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Streamlined Touring Packraft
The MRS Nomad S1 is a flatwater speedster. Its elongated, perfectly symmetrical hull profile drastically reduces the side-to-side "yaw" movement typical of shorter packrafts, making it the fastest and most efficient solo boat in the MRS catalog. If your route involves miles of open water or slow-moving rivers, the Nomad S1 ensures every paddle stroke translates directly into forward momentum.
The series ships in three deck configurations:
- Nomad S1: open cockpit — the lightest, simplest configuration for warm-weather paddling. Available in Standard or XL size.
- Nomad S1D: adds MRS’s patented multi-functional sprayskirt for cooler conditions. The detachable zipper plus Velcro attachment lets you open the deck quickly when the temperature drops, and the sprayskirt is fully removable. It can also be rolled forward onto the bow so you can easily clean dirt and sand from the hull crevices that are usually hard to reach. Available in Standard or XL size.
- Nomad S1E: lightweight E-deck (Essential Deck) — no coaming frame required, quick on / off, and a ventilation mode where the rear deck can be removed and the front skirt clipped onto your PFD straps for hot-weather paddling. Ships with a water-filled footrest for added bow stability. Available in Standard or XL size.
We recommend paddling with the skeg fitted for steadier tracking.
Technical Specifications
| Packraft | S1 Standard | S1 XL | S1D Standard | S1D XL | S1E Standard | S1E XL | Material |
| Body | 7.2 lb (3250 g) | 7.8 lb (3560 g) | 8.5 lb (3850 g) | 10.0 lb (4550 g) | 8.4 lb (3800 g) | 9.9 lb (4500 g) | 210D Nylon, 0.35 mm TPU coating (S1D / S1E include hull + deck) |
| Floor | — | 420D Nylon, 0.5 mm TPU coating (S1 Open) / 840D Nylon, 0.6 mm TPU coating (S1D, S1E) | |||||
| Seat | 8.0 oz (226 g) | 210D Nylon | |||||
| Backrest | 8.0 oz (228 g) | Rod Support Backrest 2 (RSB2) | |||||
| Sprayskirt / deck | — | — | 0.9 lb (405 g) | 0.9 lb (405 g) | 1.4 lb (650 g) | 1.4 lb (650 g) | Multi-functional sprayskirt (S1D) / E-deck (S1E) |
| Adjustable footrest | 7.3 oz (206 g) | 7.3 oz (206 g) | 0.5 lb (240 g) | 0.5 lb (240 g) | — | — | 210D Nylon |
| Water-filled footrest | — | — | — | — | 0.5 lb (241.6 g) | 0.5 lb (241.6 g) | S1E only |
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D | |||||
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | ||||||
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve | |||||
| Total weight | 8.6 lb (3910 g) | 9.3 lb (4220 g) | 11.7 lb (5320 g) | 13.1 lb (5930 g) | 11.7 lb (5311 g) | 13.2 lb (6006 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 187 lb (85 kg) | 209 lb (95 kg) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 209 lb (95 kg) | 187 lb (85 kg) | 209 lb (95 kg) | |
| Recommended capacity | 260 lb (118 kg) | 287 lb (130 kg) | 260 lb (118 kg) | 287 lb (130 kg) | 260 lb (118 kg) | 287 lb (130 kg) | |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Packraft | Standard | XL |
| Length (outer) | 115 in (293 cm) | 126 in (319 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 67 in (171 cm) | 73 in (185 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 34 in (87 cm) | 37 in (94 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 13 in (34 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 108 in (275 cm) | 117 in (297 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 31 in (80 cm) | 35 in (88 cm) |
| Tube | 10 in (26.5 cm) | 11 in (29 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Nomad S1
Nomad S1D
Nomad S1E
Accessories
Shared (compatible with S1, S1D, and S1E)
Either the RSB2 or the Inflatable Backrest will be shipped with the packraft, depending on the configuration.
8.0 oz (226 g)
0.6 lb (292 g)
8.0 oz (228 g)
4.1 oz (115.8 g)
4.8 oz (135 g)
S1-specific
7.3 oz (206 g)
S1D-specific
0.9 lb (405 g)
5.7 oz (161.8 g)
0.5 lb (240 g)
S1E-specific
1.4 lb (650 g)
0.5 lb (241.6 g)
Care & Maintenance
- Heat Expansion: Air expands rapidly under heat. Never leave a fully inflated packraft sitting on shore in direct sunlight. Always release the valve on the packraft, seats, and backrests when out of the water to prevent pressure blowouts and seam stress.
- Freshwater Rinse: Always rinse the hull thoroughly with clean freshwater after paddling in saltwater, silty rivers, or sandy environments.
- Floor Crevice Cleaning: Sand and gravel can get trapped between the inflatable floor and the outer tubes. Deflate the boat slightly and flush these crevices with water to prevent the grit from acting like sandpaper against the TPU.
- ISS (TiZip) Care: Keep the zipper teeth meticulously clean. Before every trip, clear away sand with a soft brush and apply the included silicone lubricant to the zipper dock to maintain an airtight seal. Always ensure the zipper is fully closed before inflation. See our TiZip maintenance guide for full care instructions.
- Complete Drying: Never pack a wet raft away for long-term storage. Wipe it down with a towel and let it air dry completely in the shade to prevent mold, mildew, and polyurethane degradation. This is especially critical to prevent the TiZip from leaking.
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Store the deflated boat loosely rolled in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources, extreme freezing temperatures, and harsh chemicals.
Performance Tips
- Cold Water Tempering: Air is highly sensitive to temperature. When transferring an inflated packraft from land into cold water, the internal air will condense and soften the tubes — this is normal, not a leak. Let the boat sit in the water for two minutes, then top off the pressure with a pump until the chambers feel firm again.
- Weight Distribution: To maximize hull speed and reduce side-to-side "yaw", distribute weight evenly. Heavy gear should be placed forward, as it helps lock the raft into a straight line.
- Skeg Installation: Always insert the tracking fin before fully inflating the boat. Using a skeg drastically improves forward paddling efficiency and reduces yaw. Choose the small skeg for whitewater maneuverability, or the large skeg for optimal straight-line tracking on open lakes and long river stretches.
- Seat: To enhance comfort, the seat cushion’s air pressure can be reduced — this lowers the seat height and lets it conform better to the body, also improving backrest support.
Warranty
- 3-Year Guarantee: Every MRS packraft includes a 3-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.
- Zipper Coverage: ISS (TiZip) zippers are warranted separately for 1 year.
- US-Based Support: All inspections, claims, and support are handled directly from our California facility for fast, hassle-free service.
Internal Storage System (ISS Models)
Available on Nomad S1 / S1D / S1E ISS models only.
Instructions for Use
1. Distribute weight evenly between the two storage bags. Because the bags cannot be accessed until the packraft is deflated, only store items that you will not need on the water.
2. Place your gear in the storage bag, fold the top closed, tighten as much as possible, and then insert the buckle at the top opening.
3. Open the TIZIP zipper and slide the storage bag into the packraft tube.
4. Once the storage bag is inside the tube, unfasten the top buckle, pass the strap through the two tie-downs, and re-fasten the buckle.
Tie-down fixings inside the tubes secure the storage bags in place, so they will not slide back and forth as the packraft moves.
Water-filled footrest
Included with the Nomad S1E; optional accessory for S1 and S1D.
Function:
Water held inside the footrest adds weight to the bow, reducing yaw and pitching while paddling. Because it produces less drag than a bow-mounted skeg, it delivers smoother and more efficient forward motion.
Water-filling procedure:
1. Submerge the footrest to scoop water inside. If the water level is low, use a paddle to help.
2. Use the markings inside the footrest to gauge the desired water volume.
3. Fold and seal the open end of the footrest.
4. Lay the footrest flat with the base of the hose slightly raised.
Open the hose valve to release air. When the water in the transparent hose rises above roughly one-third of its height, close the valve.
5. Fold the end over again and secure it tightly.
6. Place the footrest at the very front of the hull and press it firmly into position. It serves as both ballast and a foot support.
Important Notes:
Fold the tail end of the footrest at least four times to ensure a proper seal.
Release as much air as possible through the upper hose. Trapped air will let the water slosh, which can significantly reduce stability.
Excess air also increases the risk of ballast water leaking out.
FAQ
What is the Nomad S1 best for?
The Nomad S1 is best for long-distance solo touring on lakes and calm rivers. Its sleek, fast-tracking hull and configurable deck (open, removable, or Essential) suit fitness paddling and cooler- or warmer-weather trips where pace matters more than payload.
What's the difference between the S1, S1D, and S1E?
The S1 is the open-cockpit variant — lightest, simplest, for warm-weather paddling. The S1D adds the multi-functional sprayskirt for cooler conditions; the deck is fully removable and rolls forward onto the bow for cleaning. The S1E uses the E-deck (Essential Deck) — no coaming frame, quick on/off, with a ventilation mode that clips the front skirt to your PFD for hot-weather paddling. All three are available in Standard or XL size. The S1E ships with a water-filled footrest included.
What's the difference between Standard and XL?
XL adds ~11 in (26 cm) of outer length and 6 in (14 cm) of inner length over Standard, with a higher recommended paddler weight (209 lb / 95 kg vs 187 lb / 85 kg). Choose Standard for paddlers up to ~6 ft / 184 cm; choose XL for taller paddlers or heavier loads.
What weight can the Nomad carry?
Recommended paddler weight is 187 lb (85 kg) on Standard, 209 lb (95 kg) on XL. Recommended total capacity (paddler plus gear) is 260 lb (118 kg) on Standard and 287 lb (130 kg) on XL.
How does the Nomad compare to the Surveyor and the Mini-Shark?
The Surveyor is the Ultra-Light series solo touring boat with thinner 210D coated fabric — lighter to pack but less durable than the Nomad’s standard fabric. The Mini-Shark is the kayak-style whitewater solo with a smaller-diameter tube and higher 3 PSI operating pressure — built for technical whitewater rather than flat-water touring. The Nomad sits as MRS’s purpose-built solo flat-water touring platform with a longer waterline and narrower hull than the general-purpose Microraft.
Does the Nomad come with the big skeg or the small skeg?
The Nomad ships with the large skeg as its default — unlike the smaller solo boats, which come with the small skeg — because the long, fast hull benefits most from strong straight-line tracking. Smaller skegs are available separately if you want quicker turning or are paddling shallow water; the front and back ends of any skeg must both seat fully into the mount, or it can drop out on the water.
Can the Nomad handle whitewater, and does it take thigh straps?
The Nomad is built for flat-water and calm rivers rather than rapids — it is the fastest, straightest-tracking solo boat in the range, not a whitewater hull. It does accept thigh straps for added control on moving water; 5-point straps give the most adjustability, while a decked Nomad may already carry built-in mounts for 3-point straps (straps not included). For genuine technical whitewater, choose a dedicated whitewater model such as the Mini-Shark or Alligator 2S Pro.
Can a deck or sprayskirt be added after I buy an open S1?
No — decks and sprayskirts are factory-mounted to the coaming and cannot be retrofitted, so choose the S1D (removable sprayskirt) or S1E (E-deck) at the time of order if you want a deck. On the deck models the sprayskirt is fully removable and rolls forward onto the bow for cleaning. The same applies to ISS: it cannot be added to a raft after manufacture.
Is the deck version any slower than the open S1?
No — the deck and sprayskirt sit above the waterline and do not change the hull shape, so the S1D and S1E glide and track the same as the open S1. The deck models do use a thicker 840D floor for added durability, which makes them slightly heavier to carry but no slower on the water.
Can I swap the Rod Support Backrest for the inflatable backrest?
Yes — the Nomad is compatible with both the Rod Support Backrest 2 and the simpler inflatable backrest, and the boat ships with one or the other depending on configuration. The two use the same attachment points, so you can switch to your preferred style with only the backrest itself; no change to the hull is needed.