mastertangler wrote on Mar 11^th, 2010 at 12:53pm:

So far I have I have resisted the temptation to bring re-arming cartridges. I can envision a lifetime of paddling in the "Q" and being careful enough not to require a re-arming kit. Worst case scenario is I paddle with it inflated and re-arm when I get home. If I were to paddle moving water or some where other than the "Q" where a spill might be more likely (In spite of paddling my share of snotty stuff I am a cautious paddler) I would certainly gravitate to some other method.

Whatever floats your boat (or yourself, in this case), I guess.  

I can also envision a lifetime of paddling in the Q and never needing a re-arming kit.  However, I can also envision needing one.  Which scenario is more likely?  I hope you don't find out the hard way.  Being a solo canoeist, your margin for error is slimmer than for tandem paddlers or those who travel in groups.

Part of risk assessment for me is what are the consequences of failure?  In this case, death is a very real possibility.  For me, that means a regular PFD, not a self-inflating model.  As a dad and husband, I take death pretty seriously not just for myself, but also for the effect on my family.  But again, that's just me.