Jacob Linkhart 10/28/26 Jacob Linkhart 10/28/26

SOTAR Lance Review: The 11' Merlin Raft on the North Santiam, White Salmon and More

The SOTAR 11' Lance tested R1, R2 and R3: the Niagara section of the North Santiam, Husum Falls on the White Salmon, and 18-mile loaded days on the Grande Ronde.

Jacob Linkhart 10/28/26 Jacob Linkhart 10/28/26

R1 and R2 Runs: The Lower Clackamas, McKenzie, Washougal and Upper Clackamas

R1 means one person paddling a raft, and R2 means two. These are my R1 and R2 runs: the Lower Clackamas, the McKenzie in 2025, the Washougal R2 with my dad, and the Upper Clackamas in 2026. Looking for an R1 or R2 boat? See Merlin vs. Rogue.

Jacob Linkhart 10/27/26 Jacob Linkhart 10/27/26

Merlin vs. Rogue: What Size SOTAR Raft for R1 and R2?

Short answer: 11 feet is the sweet spot for paddling both solo and two-up. Here's how SOTAR's Merlin and Rogue rafts compare.

Jacob Linkhart 10/27/26 Jacob Linkhart 10/27/26

Picking Your Boat: SOTAR Raft, Cataraft or IK, or a Go North Packraft?

Choosing between a raft, a cataraft, an inflatable kayak and a packraft comes down to where you'll paddle, who's coming with you and how you'll get the boat to the river. Here's how I'd choose between SOTAR's rafts, cats and IKs and Go North's packrafts, what R1 and R2 mean, and how to try boating before you spend.