NRS Oso PFD

Best PDF on the market and I have tried several different brands but NRS fits well and is more comfortable than any other. Love new colors and design and recently purchased a new NRS PFD which I love and have had many complements!

The thin back design is very comfortable with the kayak-style seats in my canoe - I can lean back and not feel like there is something in the way. There is enough added bulk in the front that it is noticeable, but it's not an issue. It's comfortable in extreme heat thanks to good ventilation. It has almost no extra features -- the pockets on the front don't hold much -- but gets the job done and is comfortable. If you need more storage maybe opt for the fishing version of this vest, but I think the simplicity and minimal bulk of the Oso make it a better choice for simple day trips where you don't need to have quick access to lots of stuff.

At the outset I should make it clear that I am not crazy about any of the new whitewater -capable PFD’s. I find them, heavy, bulky and not well ventilated. Some have side or angled zippers that make them awkward to put on and take off—a hassle if you do much portaging. Oh, how I yearn for the cool, trim vests of the past. If you’re old enough to have owned a Flotherchoc, Harishok, Seda or Extrasport PFD, you know what I’m crowing about. The extraordinary comfort of these defunct PFD’s was due to their “vertical tube” construction. Picture a series of vertical nylon tubes filled with thin, closed-cell foam (the Flotherchoc had air-filled tubes). The tubes expand, contract and bend to follow the contours of your body. And the fabric space between them encourages the exchange of air all around, which makes them cool in summer. Feels like you’re wearing a thin down vest rather than a bulky PFD. Vertical tubes are long gone—they’ve been replaced with foam panels that defy the curves of your body and the flow of air. I’m always on the prowl for a better PFD, so naturally, I perked up when I discovered NSR’s new OSO PFD which is said to be “cool and comfortable” (Is OSO an anachronism for “Oh So Comfortable?). Here’s the skinny from NSR’s web-site.  The thin back construction distributes the PlushFit™ foam flotation more broadly to reduce bulk and improve the fit.  Five-panel design conforms effortlessly to your body's shape, following your movements as you paddle, row, fish or swim.  Features two large zippered pockets for on-the-water essentials, 3M® reflective accents, shoulder strap keepers and a hidden lash tab.  Convenient front, zippered entry and six adjustment points for a customized fit. The OSO is well-ventilated in the sides and back (not in the chest), so it shouldn’t be impossibly hot in the heat of July. The arm holes are large and allow unrestricted movement with either a double or single paddle—no chafing under the arm-pits even when performing strong braces. In-water ride-up is minimal when the straps are adjusted right (tight!). Like most panel-style PFD’s, the OSO is thicker in front (2.5 inches!) than in back (0.5 inches). The “thick chest” is noticeably bulky but it doesn’t adversely affect paddling. The side pockets are flat and unobtrusive. Zippers open on the “down” stroke: they would be more secure if they opened on the “up” stroke. So, is the OSO as airy and comfortable as those long-gone tubular vests? Not even close! But it is one of the few panel types that can be worn all day without complaint. It looks good and it’s priced right. No, it’s not the best choice for big bad rapids, but NRS nailed it right for the kind of canoeing (flat-water through Class II+) that most people do. Sizing runs a bit large; order by chest size, not body weight. My choice for rapids is a well-used Kokotat “MsFit”. It’s designed for women, but its vertically cut front panels make it comfortable for men too. NRS also has a dedicated PFD for women. It’s called the “Nora”. I haven’t tried it but I’ll guess it’s even more comfortable than the OSO. Try a ladies vest, guys--you might be pleasantly surprised!