A passion for whitewater led NRS founder Bill Parks to produce some of the paddling community's best gear. With the goal of helping paddlers everywhere enjoy the water, NRS provides quality equipment including inflatable canoes and rafts, safety equipment, cinch straps, dry bags, and gloves. Stay safe and enjoy the rapids!

Thule

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads. By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team. Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman. Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Check out our wide selection of Thule racks, boxes, roof rails, bike carriers and trailers. Find great Thule deals on Backcountry.com.

Thule - Roof, Hitch, & Trunk racks for Bikes, Skis, & More

To many outdoor junkies, Thule is best known for vehicle-mounted racks for sporting equipment, but the Swedish brand's history started elsewhere in the outdoors—fishing traps, to be precise. It was 1942 when Erik Thulin designed the aforementioned trap and introduced it to local fishermen; as you may expect, it was the result of an unadulterated passion for spending time outside. The shift to automotive racks didn't come until two decades later, when the first ski rack was introduced in 1962, and it was followed up shortly thereafter by a roof basket. That led the way for the 1977 introduction of Thule's roof box for carrying skis, another product whose descendants remain in production to this day. The focus on versatile, user-friendly carrying solutions led Thule to develop a strong following that has only grown with time. Through a series of acquisitions, Thule has expanded into a wide range of product categories, but despite that growth, the focus on functional products that enhance the outdoor experience remains unchanged. Of course there are the iconic ski racks, and equally beloved bike racks that adorn vehicles at trail heads and resort parking lots every weekend. The luggage line has become widely popular as well, with a range of storage and transit solutions for travelers. And in an effort to ensure that the next generation is connected to the outdoors, Thule has introduced a range of products aimed at parents. It includes joggers, strollers, and car seats, all of which are intended to make getting outside with children easier and more enjoyable. Whatever your destination or your goals when you get there, odds are that Thule offers a well-executed solution to make your journey easier, and that's backed by well over half a century of devotion to the cause of getting outside.

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads.
 
By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team.
 
Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman.
 
Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Garmin

Garmin is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an innovator in consumer electronics. They're customer focused and committed to producing quality products that improve people's everyday lives. Specifically, Garmin aims to enrich the lives of customers, suppliers, distributors, and employees by providing the very best products that offer superior quality, safety, and operational features at affordable prices.

Find the latest Garmin GPS gadgets at Backcountry.com. Look for great deals on Running Watches, Heart Rate Monitors, and more.

Garmin - GPS Watches, Heart Monitors & Sensors

Garmin's steady rise to the top of the personal GPS market began in 1989, when Gary Burrell and Min Kao officially joined forces. You may have guessed that their names were combined to create the Garmin name, and you'd be correct. Starting out with handheld GPS units, their offerings quickly developed a reputation for trustworthiness in myriad applications ranging from automotive and aviation to field operations for the US military. In the late 2000s, Garmin added the Edge series of computers to its lineup and changed what riders expected from their bike computers. Professionals and data-loving amateurs alike were able to enjoy reliable data about their rides, helping them track their progress with newfound precision. Today, Garmin manufactures a range of Edge series GPS units, as well as the Vector power meter pedals, both of which are are specifically built for cycling. The Forerunner series of wristwatches is ideal for cycling, running, swimming, and triathlons. In addition, Garmin offers HRMs (heart rate monitors), speed and cadence sensors, mounts, accessories, replacement parts, and MapSource City Navigator packs that give you reliable information about routes in some of the world's largest cities.

YETI

Shop YETI  coolers, tumblers, and gear at Backcountry. YETI  products are built for extreme conditions, including quality insulation and durability.

YETI - Coolers, Tumblers, and Gear

Shop YETI on Backcountry. Expertly curated outdoor gear and clothing for the adventurer in you, from big brands to the small and undiscovered. 

Dometic

Yakima

Yakima makes versatile rack systems ready to carry anything you can throw at them.  From skis to bikes to anything you can jam into a gearbox or gear basket, Yakima makes a rack to fit your car and a part to fit your gear.

Find the latest Yakima bike racks, travel cargo boxes and ski racks available at Backcountry.com

Yakima Racks - Bike Racks, Cargo Boxes, & More

Yakima makes versatile rack systems ready to carry anything you can throw at them. From skis to bikes to anything you can jam into a gearbox or gear basket, Yakima makes a rack to fit your car and a part to fit your gear.

CamelBak

Camelbak's range of water bottles & hydration packs lets you carry the two most important things&mdash;gear and water&mdash;wherever you go. From the Camelbak LOBO to the military-grade Camelbak MULE & HAWG, Camelbak makes a hydration backpack for every excursion. Also find Camelbak <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=Camelbak+Replacement+Parts">replacement parts here</a>.

Find a great selection of Camelbak water bottles, backpacks & hydration packs. From the Camelbak LOBO to the military-grade Camelbak MULE & HAWG, Camelbak makes a pack for every occasion.

Camelbak - Water Bottles, Backpacks, & Hydration

Camelbak's range of hydration packs lets you carry the two most important things - gear and water - wherever you go.  From the low profile Catalyst to the overnight-ready Peak Bagger, Camelbak makes a pack for every occasion.

Camelbak's range of water bottles & hydration packs lets you carry the two most important things&mdash;gear and water&mdash;wherever you go. From the Camelbak LOBO to the military-grade Camelbak MULE & HAWG, Camelbak makes a hydration backpack for every excursion. Also find Camelbak <a href=""http://www.backcountry.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=Camelbak+Replacement+Parts"">replacement parts here</a>.

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Aquaglide

Navy/Gray

Blackfoot Angler 160 Inflatable Kayak

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Blue

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Chaos Side Cut Helmet

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Zeppelin Aero Inflatable Kayak

Chaos Full-Cut Helmet

Jackson Kayak

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Flame

Watermelon

RockStar 5.0 Kayak - 2022

2020 Charcoal/Teal

L/XL

Zen Type V Personal Flotation Device

Classic

Native

10ft

ZEPPELIN AERO Inflatable Kayak - 2022

Rio FG 4-Piece Paddle - Straight Shaft

Zen 3.0 Kayak - 2022

Kokopelli

One Size

Twain Packraft

Astral

Eggplant

Glacier Blue

Layla Personal Flotation Device - Women's

Desperado CF 1-Piece Straight Shaft Paddle

Immersion Research

Klingon Empire Skirt

Nirvana Kayak - 2022

Cherry Creek Red

Hot Coral

Slate Black

The minimalist in Astral's PFDs, this YTV is awesome for any sort of touring or flatwater paddling. It doesn't have all the fancy pockets of the more expensive PFD, which shaves bulk and weight, making it great for packrafting!

YTV Personal Flotation Device

XS/S

Maximus Centurion Personal Flotation Device

Gradient Galaxy

Strike 1-Piece Paddle - Bent Shaft

Arctic Blue

Recon Inflatable Packraft

LONO APEX AERO Infatable Kayak - 2022

Teal

Pink

Lime

Flare

The Ninja is my go-to PFD for all things paddling. I love how low-profile it is for paddleboarding but is buoyant enough for whitewater kayaking. The front zipper pocket is clutch for storing small items or even a beverage if you're careful.

Ninja Personal Flotation Device

Zeppelin Aero Inflatable Kayak - 2022

Mustang Survival

Orange/Black

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Red/Black

Explorer V Personal Flotation Device

XL/XXL

XS/M

Ion Personal Flotation Device

Fire Red

Olive Drab Green

XPD Pack Raft

Antix 2.0 Kayak - 2022

Seals

Black, 1.2

Black, 2.2

Black, 1.4

Black, 1.7

Surf Whitewater Skirt

Midnight Black

Fire Orange

Super stoked about this vest. Easy to get in and out of, comfortable, and holds anything I need for the day!

Green Jacket Personal Flotation Device

Star

Gray

Outlaw I Inflatable Kayak

Aqua-Bound

Shred Fiberglass Whitewater Paddle - 1-Piece

Coal

Hustle Life Vest

Strike SM 1-Piece Paddle - Straight Shaft

Sawyer Oars

210cm

Storm Surge WW 2-Piece Pushbutton Kayak Paddle

Aire

Dark Blue

Tributary Tomcat Solo Inflatable Kayak

Tributary Tomcat Tandem Inflatable Kayak

220cm

230cm

Shred Apart Paddle

Green

I put my complete trust in the Outfitter, whether I am sending it with a friend on a daily section or packed up for a solo multi-day trip.

Outfitter II Tandem Inflatable Kayak

Outfitter I Inflatable Kayak

Moki-Lite Packraft

Raven Inflatable Kayak

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