Pop up tent recommendations - requested

double gun · #1 12-09-2019, 06:32 PM

I would like to buy a pop up ice fishing tent this year but there are so many brands and models available I'm having trouble choosing. I'm hoping for a recommendation of brand and model that's time proven to be good quality.
Something in the 2-4 people size.

old dog · #2 12-09-2019, 06:48 PM

I have Eskimo but to be honest they are all pretty good these days so I would base it on cost and whether u want a insulated or uninsulated one. Remember if they say it’s good for 4 it means it’s good for 2. If it’s good for 6 then 3-4 unless u want to trip over each other. Otter and clam make good tents and for the price Cabelas ones r descent. Good luck and enjoy.

Hunter1993 · #3 12-09-2019, 07:39 PM

I use a insulated cabelas one, It works good but I’m more of a run and gun type fisherman, and it’s bulky carrying it around. Defiantly upgrading to a clam pop up style with seats. Wish I would have bought that instead

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blacknorthernjk · #4 12-09-2019, 07:48 PM

I think a wide bottom is immensely beneficial. Using the cabelas thermal wide bottom I feel like I'm in a 5 star hotel fishing tent

Alberta Bigbore · #5 12-09-2019, 07:58 PM

Eskimo Outbreak 450i !!!!

double gun · #6 12-09-2019, 08:05 PM

I appreciate all the feedback. Any other things to look for or to avoid?

lenka · #7 12-09-2019, 09:06 PM

Two doors are much better than a single door. With two doors it is more convenient.

Talking moose · #8 12-09-2019, 09:07 PM

I have the Eskimo. Decent but I would definitely go with an Otter next time. Probably the best product out there.

spin · #9 12-09-2019, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by double gun

I appreciate all the feedback. Any other things to look for or to avoid?

Whatever manufacturer you decide to go with, I'd definitely recommend going with an insulated model. The non insulated ones tend to have a lot of condensation when using a heater.

smith88 · #10 12-09-2019, 11:59 PM

Do you guys like the rectangular vs hexagonal?

Whitetail503 · #11 12-10-2019, 05:00 AM

I have a Frabill HQ 3000, 4-6 person double pop-up (uninsulated). That said, I don’t see how you’d get 6 people in there. Me, the wife and the 2 kids + a small 3 foot folding table, hibatchi, cooler, big buddy heater +4 holes and rods sitting in holders on the ice pretty much take up most of the floor space. It’s still cozy though and more than enough, if the wife and I go by ourselves it’s more than enough room and then some. The only issue is condensation from your breath and the buddy heater. I always bring a few old towels with us to wipe down the roof a few times so we aren’t getting rained on. I thought of getting the insulated one but they seemed very bulky and if you’re moving a few times during the day to find the bite folding it back up would be a pain especially with frozen show stuck to it at the base.

Regardless of what you buy don’t forget to set it back up once you get home in a heated garage or the basement to let it dry out completely. or it’ll rot on you in one season.

JohninAB · #12 12-10-2019, 06:07 AM

Eskimo Outbreak 450i or the Cabelas version of said tent. You will appreciate the full length door. Plus at 75 sq ft of fishable area, you will have decent room to fish.

sns2 · #13 12-10-2019, 07:31 AM

I think they are likely all made in the same factory in China. I might go Costco simply because of ability to return it should it tear. I have seen lots of tears. I have an Eskimo and it is fine, but I wouldn't say high quality by a long shot.

Wide bottom is good. Top to bottom doors are also good cuz you do trip going in and out.

This year we are going to make that trip to Calling Lake happen!

ghostguy6 · #14 12-10-2019, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

I think they are likely all made in the same factory in China. I might go Costco simply because of ability to return it should it tear. I have seen lots of tears. I have an Eskimo and it is fine, but I wouldn't say high quality by a long shot.

Wide bottom is good. Top to bottom doors are also good cuz you do trip going in and out.

This year we are going to make that trip to Calling Lake happen!

I will second the Costco tent if it suites your needs. So far that tent has lasted me the longest. I only wish mine was insulated.

SamSteele · #15 12-10-2019, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spin

Whatever manufacturer you decide to go with, I'd definitely recommend going with an insulated model. The non insulated ones tend to have a lot of condensation when using a heater.

Depends if you are the type to drive on or walk on. The insulated versions are quite a bit heavier.

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SamSteele · #16 12-10-2019, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith88

Do you guys like the rectangular vs hexagonal?

I have a rectangle model and would go hexagon in the future.

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mapleleafman3 · #17 12-10-2019, 09:24 AM

I have the Cabelas wide bottom insulated pop up and i have had no complaints about it. I believe it is made by Clam or so I ready somewhere. I do like the pop up with the full door but wasn't an option when i picked up mine.

Jigger · #18 12-10-2019, 09:43 AM

I have the eskimo 949 right now, the wide bottom is pretty slick compared to the old ones I've had. Poles keep popping out and the fabric is getting old tho, the next one I buy will be insulated but I'm more or less waiting for a good deal, the price of the new ones nowadays is ridiculous.

nast70 · #19 12-10-2019, 11:12 AM

I have the Costco one, 2 years now. Its the Orange one. The fabric is orange and painted black inside. The paint is now cracking so I get neat lines appearing inside from the sun.

Next one will be solid black.

Poppa · #20 12-10-2019, 11:36 AM

A vote here for the Eskimo double bubble non-insulated. Great tent. Double sunflower heater is actually too much for it... It gets stuffy from being too warm. Plenty of room for 4, but wouldn't ever want to do more than that. Also have a Clam Base Camp which is ideal for 1 but can do 2 fairly comfortably.

Scott N · #21 12-10-2019, 11:52 AM

I have the Eskimo 949i and it's rated as a 4 man, but reality is it's about the right size for 2 guys and all their gear.

I agree with the guys who say what ever you pick, go with the insulated model. It will help keep the condensation down and help keep you warm. Trade off of course is weight.

Talking moose · #22 12-10-2019, 12:33 PM

Go to cabelas and check them out. Should be some set up. Can’t wait to retire the Eskimo and get this. Might be a Xmas present to myself this year.

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Fisherdan · #23 12-10-2019, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nast70

I have the Costco one, 2 years now. Its the Orange one. The fabric is orange and painted black inside. The paint is now cracking so I get neat lines appearing inside from the sun.

Next one will be solid black.

I have the same Costco tent. “Fish Inn” This is year 5 with it, and it’s falling apart. One of the zippers is gone. The hubs that the poles fit into are wearing. A little disappointed... it’s been a good tent, but I felt that it should have lasted longer.

double gun · #24 12-10-2019, 07:50 PM

Thanks everyone. I was hoping there would be a clear winner but apparently not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

I think they are likely all made in the same factory in China. I might go Costco simply because of ability to return it should it tear. I have seen lots of tears. I have an Eskimo and it is fine, but I wouldn't say high quality by a long shot.

Wide bottom is good. Top to bottom doors are also good cuz you do trip going in and out.

This year we are going to make that trip to Calling Lake happen!

Yes, hopefully this year we can make it happen.

sns2 · #25 12-10-2019, 08:25 PM

Costco has the Frabil Bros Series Insulated tent right now. Just saw it in Edmonton West. $279.99 Great deal.

SamSteele · #26 12-11-2019, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

Costco has the Frabil Bros Series Insulated tent right now. Just saw it in Edmonton West. $279.99 Great deal.

I saw this tent as well. It's hard to go wrong at that price. I bought an Outdoor Works Kingfisher 3 from Costco over 5 years ago and it's still kicking without issue. The blackout coating on the inside is starting to crack a bit, but that's pretty minor in my opinion.

HuyFishin · #27 12-11-2019, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

Costco has the Frabil Bros Series Insulated tent right now. Just saw it in Edmonton West. $279.99 Great deal.

what size is the tent?

Moo Snukkle · #28 12-11-2019, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HuyFishin

what size is the tent?

Most likely the 6.5 by 6.5 foot

FlyTheory · #29 12-11-2019, 10:43 AM

I fished for 12 years with a Eskimo quick fish 3. I just purchased a Cabela’s hex insulated tent. It’s only 46lbs and it’s huge. I would recommend insulated if you plan on fishing below -10. I have done -40 in that old uninsulated tent, I’ve done spray lakes on the windiest days, etc, and it worked great. The new Cabela’s one will be more comfy and good for overnighters.

C & C · #30 12-11-2019, 02:12 PM

I will echo the insulation, if you can take the extra weight its just so much better. Also on those -20 days its much easier to pack back up. I would also go as big as you can if you bring many people with you. Landing a big fish with someone sitting in your lap sucks.

I am on my second eskimo with no problems yet. only reason I am on my second one is that I went bigger.