Expert Advice: Learn Articles, Tips & How-To’s

Search our extensive collection of how-to articles and videos to help you safely raft, kayak, SUP, camp, fish and care for your NRS gear and apparel.

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3 MIN

Northwest River Supplies and Down River Equipment Announce Strategic Partnership

Northwest River Supplies (NRS) and Down River Equipment announce a strategic partnership to strengthen operations while preserving Down River’s brand, community and river heritage.

  • Newsroom
7 MIN

Why Pick a Lightweight Fishing Raft?

Lightweight fishing rafts let solo anglers launch without a trailer, row or kick for stealth, and carry more gear. Compare the open-bow Oxbow 85 and Boundary 100.

  • Rafting
  • Fly Fishing
4 MIN

The Whale Foundation and NRS Partner on Limited-Edition Ninja Pro PFD to Support the Health and Well-Being of Grand Canyon River Guides

The Whale Foundation and NRS launch a limited-edition Ninja Pro Guide PFD. For every PFD sold, $20 supports health and wellness services for Grand Canyon river guides.

  • Newsroom
9 MIN

Why Packrafts Belong in Every Backcountry Hunter’s Kit

Learn how packrafts help backcountry hunters access more terrain, haul heavy loads, and travel efficiently. Key features, essential gear, packing tips, and hunt styles.

  • Packrafting
6 MIN

How to Choose the Right Fly Fishing PFD

Compare standard vs. high-back vs. inflatable fly fishing PFDs, then choose the right fit with comfort, storage, safety and sizing tips for wading or fishing from a boat.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Fly Fishing
7 MIN

How to Boat Safely With Kids

Learn how to boat safely with kids, from choosing the right life jackets and layers to sun protection, river skills and guidelines for infants and small children.

  • How To
  • Safety
9 MIN

How to Prepare for Cold-Water Boating

Learn how to dress for cold-water boating, choose the right layers and safety gear, and prepare for immersion so you can stay warm, safe and paddling longer.

  • How To
  • Apparel
  • Safety
7 MIN

How Hypothermia Affects Paddlers

Learn how hypothermia develops in paddlers, how the body loses heat in cold water, early warning signs to watch for and how to prevent cold-related emergencies.

  • Apparel
  • Safety
6 MIN

How to Strap Kayaks to Your Car

Learn how to strap a kayak to your car safely using one-strap and two-strap methods, kayak stackers, and bow and stern lines, plus expert tips to protect your boat, rack and vehicle on the drive to the water.

  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
  • Straps
9 MIN

How to Roll a Kayak: Step-by-Step Guide to C-to-C, Sweep, and Offside Rolls

Learn how to roll a kayak safely and efficiently. Step-by-step videos and expert tips from Ken Whiting break down C-to-C, sweep, offside, and Pawlata rolls so you can recover confidently in any paddling conditions.

  • How To
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
12 MIN

How to Maintain, Stretch, and Replace Dry Wear Gaskets

Learn how to care for, stretch, and replace latex and neoprene gaskets on dry suits, dry tops, and pants. Keep your paddling gear watertight and lasting longer.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Apparel
  • Gear
14 MIN

What to Wear Fly Fishing: A Complete Guide

Learn what to wear fly fishing year-round. Discover the best base layers, mid-layers, and outerwear to stay comfortable, safe, and focused on the water.

  • Apparel
  • Fly Fishing
10 MIN

Ultimate Guide to Packraft Fishing

Discover how packraft fishing opens access to remote lakes and rivers, helps you escape crowded waters, and boosts your angling success with expert tips, tactics, and gear advice.

  • Packrafting
  • Fly Fishing
10 MIN

Compare Inflatable Raft Specs & Measurements

Use this comprehensive table to compare specs and measurements for current and past NRS, STAR, Aire, Riken and Tributary inflatable rafts, catarafts and inflatable kayaks.

  • Rafting
3 MIN

How to Maintain an NRS Super 2 HP Pump

The Super 2 HP Pump uses a double-chamber design for optimal power with minimal effort, and is easy to maintain. With a few easy steps, you’ll be able to address common issues with your pump and keep it functioning well for years to come.

  • How To
  • Gear
4 MIN

How to Maintain an NRS Super Pump

In just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to troubleshoot, maintain, and address common issues with your NRS Super Pump and keep it functioning well season after season.

  • How To
  • Gear
9 MIN

Customizing Your NRS Raft Fishing Frame

Customizing your NRS raft fishing frame can help make your time on the water far more enjoyable. NRS Frames are modular, which means you can mix and match different frame parts and accessories.

  • How To
  • Rafting
  • Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
6 MIN

How to Inflate and Deflate Your NRS Packraft

Learn best practices for inflating and deflating your NRS packraft, as well as troubleshooting tips and packraft storage advice.

  • How To
  • Packrafting
2 MIN

NRS Clothing | Sun Hoodies, Button-Down Shirts, Shorts, T-Shirts

Combining performance with practicality, NRS clothing—button down shirts, sun hoodies, shorts and more—delivers all-day comfort and modern styling that transitions seamlessly from the boathouse to the BBQ.

  • Other
1 MIN

Account Registration

Ready to create your new nrs.com account? Use this page to set up your username and password to make shopping with NRS as easy as possible.

  • Other
1 MIN

Login

Welcome back to nrs.com. Use this page to sign into your account to access your saved address information, update your contact details, etc.

  • Other
1 MIN

Reset Password

Need help retrieving or resetting your NRS account password? Enter the email address associated with your nrs.com account and we’ll send you a link to create a new password.

  • Other
1 MIN

Pro Login

Have a Pro account with NRS? Use this page to sign in; get started making your next on-the-water adventure a reality today.

  • Other
7 MIN

Guide to Raft Fishing vs Drift Boat Fishing

Durable and portable inflatable fishing rafts from NRS offer several advantages for fishing over more traditional drift boats, including cost, safety, and ease of access.

  • Rafting
  • Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
10 MIN

A Beginner’s Guide to Stand-up Paddleboard Fly Fishing

Discover the thrill of fly fishing from an NRS stand-up paddleboard. Learn about the advantages of stealth, portability, and affordability in our beginner's guide for adventure anglers.

  • Stand-Up Paddling
  • Fly Fishing
5 MIN

How to Choose a Packraft Paddle

Choose the best packraft paddle by learning the blade styles, paddle materials, and how the type of water you paddle on affects paddle length and our paddle recommendations.

  • How To
  • Packrafting
2 MIN

NRS Packraft Care & Maintenance

NRS packrafts are lightweight, packable and built to premium standards. Like all outdoor gear, some packraft care and maintenance will provide a lifetime of performance.

  • Packrafting
6 MIN

Northwest River Supplies Unveils Groundbreaking Suite of New Products, Redefining Industry Standards

NRS announces the launch of its highly anticipated 2024 suite of innovative new products, set to revolutionize the outdoor industry and enhance the adventure experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Newsroom
1 MIN

Used Gear, Apparel and Inflatables

Buying used inflatables, gear, and apparel from NRS is a great way to outfit yourself on a budget. You can trust that every used item we sell has been inspected and approved. Gear that has been returned to NRS with minor wear can still provide years of use and enjoyment on the water.

  • Other
2 MIN

NRS Rescue

NRS Rescue supplies rugged, dependable, technical equipment and apparel that helps keep you safe and efficient. From rescue-specific dry suits and PFDs to ropes and carabiners, we work hard to provide the industry’s best service and support.

  • Other
3 MIN

NRS Anchor Jam Cleat Shim Request

Learn more about the NRS 2:1 Frame Anchor System jam cleat shim, and request a jam cleat shim kit be sent to you free of charge.

  • Other
3 MIN

NRS and Pyranha Form Strategic Partnership

NRS and Pyranha, two paddle-sports powerhouses, will combine sales and marketing efforts in Europe via a new strategic partnership.

  • Newsroom
2 MIN

#JustAddWaterProject

With the Just Add Water Project NRS is putting our values into action by supporting activists and organizations in building an inclusive paddlesports community of the future, creating new advocates for conservation, and protecting the health of, and access to, our shared lands and waters.

  • Other
4 MIN

NRS Joins Forces With onWater to Launch PaddleWays, the First-Ever Navigation App for Paddlers

NRS is excited to announce the launch of PaddleWays, the first-ever navigation app built specifically for paddlers. Joining forces with onWater, NRS is excited to serve paddlers with new tools and technology to help improve experiences on the water.

  • Newsroom
4 MIN

NRS Announces New and Returning Team of LEAD Ambassadors

NRS is proud to announce a new, and returning, team of LEAD Ambassadors for 2023. NRS built the Leaders in Environment, Access and Diversity (LEAD) Program to break down barriers to the outdoors.

  • Newsroom
2 MIN

PaddleWays: Adventure Informed

Whether discovering new places to paddle, planning your bucket-list trip, or navigating on your next adventure, PaddleWays is your all-in-one app for knowing where, when and how to go. PaddleWays is a digital guidebook and GPS navigation tool to help you make informed decisions on and off the water.

  • Other