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September 2024

Supreme Comfort and Water Safety: The NRS Ambient PFD

Written by & Photos By: David Wilson & Chris Kimmel (Alpine Edge Photography)

The Ambient PFD is not overcomplicated with a functional design, comfortable, and ease of use. These may sound like pretty simple things but in some cases, especially with safety equipment, keeping it uncomplicated may be one of the best things! 

The beauty of this PFD is once you have adjusted it to your body you can easily take it on and off by simply sliding the front zipper open or closed. Putting a PFD on and being water ready doesn't really get any simpler than this!

To optimize the PFD for a fit and comfort there are two shoulder straps and two torso straps that can be easily adjusted. Additionally, once the shoulder straps are adjusted, the excess strap can be rolled up and tucked away in the “strap garages” which keep the PFD looking clean and tidy. 

Contributing to the comfort of this PFD is the Orbit Fit System. This new floatation approach conforms the PFD to your body with multiple pre-shaped layers of lightweight closed-cell foam. Additionally, this design allows for the floatation to change as the sizes change instead of just providing longer straps for larger sizes. The Orbit Fit Systems design in conjunction with small details like a silicone waistband to keep the PFD in place contribute to the Ambient’s “custom fit” feel. 

Some PFD’s can have rub points which can chafe and become quite irritating on longer paddles with repeated strokes. The Ambient PFD ensures the freedom of movement by distributing its low profile flotation across the front and back, keeping the sides more open, which enables uninhibited motion and increased airflow to keep things cool.

The front zipper on the ambient prevents this PFD from having as large of a front pocket as other PFDs but instead has two zippered pockets on either side of the zipper. These provide ample room for some snacks, your phone, or whatever other small objects you may want to have quick access to on the water.

The knife mount is in a very convenient place. When mounted it is easy to see and access. In addition to the knife mount, there are attachment points on the other side of the chest and mounts on the shoulders for lights, whistles, or whatever you may need attached to your PFD. 


The Ambient’s construction is also impressive because it takes into account the importance  of reducing our environmental footprint and protecting our health from detrimental chemicals. NRS does this by using recycled ripstop nylon and by being PFAS free. 


All together, these simple but functional features make for an excellent PFD for your next adventure on the water!