Review: NRS Snooze Pad

“Paco Pads,” “Landing Pads,” “Sitting Pads”—whatever you want to call them, spend some time on local rivers and you’ll see ’em everywhere: pieces of foam sandwiched between brightly colored, plastic-welded PVC with self-inflating air valves. These glorified sleeping pads have become the envy of all boaters on overnight and day trips alike. NRS recently released their own version with the “Snooze Pad,” and the product lives up to the company’s high standards. The main use of the pad is in the name. Unfurl it on rocks, sand, dirt, or wherever the river takes you, and you’re sure to have one of the comfiest nights of sleep you can ask for in the wilderness. It is also fantastic for car camping, or even taking to the park and laying out for the day. What really sets the pad apart, though, is its versatility. Completely waterproof and capable of holding enough air to stay buoyant, the pad doubles as a river floatie. Strap this thing to the back of a raft on a lazy section of the Yellowstone, crack a cold one, and enjoy the princess treatment as someone else rows you through Paradise Valley.

The pad can also serve as an accessory when rigged to a raft. Strap it on top of a cooler with the built-in tie-down points, and it not only becomes another layer of insulation for food and drinks, but it also doubles as a seat cushion providing the comfiest spot on the boat. The pad’s durability is worth a mention, too. The thick, outer PVC material stands up to any rigors that can be imagined. Toss, drag, and play with it however you like. It’s one of those rare, buy-for-life pieces of equipment.

The Snooze Pad comes in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch thickness, starting at $300. Available at nrs.com.