MRS Packrafting Nomad S1D | Test Paddle.

This model is the Nomad S1D, it is designed specifically for improved speed on flat water.

The streamlined design makes the Nomad S1D a perfect inshore paddling packraft, great on calm water but will be limited on whitewater.

Top speed of around 6kph due to the design and the large skeg the turning circle is much wider and less responsive meaning it isn’t great for quick turns and adjustment in whitewater.

The MRS Nomad design makes it a absolutley brilliant expedition packraft. There are two models: the Nomad S1 & the S1D, The S1D is this model and it differs as it has the waterproof deck.

The deck is zippered to the packraft up to the front of the spraydeck meaning it can be rolled forward and stored with the provided velcro straps.

This does three things, allowing you to roll it up when its hot, access the back for storage and ease of cleaning.

Also included is a removable and adjustable backrest, making this packraft easy to adjust to provide you with the most comfortable paddling position.

The packraft and all the ancillary equipment: spraydeck frame, seat, backrest and skeg weigh 4.43kg.

In the packrafting world this is fairly heavy but what the packraft gives you the added weight is worth it.

Specifications of the MRS Packrafting Nomad S1D

Colours: green, blue, red or yellow

Tubes: Nylon 210D / TPU

Floor: Nylon 840D / TPU

Seat: Nylon 210D / TPU

Outer length; 289cm

Outer width 83cm

Inner Length; 171cm

Inner width; 30cm

Tube diameter; 26.5cm

Weight; 4.46kg

Maximum weight capacity; 118kg

Manufacturer Warranty; 3 years

Test Paddle.

Using my normal route which involves a 3km walk and a 5km paddle. I packed my day bag and headed out on a very cold, foggy and frosty morning.

One thing to note is that as this packrafts gives you more paddling scope due to its design and the ancillary equipment that comes with it, this means there are a few more bits to carry.

Therefore you might need a slightly bigger daybag.

I use a Alpkit Ledge which is a 30L bag and it is a perfect day packrafting bag. Although I found I didn’t have much space for other equipment.

This is due to having to carry the back rest (this is optional but in a long distance provides good comfort and support), Skeg, Spray Deck, Frame for the spraydeck, drysuit and the Anfibio Floatation jacket.

Setup of the MRS Packrafting Nomad S1D.

Backrest.

Setup of the backrest is fairly simple although there are some fiddly bits. The solid rods for the backrest I found quite fiddly to get into there supports on the packrafts tubes, but i’m sure after a bit of use these will loosen.

Spraydeck Frame.

The frame for the included spraydeck is a hard frame that comprises of 4 pieces, 2 x tubing and 2 x fibreglass poles.

These are fitted to the Nomad by unzipping the zips either side and sliding in.

Skeg.

The skeg provided is a large skeg and easy to attach (best to wet it and slide it in before the packraft is inflated.

I have also found that the hole for the retaining string is small (this is the same on the Microraft).

All in all it took 10 minutes to setup.

How doest the MRS Nomad paddle?

It is a really nice packraft to paddle. I found personally, I didn’t have much leg room, there is webbing straps inside the packraft. This is a foot rest but wearing a pair of trail runners I could get my feet far enough down the packraft to use these.

The MRS Nomad tracks really well and you don’t get much side to side motion. This is due to the design and the large skeg.

Responsiveness, not massively responsive, your turning circle is increased meaning it isnt the sort of packraft to be used in white water. It could handle small amounts of whitewater but not loads.

Thoughts on the MRS Packrafting Nomad S1D

I like it, yes it’s heavy but what you get out of it is loads, its quick, verstile, comfy and perfect for expeditions.

What I didn’t like was the limited foot space. Over a long distance I can see my feet going to sleep (but I am 187cm tall).

The seat is difficult to remove (as all the other MRS Packrafts) and fiddly to put back in. I believe this is to be fixed on new models. It is handy to remove the seats, for cleaning, the seat can be used as a pillow when camping and of course to sit on when eating your lunch.

Storage.

This Nomad I have tried comes with the ISS (Internal Storage System).

This differs to the Microraft as there is two TiZips, One on each of the tubes. Inside the tubes is a loop for you to clips your drybags.

I would recommend buying the 70L MRS drybags as they are long and designed to go into the tubes.

The zips need love and attention which also means that you cannot roll the Nomad with the ISS from the front to the back. The zips need to stay flat or you could damage them.

This means that when rolled the packraft will be long.

Other Storage.

There is space to store a few items in the back of the packraft. This can be accessed by the zips on the rear. 4 loops on the bow and 4 loops at the stern. These are perfect for storing bags and other items. Personally I find that bungee straps a great for storing gear.

Price.

The main question, how much doest it cost? This model of the MRS Nomad (with ISS) retails in the UK from Paqualife at £1,550.00

When it comes to packrafting you really do get what you pay for and if you use it to it’s full advantage it will pay for itself.

Yes there is cheaper packrafts on the market but don’t get fooled by false economy (I have) you’ll end up spending more in the long run.

The MRS Nomad has been provided by Paqualife who are the U.K’s distributor for MRS. For Further information visit there website.

For U.S sales please visit Microrafting or for Canadian sales visit Camping Hiking Adventures