Review: NRS Co-Pilot Knife

Every whitewater paddler remembers looking at the experienced boaters and noticing the river knife clipped to the front of their PFD. It was a symbol that you were part of the team, ready to help when things went sideways.

The NRS Co-Pilot ($55) lives up to that reputation. The updated sheath features an improved thumb-release system that makes deployment quick and intuitive while keeping the knife securely in place when you're bouncing through rapids. It's a noticeable improvement over previous versions and inspires confidence when you need fast access.

Sized perfectly for everyday river use, the Co-Pilot stays out of the way until it's needed. Whether you're cutting rope during a rescue, trimming webbing at camp, or spreading peanut butter on a riverside lunch break, it's a tool you'll find yourself reaching for regularly.

The stainless steel blade is compact but capable, and the blunt tip design adds an extra layer of safety around rafts, drysuits, and fellow paddlers. At around $54, it's an affordable addition to any rescue kit and one of those pieces of gear you hope you'll never truly need but wouldn't want to be without.

And yes, it still looks just as cool clipped to your PFD as you imagined when you were a kid. Available at NRS.com.