I was looking for a boat that I would fit in (just turned 15, and am 5'7"ish) now and wouldn't outgrow, as well as one that was solid. I will gladly take the 8 extra pounds over another boat to have the plastic pillars, ribcage, etc. I understand your point, but several companies don't have their weight right. In reality, once I throw an extra 8 or so pounds of gear in the back (water purifier, first aid, as well as other things, and hand paddles, 2 ropes, pin kit) it isn't a huge deal. I haven't had to hike out with it yet though. While I wish it was 40 lbs., it doesn't really bother me a lot. On the same topic, I don't get why the Mamba 8.5 and Green Boat are the same weight on the Dagger site. If you get to see the boat in person before you buy, you can compare them, and choose based on that. It weighs less than the Mega Rocker, Mamba 8.5, etc.

Weigh some other popular creekers and see what they weigh, then decide if it is worth the marginal difference for the extra features on the Solo.