So, how do I fill this downtime waiting for the fires to end....dreaming of the ultimate gear, of course! I like my Prism, but it's not ultralight, probably 34# or so, in that range. So, where would I look if I were going to replace it?

What are folks favorite solos? My priorities would be light and relatively stable with enough carrying capacity to fit 2 packs and a dog, I like to stay out awhile when I can. Able to handle some waves, but I'm not getting stronger as I get older and I am getting more cautious, so I tend to sit out big waves.

I am enjoying my new-to-me Wenonah Wilderness in T-Formex, especially on rivers. It is a bit heavy but it’s durability in down river use makes up for the extra weight. It has more rocker than my previous solo, a plus on rivers.

I love my new to me Swift Prospector 14 Pack. 29 pounds. Fellow I bought it from sold it to buy the carbon version at around 26pounds iirc. Very stable and gear fits easily.

If you're looking for very light and can handle a BW trip then you might want to look into a Savage River Blackwater. They can be in the low 20 lbs range depending on layup. I have never paddled one, but others who have comment on there decent stability. PaK boats can be very light but you have to want to sit on the floor and use a double blade and you have to keep an eye on the capacity. But if a Pakboat gets you're attention. A Northstar ADK is 18 lbs in the Starlite layup

2 packs and a dog staying out for awhile creates some limits. You like your Prism and it is a good size for your needs. You are not going to get a much smaller boat so will not save weight that way. The only way to go is ultralight construction. A carbon fiber Prism is 29#, saves you 5# for a huge cash lay out. A Northstar Magic would be nice at 27#. A little different feel than the Prism. I look at the Prism as being the station wagon of solo canoes. The Magic is a bit sportier. If you and your dog are small and lightweight you might fit in a Northstar Trillium. Swift offers carbon models as well, the Keewaydin 15 and Cruiser 15-8 are about your size coming in the 27# range. Again the expense is huge.

You could probably cut more weight in your outfit than your canoe. Tent and stove replacement cut 4# off my outfit weight recently and there is more there to focus on weight-wise.

Lot's of smaller solos available. One not often mentioned is the Wenonah Vagabond. 14.6 ft. long, 29 inch waterline 28 inside gunnels, the UltraLight Kevlar version my friend loaned me weighed 29 pounds on my scale (the same scale put my UL Advantage with all wood trim at 34 pounds). Tidy little fun canoe!
The 6 pound savings seem small but the drop of 2 feet in length makes carrying a delight.

butthead

Do you like the more stable platform then it sounds? I was thinking UL advantage or Magic type thing but you're spending a lot for a few pounds in savings and not quite as "stable" feeling. (but faster)

If you're not looking for speed/efficiency....then yeah agreed w/ others in that you're spending a lot to gain not a ton unless you're going to a Blackwater or something

Northwind Solo is your best option. 15.5', VERY stable (big water, fishing, paddling with a dog), room for a dog in the bow or stern (My 50lbs Aussie mix has plenty of room to comfortably turn around), and very maneuverable. I am not sure how large your packs are, it might be a tight fit with two unless one is a smaller daypack, then you should be fine.

It might be worth it to figure out exactly how much weight you will have in it (You, Dog, Two packs) because you are likely approaching the upper limit on most solo canoes. The NW Solo has an ideal load range of 170-340 which is more than most...

I might be biased as I own one but for longer trips with a dog a Swift Prospector 14 no question. Stable but still fast and efficient considering how much gear you can carry. I trip with a 60# lab and have no issues in waves or wind especially when using a double blade. If you get the carbon tech package you can get the weight down to sub #30. It's nice also because it's available in standard seat or pack style though I feel as if the pack seat is a bit heavier after carrying both. Just a great all around boat. Here is a review I did of mine.
Swift Prospector 14

I've been thinking about the Northwind....lighter than my current setup and not impossible to afford, esp. used if I can find one. The Blackwater.....wow. Love it, but almost twice the cost. Still, what a beautiful canoe.

I've already gone about as light as I can on a tent that fits a dog- 3#. My stove is this little folding HEYPORK thing, 11oz. When there is plenty of moisture and fire is an option, I use a solo twig stove instead, so no fuel to carry. Sleeping bag is big agnes torchlight, 3#. Pad is 28oz for sea to summit comfort plus, but the extra weight there is worth it to me. Not sure where else to cut weight- ursacks instead of vault? Primary pack is Ostrom Winisk, holds a big load and is comfortable to carry, fits well behind my seat. The second pack is pretty small, it's my osprey atmos 50L. It's tall but skinny, fits in the front of the prism with room to spare.

I think ALL of the boats recommended are excellent choices and the best one depends on your personal preferences as well as your total load and size of your dog. What else have you paddled and what were your impressions?

justpaddlin: "I think ALL of the boats recommended are excellent choices and the best one depends on your personal preferences as well as your total load and size of your dog. What else have you paddled and what were your impressions? "

The prism is the only solo I've paddled. I have a Souris River Quetico that my son and I use, and I love it. So stable. A big pain on twisty things like Hog Creek though! I've paddled the Champlain, which was ok. I also have an old alumacraft tandem that was pretty bombproof, but horrible to portage.

The dog...she is 35#. The packs are as described above, an Ostrom canoe pack and an Osprey backpack.

You have a fine outfit. I think the Northwind solo would be a fine boat for you. Hope you can find a used one.

If I ever have to replace my old MR Indy the Northwind Solo would be my choice.

I'll toss another out for ya DG. A Northstar Phoenix another 14.6 solo. Very close to the Vagabond I mentioned and paddled one on Seagull for about an hour and a half. Light maneuverable fun canoe that should fit very well. Look it up and check out the photos, a rogues gallery of local paddlers!

butthead

dogwoodgirl: "So, how do I fill this downtime waiting for the fires to end....dreaming of the ultimate gear, of course! I like my Prism, but it's not ultralight, probably 34# or so, in that range. So, where would I look if I were going to replace it?

What are folks favorite solos? My priorities would be light and relatively stable with enough carrying capacity to fit 2 packs and a dog, I like to stay out awhile when I can. Able to handle some waves, but I'm not getting stronger as I get older and I am getting more cautious, so I tend to sit out big waves."

Placid Boatworks Rapidfire in Carbon is 15', and 22#'s.

I almost bought this boat sight unseen, and untried. Not sure how big your second pack is, but this is a beautiful boat.

I just ordered a Swift Prospector 14 Pack in Kevlar Fusion Carbon Innegra H-Weave - should weigh in at 31.5#'s. Fantastically stable, and glides well enough.

This is pretty much my boat...
Swift Prospector 14 Pack

The Carbon fusion layup of the Prospector starts at 29 lbs. The Kevlar fusion layup starts at 31 lbs.

Two-Tone paint adds 2-3 lbs.
Skid plates adds 1.5 lbs.
Carbon handles and Thwarts removes 1-2 lbs.
Certain carbon layup colors/textures can add up to 3-4 lbs.
The Carbon Yoke adds 1.5 lbs.
The Cherry wood yoke adds 2.5 lbs.

I kept my boat pretty simple - added the Carbon Thwarts and Handles to reduce weight. Skipped the two tone paint, added the skid plates to keep it as close to 31 lbs as possible.

I fully admit, I hawked Dan Schultz YT videos when trying to figure out the specs before I placed my order. ...then saw the Avid Outdoorsy Guy video where Dan carried Ethan's boat, that apparently weighed in at a good 40+ lbs. YIKES! Made me real cognizant of what I wanted and didn't want before placing my order with Rutabaga.

I don't plan on running rapids, so opted to skip the Expedition Kevlar, but almost went for the Carbon Fusion. ...then thought about the boulders and rocky landings in nearly every lake in the BWCA. So went for something just a touch more robust.

But remember... I'm a newb... ;)

I paddle the Northwind Solo's "little sister", the Trillium, and the canoe is like part of my soul now. It challenges me to become a better paddler every time I use it. It is stable in wind and waves, responsive, and fast. I don't think it's a great choice for serious fishing trips or dogs over 40 pounds. My canoe weighs 24.5#, then add a couple more pounds with the yoke, spare paddle and stowed fishing pole.

I respectfully disagree about lightening your kit and being content with a heavier boat. I paddle my canoe a lot, and what works best for me is a lighter kit, a lighter body, AND a lighter canoe. :)

If you're in Cook County, pm me and you can take it for a paddle.

Loaded for a ten day trip, with a SRQ16 on the left, so that gives you a visual of the difference of what you currently have, and what a solo option would be.


Here is a friend giving it a first-go.

I just wanted to just point the Swift pack seat is not on the bottom like Placid Boat Works and Hornbeck among others. It is 5 or so I chest raised, very comfortable "gel", but easily allows paddling with a single blade paddle, and sitting with my knees bent.

dreaded double post

jillpine: "

If you're in Cook County, pm me and you can take it for a paddle.

Loaded for a ten day trip, with a SRQ16 on the left, so that gives you a visual of the difference of what you currently have, and what a solo option would be.


"

I will do that jillpine- I am in Duluth but could come up easily.

dogwoodgirl: "

jillpine: "


If you're in Cook County, pm me and you can take it for a paddle.


Loaded for a ten day trip, with a SRQ16 on the left, so that gives you a visual of the difference of what you currently have, and what a solo option would be.



"

I will do that jillpine- I am in Duluth but could come up easily."

Perfect, I'll wait to hear from you!

I just ordered a Swift Prospector 14 Pack in Kevlar Fusion Carbon Innegra H-Weave - should weigh in at 31.5#'s. Fantastically stable, and glides well enough.

I fully admit, I hawked Dan Schultz YT videos when trying to figure out the specs before I placed my order. ...then saw the Avid Outdoorsy Guy video where Dan carried Ethan's boat, that apparently weighed in at a good 40+ lbs. YIKES! Made me real cognizant of what I wanted and didn't want before placing my order with Rutabaga.


I don't plan on running rapids, so opted to skip the Expedition Kevlar, but almost went for the Carbon Fusion. ...then thought about the boulders and rocky landings in nearly every lake in the BWCA. So went for something just a touch more robust.

But remember... I'm a newb... ;)"

Congrats on the purchase! You will absolutely love that boat. Now to be fair I don't know exactly how much more Ethan's boat weighed but it was NOTICEABLY heavier than mine to the point where I thought he got expedition kevlar by mistake. I don't know if it was the pack seat or 2 tone color. I'd be curious to what your boat weighs when you get it. As long as your willing to load and unload your boat in the water it will hold up just fine. Maybe some day we'll meet up in the bdub and can be twinsies. I'll look for the boat that looks just like mine!

Glad to hear that you'll try a Trillium. I have a friend with one and I've spent some time in it and I think it's a special boat that is extremely effortless to paddle and broadly capable for it's size...and more playful than the other boats mentioned. It's not very roomy but my friend has had 300+ pounds in his with no problems.

Personally I like the Keewaydin 15 more than the NW Solo but I'm fussy. If you want to visit St Joseph Michigan I have several of the boats mentioned that you would be welcome to try. Just FYI Carl's Paddlin in Lone Rock WI has an amazing inventory of Northstar boats.

dschult2: "

I just ordered a Swift Prospector 14 Pack in Kevlar Fusion Carbon Innegra H-Weave - should weigh in at 31.5#'s. Fantastically stable, and glides well enough.


I fully admit, I hawked Dan Schultz YT videos when trying to figure out the specs before I placed my order. ...then saw the Avid Outdoorsy Guy video where Dan carried Ethan's boat, that apparently weighed in at a good 40+ lbs. YIKES! Made me real cognizant of what I wanted and didn't want before placing my order with Rutabaga.



I don't plan on running rapids, so opted to skip the Expedition Kevlar, but almost went for the Carbon Fusion. ...then thought about the boulders and rocky landings in nearly every lake in the BWCA. So went for something just a touch more robust.


But remember... I'm a newb... ;)"

Congrats on the purchase! You will absolutely love that boat. Now to be fair I don't know exactly how much more Ethan's boat weighed but it was NOTICEABLY heavier than mine to the point where I thought he got expedition kevlar by mistake. I don't know if it was the pack seat or 2 tone color. I'd be curious to what your boat weighs when you get it. As long as your willing to load and unload your boat in the water it will hold up just fine. Maybe some day we'll meet up in the bdub and can be twinsies. I'll look for the boat that looks just like mine!
"

I'm in SE Wisconsin. Plan on spending a LOT of time fishing in Northern WI and the UP, with a week or two in the BW.

To answer a comment from above regarding the Swift Pack boat seat height. No, it's not on the bottom. For that, I'm thankful, as the hull is deeper and I don't want a wet butt while paddling/fishing. When I test paddled both Swift Prospector 14 boat options, the Pack seat was noticeably lower than the Prospector 14's web seat/bench in the 'normal' position. I much preferred the Pack seat than the elevated potion of the web seat. I know it's not for everyone, just noting it was fantastic for me.

Swift does offer different height seats, and typically places the lower seats in the smaller boats with a shallower hull, and the slightly higher seats in the larger/wider boats with a deeper hull. Makes sense. If you prefer a lower seat height, ask if you can order your boat with a lower pack seat.

The Placid seems to be a nice medium between Swift and Hornbeck. With the Hornbeck, you're sitting on a thick foam slab on the bottom of the hull. Not sure if you have your choice of foam pad seat height/thickness to choose from. But, with Placid, there are three seat height options in all boats (and they're stackable) - though Joe stated there wasn't a significant seat heigh difference between the three. Maybe 2 inches at the most? Is that 3" to 5" or so off the bottom of the hull? Any of them should keep your bum dry.

If I had the Money ? I'd look hard at a Magic !

I love my Bell Wildfire! It weighs about same as your current canoe, however. I have tripped with a large dog, 2 packs. It has good secondary stability. It is a versatile boat - so not an A+ at anything, but OK at everything -- I've done flatwater, trips, and whitewater. It has some rocker. So, it won't track great, that's a trade off, but you can have some fun in rivers. With the tumblehome it lacks primary stability, bug again, good 2nd stability. One consideration, the seat is low and canted, so your legs tuck under, and while your butt is on the seat, you are also on your knees. This has gotten trickier as I age. If I were to pick a good solo tripper, it'd be the Bell Magic.

1JimD: " If I had the Money ? I'd look hard at a Magic !"

I have a Magic in Blacklite with aluminum gunwhales. Paddles like a dream and although the official weight is 30 lbs, I checked mine out on my scale and it comes in at an amazing 23 1/2 lbs. I've taken it so far on 2 BW solo trips, one 5 days, the other 6. The gear stores great in front and back.

Bell Magic! 100's of miles on her so far.

Blackwater X, customized by John Diller to accommodate a dog too long for my Advantage. The front thwart is moved forward some 5", the seat moved back an inch or two, the gunwale width stretched about an inch in front of the seat, an extra layer of kevlar on the bottom for stiffness and rock defense. Light, fast and seaworthy.

Kiporby: "Bell Magic! 100's of miles on her so far.


"

Is this the same as Northstar Magic?

Banksiana: "Blackwater X, customized by John Diller to accommodate a dog too long for my Advantage. The front thwart is moved forward some 5", the seat moved back an inch or two, the gunwale width stretched about an inch in front of the seat, an extra layer of kevlar on the bottom for stiffness and rock defense. Light, fast and seaworthy. "

Damn....that is one gorgeous canoe! Weight?

I have not weighed it but I'm 90% certain it is under 25#.

If you find yourself near Ely you and your dog are welcome to take it or my much abused Advantage for a spin.

The Northstar Northwind solo is a wider take on the Magic. A little bit slower, a touch more difficult of a paddling station, more capacity and stability. The Magic is a brilliant design. Light, responsive, efficient and surprisingly capable in difficult conditions. One of the best solo designs ever for canoe country paddling.

Banksiana: "Blackwater X, customized by John Diller to accommodate a dog too long for my Advantage. The front thwart is moved forward some 5", the seat moved back an inch or two, the gunwale width stretched about an inch in front of the seat, an extra layer of kevlar on the bottom for stiffness and rock defense. Light, fast and seaworthy. "

Very, very pretty boat, especially with that woven look layup.

I have been tinkering with my Blackwater today. Just weighed it: a hair under 24# with a newly-installed back-band. Different layup than yours, however.

I moved my front thwart back about 5" to help give the dog more room, and like yours it's an inch wider than stock.

I will probably eventually sell either the Blackwater or the Magic as they really fill a similar niche. The one thing in the Magic's favor: Aluminum gunwales - I would not trust the carbon gunwales/inwales when taking a float plane.

Banksiana, beautiful canoe! It would be fun to paddle the Blackwater and Trillium side-by-side. Everything you say about Blackwater is how I feel about the Trillium. I think it was Dan Cooke who once mused that the Trillium would perhaps have a different perception if it wasn't named after a delicate flower and referred to as the NW Solo's "little sister".

I don't know Dogwood Girl's specs, but I do know that it was helpful for me to get advice from folks in my size range. I agree with everything said about the Magic and the Solo but at 16ft and 15.6ft respectively, they are longer than what I want or can handle in rougher water.

And, of course, it will depend on intended load. If Dogwood Girl is bringing two packs and a 40 pound dog, and fishing, that will influence the decision as well.

It's fun to see so many solos and so much passion for each boat.

Good points Jillpine. Size of the paddler is an important factor. I think the Trillium is more a "Magic for smaller paddlers" than a little Northwind. It shares that wonderful responsiveness to the paddle and the paddler's center that I love about the Magic. Bigger hulls are often less efficient for smaller paddlers, it just takes too much effort to get the thing going- best to find a boat that fits you and your style of paddling (has to fit your dog too).

I think the Prism is a big solo- a lot of boat to be pushed by the wind. Stable, seaworthy and pretty quick but felt like too much boat for my taste [acknowledging that my taste is both particular and inevitably flawed].

Is this the same as Northstar Magic?"

Can't really go wrong with a Magic. The Bell and Northstar are the same boat with minor differences in lay-up/construction.

I'm very enamored of my Trillium, this is after paddling a Magic for a year before purchasing it. I bonded very quickly with the Trillium; my experience echoes the thoughts of the folks who have mentioned it here already; all excellent insights.
I haven't done any tripping in mine, just day trips so far. It's in Blacklite, with wood trim, and while 5 lbs. heavier than the Magic I find it easier to handle, both on and off the water, which I attribute to the length.
I find it quite a different boat than the Magic: the Trillium has noticeably better secondary and, importantly, final stability, and is much more nimble and maneuverable.

I haven't paddled a Prism, but looking at them what I see is the Magic would be comparable to your Prism; long and lean. Lots of tumblehome, not much rocker (at all). Great for straight ahead touring, a little slow maneuvering otherwise. Depends on your preferences, but for me the Trillium is much more versatile, and I don't sense any loss of speed.

Glad to see you quit wishing for a Blackwater Banksiana and pulled the trigger. Looks like a beauty. I love the looks of the Textreme carbon. Evidently everyone else does too, as I get more compliments on that solo than my others, and it's seen a lot of miles. Yours has more options ($$) than mine. I was planning to do the border route in it again but we know what happened to those plans.

If you're looking for a cheap way to personalize the looks and make it look "snazzier", I always buy auto pin striping tape for my carbon boats. I put gold on the Wenonahs and used red and white strips on either side of the SR logo on the Blackwater. My Mad River solos used to have these strips from the factory and it really dressed them up.

I paddled a lot of solos before purchasing a Magic. Love it! It truly is "magic."

ok, the nice folks at Rockwood let me take the Magic and the Northstar out for a paddle today. Boy do I like the Magic! I think that might be the canoe for me.......I mean, the blackwater looks amazing, but that might be outta my price range. A used Magic though, I could swing that I think.

Savage River D3 and Grb classic xl