Buying Advice
The NRS Cam Strap: Born on the River, Ready for Anything
Author: AQ Staff
Born on the river and ready for anything, the NRS Heavy Duty Cam Strap first hit the market in 1978. It was considered as a superior way to tie down gear and frames on whitewater rafts.
Known worldwide for its incredible strength and versatility, this strap is the ultimate DIY tie-down solution. Every boater, outdoor enthusiast, and homeowner should have a selection of these straps in various sizes.
Psst... How many cam straps can you see in the image above?
Setting the Standard
When it comes to reliable straps that can handle UV light and wet/dry cycles, NRS Straps are the gold standard. Before these game-changing straps came onto the scene, the options were pretty basic—rope or tubular webbing. And let’s face it, these materials had their downsides.
Why Other Tie-Down Solutions Fall Short
Rope and tubular webbing were commonly used, but they had a major flaw: their tendency to stretch and expand when wet, then tighten back up once they dry. This wasn’t ideal for river environments or any situation where heavy gear needed to be securely fastened. When used to tie down heavy objects, the flexibility of rope and webbing allowed for movement, making them unreliable and potentially disastrous on a turbulent river trip.
NRS’s Game-Changing Cam Buckle
The turning point came after a high water year on Idaho’s Salmon River, which led to several fatalities. It was believed these could have been avoided had there been a more reliable method to secure and release gear in emergency situations. This underscored the need for a better solution, leading NRS to adapt the straightforward yet highly effective cam buckle from the freight industry, a design originally sourced from Germany.
This cam buckle was a game-changer, gripping the strap with unmatched reliability. You’ll notice the difference when using other cam straps: they often slip under load, especially if the strap is wet. Additionally, cheaper straps tend to wear down more quickly.
The Advantage of the NRS Strap
Originally sourced from Spain and UV treated, the NRS Strap maintains its integrity even under prolonged sun exposure. This means whether you’re on a long raft trip or transporting gear on your vehicle, you can trust that everything will stay exactly how you set it up.
Why You Should Choose NRS Straps
From rafting to transporting large items or even home use, NRS Straps stand out as the best choice. They’re durable, reliable, and unmatched in performance. Available in lengths of 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 20 feet, there’s an NRS Strap for every need.
When it comes to secure and dependable gear, NRS Straps are unmatched—they’ll stand up to anything you throw at them!