About NRS

When an idealistic business professor named Bill Parks set out in 1972 to prove that the principles he taught in the classroom could work in the real world, he had no trouble deciding what kind of startup to launch. Bill was a river runner, and he wanted to help others enjoy the sport he’d come to love so much. Starting with $2,000 from his savings, he stocked an inventory of boating gear in his garage and typed out the first Northwest River Supplies catalog.

Bill was drawn to rivers, to the beautiful places they carried him, to the challenge of running rapids, and to the people and experiences that made every trip a memory to cherish. Until he passed away peacefully at the age of 88, Bill was running rivers and working to help others pursue their passions on the water. And the nearly 100 employee-owners at NRS are committed to the same singular vision. What draws us to water is what drives us every day.

Since manufacturing the first purpose-built dry bag for boaters back in 1977, the NRS name has stood for rugged, reliable equipment built to the standards of their toughest customers: professional outfitters and guides. Outfitters around the world rely on NRS boats, frames, life jackets, apparel and accessories to keep their customers safe, their guides productive and their businesses healthy day after day, season after season.

Their legacy for providing professional-grade equipment informs every new NRS product design through a philosophy they call "Ultimate Utility". Ultimate utility is about more than building rugged gear that gets the job done. It’s about purpose-driven, user-focused solutions that enhance experiences on the water. It’s about versatility for changing conditions and multiple activities, with the technical sophistication and visual appeal of the best outdoor gear for any sport. NRS design all of their products in-house in Moscow, Idaho.

Caring for your NRS gear

PFD Care

Rinse your PFD with fresh water after each use and hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Do not fold or compress your PFD as this can damage/degrade the foam in your PFD prematurely.

Neoprene Care

Your NRS Hydroskin or Ignitor products, such as jackets, pants, booties, and wetsuits, should be rinsed with fresh water after each use and hang-dried out of direct sunlight. Occasionally your neoprene garments may need a more rigorous wash and we recommend GearAid Wet/Dry Shampoo. Hand wash in fresh water. In some cases you may need something more aggressive to tackle smelly neoprene, for which we recommend Sink The Stink.

UV Wear Care

Your NRS UV protective clothing, such as Silkweight garments, should be washing in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Always air dry or use the lowest tumble-dry setting. This protects the recycled polyester and spandex blend from breaking down and losing its cooling and stretch properties.