Packrafts have been growing in popularity over the past couple of years. They were originally designed as an ultra light weight paddle craft that hikers/backpackers could take into the backcountry and use on remote waterways.
Over the past number of years, packrafts have become more specialized. You have packrafts that are designed to be as light and portable as possible. These packrafts are only meant to be used on flatwater. On the other end of the spectrum, you have packrafts that are designed to be durable enough to handle the roughest whitewater. The NRS Neutron was designed as an all-around, highly versatile and durable packraft. The NRS Neutron could be used in a very wide range of conditions.
To test the Neutron, I took the packraft on my first multi-day backcountry packrafting adventure on the Noire River in Quebec. You can watch the full video of my adventure on my PaddleTV YouTube channel. But this blog is about my review of the NRS Neutron, and so lets get right to it.
First though, I want to give a special shout-out to the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. The ACA created a free, on-line paddling safety course that I believe everyone should take the time to do. You can check it out here.
Portability
The standout feature of any packraft is its portability. At 12.2 lbs, the NRS Neutron isn't the lightest packraft, but that's because the Neutron puts an emphasis on durability. NRS uses heavier duty materials that can handle the toughest backcountry conditions. If having the lightest packraft is more important to you than a durable packraft, this won't be your first choice. However, if you like the idea of a packraft that is highly durable, and don't mind a few extra pounds to gain that durability, the NRS Neutron should be a consideration.
Comfort
The NRS Neutron is a comfortable boat. Not only is the inflatable floor and seating area nice on the butt, but the side tubes offer great lateral support. They support your legs in a natural position. The backband provides excellent lower back support. Lower back support is essential for making long days of paddling enjoyable. At the same time the lower back support provides much needed control in rough water. The thigh straps, though simple, do their job effectively. For those who want to take on more intense whitewater, an upgrade to NRS’s inflatable kayak thigh straps might be worth considering.
Performance
The Neutron’s performance is a mixed bag, depending on the conditions. In flat water, the Neutron (like all other packrafts) is slow and doesn’t track particularly well due to its short, wide design and lack of a skeg or rudder. However, this same design makes it incredibly maneuverable and stable, which are both key assets in whitewater. While I wouldn't call it a high-performance boat, it is a confidence-inspiring boat and very fun to paddle in rough conditions. The self-bailing floor works well, though it can leave you momentarily weighed down after taking on water. This could be a concern in more technical, big-water scenarios, but for most whitewater up to and including class III, the Neutron handles itself admirably.
Durability
While I didn’t push the NRS Neutron to its limits on my camping trip, I have a lot of confidence in the materials and NRS’s experience making inflatable boats. The boat is made from a durable, 420D nylon with TPU-coating on both sides, which adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear. The floor is even stronger, using an 840D nylon with TPU coating on both sides. NRS also uses a unique method to weld the seams of the boat, which eliminates the need for seam tape on the outside of packraft. Time will tell just how durable the Neutron is, but it certainly looks like the Neutron is built to last.
Who Is It For?
The NRS Neutron is an extremely versatile packraft. The Neutron is great for paddlers who want a durable boat that can handle a variety of conditions. This packraft can handle flatwater to Class 3 whitewater. If you'd like a packraft that can perform well in more difficult whitewater (Class 4+), you'll probably want to consider a packraft with a deck and skirt, which keeps water out.
The Neutron is for people who prioritize reliability, durability and versatility over weight savings. If that seems like the type of packraft for you, then for the price, the NRS Neutron is hard to beat.
Finally, I want to give another special shout-out to the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.
