I tested the NRS Flux Dry Top on a 90 kayaking trip up the Inside Passage. The NRS Flux is made of Eclipse 4-layer fabric with waterproof and breathable membrane. I’ll be honest and say I am a GoreTex fan and I was skeptical on how well this material would perform and whether it would still be waterproof after 90 days of use. But I shouldn’t have worried- I stayed dry the entire time, even after full days of rain. On particularly strenuous stretches of paddling I would work up a solid sweat and feel damp in the top, but the breathability of the fabric allowed me to dry out even with the top still on. I am convinced this material is more breathable than my GoreTex jackets.
The NRS Flux dry top has just the right amount of pockets for me – only one. I find that dry top pockets get in the way more than they are helpful and would rather store things on my PFD. The wrist and neck gaskets formed a nice seal without being to tight and held up well over the 90 days.
I am 5’2″ and 110 lbs and the extra small fit me perfectly with room for layers. This is a great option as a dry top that for small paddlers.
I am impressed with the durability. Over the 90 day trip my NRS Flux Dry Top rarely had the opportunity to completely dry out, it was stored stuffed in a dry sack at all times when not being worn or drying, it dealt with sunscreen, salt water, sweat, dirt and the suns rays with very little visible wear.
This NRS Flux dry top is no nonsense, functional, well made piece of gear that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Pros
- Fits small humans
- Highly breathable
- Very waterproof
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Women’s version currently only comes in pink- mine is an old model
Conclusion
If you are small, buy this! But if you are average sized, also buy this!