NRS Ninja PFD
Completely redesigned with Orbit Fit for a superior low-profile fit that moves with you and stays put, the NRS Ninja PFD is what you want on if you end up in the water, whether you're a novice or pro.
This purchase pays for membership!
$14
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$44
Value
Keep shopping
- The NRS Every Body Design™ philosophy combines innovative technologies that reimagine how a PFD fits and performs, eliminating the need for men- and women-specific models
- Innovative Orbit Fit System enhances overall comfort, increases range of motion and eliminates the desire to overtighten
- Orbit Fit System layers multiple pieces of lightweight closed-cell foam cut to precise specifications to create a flexible, precurved shape that easily conforms to your body
- Compartmentalized, zippered, drop-down, clamshell pocket stows and organizes essential on-person gear
- Handwarmer pocket doubles as a stash space for webbing, gloves and skull caps
- Strap garages and a deliberately placed lash tab reduce snag points
- Features 3 attachment points for a knife, lights or strobe (not included) and 3M® reflective accents for increased visibility
- Sustainable construction combines a recycled ripstop nylon shell with a recycled nylon inner that protects PVC-free Ethafoam shims
- 4-way-stretch, double-knit polyester lining is comfortable against the skin and helps manage moisture
- Side entry, with adjustments on shoulders, side and waist to secure the life jacket and customize fit
- Silicone-coated inner waistband helps hold the PFD in place when swimming
- Graded Sizing takes into account the appropriate amount of flotation needed for individual body types resulting in a better-fitting, more-comfortable life jacket for all
- Compatible with the NRS Swig Hydration Pack (not included) for all-day on-water hydration
Imported.
View all NRS Men's PFDs| Best Use | Paddling |
|---|---|
| Flotation | XS/M: 14.5 pounds M/L: 15.75 pounds XL/XXL: 16.75 pounds |
| USCG Classification | Level 70 |
| Material(s) | 420-denier ripstop nylon exterior, 200-denier nylon lining |
| Lash Tab | Yes |
| Fits Chest | XS/M: 30-38 inches M/L: 36-46 inches XL/XXL: 44-56 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. 12.8 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Customer Images
Versatile PFD That Is Not Too Bulky
This NRS Ninja is a great PFD that we got for the kids to use while kayaking or while on a boat. The Ninja comes in three sizes and we got the XS/M for a 12 year old. It also works very well for me as well at 6'1", 155 lbs. The cut of the PFD allows full range of movement for the arms while paddling a kayak. For fit, there are three adjustable straps on each side of the body, each shoulder and two on each side body. The side straps on the left side do not disconnect, so there are only two quick-release buckles that need to connected on the right side. There is no under strap or leg harness, but the lower skirt has a rubbery material. When the lower side straps are secured properly, this will keep the PFD from riding up when floating in the water. This is less effective when used with a sun shirt. There is a non-waterproof pocket on the front of the PFD that can hold keys, wrapped snacks or a small waterproof pouch with a phone. Overall, I'm' very happy with this PFD.
Highly wearable low-profile PDF, thoughtful design
I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. My husband tested the NRS Ninja PFD. The following is his review. This upgraded Ninja life jacket is a vast and comfortable improvement over previous low-profile lifejackets. My now-retired, low-profile life jacket felt blocky and awkward. By comparison, the new Ninja is the ultimate in form-fitting design. The tapered flotation on the sides of the PFD wrap around my rib cage in a secure and non-intrusive fashion and the tapered side flotation cushion the adjustment straps and prevent any rubbing on “tee-shirt” days. I have used it on two multi-day float trips in June 2024, one on the Dearborn River in Montana (pack raft with a kayak paddle) and the other on the Grande Ronde River in Oregon (rowing a standard 14 foot raft). Long days on a river have confirmed a "highly wearable" rating. In fact, I would wear it in cool weather while setting camp; it is that cozy and unobtrusive. Much thought went into the PFD features. I really like the placement of the knife holder just below the clamshell, front pocket. The knife is highly accessible without being in the way as many front mount knife holders are. The clamshell pocket is quite handy for storing things one might need during the day, everything from snack bars to carabiners and webbing and sunscreen. The hand-warmer/storage pocket is a very nice feature One thing I ponder is where to attach a whistle. Some photos suggest attacking it to a D-ring inside the clamshell. I do not necessarily like the notion of unzipping a pocket to access the whistle in trying conditions. However, having a whistle dangling on the outside of the PFD is also awkward. I have tried attaching the whistle to various points on the PFD (see photos) with a retractable fishing lanyard but none is totally satisfactory. So storing in the clamshell pocket attached to a retractable lanyard that feeds through the zipper may be the best option. Is there a more elegant solution? I did note that the Ninja OS PFD has two D-rings on the front of the PFD. This would be a good option for this version of the classic Ninja PFD and might allow better attachment points for items like whistles.
Amazing PFD for paddling.
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I’ve been looking for a good life jacket for my youngest daughter, since she’s new to SUP. This was by far the best life jacket we have used to date. Fit is superb with plenty of room for paddling, yet not feeling like a flimsy like the cheaper nylon webbed PFD. It doesn’t cut or rub the skin so she kept it on all day. The front pouch was also a hit for carrying snacks, but could easily be used with a small dry bag for personal items. We really liked the bright yellow color, easily spotted against the lakes backdrop. We’ve had neoprene and nylon PFDs and this one shines over them.
10/10 functional but with the bells and whistles!
This thing is sweet… super easy to adjust, fits great, and has every pocket you’ll ever need. Lots of bells and whistles while still nailing the minimum functionality. I haven’t had a chance to take this in anything really intense yet but for average SUP boarding and kayaking it’s felt great. If I’m being really picky, the straps over the shoulder weren’t quite as comfortable as the rest of the jacket, but not a reason to knock off a star on the review.
Good PFD for paddleboarding
Overall a good PFD. The fit allowed for fairly good movements while paddleboarding. My only minor complaint was that it took a lot adjustments to get the fit right to ensure it didn't pop up in the case of a fall into the water. The different ways to adjust it were great still and I appreciated the chest pocket storage.
The new Ninja is way way way better!
The all-new Ninja PFD is absolutely great! After using the long-running older version many times, the fully revamped Ninja PDF is hands down a major improvement in all aspects. The biggest thing that was immediately apparent was that the all-new Ninja continues to maximize arm, shoulder, and torso movability but adds increased flotation, security of fit, and features. The fit of the all-new Ninja PFD is exceptional. It sits securely on your torso and offers great adjustability. The gasketed bottom ensures it stays in place, even when wearing layers. I've been using it with my wet suit, and it's been perfect for the slightly chilly air/water temps. The front pocket/pouch is a great addition, and I also love the hand space in the front of the life jacket. Overall, it is a GREAT all-around PFD.
Will be looking to purchasing a 2nd one.
Overall I liked the product and will look to purchase a second once since we have 2 SUP boards. I liked that the volume was focused towards the front and back, removing the feeling of being constricted on the sides while paddling. I barely noticed the life jacket when moving my arms. There's a pocket in the front that can be used for keys. The NRS ninja PFD also felt lighter than the older lifejacket models I've owned. I also love the bright colors, easy to spot from further away, which can be a huge safety plus. Something to keep in mind: Size on this matters. I'm 5'5 and my boyfriend is 6'0 and he did not fit in the XS/M, even though we're both athletic built. You might want to try one on before you buy.
A little awkward but overall good PFD
Getting going with this PFD is pretty awkward initially, but after spending a few minutes figuring things out it had been great. First I'd recommend loosening all the straps before putting it on; the strap locks are not easily accessible when wearing it. It was also an adjustment coming from a more standard life jacket that zips and closes in the front to have one that goes on over the head. I still find that awkward after a couple uses. Those initial pain points aside, once adjusted this is very comfortable and easy to move around in it will be easier to keep it on for long days on the water than the bulkier jacket I'm coming from. I wish I'd had something with this much range of motion when we rafted the Grand Canyon! I also wish the front storage pocket were water proof. I understand it might have been awkward to execute, but some of the things I'm most likely to want easy access to on the water aren't always water friendly unfortunately. That being said, it's all a few minor gripes against a very functional and comfortable PFD, and those are the most important two factors.
First time using a paddling pfd and I loved it
I loved this life jacket. I had not used this style before and wasn't sure what to expect. I used it in a small, sit in kayak on flat water. The difference between this and a normal zip up vest style was dramatic and this was much better. This style gave me a lot more range of motion when paddling. It is also less cumbersome and easier to move around in. I assumed that the increased flexibility/ROM would mean that it was less buoyant/helpful in the water. In fact, I liked it even better. I jumped in the water and had great support. It held me up as well as any other life jacket and was more comfortable. This will be my go to jacket for paddling and swimming from here on out. It's great. The one downside is that it is a little bulky in the front. However, that was minimal problem. I didn't use the zippered pouch but it seemed well constructed.
Cute!
Comfortable and relatively easy to adjust. The pouch on the front is very convenient and easier than packing a big dry bag. The slides were easy to tighten and doing so in three places make for a nice custom fit. It’s honestly too hot to go out these days but once the back to back heat waves pass, we’ll definitely be taking it out on the river!