2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit Review

Hey there, Simon here from AQ Outdoors. I’ve been using the NRS Axiom Drysuit for quite a few years, so when NRS released the updated 2026 version, I was keen to see how it compared to my old suit.

After a couple of months of use, I wanted to share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how the Axiom feels on the water.

Navigate To:

• What’s new on the 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit?
• Who is the 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit for?
• How does the 2026 Axiom feel on the water?
• Waterproofing and kayak-specific features
• Drysuit care and maintenance
• My take after two months

What’s new on the 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit?

After a few years of heavy use, I retired my old Axiom and started using the 2026 PFAS-free version. The first thing I noticed was the material. It feels much more supple and soft, both when you’re handling the suit and wearing it, which I find to be a definite improvement.

The second big improvement is the neoprene punch-through neck and wrist gaskets. They fit much better right off the rack than my older suit did, even after a couple of years of use. That made for a much more comfortable paddling experience from the start.

The rest of the Axiom carries over many of the features I’ve come to rely on, including the classic front-entry design with an overflap protecting the zipper, a front relief zipper in the men’s version and a rear relief zipper in the women’s version.

The suits also have built-in GORE-TEX Pro socks to help keep your feet warm and dry. Overall, the updates make the 2026 Axiom feel more comfortable while keeping the features that have made it a reliable whitewater drysuit.

Who is the 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit for?

I’d say the 2026 NRS Axiom is aimed at paddlers who spend a lot of time on cold water and want reliable waterproof protection while still being comfortable during long paddling sessions.

For me, that means whitewater kayaking, shoulder-season paddling, and those days when the air and water temperatures are doing their best to convince you to stay home. It gives you the freedom to control your insulation with the layers you wear underneath, rather than relying on the suit itself for warmth.

That makes the Axiom particularly useful for paddling in cold conditions, where staying dry is a pretty important part of staying comfortable and safe. It’s also a good option for paddlers who are putting serious mileage on their gear and need something built to handle regular use.

How does the 2026 Axiom feel on the water?

For me, the biggest takeaway after two months is that the suit feels comfortable without sacrificing the protection I expect from an Axiom.

The front-entry design makes getting in and out of the suit straightforward, and the waterproof zipper is protected by an overflap. The relief zipper is another feature you might not think much about when you’re looking at a drysuit on the rack, but you’ll appreciate it very quickly on a long day out.

The integrated GORE-TEX Pro socks are another feature I really like. They provide a waterproof connection between the suit and your footwear, keeping your feet dry while you’re paddling and dealing with all the inevitable water that comes with whitewater kayaking.

Waterproofing and kayak-specific features

As with all whitewater kayaking drysuits, the overskirt is one of the key features.

The 2026 NRS Axiom has a neoprene overskirt designed to fit over your sprayskirt tunnel and help prevent water from getting down inside your spray skirt and into the boat. It’s a simple feature, but it plays an important role in keeping the drysuit system working as intended.

The Axiom also carries over the chest pocket from previous models. It’s big enough to carry a cell phone, some snacks, or a few other small essentials. I’m always a fan of having somewhere useful to stash a snack because, sooner or later, every paddling problem becomes slightly more manageable after eating something.

For anything that absolutely can’t get wet, though, I’d still recommend using a proper waterproof case or dry bag rather than relying on a pocket alone.

Drysuit care and maintenance

One thing I’d emphasize with any drysuit, but especially the PFAS-Free drysuits, is that a little maintenance goes a long way.

Compared to older models, the 2026 Axiom is going to need a bit more care and attention between paddling sessions. Regular cleanings, DWR reactivation and reapplication are essential to making everything run smoothly.

The waterproof zipper, in particular, deserves some attention. Keeping it clean and properly maintained helps preserve its waterproof performance and can extend the life of the suit.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the latex gaskets and integrated socks. Avoid unnecessary stretching, keep everything clean, and make sure the suit is properly dry before storing it. Leaving a wet drysuit stuffed into the bottom of your gear bag is a pretty effective way to make future-you unhappy.

A few extra minutes of care after a paddling day can make a big difference over the long term. Drysuits aren’t inexpensive pieces of gear, so treating them accordingly is well worth the effort.

If you're stuck on how to make sure your new drysuit stays in tip-top shape, we've made a guide going over the whole process in detail. « Check it out here »

My take after two months

So, in a nutshell, the 2026 NRS Axiom Drysuit has performed really well for me.

The material and gaskets are noticeably more comfortable than the older version I was using, which is a big win. The rest of the Axiom keeps the features I’ve come to rely on over the years, including the front entry, relief zipper, integrated GORE-TEX Pro socks, chest pocket, and kayak-specific overskirt.

After two months of use, and with me looking after this suit a little better than I did my old one, it’s holding up really well. Overall, I’m very happy with this upgrade.