NRS Men’s Riptide Splash Jacket

To my mind, the NRS Men’s Riptide Splash Jacket is a midpoint in the kayaking clothing market. It bridges the gap between entry-level splash tops, which prioritise basic water resistance and affordability, and full dry jackets, which offer maximum dryness and protection. Designed for varied conditions, it emphasises versatility, comfort, and weather protection rather than absolute dryness.

Performance is provided by its 2.5-layer HyproTex™ fabric, a lightweight waterproof-breathable material that strikes a neat balance between protection and packability. On the water, this translates to reliable resistance against wind, spray, and light rain, while still allowing excess heat and moisture to escape – and we all know how important that is for high-output paddling. The fabric is softer and less ‘crinkly’ than many hard-shell alternatives, which to my mind makes it feel more comfortable.

Where the Riptide clearly differentiates itself from premium dry tops is in its sealing system. Instead of latex gaskets, it uses punch-through neoprene cuffs and an adjustable urethane neck closure. This design significantly improves comfort, particularly for paddlers who dislike the restrictive feel of latex. However, the trade-off is that it is not fully watertight – expect some ingress during sustained immersion, rolling, or heavy white water.

The jacket’s feature set is notably comprehensive for its category. The storm hood—with multiple adjustment points and a stiffened bill does great in foul weather, providing protection rarely seen on splash jackets in this price range. The half-zip collar enhances ventilation, allowing you to cool down quickly when conditions ease. Meanwhile, the double tunnel system integrates with a spray deck to help keep your cockpit dry, a critical feature, I think, for kayak touring and sea paddling.

NRS’s ‘Paddler’s Cut’ allows unrestricted torso rotation and accommodates layering underneath, which gave me good shoulder mobility and cold-water adaptability. The relaxed fit avoids the restrictive feel of more technical shells, though it may feel slightly bulky for paddlers seeking a V-shape silhouette. At around 1.3 lbs (590g), it’s light enough to wear for most of the day without feeling uncomfortable.

Storage includes two splashproof sleeve pockets for small essentials, while reflective detailing provides good visibility in low-light or open-water environments. These are good, but not extensive enough for long expeditions, where additional storage would be desirable.

In everyday real-world use, the Riptide excels on cool mornings, breezy coastlines, and changeable inland waterways. It is particularly well-suited to touring and recreational kayakers, as well as those who want decent protection without committing to the cost or maintenance of a full dry system. When paired with a spray skirt, it can keep you effectively dry in most paddling scenarios, though, as mentioned before, not in prolonged immersion.

There are limitations. The absence of latex seals means it cannot achieve the dryness needed for serious whitewater or cold-water immersion. The HyproTex fabric is durable for general use, but not as robust as higher-end Gore-Tex or heavy-duty drywear fabrics. Its long-term abrasion resistance deserves further attention.

In my opinion, the NRS Riptide Splash Jacket is a highly competent, thoughtfully designed paddling kit. Its strength lies in versatility and comfort. It offers a good solution for those who want robust weather protection for most UK paddling. Overall, it represents excellent value for money and a neat flexible choice.
Price: £152.00 at Flow Kayaks