NRS sells some of the highest quality recreational PFDs in Canada. These will last you a long time, and perform much better than lower quality PFDs and lifejackets you'll find at box stores like Costco or Canadian Tire. These PFDs are designed with comfort and performance in mind, and will make your sunny days on the water that much more enjoyable for years to come!
We have been a dealer for NRS for close to 20 years now. We have seen them evolve from a very outfitter focused brand to an industry leader in recreational paddlesports. From rafting to whitewater, sea kayaking to SUP. NRS offer gear for all types of paddlesports.
One of the areas they have really committed to in Canada is to have a wide range of PFDs Canadian Coast Guard approved. In this quick NRS Recreational PFD comparison guide we highlight the basic features, pros and cons of the NRS Canadian recreational PFD lineup.
NRS Recreational PFDs
NRS Recreational PFDs UNDER $125.00
NRS Vapor PFD
Best For
Recreational Kayak, SUP and Canoe Paddlers. Also OK for lower end whitewater paddling.
Features
Side Entry, 1 pocket, shoulder, waist and shoulder adjustments.
Who buys these?
Everyone! The NRS Vapor PFD is consistently one of our top selling items both in store and online. The combination of price, comfort and range of motion for paddling all tie into this equation.
NRS Vista PFD
NRS Vista PFD
$89.95
$129.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks Minimal flair meets maximum comfort, that's the NRS Vista PFD. It is designed to meet the needs of beginners and long time… Read More
Best For
Recreational Kayak, SUP and Canoe Paddlers.
Features
Front zip entry, 1 pocket, shoulder and side adjustments
Who buys these?
We typically see more paddlers favor the Vapor. However, those with range of motion issues often find the front zip of the NRS Vista PFD preferable for ease of putting on.
NRS Recreational PFDs UNDER $160.00
NRS Oso PFD
NRS Oso PFD (clearance)
$119.95
$159.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Oso PFD is the ultimate full-back recreational life jacket for paddlers and rafters. With a ventilated, thin full back design… Read More
Best For
Recreational Kayaks, Fishing Kayaks and Canoes with high back seats. Work for SUP paddlers too.
Features
Low profile back panel, 2 large pockets, front zip entry, shoulder, side and waist adjustments.
Who buys these?
The NRS Oso PFD is really comfortable for many paddlers. Easy front entry, lots of pocket space for goodies. We mainly see these purchased by those paddling with high back recreational boats and some kayak anglers.
NRS Women's Nora PFD
NRS Women's Nora PFD (clearance)
$119.95
$159.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Women's Nora PFD is the perfect life jacket for female paddlers who appreciate quality at an attractive price point. The… Read More
Best For
Female recreational paddlers and kayak anglers
Features
Tailored with female 'proportions' in mind, low profile back panel, 2 large pockets, front zip entry, shoulder, side and waist adjustments
Who buys these?
Female recreational paddlers and kayak anglers. We find that women paddlers with limited mobility really enjoy the front zip on the NRS Women's Nora PFD for ease of entry. Paddlers with pedal drive kayaks tend to prefer the low profile back than the mesh back PFDs
NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD
NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD
$122.95
$174.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks If you're looking for a front entry, easily adjustable, comfortable, recreational PFD with generous pockets, the NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD is… Read More
Best For
Paddlers looking to use kayaks and canoes with high seat backs
Features
Lower mesh back to prevent PFD riding up with high back seats, multiple adjustments, 2 pockets and front zip entry.
Who buys these?
Many recreational paddlers. The NRS Clearwater Mesh Back PFD is one of our best selling recreational PFDs. Paddlers using all manner of recreational kayaks to inflatables, fishing rig and more.
NRS Recreational PFDs OVER $160.00
NRS cVest PFD
Best For
Sea or touring kayak paddlers or some recreational paddlers looking at longer outings on open water.
Features
Mesh back to work with technical or high back seats, multiple adjustments, radio pockets, enhanced reflective stripping, extra attachment points.
Who buys these?
Sea kayakers and paddlers who like carrying a bunch of stuff on their person. The NRS cVest Mesh Back PFD is essentially a Clearwater with many more features. If you are a technical gear junkie, this could be the PFD for you!
NRS Odyssey PFD
Best For
Sea and touring kayakers, also recreational paddlers doing longer trips on open water
Features
Low profile foam back to work with technical or high back seats, multiple adjustments, radio pockets, enhanced reflective stripping, extra attachment points.
Who buys these?
Sea kayakers and paddlers who like carrying a bunch of stuff on their person. The NRS Odyssey PFD is essentially an Oso with many more features.
NRS Fishing PFDs
NRS Chinook Fishing PFD
Best For
Kayak, Canoe, Raft and SUP anglers looking for a PFD with all the bells and whistles of a fishing vest coupled with the life saving functionality of a PFD. We have found those with high back recreational kayak style seats like these. If you are short waisted, you might be better off with the NRS Raku Fishing PFD
Features
- ULC Approved
- Lower mesh back to not interfere with high back seats
- Tool Holder Pocket
- Two large zippered pockets (designed for small tackle boxes)
- Two smaller accessory pockets with hook and loop closure
- Rod Holder
- Strobe attachment
- Front zipper entry
- Six adjustment points for the ultimate fit
Who Buys These
We typically see paddlesports (kayak, canoe, SUP) anglers looking for a fully featured angling vest. Very popular with fly fisherman as the PFD doubles as a fly fishing vest and it is possible to carry everything you need in the PFD.
NRS Raku Fishing PFD
NRS Raku Fishing PFD
$164.96
$219.95
NRS Raku vs NRS Chinook Angling PFDs If you're looking for a feature rich, comfortable and thin full back angling PFD, then the NRS Raku is the one for you. Dual certified in both Canada and the USA, it's the… Read More
Best For
The NRS Raku Fishing PFD is an ideal PFD for all types of kayak, canoe and SUP anglers. The low profile back fits super well with high back seats and is particularly well received in the pedal drive angling community. In our experience the NRS Raku Fishing PFD works great in fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks, canoes and on SUPs and in rafts.
Features
- Low profile back to prevent seat interference and riding up
- Five panel design for ultimate comfort and flexibility
- ULC Approved
- Lower mesh back to not interfere with high back seats
- Tool Holder Pocket
- Two large zippered pockets (designed for small tackle boxes)
- Two smaller accessory pockets with hook and loop closure
- Rod Holder
- Strobe attachment
- Front zipper entry
- Six adjustment points for the ultimate fit
Who Buys These
Often the NRS Raku Fishing PFD is purchased by paddlesports anglers looking for a fully featured, comfortable angling PFD. One segment we have seen this be very popular in is the kayak angling crowd using pedal drives. Something about the low volume back sits really well in that seat style whilst pedalling.
NRS Matik Inflatable PFD
NRS Matik Inflatable PFD
$219.95
$259.95
Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Matik is a great option for those that want an inflatable PFD with a classic vest fit. The NRS Matik is a low-profile inflatable PFD, available in two colour options. Its light weight… Read More
Best For
Light use where being rendered incapacitated is almost impossible. The reason for this is the NRS Matik Inflatable PFD has no built in flotation, it relies on the user triggering the inflation mechanism. The upside is it is ultra lightweight and feels almost like you are not wearing a PFD at all
Features
- ULC approved
- Comes with one Co2 canister
- refillable with the NRS Matik re-arming kit
- Zippered pocket with internal tether for keys etc
- Lightweight
- easily packable and transportable
Who Buys These
Anglers, SUP and recreational paddlers who are looking for the most lightweight option to allow them to be coast guard compliant. Ideal for those looking to not stray too far from shore and are recreating in a fairly mellow environment such as sheltered lakes, bays or inlets.
NRS Kids PFDs
NRS Big Water V Youth PFD
NRS Big Water V Youth PFD
$159.95
Best Kids PFDs and Life Jackets Comfortable and durable, the NRS Big Water V Youth PFD delivers the high-floating capabilities that parents can trust. Contouring foam panels create a more comfortable and adaptive fit. The Flotation collar on the‚ NRS… Read More
Best For
Kids who are getting into Class II and above whitewater in rafts, kayaks, SUP boards and more. This is a type V PFD which means it is designed to keep the wearers airway above water if they are rendered unconscious. The NRS Big Water V Youth PFD is a simple, comfortable and well designed PFD for kids weighing 22.5 - 41 kgs who are recreating in whitewater.
Features
- 4 heavy duty buckles
- Webbing loops for leg straps
- Flotation collar to help keep head up in whitewater
- ULC certification
- Contoured foam panels for a comfy fit
Who Buys These
Families who have the experience and time to get out on moving water and whitewater trips. As a family we use them on our annual multi day raft trips on the Kootenay, Lower Salmon river and others. They are well built and long lasting so you can generally hand them down from sibling to sibling.
For less whitewater focused Kid PFD options, check out our Kids PFD Collection for our full youth, child, and infant PFD lineup.
NRS Dog PFDs
NRS CFD (Canine Flotation Device) Dog Lifejacket
NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket
$79.95
The 2022 NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket provides additional safety for any dog that spends time near the water. The NRS Canine Flotation Device, aka CFD, will keep your best friend afloat. This dog life jacket comes in multiple sizes… Read More
Best For
Your furry four legged friends of all shapes and sizes. The NRS CFD Dog Lifejacket comes in a large array of sizes to fit almost any dog comfortably
Features
- Rip Stop Nylon Construction
- Seven panel design for comfort and flexibility
- Doubles as a walking harness
- Grab handle to easily pluck your pooch out of the water
- Additional foam under the neck and belly to ensure comfort and buoyancy during tough swims
Who Buys These
We see dog owners of all interests purchasing the NRS CFD Dog Lifejacket. From those taking their dogs on their SUP and kayaks to those who have them out on motor boats. Paddlers taking their dogs on multi day whitewater trips to those who have properties with a dock and waterfront.
Thanks for checking out our comparison! We offer FREE SHIPPING on all these NRS PFDs across Canada, and our paddling experts are ready to help answer your NRS PFD questions. Feel free to contact us below, or visit us in store!
Shop NRS Recreational PFD Collection
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AQ Outdoors Contact
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Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
