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first thoughts review
first look: 2026 nrs axiom drysuit
Hey, Tom here from AQ Outdoors. I just got my first run in the updated 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit , and I wanted to share some early thoughts on the fabric, fit, and feel. This is one of those pieces of gear a lot of paddlers already know and trust, so any changes always feel pretty meaningful.
Who is the NRS Axiom Drysuit for?
The NRS Axiom Drysuit is built for paddlers who want reliable dry performance without stepping into the most expensive expedition-level suits.
In my experience, it fits best for:
- Whitewater kayakers in cold or shoulder season water
- Sea kayakers dealing with cold coastal conditions
- Packrafters and canoeists pushing into colder months
- Instructors and river guides who are on the water a lot
- Paddlers buying their first proper drysuit
It sits in that really nice middle zone where it is capable enough for serious use, but still comfortable and approachable for everyday paddling.
What is a drysuit?
A drysuit is a fully waterproof garment designed to keep you completely dry if you end up in the water. Unlike a wetsuit, which lets a small amount of water in and warms it against your body, a drysuit keeps water out entirely.
Most paddling drysuits use a combination of waterproof breathable fabric, latex gaskets at the neck and wrists, and a waterproof zipper. This lets you layer underneath depending on the temperature.
On colder days you can wear insulating layers, and on warmer shoulder-season days you can keep it lighter. It is one of the biggest upgrades you can make if you are paddling in cold water regularly.
What is "PFAS" and why does it matter?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in waterproofing and stain resistance for decades.
They are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. Over time, PFAS has raised concerns due to its persistence in water systems and potential environmental and health impacts.
This is why the outdoor industry has been shifting away from PFAS-based treatments. New materials like the NRS PFAS-free ePE membrane are designed to maintain waterproof performance while reducing environmental impact.
The 2026 Axiom uses this newer PFAS-free approach as part of its updated construction.
The new membrane: PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE
The biggest change for 2026 in the Axiom is the move to the new PFAS-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane.
This is a pretty significant shift across the outdoor industry. GORE-TEX has long been the benchmark for waterproof breathable performance, and this new ePE version is designed to maintain that performance while removing PFAS from the construction.
On first feel, the fabric is very familiar. That is a good thing. It still feels like a proper technical drysuit material, with solid structure and durability. If anything, it feels slightly more supple compared to previous versions, but not in a way that changes how the suit performs on the water.
The important takeaway here is that it does not feel like a compromise material. It feels like an evolution, not a downgrade, which is exactly what you want when something as critical as your drysuit membrane gets updated.
Axiom Drysuit Fit and feel
Fit is one of the first things I noticed when I put the new Axiom on.
I am 5’10” and around 160 pounds, and the medium feels noticeably better dialed in than previous versions. Earlier Axiom fits tended to run a bit tight on me, especially when layering. This year’s cut feels more natural through the torso and shoulders without feeling loose or baggy.
That balance is important. Too tight and you lose mobility when paddling or layering. Too loose and things start to feel bulky and inefficient. This version sits right in that middle zone where movement feels easy and unrestricted.
There are also a few subtle comfort improvements worth noting:
- Softer neoprene finishing around gasket areas, which feels better against the skin
- More refined articulation through the shoulders and upper body
- Improved overall comfort when moving and rotating in a kayak cockpit
It still feels like an Axiom, just a more dialed and refined version of it.
What else is new for 2026
Beyond the membrane and fit, there are a few other updates that stood out on first wear.
The latex gaskets are noticeably thicker this year. That usually translates to better long-term durability, but it does mean they may feel a bit stiffer out of the box. Most paddlers will likely want a short break-in period, and depending on preference, some trimming or stretching to get the perfect seal.
The waterproof zipper system has also been updated to a new TIZIP design. Zippers are one of the most critical components on any drysuit, so this is a change worth watching over time. First impressions are solid, and the overall finish of the suit feels clean and well executed.
NRS sizing and options available
One of the strengths of the NRS Axiom Drysuit is the range of sizing options across their drywear lineup.
The Axiom is available in both men’s and women’s specific fits, along with multiple sizing options designed to help dial in a better match for different body types and layering needs.
- Men’s and women’s specific cuts
- Short and tall sizing options
- Extended sizing in select models
Fit matters a lot in a drysuit. A small change in torso length or inseam can completely change how it feels on the water, especially on long paddling days.
If you can try one on in person, it is absolutely worth doing. Small adjustments here make a big difference in comfort and performance.
NRS Axiom vs NRS Phenom: What’s the difference?
For 2026, both the NRS Axiom and NRS Phenom sit in the same high-performance category, using similar GORE-TEX Pro construction and gasket systems. The real difference is design and entry style. The Axiom is a front-zip suit that feels simple, familiar, and easy to manage on your own, while the Phenom uses a back-zip design that removes front bulk and gives a cleaner feel through the chest and cockpit area.
In short, the Axiom is the straightforward all-rounder most paddlers gravitate toward, while the Phenom is for those who prefer a sleeker front panel and a slightly different feel in the boat rather than a major performance difference.
