Overview of the Oxbow 85

NRS has a long history of producing inflatable rafts and boats for both whitewater and fishing. The Oxbow 85 continues that tradition, blending elements from their popular Approach and Boundary series with unique features of its own.

This one person fishing raft comes in a standard “raft package” priced at $1,745, which includes:

• The inflatable boat
• Repair kit
• Lightweight rowing frame
• Two aluminum-shaft oars with nylon blades
• EVA-padded seat with backrest
• Stripping apron
• Track pack system for mounting accessories
• NRS pump

The Oxbow 85 is built for anglers who want to cover water quickly, reach hard-to-access spots, and still have the ability to wade or fish from the raft.

NRS Oxbow 85 Specs at a Glance

• Weight: 45 lbs (31 lbs raft + 14 lbs frame)
• Capacity: 450 lbs
• Length: 8’5”
• Air Chambers: 2 for safety and redundancy
• Material: Heavy-duty PVC with reinforced wear areas
• Warranty: 5-year retail, 3-year commercial

Its compact size makes it easy to store, transport, and launch—whether from a dock, shoreline, or remote access point.

Key Features of this One Person Fishing Raft

Rigging and Adjustability

The slot rail frame system is the backbone of the Oxbow’s adjustability. It allows for infinite seating and foot brace positioning, as well as easy integration of rod holders, net mounts, cup holders, and camera gear.

Open Bow Design

The front entry makes stepping in and out of the raft simple, which is perfect for anglers who mix floating with wading.

Storage Capacity

A mesh and welded floor pan at the stern offers plenty of room for tackle bags, overnight gear, or a compact cooler—ideal for those planning extended trips in their one person fishing raft.

Comfortable Seating

The EVA-padded seat and adjustable backrest provide great support for long days on the water.

NRS Oxbow 85's On-Water Performance

Speed

For an 8.5-foot raft, the Oxbow 85 is impressively quick. The rigid frame transfers rowing power efficiently, and the hybrid pontoon/raft design cuts through the water smoothly.

Maneuverability

Lightweight and responsive, the Oxbow can spin in its own length, navigate tight channels, and hold position with either oar strokes or kick fins. This makes it a top performer for anglers fishing small rivers, lakes, or backwater areas.

Stability

The wide stance and pontoon-like hull provide rock-solid stability—stable enough to stand on the frame if needed.

Durability

Constructed from heavy-duty PVC with extra reinforcement at high-wear points, this one person fishing raft is built to withstand years of use. With proper care, it’s well-suited for both flatwater fishing and mild whitewater environments.

Who is the Oxbow 85 Designed for?

The NRS Oxbow 85 is ideal for:

• Anglers who fish solo and want an easily transportable setup
• Those who need quick deployment and portability
• Fishermen targeting small lakes, rivers, and streams
• Anyone looking for a stable, customizable, and efficient one person fishing raft

From Dock to Decision

The NRS Oxbow 85 delivers an excellent mix of portability, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re chasing trout in alpine lakes or bass in quiet backwaters, this one person fishing raft is a versatile tool that makes fishing more accessible and enjoyable.

Planning to bring a couple of fishing buddies but still want a raft that’s manageable solo? Check out my review of the NRS Approach 138. As a three person fishing raft, its is a perfect fit that balances capacity with easy handling. Read my review of another single person fishing raft the NRS Boundary 100.

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Features of the Boundary 100

This is a 10-foot inflatable one person fishing raft built for portability, durability, and all-day comfort on the water. The Boundary 100 weighs just 50 lbs fully rigged. It’s light enough for solo transport. Yet rugged enough for rocky launches and shallow rivers.

The rigid aluminum slot rail frame keeps the boat rock-solid while offering infinite adjustability for your rowing position, seating, and the accessories. NRS included YakAttack/NRS track pack, breathable mesh seat with EVA padding, adjustable oar mounts, foot brace, and stripping apron. These features make it easy to fine-tune your setup for long days of casting and rowing.

The Boundary 100 is constructed from heavy-duty PVC and comes with reinforced wear points. This single person fishing raft is ready for demanding environments without sacrificing performance.

Quick Specs

• Length: 10 ft
• Weight: 50 lbs (fully rigged)
• Capacity: 475 lbs
• Frame: Rigid aluminum slot rail, infinitely adjustable
• Material: Heavy-duty PVC with reinforced wear points
• Included Gear: Track pack, oar mounts, mesh seat, foot brace, stripping apron

Boundary 100 Performance

This fishing raft moves quickly thanks to its longer waterline and rigid frame. The frame transfers every bit of rowing power directly into forward motion. The Boundary 100 is highly maneuverable. It is capable of spinning on a dime with a single oar stroke. This personal raft can also be controlled using kick fins for hands-free fishing. The stability of this fishing raft is rock-solid, whether you’re seated or standing briefly to get in and out at the dock.

The 475-pound capacity means you can easily carry rods, tackle, coolers, and even enough gear for multi-day backcountry trips. The open floor drains quickly. The stern of the Boundary 100 offers ample storage space for crates, dry bags, or a net holder.

Comfort and Fishability

For solo anglers, comfort matters—especially in a one person fishing raft. The Boundary’s adjustable frame and foot brace let you fine-tune the seating position based on your height, weight distribution, and gear load. The mesh seat back offers breathability, while the EVA seat padding works well for a few hours—though long trips may benefit from an extra cushion.

In terms of fishability, this single person fishing raft is well thought out. The stripping apron makes managing fly line a breeze, while the track system allows for custom rod holder placement. The clean bow area stays uncluttered for casting, and the stern functions much like a kayak’s tankwell for easy gear access.

Is the Boundary 100 the Right Fishing Raft for You?

If you want a fishing platform that’s light enough to transport in a small car, stable enough for rivers and lakes, and customizable for your fishing style, the NRS Boundary 100 checks all the boxes. It excels for anglers targeting moving water, small creeks, and remote lakes—offering the freedom to explore and fish where larger boats can’t go.

For solo adventures, the one person fishing raft category doesn’t get much better than this combination of speed, maneuverability, comfort, and durability.

Planning a long or multi-day fishing trip with your crew? Here is a review of another one person fishing raft, the Oxbow 85. Check out my review of the two person fishing raft the NRS Approach 120. Check out my review of the three person fishing raft the NRS Approach 138.

Visit the NRS website to purchase the NRS Boundary 100.

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A Lightweight Powerhouse for Day Hikes

Gossamer Gear’s been killing it lately. You might’ve seen my review of the Mariposa 60, a backpack more geared towards long distance backpacking. But the Gossamer Gear Ultralight Loris 25 Daypack, its much smaller cousin, is going to be your little buddy on shorter day hikes.

Features That Actually Matter

The standout feature on Gossamer Gear packs tends to be it's tough, stretchy, mesh outer-pouch that holds your gear in tight while making access quick and easy. It's great for storing sunscreen, snacks, or anything you want without having to dig into your pack for it.

There's a removable sit pad up against your back for additional cushioning (classic GG move), dual bottle holders, strap pockets, and outward-facing zipper pouch that's just the right size for your phone/wallet/more snacks. The main compartment has two buckles and a cinch, and there’s even a zippered access down the middle, which allows you to get access to your things from a different angle.

All of these are nice touches, considering ultralight bags tend to be pretty bare-bones in most cases.

Inside the Gossamer Gear Ultralight Loris 25 Daypack, you’ll find a laptop-style sleeve (don’t actually put your laptop in it) and a zippered pouch that feels a little like a pencil-pouch.

Potential Drawbacks

The one sticking point I see here is going to be a common one in regards to ultralight packs, and that's durability. Ultralight bags tend to be a little thinner and less durable than their tankier counterparts. This bag built for fast, comfortable hiking—not bushwhacking through a war zone.

That said, the Loris 25 Daypack is stupidly light, surprisingly comfortable, and priced reasonably well for an ultralight option. You’re not going to find a heavy-duty suspension system here—but that’s kind of the point.

Could Gossamer Gear Loris 25 be your next go-to daypack?

Look, if you’re in the market for a slick, well-designed daypack that feels invisible on your back, the Gossamer Gear Ultralight Loris 25 Daypack is absolutely worth checking out. It’s ideal for day hikes, and honestly, if you’re a little nuts and want to go multi-day with it, I won’t stop you.

Until next time, Happy trails!

Mike

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First Look: Specs and Features

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak, priced at $1,250, is 11'6″ long, 28″ wide, and weighs a mere 39 lbs. While it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, the features it does have are real enhancements, like the bow and stern bulkheads for safety, a stern hatch for storage, a paddle holder for convenience, an adjustable seat, thigh pads, and foot braces for comfort, and molded grab handles to make it easy to move around. Its sleek design also hints at efficient glide through the water.

On the Water: Portability

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak excels in portability. Weighing only 39 lbs, it's easy to transport. What makes it light is it's construction. It's a plastic kayak made by thermoforming. This manufacturing process results in a kayak that's about 20% lighter than typical plastic kayaks of a similar size, but it does make the kayak less durable, which we'll talk more about shortly.

Kayak Performance

The Santee 116 Sport is a recreational kayak, which means it's designed to be a stable boat for paddlers of any skill level to enjoy on flatwater. But the Santee also claims to offer great speed and glide. Did they succeed in creating a boat that's stable and fun to paddle? The answer is Yes!

The kayak is stable enough for anyone to feel confident in, but it's shape allows it to cut through the water smoothly and glide extremely well for a recreational kayak. The thermoformed plastic is also nice and smooth and stiff, which only enhances the kayaks's performance.

Comfort: Paddle All Day

The comfort of a kayak is critical to most recreational paddlers. If comfort is important to you, then you'll be happy to hear that the Santee 116 Sport is quite a comfortable kayak. It features a roomy cockpit, adjustable foot pegs, and Hurricane's supportive and adustable Strong Side Seat. Its design accommodates taller paddlers (up to 6'5″) and allows for a comfortable, efficient paddling posture.

Durability of the Santee 116 Sport

Thermoformed kayaks are lighter than other plastic kayaks, but their lightweight nature comes at the cost of durability. That being said, I wouldn't call the Santee 116 Sport fragile; It's simply a kayak that can't be abused. It's not a kayak to drag on the ground or bang hard into rocks. It's the kind of kayak that deserves padded roof rack bars when you transport it.

Value: A Smart Investment

At $1,250, the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a good value if it's the type of kayak you're looking for. Yes, you do pay a small premium for the kayak being thermoformed, but you get a lighter kayak, that glides through the water extremely well.

Who is the Santee 116 Sport For?

This kayak is ideal for flatwater paddling. It's not suited for rough conditions. It appeals to those seeking a comfortable, lightweight, and efficient sit-inside kayak for calm waters. It's a good choice for paddlers who prioritize having a lightweight kayak with good performance and are willing to take care of their gear.

If the Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak isn't precisely what you're looking for, but you do like the idea of a lighter, thermoformed kayak, Hurricane has a number of other kayaks to consider. Check out my other Hurricane Kayak reviews, Prima 125, Osprey 120 and Tampico 130 to see which one is right for you

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ABOUT THE ISLE SWITCH SUP KAYAK

PRICE: $995 (USD)

LENGTH: 11′ 6″

WIDTH: 35″

WEIGHT: 19 LBS (8.5 KG)

CAPACITY: 425 LBS (193 KG)

The Switch comes with a two-way, high-capacity hand pump with a gauge. It has a premium travel backpack, an 8-foot ankle/calf coil leash, a repair kit, a dry bag, and a four-piece adjustable kayak/SUP paddle, a removable 9-inch fin, an inflatable seat, and an inflatable foot brace. On the top of the board, there is a full-coverage traction pad and bungee systems on the front and back.

These include tension locks for repositioning or removing the bungees altogether. The Switch features 2 new exclusive Isle innovations. Air-Tech Fusion Lite technology, which allows for a drop-stitch construction that is 25% lighter, and the ISLE-Link connection system, which is a series of webbing loops along the length of the board for almost limitless customization. 

Is the Isle Switch paddleboard stable?

Absolutely. This thing is rock solid. At one point all three of us were all on the same board and it still felt sturdy. Stability is one of the main things the Switch was designed for. It's wide (35 inches) and it's flat. That makes for a trustee base. With that said, this is still a stand-up paddleboard at its core, and so you will get a little stabilizing workout while standing. 

Is the Isle Switch kayak comfortable?

Ultra-comfortable! This hybrid board has a lot going for it. For starters, since it's so wide, you can sit in any position, lay down, or stand up. You're never stuck in place and so those aches don't develop like they sometimes can over the course of the day. The inflatable seat allowed us to tailor the cushioning how we liked. We started with it fully pumped and then strategically let a bit of air out until it found that perfect butt-hugging contour. The seat also gets your hips above your heels, which is inherently a more comfortable position for paddling. Having so many attachment points also gives a massive range for positioning the seat and the foot brace. This is sometimes a limiting factor for taller folks, but there's no concern about sizing when it comes to the Switch. 

How good are Isle paddle boards?

In terms of paddling performance, I was pleasantly surprised by the Isle Switch. Because it has that wide, stable platform, and a flat hull, I wasn't expecting much in terms of speed. Now, the Switch still isn't for winning races, but it had a bit of zip to it, and with the help of that large, removable fin, it tracked quite well. Actually, while moving forward with that fin engaged, the Switch was a little slower to turn. But when I was stationary, I could turn a lot more easily. So this board has a dynamic feel to it. 

Does the Isle Switch SUP have good features?

The ISLE-Link connection system is a beauty. You can easily move (or remove) the seat and foot brace, as well as the bungees on the front and back. Throughout our 7-hour family adventure, we had so many different configurations going. Sometimes the seat was in the front, sometimes it was in the back; sometimes it was facing forwards, sometimes my daughter had it facing backwards so that she could taunt me while I paddled. And as I said, there was even a time when all three of us were on the same board. No matter what the moment called for, the Switch was instantly customizable. The only thing to note is that the Switch comes with one seat and one foot brace, but you can buy an extra set on Isle's website if you'd like to turn this thing into a tandem kayak.  

I was also happy to see that the Switch package came with a pretty decent paddle. While in kayak-mode, the paddle is a basic 3-piece unit, and then when you want to jump into SUP-mode, there's another shaft that pops in in place of one of the blades. There's even a slick little paddle holder on the side of the board to hold those extra pieces in place while not in use. 

Is the Isle Switch SUP worth the price?

At $995 (USD), the Switch is priced a little higher than a typical inflatable SUP. But, you are paying a premium for something that is well-made and has thoughtful features. I had a blast on this thing and got a kick out of seeing how many experiences you can have within a single adventure. I'm used to testing different boats on different days, but this was an opportunity to dip in and out of distinct modes whenever I pleased. This turned out to be a premium SUP/kayak hybrid and in my opinion, it is worth the premium price point. 

Who is the Isle Switch for? 

The Isle Switch SUP, kayak, hybrid-craft, paddlekak…whatever you want to call it, is great for people (and evidently for families) who don't want to pick just one type of paddling experience. If you've been humming and hawing about whether to buy a recreational kayak or a paddleboard, this will be your sweet spot selection. This is also a great choice for anyone short on space, or who wants something super easy to transport to the water. The Switch is packable and feather-light. 

There's nothing like a 7-hour family river run to shine a positive light on a great craft. I'm a huge fan of the Isle Switch and so I hope this review leaves you with some valuable feedback. For more reviews, paddling tips, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

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Background of the Targa 100 kayak

Wilderness Systems has been making high-quality kayaks for a long time. In fact, last year I gave one of their models, the Pungo 120, a Kayak of the Year award. Recently, they put out their first recreational, sit-on-top kayak (that hasn't been specifically focused on fishing), in quite some time.

Not only that, but this model, the Targa 100 kayak, dipped under that coveted $1000 mark. Now, Wilderness Systems doesn't typically just kick out boats haphazardly – they push boundaries. And so I was pumped to learn more. 

Here's a little plug straight from the horse's mouth: The Targa 100 is perfect for day trips. It offers the right balance of comfort, stability, and care-free spirit. 

Ooo, I like the sounds of that. But as always, I had to go splash around a bit and see for myself what this kayak is all about. Even though a 10-foot, sit-on-top kayak isn't my usual genre, I certainly liked the looks of the Targa 100, and needed to see how much value it packed into that sub-$1000 set-up.

ABOUT THE TARGA 100 KAYAK

Retail Price: $969 USD 

Length: 10′

Width: 32″           

Weight: 57 LBS (26 KG)

Capacity: 325 LBS (147KG)

The Targa 100 has four rigid handles; one at each end, and one on each side. In addition, it has a sling seat, a removable bow-hood, large foot-braces, an integrated/removable cooler, deck padding for comfort and traction, and stern bungees for stowing extra gear. 

How portable is theTarga 100 kayak? 

Even though 57-pounds might sound like a lot, for a sit-on-top kayak, that's really quite good. Sit-inside kayaks are inherently lighter because there's less plastic used in the hollow shell. At 10-feet, the Targa 100 is also a very manageable length. Wilderness Systems really helped the cause by adding those four grab handles. This makes carrying it tandem a total breeze. But you can also carry it suitcase style…it's just a rather heavy suitcase.

The other nice thing about the modest length is that you can mount it on any roof-rack, or even toss it in the back of a pickup. As kayaks get longer, they get harder to lug around and transport. So all things considered, this is a relatively portable kayak, just not exceptionally portable like an inflatable or folding model would be. 

Is the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 kayak stable? 

One of the selling-points for sit-on-top kayaks is that they are supposed to be stable. The Targa 100 did not disappoint in this department. I was actually able to do a little stand-up paddle boarding while cruising down some Class 1 current. Now, I didn't feel invincible doing this, but the fact is, I was able to do it without issue. So that's pretty cool. Some other models in this class are more stable than the Targa, but they achieve this off of a much wider design. The Targa 100 gets the job done nicely, while still being slim enough to preserve some decent performance.  

How does the Targa 100 kayak perform? 

Now, it again must be prefaced that a 10-foot, sit-on-top kayak has some inherent strengths and weaknesses. A boat of this nature is not going to break any records. That said, the Targa 100 surpassed my expectations. It did actually carry some reasonable speed. I attribute that to its slicey, V-shaped bow. This not only increases its efficiency, but it also helps it hold a line while paddling. This design transitions to a catamaran-style stern, which helps improve that stability we just talked about. So overall, the hybrid hull design is great for expanding this kayak's scope. 

I've mentioned that I took the Tagra 100 on some Class 1 rapids. It did fine under these conditions but I wouldn't recommend pushing it any harder. The wide, flat hull, because it prioritizes primary stability (i.e how sturdy it feels when just sitting flat), doesn't allow for much secondary stability, which is needed for putting the kayak on edge in those rougher waters. The Targa is primarily for flatwater use. 

Is the Targa 100 kayak comfortable? 

When shopping for the right kayak, it can be difficult to truly assess how comfortable something is. There's the initial acquaintance, in which case something glaring either jumps out or it doesn't. Ideally, you want to be able to spend some real time in the cockpit to see how things shape up. Better still, I got to test the Targa 100 over the span of six hours, and across some moving water. I'm therefore pleased to report, with confidence, that this is a comfortable boat.

Suspension seat

The suspension seat was the stand-out reason for this. It's able to contour to your butt as you shift around. This differs from your basic padded-seat, which really doesn't tailor to any particular butt, in any sustained situation. The Targa's seat is fixed (i.e. can't be adjusted into high and low positions), but Wilderness Systems picked a wonderful, medium height for it. It's elevated enough so that you don't get wet, and your heels are lower than your butt, which is naturally a more comfortable position for the long haul. An added benefit to the fixed seat is that you don't have to worry about losing it during transportation (which as much as it pains me to admit, I have learned the hard way…twice).

Other notable aspects of comfort include the Targa's wide open deck, which you can sit cross-legged on or, as I mentioned before, stand with relative ease. Plus, the foot braces are solid, and give good purchase while paddling. 

In terms of sizing, I'm 6′ 2″ and long in the legs. I had one free notch left for the foot pegs. Therefore, there's not much room left for a taller person. If you're north of 6′ 3″, then you might not have the same level of comfort that I experienced. I would also recommend a paddle length of between 230 – 240 centimeters (90 – 95 inches) for this kayak. That will give you the necessary clearance for the Targa's moderate width. 

What are the features of the Targa 100 kayak?

I took an inventory of the features off the top, but now let's dig into what actually stood out during my day-trip. The Targa 100 has some cool stuff to talk about, starting with the integrated/removable cooler. I dug this feature, and I appreciated that if you don't want/need the cooler, you can take it out and have another storage compartment (with scuppers for drainage). But…why wouldn't you want this? As far as I'm concerned, every good day on the water includes a fresh and hardy lunch. With a bit of meal prep, you're all set for whenever an idyllic picnic spot reveals itself. 

I already bragged about the seat and the foot braces when talking about comfort. But I also thought the padded deck was a nice touch for cushioning and traction. 

The only enigma, by my standard, was the removable bow-hood. This feature stands out, but to be honest, I just didn't know what to make of it. This is usually just dead space in a sit-on-top kayak, so it certainly doesn't hurt to have, but it's out of reach from the seat. Maybe it's something that an owner would come to appreciate over time. Let me know if you've come up with a good use for it across your own adventures.

Is the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 worth it? 

If you're just skimming for price, you'll find lots of kayaks out there that are under $1000 (USD). But that search window will narrow dramatically if you have an eye for quality. In my opinion, the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 gives you lots of bang for your buck. It's something that could easily be a lifetime kayak. As you progress as a paddler, you may want to invest in a higher performance model, but you will always be able to return to this boat, or put any of your friends in it, and it will be a fun and comfortable ride. 

Who is the Targa 100 Kayak for?

This model is excellent for anyone wanting a manageable-sized kayak that can be used for day trips. It just doesn't have the capacity for overnight outings. In terms of conditions, the Targa 100 is great for flatwater, and it can hold its own on Class 1 rapids. And finally, all ages, and most experience levels, will be able to enjoy this kayak.

Kids will have a blast just poking around close to shore (kayaking or paddle boarding) and adults will have all they need for a full day on the river (or at least long enough to utilize the cool cooler feature). This is a versatile boat, so it all comes down to what you want your own paddle tales to look like. 

A little note on safety before we sign off:

I wanted to give a quick mention to the American Canoe Association's (ACA) free online paddling course. I know these things are easy to bypass, but I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. Paddling is generally safe and enjoyable, but when things do go wrong, they can escalate quickly. Often, a bit of key information can make the difference between an inconvenience and a disaster. And did I mention it was free? If you're reading this blog then that means you're probably already at your computer, so go ahead and click this link to find out more. 

I hope you enjoyed this review. For more tips, shop-talk, and Paddle Tales adventures, check out PaddleTV.

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