. What’s better: the included card makes it ready to use sooner, and the price is still reasonable. What’s worse: again, no safety or thermal benefit, and the camera market is more about features than fit. Best for paddlers, sailors, or surfers who want a ready-to-go recording setup.

5) Osprey Men's Osp Lng 5mm - Origin Blk Full Length Wetsuit 5 mm, XL UK — £84.99, 4.2★

This is the strongest true watersports alternative if you’re thinking beyond buoyancy aids and want protection for colder UK conditions. A 5 mm full suit is much more relevant than a shorty for spring and autumn sessions, especially in the North Sea, around exposed coasts, or on chilly lakes and reservoirs. What’s better: much warmer than the Helly vest, and better suited to longer sessions in cold water. What’s worse: it’s significantly more expensive, bulkier, and still not a substitute for a buoyancy aid if flotation is required. Choose this if you’re upgrading for colder-weather use and already have, or plan to buy, proper buoyancy support separately.