Our group is only going to be 3 people this year (2 guys and 1 girl).

We can't decide whether to take one larger Kevlar canoe or take two canoes (1 solo).

We are traveling in about 5 portages, will day-trip, and then back the way we came in.

We do not pack very heavy - no coolers, chairs, etc.

I know there are advantages and disadvantages to both, but I'd like to hear some compelling advice for or against either.

Thanks in advance!

I think it depends first is someone in your group has solo canoeing experience. Next considerations would be speed of travel as the solo paddler unless using a kayak paddle would have trouble keeping up if you are planning on moving at a good clip. My next thought would be what you plan to do around camp. Do you have 2 people that want to go out fishing while the other paddles the solo else where or do you plan to stick together tightly. I would recommend looking at the wenonah Minnesota III if all three are in one canoe. I am not sure if many people have them for rent,possibly Piragis, but a Bell RobRoy would be an alternative to a solo canoe.

last year we had an odd number in our group so I rented a solo canoe. I had never canoed solo before and it was a new experience for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed the freedom and flexibility that went with having my own canoe. I usually had to take my time because the other two canoes could not keep up with me. Portaging was a little more difficult because I hate to double portage. My pack ran about 70 lbs and I always carried that and the canoe at the same time. That was hard, but I feel that it was worth it.

I agree with Adam. I would only do this if someone in your group has solo experience. I enjoy the flexibility a solo would give you, but if no one has experience it would be best to take one 3 person canoe.

I know Voyagers North (Lynn on the board) rents MN III. I also know they rent SR Wilderness 18 with three seats also.

I should add to my above statement. It did take quite a while to get used to the solo canoe for me. I messed up several times and even flipped the canoe over going down a river. I enjoyed the additional challenge (and even the dunking), but it is not for everyone.

If you want to go with a solo go rent one for a day outing someplace and fill it with gear. Many solo's are more stable the further into the water they are so they paddle different empty than with a load. A Wenonah Prism is a standard outfitter solo that is good for tripping and not hard to get used to. It tracks very straight but can be difficult to turn on winding rivers.