MRS Nomad S1 Review After 1 Year

[@e-tumleh]

Thank you for this video. I've been driving an MRS Nomad S1 since summer 2022 - I've also tried a few other boats - and I'm very happy with it. Many of your experiences have been the same for me too. I just love the kayak-like shape and the similar handling.

[@janikatajisto]

Thanks for your comment! I think I that as I have the privilege of having multiple different boats I might get overly critical sometimes. All of them have their different uses, and I also like the Nomad a lot when paddling on the large lakes / coastal areas and using public transport. It is completely a game changer compared to my Feathercraft foldable kayak.

[@peterharris3096]

I have a packraft with an raised bow for bikepacking or drybag loading and its paddles a little faster loaded. I recently purchased a drop stitch inflatable kayak for more paddle stroke practice and I noticed your Nomad had a more pointed bow shape like the kayak.

[@jays7318]

Thank you. Great review. I would also like to see a video on the MRS Viking self-bailer

[@Willabsolutkeinalias]

I bought the Mrs microraft this Summer, i was so lucky with that packrafting that i bought another one that's similar to to the Mrs nomad s1. I bought a currentraft Arrow, i'm looking forward to get and Drive it

[@BaroudeurAventure]

Thanks for the review. I can't believe you have so few subs with all your nice vids :/ One point I've noticed nobody speaks about is how it behaves with backpack on top of it, how is the stability an maneuverability with a 10, 20 or 30 kg backpack, on big lakes and rivers. I'm looking for a packraft to cross Sweden and Finland hiking and packrafting but I don't find any feedback. Also the comfort for the legs and how it affects paddling. I've seen some videos where packrafters couldn't paddle as they do if they would have a big backpack on their packraft, the backpack would stop their movements. Also the nomad allows to keep a day pack or barrel behind the seat which may be very handful, or can we move the seat back to save this space and put the backpack directly in the packraft rather than on top of it?

[@janikatajisto]

Hi and thanks for your comment! I have found the "cargo space" behind the seat quite handy for gear I want to access during the day, especially so if using the internal storage tubes. Moving the seat backwards a lot might require some DIY as the sleeves for the seat back supports are fixed, also the raft starts to get narrower towards the end. But you could maybe use some of your gear instead of the normal seat/seat back? You are right about the big backpack interfering with the paddling, especially if it is loaded sideways (or the pack is very wide), lately I have actually started to keep my pack behind me on the Nomad, but I haven't tried this yet with a heavy pack, only with "overnighter loads". Also one thing to consider if you are planning to cross large sections of open water is that the large cargo on top can catch the wind, and it may get annoying with continuous sidewinds trying to turn the raft... I bought the Nomad with the internal storage system, and it allows for lower center of gravity and lots of cargo space inside the raft. But on the other hand, it adds more chances of failure due to the zippers, and adds more complications in packing. I like to use the internal storage when I know I won't be encountering difficulties and portaging a lot during the day and for me the Nomad is better suited for major rivers and large lakes / coastal areas instead of hopping between water systems, exploring small lakes, bush rivers and streams etc.

[@captainflame8221]

@@janikatajisto "for me the Nomad is better suited for major rivers and large lakes / coastal areas instead of hopping between water systems, exploring small lakes, bush rivers and streams etc." why tho ? and what about whiteriver ? thanks mate

[@alexmultimodalpackrafting915]

​@@captainflame8221, from my experience the Nomad S1D it handles whitewater pretty well, given its length up to ww class 3, but of course it won't allow quick turns as the shorter standard whitewater-packrafts. But if you are looking for an allrounder, that is fast enough for longer stretches of river with the occasional whitewater in-between it is still the compromise on the market to date.

[@EHiir-hm3uu]

Thanks for this thorough review! I'm curious about the valve being in the front, I've only seen it in the back. Is it a change made between different years, do you know? Also, have you had any doubts about the zippers failing when folding/rolling the raft from end to front (vs. side to side).

[@janikatajisto]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I have seen it in the back at least in the newer rafts. I don't know when the change has been made, but I don't think it makes a difference though, at least I don't mind the valve in the front. I have a similar (but not exactly the same) zipper in my drysuit and I have always folded, rolled and stuffed it in any which way and newer had any problems due to the zipper so I haven't been concerned about damaging the zipper of the raft while rolling.

[@jm-bv1wh]

Very good video and review. A question about the internal storage system: How do you prevent the boat from being unbalanced, with the gear inside? Does each side of the boat have to have equal weight? Seems like the boat would lean to one side if the weight is not equally distributed. Thanks.

[@janikatajisto]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, you are right; the cargo inside the tubes should be somewhat balanced. But fortunately the boat doesn't seem too sensitive about it, so normally I just estimate the weight to be roughly similar on both sides. Once or twice I wasn't thinking while packing, and just stuffed my empty and rolled backpack on one side and most of the gear in the other tube and indeed noticed the difference in the behavior of the boat...

[@jm-bv1wh]

@@janikatajisto Thank you for explaining that - good to know that it's best to balance it if possible.

[@dermotcosgrove7023]

What type of paddle were you using paddling at sea?

[@janikatajisto]

Thank you for the question;) I usually use a greenland paddle when on the sea or large lakes. But if possible, I do try to take a lightweight "euro paddle" spare with me when on large open waters.

[@captainflame8221]

Hello, what about in whiteriver ?

[@mountain_dweller]

Have you used a skeg?

[@janikatajisto]

Yep, I have. And it does indeed give a bit of an advantage, but the Nomad does actually track better than a traditional packraft even without the skeg.

[@mountain_dweller]

@@janikatajisto Thanks. Have you happened to have gone over any rapids with rocks with a skeg attached? I've been wondering how tough it was or if it might damage the bottom of the boat.

[@forestflood5338]

Is the internal storage worth it?

[@janikatajisto]

Hi! I am thinking for my use it isn't worth it. Too much hassle with the zipper.