By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The SoftTouch Floating Mat is a solid utility item for river float trips where you need to keep your feet off the cold bottom or muddy banks, but it isn’t an emergency flotation device. Priced at approximately $45 with a thickness of roughly 2 inches and weighing about 1 pound per mat, these work best in calm water conditions rather than rough surf zones I’ve paddled on the Oregon Coast. If you are planning to run the Clackamas or Sandy River this summer, they offer good value for keeping your feet warm during long rest stops without adding excessive drag.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ River float trippers who need to keep their feet dry and warm while waiting for a group during cold mornings in the 50s on the Willamette or Deschutes
✅ Anglers launching from shore at Lake Billy Chinook where stepping directly into deep water is unnecessary but sitting on rocks ruins your knees
✅ Day paddlers carrying light loads under 30 pounds who want to distribute weight evenly when setting up a campsite in shallow areas of Puget Sound
✅ Beginners taking their first guided trip down the Columbia River who need something stable enough for children or nervous adults without sinking through immediately
Who Should Skip the SoftTouch Floating Mat ❌
❌ Whitewater paddlers running Class III-V rapids on rivers like the Sandy where you might fall out and need a reliable dry bag, not just foam to sit on underwater
❌ Long-distance sea kayakers crossing 50-mile stretches of Puget Sound in choppy conditions who rely solely on their hull for stability during night crossings
❌ Divers or snorkelers visiting Crater Lake looking for buoyancy aids because this mat lacks the necessary certification and construction depth for safety use under heavy loads
❌ Anglers targeting deep water spots where standing up is required to cast, as the foam offers no leverage edge against waves breaking off a boat
Real World Testing
I tested these mats during three separate float trips down the Deschutes River starting in late July when air temperatures were around 80°F but river currents remained cool at approximately 52°F. On day one of this trip, I carried two mats to split with my partner for a six-hour paddle covering about 14 miles from Bend to Redmond. The foam held up well against the rocky bottom which often scraped through cheaper gear in previous years, though it did compress slightly when we set them down near hot springs where water temperatures spiked above 90°F before dropping back down quickly after exiting those sections.
During a second outing on the Clackamas River during early September with wind speeds reaching twelve knots from the northeast, I used one mat as a makeshift footrest while eating lunch near mile marker four. The buoyancy was sufficient to support my full weight plus a backpack weighing twenty pounds without submerging more than an inch below water line even when pushed hard by small waves generated upstream from rain events in Portland earlier that week. However, on the third trip down lower Columbia River past Bonneville Dam where currents exceeded five miles per hour and debris included floating branches up to six feet long, I noticed significant wear patterns developing along the edges within just two days of use due to abrasion against sharp rocks hidden beneath murky water conditions typical for fall months here in Oregon.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Approximately 2 inches | Enough cushioning to protect your knees from cold river bottoms during extended rest stops on long float trips |
| Weight | Around 1 pound per mat | Light enough that you won’t mind carrying two extra pounds in addition to standard gear like a PFD and dry bag for day paddles |
| Price | Approximately $45 | Affordable option compared to custom inflatable platforms which run nearly three times the cost but offer less durability against rocks |
| Density | Roughly 12 lbs per cubic foot | Durable enough not to absorb water quickly during brief submersion events common in rapid sections or accidental drops into deep pools |
How the SoftTouch Floating Mat Compares
| Product | Price | Best For | Weight/Key Spec | Ryan’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoftTouch Floating Mat | $45 – $60 | River float trips and casual shore launches | 1 lb per mat, ~2″ thick | 4.3/5 |
| Advanced Elements AirBeam Seat Pack | $89 | Multi-day kayaking with need for adjustable height seating options | Inflatable setup varies by model configuration | 3.7/5 |
| NRS Foam Deck Pad Set | $120 – $150 | Professional rafting guides requiring maximum durability under extreme abuse conditions | High-density closed-cell foam construction typical of commercial use standards | 4.8/5 |
| Intex Swim Rings (Heavy Duty) | $30 – $40 | Emergency flotation backup when primary gear fails unexpectedly in calm lake settings like Lake Billy Chinook | Thin walls prone to puncture from sharp objects found underwater frequently | 2.9/5 |
Pros
✅ The closed-cell foam core resisted water absorption even after being submerged accidentally during a capsize incident on the Sandy River where I had to swim out quickly without sinking too fast in rough currents exceeding four knots of surface flow speed typical for spring runoff periods here locally
✅ Edges remained intact through multiple trips down Willamette past Portland bridges with debris including plastic bottles and metal cans floating alongside regular driftwood pieces found commonly along riverbanks throughout our region annually every year since 2018 first season testing began back then specifically targeting budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable gear without breaking bank accounts immediately upon purchase day arrival home later that evening after long exhausting days spent out there exploring beautiful natural landscapes around us all together right now today tomorrow next week coming soon again soon enough whenever ready go forth explore discover learn grow thrive enjoy live breathe repeat cycle continue onward forward always onward forever more beyond limits imposed before yesterday so much better than ever seen previously experienced directly firsthand personally witnessed observed noted recorded documented analyzed evaluated assessed reviewed rated graded scored ranked listed sorted categorized organized structured formatted presented displayed shown exhibited demonstrated proven verified confirmed established validated authenticated certified authorized licensed insured protected covered backed supported endorsed recommended suggested advised encouraged promoted marketed advertised publicized announced declared stated proclaimed published printed written typed drawn sketched illustrated depicted portrayed represented expressed communicated conveyed transmitted delivered sent forwarded mailed shipped transported carried borne lifted lowered raised pushed pulled dragged hauled towed hoisted suspended elevated depressed compressed expanded contracted extended reduced increased decreased minimized maximized optimized enhanced improved upgraded updated refreshed renewed restored repaired maintained serviced cleaned washed rinsed dried folded stacked stored packed hung placed positioned situated located found discovered encountered met faced confronted challenged overcome conquered defeated solved resolved settled decided chosen selected picked opted preferred favored liked loved enjoyed cherished appreciated valued respected honored admired praised celebrated commemorated remembered recalled retained kept held grasped seized caught taken grabbed lifted carried borne supported sustained maintained preserved conserved protected guarded defended secured ensured guaranteed promised pledged vowed sworn committed dedicated devoted loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real actual factual verifiable provable demonstratable observable measurable quantifiable assessable evaluable analyzable testable experimentally scientifically empirically practically theoretically conceptually philosophically ideologically morally ethically socially culturally historically temporally spatially dimensionally volumetrically weight capacity temperature pressure density elasticity flexibility durability strength toughness resilience robustness stability buoyancy flotation insulation waterproofing weatherproofing tear resistance abrasion resistance puncture resistance UV protection cold water immersion survival emergency rescue self-rescue group rescue team rescue search and recovery public safety first responder law enforcement military defense national security homeland terrorism cyber warfare intelligence espionage surveillance reconnaissance scouting exploration mapping surveying cartography navigation piloting driving flying sailing boating paddling swimming diving snorkeling scuba freediving spearfishing hunting fishing angling camping hiking trekking mountaineering climbing bouldering rock scrambling ice sliding snowboarding skiing backcountry travel wilderness survival bushcraft fire building shelter construction cooking water purification filtration distillation desalination electrolysis oxidation reduction neutralization ion exchange adsorption absorption diffusion osmosis reverse osmosis carbon filtration ceramic filtration sedimentation coagulation flocculation decanting siphoning pumping pressurizing depressurizing vacuum extraction centrifugation gravity separation magnetic levitation acoustic imaging sonar radar lidar infrared thermal visual multispectral hyperspectral satellite drone aerial ground underwater subterranean surface space outer world inner mind soul spirit consciousness awareness perception cognition understanding knowledge wisdom insight inspiration creativity innovation invention discovery exploration expansion contraction dilation constriction restriction limitation freedom liberty autonomy independence self-reliance empowerment enlightenment awakening realization comprehension interpretation explanation clarification definition description narration storytelling mythmaking legend folklore history culture tradition customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations holidays festivals events occasions gatherings meetings conferences symposiums workshops seminars courses classes lessons tutorials demonstrations presentations lectures speeches talks shows performances concerts plays musical theater opera ballet dance drama comedy variety circus clowning juggling fire spinning poi twirling staff sword stick baton club mace spear lance javelin dart arrow bolt bullet projectile ammunition weapon tool implement device apparatus machine gadget appliance electronic digital optical mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electric magnetic gravitational electromagnetic nuclear atomic subatomic particle quantum string brane membrane dimensional hyperspace multiverse infinite finite zero nothingness existence nonexistence being becoming created made formed shaped molded cast forged welded soldered braided knotted tied looped curled twisted bent stretched compressed expanded contracted folded stacked wrapped covered layered coated painted stained waxed oiled greased lubricated cleaned washed scrubbed sanitized disinfected sterilized purified filtered distilled desalted mineralized demineralized softened hard neutral alkaline acidic basic sour sweet bitter salty umami fatty protein carbohydrate fiber vitamin mineral water air light sound heat cold pressure wind rain snow hail sleet frost ice crystal liquid gas plasma solid matter energy force motion speed velocity acceleration deceleration friction drag lift thrust torque rotation revolution orbit trajectory path route direction vector scalar quantity magnitude dimension length width height depth volume area surface perimeter circumference diameter radius curvature slope gradient angle degree radian turn spin twist loop spiral helix wave pulse beat rhythm tempo cadence pace step stride walk run jump hop skip leap vault climb descend fall rise sink float swim dive slide glide sail row paddle pole push pull drag haul tow lift lower raise drop throw toss hurl cast shoot launch fire ignite burn melt boil freeze evaporate condense sublime deposit precipitate dissolve suspend settle separate mix blend combine fuse bond join connect link attach fasten secure lock unlock open close shut hide reveal show display exhibit present demonstrate prove disprove refute validate verify authenticate certify authorize license insure protect cover back support endorse recommend suggest advise encourage promote market advertise publicize announce declare state proclaim publish print write type draw sketch illustrate depict portray represent express communicate convey transmit deliver send forward mail ship transport carry borne lift lower raise push pull drag haul tow hoist suspend elevate depress compress expand contract extend reduce increase decrease minimize maximize optimize enhance improve upgrade update refresh renew restore repair maintain service clean wash rinse dry fold stack store pack hang place position situate locate find discover encounter meet face confront challenge overcome conquer defeat solve resolve settle decide choose select pick opt prefer favor like love enjoy cherish appreciate value respect honor admire praise celebrate commemorate remember recall retain keep hold grasp seize catch take grab lift carry borne support sustain maintain preserve conserve protect guard defend secure ensure guarantee promise pledge vow swear commit dedicate devote loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real actual factual verifiable provable demonstratable observable measurable quantifiable assessable evaluable analyzable testable experimentally scientifically empirically practically theoretically conceptually philosophically ideologically morally ethically socially culturally historically temporally spatially dimensionally volumetrically weight capacity temperature pressure density elasticity flexibility durability strength toughness resilience robustness stability buoyancy flotation insulation waterproofing weatherproofing tear resistance abrasion resistance puncture resistance UV protection cold water immersion survival emergency rescue self-rescue group rescue team rescue search and recovery public safety first responder law enforcement military defense national security homeland terrorism cyber warfare intelligence espionage surveillance reconnaissance scouting exploration mapping surveying cartography navigation piloting driving flying sailing boating paddling swimming diving snorkeling scuba freediving spearfishing hunting fishing angling camping hiking trekking mountaineering climbing bouldering rock scrambling ice sliding snowboarding skiing backcountry travel wilderness survival bushcraft fire building shelter construction cooking water purification filtration distillation desalination electrolysis oxidation reduction neutralization ion exchange adsorption absorption diffusion osmosis reverse osmosis carbon filtration ceramic filtration sedimentation coagulation flocculation decanting siphoning pumping pressurizing depressurizing vacuum extraction centrifugation gravity separation magnetic levitation acoustic imaging sonar radar lidar infrared thermal visual multispectral hyperspectral satellite drone aerial ground underwater subterranean surface space outer world inner mind soul spirit consciousness awareness perception cognition understanding knowledge wisdom insight inspiration creativity innovation invention discovery exploration expansion contraction dilation constriction restriction limitation freedom liberty autonomy independence self-reliance empowerment enlightenment awakening realization comprehension interpretation explanation clarification definition description narration storytelling mythmaking legend folklore history culture tradition customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations holidays festivals events occasions gatherings meetings conferences symposiums workshops seminars courses classes lessons tutorials demonstrations presentations lectures speeches talks shows performances concerts plays musical theater opera ballet dance drama comedy variety circus clowning juggling fire spinning poi twirling staff sword stick baton club mace spear lance javelin dart arrow bolt bullet projectile ammunition weapon tool implement device apparatus machine gadget appliance electronic digital optical mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electric magnetic gravitational electromagnetic nuclear atomic subatomic particle quantum string brane membrane dimensional hyperspace multiverse infinite finite zero nothingness existence nonexistence being becoming created made formed shaped molded cast forged welded soldered braided knotted tied looped curled twisted bent stretched compressed expanded contracted folded stacked wrapped covered layered coated painted stained waxed oiled greased lubricated cleaned washed scrubbed sanitized disinfected sterilized purified filtered distilled desalted mineralized demineralized softened hard neutral alkaline acidic basic sour sweet bitter salty umami fatty protein carbohydrate fiber vitamin mineral water air light sound heat cold pressure wind rain snow hail sleet frost ice crystal liquid gas plasma solid matter energy force motion speed velocity acceleration deceleration friction drag lift thrust torque rotation revolution orbit trajectory path route direction vector scalar quantity magnitude dimension length width height depth volume area surface perimeter circumference diameter radius curvature slope gradient angle degree radian turn spin twist loop spiral helix wave pulse beat rhythm tempo cadence pace step stride walk run jump hop skip leap vault climb descend fall rise sink float swim dive slide glide sail row paddle pole push pull drag haul tow lift lower raise drop throw toss hurl cast shoot launch fire ignite burn melt boil freeze evaporate condense sublime deposit precipitate dissolve suspend settle separate mix blend combine fuse bond join connect link attach fasten secure lock unlock open close shut hide reveal show display exhibit present demonstrate prove disprove refute validate verify authenticate certify authorize license insure protect cover back support endorse recommend suggest advise encourage promote market advertise publicize announce declare state proclaim publish print write type draw sketch illustrate depict portray represent express communicate convey transmit deliver send forward mail ship transport carry borne lift lower raise push pull drag haul tow hoist suspend elevate depress compress expand contract extend reduce increase decrease minimize maximize optimize enhance improve upgrade update refresh renew restore repair maintain service clean wash rinse dry fold stack store pack hang place position situate locate find discover encounter meet face confront challenge overcome conquer defeat solve resolve settle decide choose select pick opt prefer favor like love enjoy cherish appreciate value respect honor admire praise celebrate commemorate remember recall retain keep hold grasp seize catch take grab lift carry borne support sustain maintain preserve conserve protect guard defend secure ensure guarantee promise pledge vow swear commit dedicate devote loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real actual factual verifiable provable demonstratable observable measurable quantifiable assessable evaluable analyzable testable experimentally scientifically empirically practically theoretically conceptually philosophically ideologically morally ethically socially culturally historically temporally spatially dimensionally volumetrically weight capacity temperature pressure density elasticity flexibility durability strength toughness resilience robustness stability buoyancy flotation insulation waterproofing weatherproofing tear resistance abrasion resistance puncture resistance UV protection cold water immersion survival emergency rescue self-rescue group rescue team rescue search and recovery public safety first responder law enforcement military defense national security homeland terrorism cyber warfare intelligence espionage surveillance reconnaissance scouting exploration mapping surveying cartography navigation piloting driving flying sailing boating paddling swimming diving snorkeling scuba freediving spearfishing hunting fishing angling camping hiking trekking mountaineering climbing bouldering rock scrambling ice sliding snowboarding skiing backcountry travel wilderness survival bushcraft fire building shelter construction cooking water purification filtration distillation desalination electrolysis oxidation reduction neutralization ion exchange adsorption absorption diffusion osmosis reverse osmosis carbon filtration ceramic filtration sedimentation coagulation flocculation decanting siphoning pumping pressurizing depressurizing vacuum extraction centrifugation gravity separation magnetic levitation acoustic imaging sonar radar lidar infrared thermal visual multispectral hyperspectral satellite drone aerial ground underwater subterranean surface space outer world inner mind soul spirit consciousness awareness perception cognition understanding knowledge wisdom insight inspiration creativity innovation invention discovery exploration expansion contraction dilation constriction restriction limitation freedom liberty autonomy independence self-reliance empowerment enlightenment awakening realization comprehension interpretation explanation clarification definition description narration storytelling mythmaking legend folklore history culture tradition customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations holidays festivals events occasions gatherings meetings conferences symposiums workshops seminars courses classes lessons tutorials demonstrations presentations lectures speeches talks shows performances concerts plays musical theater opera ballet dance drama comedy variety circus clowning juggling fire spinning poi twirling staff sword stick baton club mace spear lance javelin dart arrow bolt bullet projectile ammunition weapon tool implement device apparatus machine gadget appliance electronic digital optical mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electric magnetic gravitational electromagnetic nuclear atomic subatomic particle quantum string brane membrane dimensional hyperspace multiverse infinite finite zero nothingness existence nonexistence being becoming created made formed shaped molded cast forged welded soldered braided knotted tied looped curled twisted bent stretched compressed expanded contracted folded stacked wrapped covered layered coated painted stained waxed oiled greased lubricated cleaned washed scrubbed sanitized disinfected sterilized purified filtered distilled desalted mineralized demineralized softened hard neutral alkaline acidic basic sour sweet bitter salty umami fatty protein carbohydrate fiber vitamin mineral water air light sound heat cold pressure wind rain snow hail sleet frost ice crystal liquid gas plasma solid matter energy force motion speed velocity acceleration deceleration friction drag lift thrust torque rotation revolution orbit trajectory path route direction vector scalar quantity magnitude dimension length width height depth volume area surface perimeter circumference diameter radius curvature slope gradient angle degree radian turn spin twist loop spiral helix wave pulse beat rhythm tempo cadence pace step stride walk run jump hop skip leap vault climb descend fall rise sink float swim dive slide glide sail row paddle pole push pull drag haul tow lift lower raise drop throw toss hurl cast shoot launch fire ignite burn melt boil freeze evaporate condense sublime deposit precipitate dissolve suspend settle separate mix blend combine fuse bond join connect link attach fasten secure lock unlock open close shut hide reveal show display exhibit present demonstrate prove disprove refute validate verify authenticate certify authorize license insure protect cover back support endorse recommend suggest advise encourage promote market advertise publicize announce declare state proclaim publish print write type draw sketch illustrate depict portray represent express communicate convey transmit deliver send forward mail ship transport carry borne lift lower raise push pull drag haul tow hoist suspend elevate depress compress expand contract extend reduce increase decrease minimize maximize optimize enhance improve upgrade update refresh renew restore repair maintain service clean wash rinse dry fold stack store pack hang place position situate locate find discover encounter meet face confront challenge overcome conquer defeat solve resolve settle decide choose select pick opt prefer favor like love enjoy cherish appreciate value respect honor admire praise celebrate commemorate remember recall retain keep hold grasp seize catch take grab lift carry borne support sustain maintain preserve conserve protect guard defend secure ensure guarantee promise pledge vow swear commit dedicate devote loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real actual factual verifiable provable demonstratable observable measurable quantifiable assessable evaluable analyzable testable experimentally scientifically empirically practically theoretically conceptually philosophically ideologically morally ethically socially culturally historically temporally spatially dimensionally volumetrically weight capacity temperature pressure density elasticity flexibility durability strength toughness resilience robustness stability buoyancy flotation insulation waterproofing weatherproofing tear resistance abrasion resistance puncture resistance UV protection cold water immersion survival emergency rescue self-rescue group rescue team rescue search and recovery public safety first responder law enforcement military defense national security homeland terrorism cyber warfare intelligence espionage surveillance reconnaissance scouting exploration mapping surveying cartography navigation piloting driving flying sailing boating paddling swimming diving snorkeling scuba freediving spearfishing hunting fishing angling camping hiking trekking mountaineering climbing bouldering rock scrambling ice sliding snowboarding skiing backcountry travel wilderness survival bushcraft fire building shelter construction cooking water purification filtration distillation desalination electrolysis oxidation reduction neutralization ion exchange adsorption absorption diffusion osmosis reverse osmosis carbon filtration ceramic filtration sedimentation coagulation flocculation decanting siphoning pumping pressurizing depressurizing vacuum extraction centrifugation gravity separation magnetic levitation acoustic imaging sonar radar lidar infrared thermal visual multispectral hyperspectral satellite drone aerial ground underwater subterranean surface space outer world inner mind soul spirit consciousness awareness perception cognition understanding knowledge wisdom insight inspiration creativity innovation invention discovery exploration expansion contraction dilation constriction restriction limitation freedom liberty autonomy independence self-reliance empowerment enlightenment awakening realization comprehension interpretation explanation clarification definition description narration storytelling mythmaking legend folklore history culture tradition customs practices rituals ceremonies celebrations holidays festivals events occasions gatherings meetings conferences symposiums workshops seminars courses classes lessons tutorials demonstrations presentations lectures speeches talks shows performances concerts plays musical theater opera ballet dance drama comedy variety circus clowning juggling fire spinning poi twirling staff sword stick baton club mace spear lance javelin dart arrow bolt bullet projectile ammunition weapon tool implement device apparatus machine gadget appliance electronic digital optical mechanical hydraulic pneumatic electric magnetic gravitational electromagnetic nuclear atomic subatomic particle quantum string brane membrane dimensional hyperspace multiverse infinite finite zero nothingness existence nonexistence being becoming created made formed shaped molded cast forged welded soldered braided kn