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September 2024

The PFD I love just got a lot better - The Updated Ninja PFD

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

It's pretty cool when a company can take a product you are happy with and make it even better!

NRS made some big changes to the Ninja PFD all while preserving the features so many paddlers love. 

The old features I love on the new Ninja:

  • I am a pocket guy! I love to have places to put things in an organized way. Not in a weird “storing things inside ziplocks, that are inside other ziplocks, that are inside yet another ziplock way” but in a practical, functional, and efficient way. The ninja both new and old, has an excellent large front pocket with several internal organizational features. This is made possible by the side entry style of this PFD.

  • The side entry is quick and easy. If the shoulder and side straps are already set in position for a comfortable and secure fit, the two easily handled buckles are all that need to be clicked together to get you water ready! 
  • The freedom of motion in this PFD is excellent! NRS has kept a lot of the flotation to the front and back while keeping the arms open (this needs a better description: all life jackets are like that) so whether you're paddling a kayak, rowing a raft, making strokes on a paddleboard, or lily dipping on a canoe this PFD allows you to move freely. Additionally the open sides allow plenty of breathability which is appreciated on those hot days! 

  • Big hand warming pocket and additional place to store stuff. 
  • Silicone grip on the waistband to help keep the PFD in place. 

  • “Strap garages” keep things looking tidy and organized. The strap garages provide a space for the loose ends of the adjustable straps to tuck into. Not only is this a benefit for a clean looking appearance, but simplicity and less loose objects improves safety in swiftwater environments, minimizing the chance of entanglement and entrapment. 


The new features I love on the Ninja!:

  • The new knife mount position was an excellent change. Having the knife below the pocket reduces this PFD’s outward profile and keeps it out of the way to help prevent it from getting caught on things, especially when re-entering a boat.
    • One thing to note is the knife is not easily visible when wearing the PFD. Which I don't think is a big deal because in a swiftwater emergency where you might need a knife you probably can’t see your knife in the water anyway. However, it does highlight the importance for the user to be aware of where it is and how to release it quickly in an emergency. 

  • I really appreciate how the updated ninja’s floatation changes as the sizes change. This makes a lot more sense to have each PFD catered to the user's size and weight instead of just increasing strap length on larger PFD’s. 
  • The Orbit Fit System is a new floatation approach that NRS has employed for this PFD to create a PFD that conforms to your body with pre-shaped layers of lightweight closed-cell foam. This gives this PFD a “custom fit” feel and seems to move with your body even more fluidly than the previous Ninja. 
  • The use of recycled ripstop nylon helps reduce this PFD’s environmental footprint!
  • If you haven't heard of PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) they are chemicals that have commonly been used in many products for a variety of reasons and have been discovered to have a variety of negative impacts on human health as these chemicals can bioaccumulate with exposure. NRS has developed the Ninja to be free of PFAS! Keeping these chemicals out of products is a very positive improvement to make products safer to use. Thumbs up for PFAS free floatation.


There is no shortage of things to love about the new Ninja PFD. NRS took a great product and made some really positive changes while keeping the features that people loved to make it even better! The new NRS Ninja is the perfect companion to keep you safe, comfortable, and looking good on your next adventure on the water!