NRS  Ambient PFD

My previous PFD was a moldy, bulky find from an estate sale. This is a dream in comparison. Lightweight and a pleasure to wear. The zipper pockets are handy to store my phone. Very easy to paddle a kayak or swim while wearing. I floated a bit down river and this kept me upright in the water without restricting my movement. The outside fabric dries very fast. The very bottom of the vest has a grippy silicone feel and might be uncomfortable on bare skin but I always wear a sun shirt so it was no bother to me. Wonderful upgrade from my old school PFD.

I purchased this product and after I put it in my garage, inside my kayak, with stacked boxes on top of the Kayak my dog went crazy for the product and spent close to 20 minutes trying to get to it. Eventually she got to the product and commenced to tear it up. There is obviously something in this product that attracts animals. My dog has NEVER done this before and I have other PFDs in my garage and zero interest. If you buy this product beware that animals are attracted to it and may destroy it . I would also guess that rodents may also find this attractive. The company should disclose that this product\ may attract animals. Very disappointed in the product and the company and I will never buy from them again.

As an avid canoe tourer I’ve spent countless hours in PFDs and am always looking for the best gear to fit my needs. NRS has always had standout products, the NRS Ambient doesn’t disappoint. The basics: It is completely adjustable to fit various body types. Also all the important information is printed inside such as sizing and level. The convenience: The front zipper is amazing, once you have the PFD adjusted, it allows for easy on and off as well as some quick ventilation on hot days. The front pockets are perfect for small snacks, sunscreen, or lip balm. I like the color, bright, visible yet not obnoxious. Also features a lash tab for your favorite tool or knife.

I’ve been really happy with this PFD. It is lightweight yet sturdy, offering excellent buoyancy without feeling bulky. The adjustable straps made it easy to find a snug fit, and I like the color. It’s comfortable for extended wear, making it perfect for kayaking adventures.

Pros: Non-restrictive and light weight. The padding was in a smaller area on my body so my arms had more movement and I didn’t feel as restricted as with other PFD’s. Pretty bright color. 2 large pockets in front. I was able to put my cellphone in one pocket and wallet in the other. Hooks and loops for carabiners to latch things on. Zipper was smooth and the straps were easy to tighten. Cons: Padding was a little thicker so it was puffy and not as sleek.

Excellent PFD which I used both on my paddle board and kayak. I was surprised at the sizing which is listed from XSmall to Medium. I am definitely a women’s medium to large in most items but this actually fit quite well once I cinched down on the straps. It did not restrict my movement on either the paddle board or kayak. I had no chafing. I did appreciate the zipper pockets and the hooks on the outside. It does have a clip for. A key inside one pocket, but I’d suggest making that pocket waterproof as most keys are now key fobs which cannot get wet.

I got this as an upgrade for recreational uses like boating, kayaking, and the occasional windsurfing trip. So far I’ve given it a test drive in the pool swimming with my daughter. I liked the comfort and flexibility of it. I didn’t feel restricted like I do in the more traditional life jackets. It wasn’t as slim in the chest as I was expecting but it also didn’t get in my way. There are a couple pockets and clip points to carry gear along with you. Overall this is a floatation device that I will actually wear.

I have used NRS PFDs as a paddler for many years and they have always been great products with excellent design features and durability. I was immediately struck by the Ambient's front zipper and form fitting design. The vest wears more like a piece of clothing and lacks all of the bulk and limited movement found in other PDF's. Adjustments are simple and intuitive and storage is ample with the two front zippered pockets. The fit is snug but comfortable and reassuring. I really appreciated the extensive knowledge included on the large tag that provides clear and concise information on water safety. PDF's are one of those products that you buy but hope to never have to use.

Over all this is a great recreational PFD. I've primarily used it on flat water SUP and kayaking. I really appreciate how the foam is a little contoured so that curves around the body and fits nicely. The openness around the shoulder area is perfect - no rub or irritation spots. With all the adjustability from the straps, you can really synch it down and get a good fit. I have not previously had a PFD with adjustable length in over the shoulder straps. I found it to be a really nice feature that improved the customized fit and comfort. I loved how the shoulder straps had a spot to tuck into, so they weren't flopping around.... which leads me to the one thing I dislike - I am on the smallest end of this jacket's size spectrum, so the waist and torso straps are pretty close to completely tightened. All the length of the straps just hangs around. It would have been great if they could have figured out a way to tuck the excess strap away so that it wasn't just hanging down getting caught on stuff.

I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I found this vest to be fairly comfortable for paddling in my kayak. It was a bit more challenging to get the initial fit as I am at the upper end of the size guide. I’m 5’8” and 200 lbs. That being said I had very unrestricted motion of my arms with the paddle. The pockets are convenient and held a few small things like my car key and phone within easy reach. (The pockets are not waterproof.) The only awkwardness I felt was that it rode up higher on my chest than I like, such that it brushed against my chin while seated. It’s a combination of a full back buoyancy panel and the way my kayak seat back fits me.