Inspiration is essential to planning a big trip. This is particularly true for outdoor expeditions such as river trips, which require a good amount of gear as well as detailed planning. It’s snowing outside in Colorado as I write this, but as an active adrenaline junky I’m as pumped for next summer’s river adventures as I am for this winter’s splitboarding trips. River outfitter NRS just dropped a new film, Finding The Line that chronicles the story of kayaker and artist Alexandra Riesco as she pursues her passions and finds a line of resemblance between them.
Photo courtesy Alexandra Riesco
Everything You Need to Take the River Trip of a Lifetime in 2025
“The idea of becoming an artist, I think, was almost the hardest thing about it. Deciding, ‘I ‘m going to be an artist,’ or ‘I am an artist, and just keep making work,” Riesco says in the film. The mantra goes along with her growth as a kayaker, as both outdoor pursuits and art share in common the need for personal determination in order to be successful. When there’s no one mandating progress but yourself, maintaining the stoke to keep going is half the battle.
Riesco grew her confidence as an artist and kayaker side by side, and progressing at one helped her maintain focus to continue pursuing the other. As she grew her ability to read the river and find the right line, these same instincts worked to create more impactful works of art.
“You’re really just putting yourself at the mercy of the water or the river,” Riesco says at the top of the film. “You’re only sort of in control. It’s similar to when you are working on a piece, there is that back and forth of finding the right path or the right mark or the right line.”
The film is all the inspiration you’ll need to start planning a river trip next year, and it’s a great time to do so – Matador rounds up the NRS gear you’ll need to make the trip a success, all of which can be snapped up during Amazon’s current and upcoming sales.
We hope you love the river trip gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
Sun protection and light layers
NRS Silkweight Hoodie – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Made of recycled polyester and spandex, the NRS Silkweight Hoodie offers comfort, stretch, and durability for long days on the water. The ultralight fabric wicks away moisture, dries quickly, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Price: From about $63
NRS Silkweight long sleeve or short sleeve shirt – men’s and women’s
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The Silkweight is a master at moisture wicking. It’s breathable and dries quickly, while providing the same UPF 50+ sun protection at the hoodie. The shirt also features antimicrobial treatment to prevent odor build-up.
Price: From about $48
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NRS Guide Shirt – men’s and women’s
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Moisture wicking and breathable comes standard, but the best thing about the NRS Guide Shirt is that it brings a dose of style to the river. You won’t look like a gaper in one of these, even if it’s your first time in a kayak or raft.
Price: From about $60
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Buy Now – Women’s
NRS Silkweight neck gaiter
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Why a neck gaiter on the water? For sun protection, of course. The NRS Silkweight neck gaiter goes along with the brand’s other wearable to optimize sun protection without sacrificing breathability – the laser-cut holes around the neck actually allow sweat to permeate and leave the body.
Price: $23.95
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NRS Lightweight Hoodie – men’s and women’s
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Insulation and a tight drawstring are what you want when the wind picks up across the water, and that’s exactly what the NRS Lightweight Hoodie delivers. It’s a bit thicker and warmer than the silkweight hoodie listed above, making it ideal for spring and fall trips. Plus, in this writer’s opinion, it looks pretty darn good paired with a river-born smile.
Price: $74.95
NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Pants – men’s and women’s
Photo courtesy NRS
Flexible, comfortable, and functional are the name of the game with the NRS HydroSKin 0.5 Pants. When you need to cover your legs and keep dry and warm(er), and protected from the sun, these pants are the way to go.
Price: From $63.95
NRS Expedition Weight Pants – men’s and women’s
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Again, spring and fall river trips tend to be a bit more unpredictable as far as temperature goes. The NRS Expedition Weight Pants deliver the same comfort and functionality as the lighter version but with added thickness and protection from the elements.
River gear to grab now and have forever
NRS Snooze Pad
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If you’re going on a multi-day expedition, you’re going to need to sleep at some point. A snooze pad is a portable sleeping pad designed for sleeping comfortably in a kayak. The NRS Snooze Pad is lightweight, compact, and easy to roll up into its case. It provides a soft and insulating layer between you and the hard surface of your kayak or the ground. While primarily designed for kayaking, snooze pads are versatile and can be used for various outdoor activities like camping and backpacking.
Price: $349.95
NRS Ninja life jacket/personal flotation device
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A life jacket is essential for every river goer, and the NRS Ninja has been trusted by river rats for many years. It’s designed for kayakers, but can also be used on rafting trips or any time you need a PFD. It’s built guide-style with a front zip pouch for snacks, emergency stuff, or your phone. The Orbit Fit System is designed to make it actually comfortable to wear, unlike those floppy life jackets you’re handed on guided outings.
Price: From about $86
NRS 1″ Heavy Duty Tie Down Strap
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If you load your boat with gear or food, or need to latch on to another craft in an emergency, you’re going to need tie down straps. The NRS 1” Heavy Duty Tie Down Strap is the industry classic, used by guides and outfitters the world over. This 2-pack from Amazon gives you a double set of 12-foot straps that can be used for tying down gear from coolers to life jackets.
Price: $17.95
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Go big and grab a watercraft
Photo: Marked Imagery/Shutterstock
If you travel with OARS or another operator, you won’t need to shop watercraft or safety gear. But if you plan to hit the water with your crew on a self-guided mission, NRS also offers a line of rafts and SUPs. 
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