Ice fishing shelters - what do you have and how do you like it?

[Geezle]

I figured that with all the people on the forum who are just getting into ice fishing this season, a review thread might help them make a decision when it comes to getting a tent/shelter.

I have a 2-3 man Clam Expedition pop up, and overall I'm very happy with it, though it has a couple little things I'd like to change if I could. The only other tent I'm really familiar with is the Ice Cube, so I'm sort of using that for my basis for comparison

POSITIVE

Windows - there's 4 of them and they close with velcro. At first I liked the zippered windows like the Ice Cube has, but I found that when I've got a big fish on/up the hole and I want to turn on the lights quick, I like being able to just grab a corner of a window and rip 'er open so I can see what I'm doing.

Pockets - there's a pocket on each wall. Not necessary but quite handy at times.

Doors - I love having two doors. In a bigger tent with more room to move around having just one door isn't so bad, but with this smaller (5x6) tent if there was only one door it would take a lot of shuffling around to get in and out. With two guys running tip-ups it's easy to just dash out 'your' door when you hear a bell go off.

Quality - Good quality construction, thick material, good zippers, windows that don't shatter, good ice anchors.

NEGATIVE

Straps - The Ice cube comes with good straps on the hubs that you can cinch tight when you anchor down the tent - the Clam just has stupid little strings that don't hold in place. Picked up a couple cambuckle straps from Princess Auto for mine and never looked back.

INDIFFERENT BUT NOTEWORTHY

Material - Compared to the Ice Cube, the material on the Clam seems like it's pulled very tight when it's set up, and it takes a little bit of work to get the first hub popped out. The Ice Cube's material seems to fit a little looser, and they seem to pop up easier.

Size - with the 5x6 footprint, it's not as big as the 4 man ice cube, and though it's a 2-3 man, that really works out to be a 1-2 man. I got it mainly to use when I go out on solo missions, and for me this size is perfect - lots of room for me to spread out and work two holes, and if I happen to have some company there's still plenty of room for two guys, a sunflower heater, and some gear. Putting a 3rd person in there would be a joke.

[SCRUB]

I have a clam nanook, I am happy with it as the sled is good for the sled in missions and the seats are comfortable to me. The two doors are great for getting out to tip ups and it has lots of windows for checking tip ups. Only thing i wish was that it was taller as i can't stand up in it. Next year i'll be running with a wheel house so the clam will have to be the back up and primary for lakes i have to sled into.

Geezle good thead idea.

Scrub

[bigdeer91]

sure you can go out and spend $100 s on a ice tent but why not build one your self.i enjoy it more then a store bout one.black tarp $20 lumber $40 .but evry one has there Owen.

[brohymn2]

eskimo, have the quickfish 2 and love it, just bought the quickfish 6 and had it out and found a hole in it, quick exchange at the fishin hole and im happy with it

[Scott N]

I have an Eskimo Quickfish 2 as well. In fairness I've only used it once, but I found it quick and easy to set up, easy to get into and out of.

[rider pride]

I have a sub zero four man ice tent and have no complaints. Sets up quick and easily.

[FishBrain]

I have a Sub-Zero, I love it. Have used it and packed itup in -30, no cracks or tears. this is year 2 with it.
Only thing I would do differnetly with it is bought a bigger one, I have the 2 man and it is good for 2 people, better if one of them is a kid!

[buster92]

I have the clam base camp, 6X6 and I love it, more than enough room for 2 men, a cooler and a heater, tackle boxes lunch etc.. Seem very durable, it is very tioght on the fabric, but it's brand new still, we'll see if it stretches a bit over time.

[mooseknuckle]

Ice Cube 4 man. Like most it's really comfortable with 2. Have done 3 with ease. It's my first tent so I have little to compare it too. I fish with a buddy who has a clam and it's nice too and I've yet to bug him about it but the tent is nice because he keeps returning it and getting a new one. But hey a good return policy is a good thing. I've never met anyone that treats their stuff as bad as me, I put this thing away wet with zero regard for the next outting and the thing just refuses to break. Aside with one small zipper issue on one window and a quick taping of a slightly cracked pole the thing just keeps going time after time. I've gotten my moneys worth and more.

[Braun]

i use a knock off of an ice cube. Paid alot less for it than an ice cube or a clam. it has a nice big skirt and i have et to find a tent with windows as big as the ones on this thing. velcro all the way around the windows instead of just in the corner. Easy set up, and has taken a beating on a few occasions during a windy pack up. the carry bag has lots of room so there is no fighting trying to zip it up. I actually store some of my gear in the bag as well cause there is so much room. havent had a single issue with it yet.

definately happy with it as it is a quality tent that i got for alot cheaper than most of the "quality" tents you see in stores

[lifesaflyin]

have an ice cube and a frabill headquarters. i like them both but the ice cube is a bit small. the 4 man is more like a 2 guy tent if your chubby. my ice cube i staked it completely down and i had it out in 60-70 kmh winds and she took it like a champ other than the roof popping down occasionally. only have had the frabill out twice so i cant say for sure on that yet.

[Willowtrail]

I have the Kingfisher 3 (Blue Costco).
Used lots and love it.
Only 1 door but it's my first tent and so it's all i know. Got used to it and don't mind. 2 doors could be more convenient.
Has one pocket. Would like more.
Great tent for the money. Might upgrade next year to the 6 man.

[chubbdarter]

we have a 3 man flip frabil works perect..great durabilty pulls well behind snowmobiles and fast. on flat snow it tracks perfect at 30 mph.
padded swivel seats and awesome windows...fabric is heavy duty and sets up in 1 minute goes down in 1 minute too.
costs about 800.

p.s. i hate tent fishing...praying and waiting for a fish isnt my thing.

[Commander B]

Clam Summit, no issues in 30 trips. Clam ice screws are fail but easily replaced by ice climbing screws. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_l...34374302691749 (one on the upwind side and snow on the ample skirt.
As far as the strings go a bowline knot to the tent and the black tab propery adjusted is good for the strongest chinook!! Big buddy heater got me comfotably thru the last cold snap. I also have a clam junior (same as the 200 suitcase model) 8 years and still in excelent shape!! A friend has a new Eskimo 3-4 man, the velcro windows and window covers are an excelent Idea, they make up for the lack of ventilation . Also the eskimo ice screws are at least functional.

[huntsfurfish]

Clam Yukon(flip)

Nice large swivel seats, able to stand up, front and back doors. Large sled.

I like it.

[npauls]

I have a sinlge man clam kenai that I have modified to store everything and hole hop on the nasty days when I am out with buddy who has his own hut or when I am flying solo.

I made a 2-3 man portable hut with my dad for the days when he wants to get out or if there is someone else that wants to head out without a hut.

I may invest in a 2-3 man flip over in the next couple years so when my son is a bit older we as a family can head out and fish. My wife misses getting out but I think that will change once my back is healed and my son is older.

Nate

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by mooseknuckle

Ice Cube 4 man. Like most it's really comfortable with 2. Have done 3 with ease. It's my first tent so I have little to compare it too. I fish with a buddy who has a clam and it's nice too and I've yet to bug him about it but the tent is nice because he keeps returning it and getting a new one. But hey a good return policy is a good thing. I've never met anyone that treats their stuff as bad as me, I put this thing away wet with zero regard for the next outting and the thing just refuses to break. Aside with one small zipper issue on one window and a quick taping of a slightly cracked pole the thing just keeps going time after time. I've gotten my moneys worth and more.

You know you could just say it's me with the Clam...it's no secret!

I did in fact return my Clam twice. The first time one of the hubs broke - it wasn't folding up nice at the end of the day and I was kind of manhandling it and snapped one of the hubs The second one was nothing major, the zipper on the bag popped. Two quick returns and I'm on my way

Also, a nice sidenote...when I exchanged the clam for the second time, I'd noticed the price had dropped by $40. I didn't even ask for it, but when they did the exchange they also refunded me the $40 plus tax

[#1mooselover]

have a homemade. love it when you can pull it with my quad or truck. But no chance of pulling it in this snow by hand. Fished in a clam this past weekend. Nice to pull out but did not enjoy sitting with my feet in 4-5 inches of water. Need to get something better and light.

[Gus]

Kingfisher 3 from costco, hands down best buy for your money. I love mine and have no complaints.

[Jimboy]

Originally Posted by bigdeer91

sure you can go out and spend $100 s on a ice tent but why not build one your self.i enjoy it more then a store bout one.black tarp $20 lumber $40 .but evry one has there Owen.

YUP, and heavier than a side a moose , bin in and out of that project.

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by bigdeer91

sure you can go out and spend $100 s on a ice tent but why not build one your self.i enjoy it more then a store bout one.black tarp $20 lumber $40 .but evry one has there Owen.

But will it fit easily into the back of my Jeep?

[Winch101]

Shapell....lightest toughest ....most inovations ...

[Wes_G]

Eskimo Quick flip 2.

Its durable, it works great and it only take 30 seconds to set up, take down and is still light enough to pull around on the lake and not need a vehicle or snow machine. Plus its built on a sled that you cant throw all your stuff in.

Home built units are way to heavy or awkward to move around. And all the pop up style ones that I have seen seem to be nothing but crap. Have seen way to many broken ones out there, wont ever buy one of them.

[dong]

Ice Cube 4 man. I love it. Good quality, lots of room(im over 6 foot and can stand up in it no problem), lightweight, easy to set up, and Ive never had a problem with it.

dong

[kspoon1]

freind just bought salem ice shack very nice wish i had one

[Dany]

Bought a Six man hub tent from costco. Paid $280 and works like a charm. Almost half the price as others and seems to be decent.

[Lazzy]

I got a Clam yukon and love it. Lots of room for your gear, more than enough space for 2 guys. Easy to put up and take down. Light enough I can get it in and out of the back of my truck when I'm fishing solo.

[GaryF]

Originally Posted by Wes_G

Eskimo Quick flip 2.

Its durable, it works great and it only take 30 seconds to set up, take down and is still light enough to pull around on the lake and not need a vehicle or snow machine. Plus its built on a sled that you cant throw all your stuff in.

X2, really nice piece of equipment.

[Geezle]

Originally Posted by Winch101

Shapell....lightest toughest ....most inovations ...

Oops! I forgot to put Shapell in the poll