NRS PFD Guide - Which Life Jacket Should You Buy?
The NRS brand has become synonymous with kayak anglers and recreational paddlers alike, providing proven, quality products to enjoy the great outdoors. Since 1972, NRS has pioneered rugged and reliable equipment that keeps users safe and productive on the water. Today, this testament echoes throughout their entire lineup of products, including the full line of PFDs for anglers, rafters, and paddlers. With so many options to choose from here at Fishing Online, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite NRS PFDs. Each PFD is categorized by where it is best suited (in our opinion) for on-the-water use, and we highlight their best features!
Fishing
Not all PFDs are created equally, meaning not every PFD is built for rigorous on-the-water use by anglers. A good fishing PFD will provide safety, comfort, accessibility, durability, and features specifically for anglers. Whether fishing from a kayak, canoe, or bass boat, an NRS fishing PFD will enhance your angling experience.
The NRS Chinook PFD is the most popular PFD for kayak anglers. It features multiple pockets and attachment points for fishing gear, making it highly functional on the water. Its design includes a high-back panel that works well with kayak seats, providing comfort and support during long outings. With adjustable straps and a breathable, lightweight material, the Chinook offers a secure, customizable fit that keeps anglers comfortable and safe.
- Best-selling PFD for Kayak Anglers
- Type III PFD
- 16.5 lbs of flotation
- Mesh-Back/Front-Zip
- Closed-cell foam construction
- Ripstop nylon shell
- Two large clam shell pockets
- Tool holder pocket
- Integrated rod holder
The NRS Chinook OS PFD is an upgraded version of the Chinook. It is designed specifically for offshore and open-water fishing and offers enhanced buoyancy. It includes additional reflective accents and attachment points for essential gear, such as a GPS or VHF, making it ideal for harsher marine environments. The high-back design, multiple adjustment points, and ample storage pockets make it comfortable and practical for extended fishing trips in open water.
- Optimized for offshore anglers
- Type III PFD
- 16.5 lbs of flotation
- Mesh-Back/Front-Zip
- Back flotation panel
- Closed-cell foam construction
- Ripstop nylon shell
- Five-pocket design
- Multiple attachment points for knives, tools, and radio
- Integrated rod holder
The NRS Matik is a lightweight, inflatable PFD that offers freedom of movement, making it ideal for fishermen, paddleboarders, and kayakers. It features a manual CO₂ inflation mechanism, providing rapid buoyancy when needed while remaining compact when deflated. It makes up for what it lacks in additional features with its slim profile and adjustable fit; the Matik ensures a comfortable, discreet experience for users who prioritize mobility and minimalism in their water safety gear.
- Manual Inflation
- 22.5 lbs of flotation
- Type V PFD
- Low-profile design
- Zippered pocket with internal tether and whistle
- Manual backup chord
- Mouth inflation valve
- Reflective accents
The NRS Otto Matik is an automatic inflating PFD designed for fishermen, paddlers, and boaters who want reliable safety with minimal bulk. It uses a CO₂ cartridge to inflate automatically upon immersion in water, offering immediate buoyancy in emergencies. The Otto Matik is comfortable to wear all day and has an adjustable, lightweight design. It is a solid choice for anglers who prioritize safety and ease of use on the water.
- Automatic Inflation
- Type V PFD
- 22 lbs of flotation
- Low-profile design
- Zippered pocket with internal tether and whistle
- Manual backup chord
- Mouth inflation valve
- Reflective accents
The NRS Zander is a fishing-specific PFD that combines comfort and functionality. It is tailored for anglers who need accessible storage and a secure fit. It features multiple zippered pockets and attachment points, allowing anglers to keep essential tools and tackle close at hand. With adjustable straps and a high-back design, the Zander provides comfortable support for long days on the water, especially when used with high-back kayak seats.
- Designed for slim-fitting profiles
- Up to 15.75 lbs of flotation
- Closed-cell foam construction
- Two large clamshell pockets
- MOLLE section and multiple attachment points
- Ripstop nylon shell
- Reflective accents
Touring
Long voyages on your raft or kayak require a PFD that is not only safe but also comfortable. A suitable touring lifejacket offers comfort and functionality, providing freedom of movement and adjustability as you paddle on long excursions. Many touring PFDs provide additional storage features to help you carry essentials on your journey. For frequent extended paddling sessions, NRS has plenty of touring PFD options!
The NRS Vector is a versatile and comfortable PFD designed for paddlers, offering safety and mobility. It features a low-profile design with adjustable straps for a customizable fit, ensuring ease of movement during paddling. With multiple pockets for small gear storage and a breathable mesh back, the NRS Vector is ideal for long paddling sessions in various water conditions.
- Ideal for whitewater paddlers
- Type V PFD
- Pullover design
- Up to 18 lbs of flotation
- 1.5" quick release belt
- Compartmentalized, clamshell pocket
- Two easy-release carabiner attachments
- SOLAS reflective accents
- Hand warmer pocket
The NRS Ninja is a minimalist, low-profile PFD designed for serious paddlers who prioritize freedom of movement without sacrificing safety. Its ergonomic design fits snugly and comfortably, with a side-entry zipper and adjustable straps for a secure fit. With a sleek, compact profile and high-quality materials, the NRS Ninja is perfect for those seeking a lightweight PFD that offers maximum mobility on the water.
- Type V PFD
- Low-profile design
- Up to 15.75 lbs of flotation
- Ripstop nylon
- Compartmentalized, clamshell pocket
- Three attachment points for knives, lights, or strobe
- Hand warmer pocket
- Continuously interconnected webbing for security
Take a look at what makes the Ninja PFD so great!
The NRS Ninja OS PFD is a low-profile personal flotation device designed for offshore kayakers seeking comfort and safety. It features an ergonomic, slim fit with features specifically for kayakers in open water. With adjustable straps for a customizable fit, the Ninja OS ensures comfort and security.
- Optimized for offshore kayaking
- Type V PFD
- Low-profile design
- Up to 15.75 lbs of flotation
- Ripstop nylon
- Compartmentalized, clamshell pocket
- Three attachment points for knives, lights, or strobe
- Hand warmer pocket
- Continuously interconnected webbing for security
- Hook-and-loop pockets for radio or GPS
The NRS Ninja Pro is a high-performance, low-profile PFD designed for whitewater paddlers. It features an ergonomic design with a slim fit that maximizes mobility while providing reliable flotation. The Ninja Pro includes adjustable straps for a custom fit, offering comfort and safety without compromising the range of motion during paddling.
- Optimized for whitewater professionals
- Type V PFD
- Medium-profile design
- Up to 16.75 lbs of flotation
- Ripstop nylon
- Compartmentalized, clamshell pocket
- Five attachment points for knives, lights, or strobe
- Hand warmer pocket
- Continuously interconnected webbing for security
- Hook-and-loop pockets for radio or GPS
The NRS Odyssey PFD is a versatile and comfortable life jacket designed for long days on the water, particularly for touring. It offers an excellent range of motion thanks to its multi-panel design, enhancing comfort and fit. With features like ample storage pockets, numerous attachment points, and reflective accents, it's well-equipped for both safety and convenience, making it ideal for paddlers who need to carry gear and remain visible in low-light conditions
- Perfect for touring
- Type III PFD
- Up to 15.75 lbs of flotation
- Front zip
- Ripstop nylon
- Two large pockets with dual entry
- Ten attachment points
- SOLAS reflective accents
- External pocket sleeve
Recreational
Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors in a kayak, canoe, or boat, a good recreational PFD keeps you safe and comfortable without costing a fortune. These PFDs may not include angler—or paddler-specific features, but their functionality is versatile for all on-the-water activities, including fishing, paddling, and cruising.
The NRS Zephyr is a lightweight, manually inflated inflatable PFD designed for paddlers prioritizing mobility and compactness. With its adjustable waist belt and reflective accents, it meets USCG Type V standards when worn. While it's ideal for activities like stand-up paddleboarding or wade fishing, the Zephyr ensures quick inflation and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for expert swimmers needing a backup flotation device.
- Manual inflation
- Type V PFD
- 27.8 lbs of flotation
- Worn around the waist
- Stored in a ripstop nylon pack
- Waist belt adjustment
- Reflective accents
- Two D-Ring attachments
Unsure about the low-profile design of the Zephyer? Check out the full Gear Lab breakdown here!
The NRS Vista PFD is a reliable and affordable option for recreational paddlers. Its flexible design and lightweight materials offer a comfortable fit. The PFD includes reflective accents for visibility in low-light conditions, six adjustment points for a customized fit, and a front-entry zipper for easy wear.
- Budget-friendly
- Type III PFD
- Up to 17.2 lbs of flotation
- Lightweight, flexible design
- Six adjustment points
- One large zippered pocket
The NRS Ambient PFD offers a sleek and comfortable design for recreational paddlers. Its flexible, pre-curved fit enhances comfort by ensuring the jacket conforms to the body. It also features practical details like two expandable pockets, reflective accents for visibility, and a sustainable construction.
- Simple design and use
- Medium Profile
- Up to 15.75 lbs of flotation
- Two expandable pockets
- Reflective accents
- Four attchement points
Commercial
Designed for professional useage by safety professionals and commercial users. These PFDs prioritize safety, creating PFDs built for high-flotation for rescue scenarios and everyday users, featuring rugged materials and designs that ensure the user's safety and functionality while on the job. A commercial PFD will feature webbing and storage pockets to attach radios, knives, tools for quick access, and easy use with harnesses for rescue situations. These aren't just PFDs but a valuable tool for dangerous jobs.
The NRS Big Water Guide PFD provides high-floating, high-performance for users in demanding water environments. The Type III PFD provides superior buoyancy while maintaining comfort with its adjustable fit, featuring eight adjustment points. Ideal for guides and water rescue professionals in colder conditions, the Big Water ensures safe production on the water.
- Ideal for professionals
- Type III PFD
- High-Float/Front Zip
- 22.9 lbs of flotation
- Two zippered, fleece-lined pockets
- Two lash tabs
- Webbing tab
- MOLLE field
- Leg strap
The NRS Big Water V PFD is a highly regarded commercial life jacket known for its exceptional flotation. It is designed with contouring foam panels for a more comfortable and adaptive fit, making it suitable for various body types. This PFD also features a flotation collar for head support while floating, adjustable buckles for quick entry and exit, and optional leg straps for added security.
- Commercial use
- Type V PFD
- 25.1 lbs of flotation
- High-float design
- Easily adjustable
- Heavy-duty front buckles
- Flotation collar
- Stan Miketa