Moscow, Idaho-based NRS is generally regarded as the world’s leading supplier of water recreation, safety, and rescue gear—founded in 1972 and still 100-percent employee-owned, with a longstanding focus on performance, responsibility, and community. For Spring 2025 they have announced a couple of exciting additions and innovations to their offerings for paddlers of all types.
Boundary 100 and Oxbow 85: Innovative Personal Fishing Rafts for the Modern Angler
NRS has unveiled two new personal fishing rafts aimed squarely at today’s solo angler. The Boundary 100 and Oxbow 85 are state-of-the-art inflatables designed for versatility, durability, and performance across a range of fishing environments. “These new rafts are all about giving anglers more freedom and access—whether they’re heading out before sunrise on a solo lake mission or navigating tight, technical streams,” said Mike Dolmage, NRS Director of Fish, in a release. “These Boundary and Oxbow rafts are designed to perform, pack light and let you catch the adventure—your way.”
Both the Boundary 100 and Oxbow 85 are in stock and available to ship now.
Boundary 100: Award-Winning and Adventure-Ready
Designed to redefine solo fishing expeditions, the 10-foot Boundary 100 merges the maneuverability of a raft with the versatility of a kickboat, thanks to its unique open-floor design. The boat has already earned accolades, named “Best New Watercraft” in Fly Fisherman’s 2025 Gear Guide and taking home “The Fly Fishing Show Consumer Choice Award” in the Boat/Personal Watercraft category.
Among its standout features are an open bow that allows anglers to use fins (sold separately) for flatwater travel or stealthy shoreline access; a cushioned seat platform with an adjustable folding backrest, and side storage trays. A suspended mesh cargo floor offers ample room for gear. Built from durable PVC with welded seams and wear patches, the raft features an ultra-light Slot Rail frame that secures to the boat with four included NRS straps. The total weight is 50 pounds, with a load capacity of 475 pounds.
Oxbow 85: Compact, Lightweight and Lake-Optimized
For anglers who value mobility and unobstructed access to their fishing zones, the Oxbow 85 offers a fully open bow design that excels in lakes, ponds, and flatwater environments. Its compact size and lightweight build make it especially suited for reaching harder-to-access waters with both comfort and stability.
The Oxbow’s design allows the use of fins (not included) to control drift and makes it easy to hop in and out to patrol the bank. It features the same rugged PVC construction with welded seams and wear patches, a quick-draining mesh stripping apron for on-the-go fly line management, and two air chambers with Leafield C7 valves for reliable inflation and deflation. The raft weighs 45 pounds and carries up to 450 pounds.
NRS Revolutionizes Life Jacket Design with New Every Body Fit System
NRS has also unveiled what the brand is calling a major advancement in personal flotation device (PFD) design, with the launch of its new Every Body Design — a comprehensive rethinking of how life jackets fit and function for paddlers of all sizes, shapes, and genders.
For decades most life jackets followed a one-size-fits-most model, often leaving many paddlers with stiff, bulky gear that didn’t truly fit. The Every Body Design initiative aims to change that by offering a tailored, comfortable fit without relying on outdated gender templates. Central to the new line is the Orbit Fit system and Graded Sizing, which together replace blocky foam with a precision-layered, PVC-free Etha Foam that forms to the body’s shape. By eliminating rigid design norms and unnecessary gender distinctions, the new jackets provide superior mobility and comfort for paddlers across all disciplines.
“As a company dedicated to human-powered adventure, NRS is committed to making paddlesports safer and more enjoyable for every paddler,” said Megan Kieninger, U.S. Dealer Sales Manager for NRS. “With Every Body Design, we’re not just introducing a better life jacket—we’re redefining how PFDs fit and feel. Every paddler can find a jacket that truly fits and works for them, say traditional PFD sizing often failed to accommodate the full spectrum of body types. NRS Every Body Design PFDs will be available through paddlesports retailers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as well as online.
NRS says “Every Body Design” addresses this by prioritizing three core values: accessibility, safety, and sustainability.
Accessibility: The new design eliminates gendered templates, ensuring that all paddlers—regardless of size, shape, or gender—can find a life jacket that fits securely and comfortably.
Safety: Proper fit enhances safety. By minimizing ride-up and allowing unrestricted movement, the design ensures that paddlers are more likely to wear their PFDs throughout their adventures.
Sustainability: Each PFD in the lineup is constructed using 100% post-consumer recycled materials. They are free of PFAS and PVC, and the foam shaping process reduces waste by 30%, further minimizing the environmental footprint.
The Every Body Design platform spans NRS’s full range of life jackets, tailored to different paddling needs:
Fishing: Redesigned versions of the Chinook, Chinook OS, Wrangler, and Zander deliver targeted performance for anglers.
Touring & Recreation: Models like the Ambient, Odyssey, Lucid, and CVest offer long-distance comfort with ample storage for open water paddlers.
Whitewater & Performance: Low-profile designs such as the Vapor, Ion, and Ninja provide flexibility for freestyle kayaking, SUP, and dragon boating.
Rescue & Safety: The Ninja Pro and Vector models integrate high-strength hardware and quick-release systems for professionals and river guides.