Best Ice Fishing Shelters – Buyers Guide

Ice fishing is gaining popularity, as is the gear and tackle that go with it. An ice shelter can protect you from wind, snow/rain, and the sun (including reflecting sunlight), and will also extend the time that you spend on the hard water. Fishing when it’s freezing cold and in extreme weather is not fun. This article will discuss the top portable ice fishing shelters, broken down by size, price, material quality, and time.

Ice fishing is not only about the clothing, but also the shelter.

Many anglers consider old-fashioned ice fishing without shelter to be heroic. Ice anglers don’t always like to be covered up and brave the freezing temperatures and biting winds.

Ice fishing shelters keep you warm and dry and store your tackles and gear. It’s no longer necessary to catch fish fast enough to get home warm. They allow you to meet up with fishing buddies and take your children on previously forbidden fishing trips.

Are you new to the market and don’t know where it is best to begin? Don’t worry!

You’ll find reviews and a comprehensive buying guide below.

Many anglers consider old-fashioned ice fishing without shelter to be heroic. Ice anglers don’t always like to be covered up and brave the freezing temperatures and biting winds.

Ice fishing shelters keep you warm and dry and store your tackles and gear. It’s no longer necessary to catch fish fast enough to get home warm. They allow you to meet up with fishing buddies and take your children on previously forbidden fishing trips.

The Best Ice Fishing Shelters – Reviewed

Eskimo Quickfish 3Our Choice!

Eskimo 69445 Quickfish 3i Insulated Pop-Up Portable Hub-Style Ice Fishing Shelter, 34 Square Feet of Fishable Area, 3 Person Shelter, Red

Size erected:70″ x70″

Center height:80

Weight: 35 lbs.

Interior area 34 square feet

Eskimo’s Quickfish 3 shows that the company, perhaps best known for its flips, isn’t neglecting the hub market. This shelter is well-designed and built.

It’s made from 300-denier fabric and is tough enough to withstand whatever you throw at it. However, it’s not as durable as Clam Bigfoot. However, the window placement in this shelter is superior to other shelters. It allows for clear visibility while sitting. This is especially important if your shelter is used as a base for multiple tip-ups during fishing.

Quickfish 3 is described as a shelter for three men. This is probably true. We think that the shelter will be spacious enough to hold two to three adults anglers. This shelter is spacious enough for two to store their gear and heaters. Three would be a lot, however.

In calm weather, the Quickfish 3 can be up in under a minute. With some assistance, it can take even longer. The Quickfish 3 is secured with four interior grommets at each corner and has exterior anchoring straps, which are essential in heavy winds. This hub shelter is more difficult than other hub shelters. You’ll need to start by turning one corner towards the wind, then secure the two sides adjacent to the ice.

It’s warm and cozy once it’s up. This uninsulated shelter can be made short-sleeve in a matter of minutes by using a small heater. Velcro vents are a clever feature that allows you to regulate heat and humidity.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up
  • Beautiful windows
  • Spacious
  • Many anchoring points
  • Nice ventilation
  • Uninsulated shelters are warm

Cons

  • Clam 14476 C-560 is not as durable.

Clam 14476 C-560

CLAM 14476 C-560 3 to 4 Person 7.5 Foot Lightweight Portable Pop Up Ice Fishing Angler Hub Shelter Tent with Anchors, Tie Ropes, and Carrying Bag

 

Size erected:90″ x90″

Center height:80

Weight:30 lbs.

Interior area56 sq. ft

Clam’s 14476 C-560 ice shelter is tough. It is made from 300 Denier fabric which is heavyweight and durable. This shelter will keep you and your gear warm. It is easy to set up and unfold, so most anglers can have it up in no more than 60 seconds in calm weather. The Bigfoot can be set up with a partner in no time.

The 14476 C-560, like its competitors, has four exterior ice anchors with tie downs. One is centered on each exterior walls. You’ll also find four anchors inside, which will ensure that the shelter is secure in adverse weather.

The shelter has a capacity of middle pack and is large enough to hold two to three adults and their gear. Two doors are located on opposite corners to allow for easy access. The door flaps can be opened by attaching via Velcro to the exterior walls. This allows for easy access and quick ventilation.

The only problem with this shelter, which is otherwise great, is the height of the windows. This makes visibility difficult. This oversight will be annoying if you use the shelter to monitor tip-ups.

Pros

  • Durable and tough
  • It is easy to set up
  • Great doors
  • Many anchors can take on bad weather.
  • Spacious

Cons

  • High windows make it difficult to check tip-ups

Elkton Outdoors Ice Fishing Tent

Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent, 3-4 Person Insulated (Single Hub)

Size erected:70″ x70″

Center height:80

Weight:About 35 lbs.

Interior area34 square feet

Elkton Outdoors hub shantys are well-insulated. If you have tried uninsulated hubs that don’t provide enough warmth, then this model might be worth a closer look. It is made from a thick and durable material. However, we are not certain of the weight. This hub tent can be heated even on the coldest nights by running a small heater.

The ice tent can be up in less than five minutes. However, in heavy winds, it will take longer. The tent has the snow skirt to keep drafts out and four exterior tie-downs. One is in the middle of each wall. Access is provided by two doors at opposite corners. They can also be held open with Velcro tabs, just like the Clam Bigfoot.

The Elkton windows, like Clam’s competitor, are low and obscure, making it difficult to see your tip-ups.

There’s enough space for two anglers and their gear. The shelter is insulated and should keep you warm regardless of how cold it gets. The tent has four roof vents that provide ventilation. This is a great feature because it allows you to adjust the temperature and humidity as you breathe.

Pros

  • Insulated and extremely warm
  • It is easy to set up
  • Great doors
  • Spacious

Cons

  • High windows make it difficult to check tip-ups

Frabill Bro Series Hub

Frabill Bro Series Hub | Durable Ice Fishing Shelter | Artic Camo | Capacity: 3 Anglers

Size erected:80″ x80″

Center height:80

Weight:35 lb

Interior area56 sq. ft

Frabill is no stranger to ice fishing, and their Bro Series hub shows that they are experts in the field of shelter design. Its unusual shape is the first thing you will notice. This tent is not your typical cube. It has extra angles that give you more elbow room and work space. There should be enough space for two to three adults fishing.

Bro Series Hub features an insulated top (top to bottom) made of 600 denier material and a sturdy skirt section made from a stronger, 900 denier fabric. This shelter is tough enough to withstand any weather, and the insulation makes it a more comfortable option in colder conditions.

Each corner is secured to the ice by four interior grommets. External straps are also available on each wall. Two vents are located high on each side to control moisture. If you require more ventilation, the windows can be removed.

The doors can be placed at opposite corners. Velcro tabs can secure them in their open positions. It is also easy to set up and take down the Bro Series Hub.

Pros

  • Great design provides more working space
  • Insulated and extremely warm
  • It is easy to set up
  • Great doors
  • Spacious
  • There are many anchors
  • Strong and long-lasting

Cons

  • High windows make it difficult to check tip-ups

Eskimo EVO 2iT

Eskimo 25501 EVO 1it Portable Flip Style Insulated Ice Shelter with Pop Up Hub Sides, 1 Person

Size erected:N/A

Center height:75

Weight:95 lb

Interior area34.25 sq. ft

The Eskimo EVO 2iT flip-over shelter is great if you are strong and fit and have a trailer or truck. The shelter’s 300 Denier walls can be stored in a plastic sled and are simple to set up or take down. This is due to the EVO’s innovative design. The EVO is a hybrid hub/flip that offers plenty of space for you, your gear, and built-in seating.

Like all ice shelters it has a skirt that can cover with snow. This prevents wind from getting under the wall. The EVO also has reinforced grommets in each corner for additional anchoring points. The shelter also has an extra anchor strap in the front.

There are two doors on each side and many windows. These are not like the Clam Bigfoot and will allow you to see everything clearly.

The EVO has two Versa swivel chairs that are comfortable and ample space for two anglers. We love the thoughtful design detail of the EVO’s asymmetrical shape. This allows for more space at the front to hook setting and jigging.

Although we like the shelter, 95 pounds can make it difficult to transport from your truck or trailer onto the ice. It can be a challenge to move this flip-over in deep snow.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up
  • Beautiful windows
  • Beautiful seats
  • Spacious

Cons

  • Heavy!

Goplus Portable Ice Shelter

Goplus Portable Ice Shelter Pop-up Ice Fishing Tent Shanty 3-4 Person with Bag and Ice Anchors Red

Size erected:90″ x90″

Center height:80

Weight:22.4 lb

Interior area 56 sq. ft

GoPlus provides a hub shelter comparable to other well-known brands such as Frabill or Eskimo. It is constructed from 300-denier fabric and has comparable quality to other big brands in the industry.

This “three man” portable ice shanty can hold two anglers and their gear, just like most portables. Four exterior anchoring straps offer enhanced wind protection and protection with four grommets at the corners. This shelter is lightweight and can be assembled in under a minute, with assistance from a partner. This model is worth a second glance if weight is an issue.

You can control the temperature and humidity with two wall-mounted vents. Four removable windows provide additional ventilation options. The doors are placed in opposite corners to make it easy to access.

We find the windows too high to offer at-a glance visibility. This is a concern if you have tip-ups.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up
  • Spacious
  • Many anchoring points
  • Nice ventilation
  • Light

Cons

  • For good visibility, windows are too high

Shappell WH6500 Wide House 6500

Shappell WH6500 Wide House 6500 Ice Shelter

Size erected:102″ x102″

Center height:80

Weight:28 lbs.

Interior area72 square feet

Shappell Wide House can easily accommodate three adults and their gear. This shelter is lightweight and can be erected by two people in less than 10 minutes. It can also be taken down easily.

There are four exterior grommets at each corner. Four interior grommets can be found on either side. The shelter is further secured to the ice with four straps. This shelter is very well protected in adverse weather. We appreciate Shappell’s attention and detail.

The Wide House has two windows on each wall. These windows are high enough to check your tip-ups. You can also remove them, which allows for plenty of ventilation control. There are two vents on the opposite side.

There are two large doors that can be opened from opposite corners. This gives you plenty of access.

The tent’s fabric feels thin, even though it is uninsulated. Although head-to-head comparisons can be difficult, this tent is not likely to be among the warmest. The insulated models that we review are better for cold temperatures.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up
  • Very spacious
  • Amazing anchoring points
  • Nice ventilation
  • Light
  • Good windows

Cons

  • It’s not very warm

Our criteria for buying the best portable ice shelter

Protection against the Elements

When the weather is cold, ice fishing can be very hot. However, ice fishing can be dangerous when it’s cold.

No matter what shelter you have, it is important to be prepared for any weather. This is common sense and can save your life. But your gear needs protection, too. Your line will become stiffer if it is exposed to the full force and temperature of the elements. Water that it absorbs or carries can freeze, which can lead to icing. Wind is especially dangerous with lighter lines. Wet, freezing line can stick to any surface it encounters, even if it’s being blown into.

An ice shelter is built to protect you and your gear.

To make our short list, these ice shelters needed to stop the wind, provide enough insulation to cut down on icing, and let us work with our hands without gloves. When the mercury really starts to bottom-out, though, a good heater can be a godsend, and the shelters we review provide the ventilation you’ll need for that.

Durability

Winter can be hard on equipment. This is true for both your shelter and your reel as well as your car or truck.

Shelters made of heavier materials, stronger seams and that can withstand wind and snow are preferred by us. It is often necessary to compromise on weight and cost. The shelters that are more luxurious tend to be heavier and more costly. It is up to you to decide where this line falls, but we prefer durability.

Portability

When selecting an ice shelter, durability and protection are the most important factors. The heavier models tend to be more durable and provide greater protection. We have chosen shelters that are light enough to be portable and easy for anglers who are reasonably fit.

We give bonus points to shelters that are easy to repack, too. After all, we don’t want to have to be origami masters!

Setup and take down

It shouldn’t take more than five minutes to set up an ice shelter. If it takes longer, it is probably poorly designed. Shelters should be set up and taken down in no more than five minutes to make it with us.

Zimmer

Sometimes more is not always better. A shelter designed for six people and fished by two people will be more cold than one that is. The size you choose is important for your angling adventures and you don’t need much extra space.

You will need to have enough elbow space to carry your tackle and enough height to be able to comfortably work your rod while setting the hook and jigging your fish onto the ice. Also, you will need space for gear and a heater. Make sure to include these extras in your selections.

Flip-Over vs Hub

Although each style has its strengths and weaknesses, the choice between them is largely a matter personal preference.

Flip-overs

The flip-over shelters are basically large, plastic sheds with a telescoping framework. The sled is dragged to the hole and the frame is pulled up and over. This creates a windproof shelter that has built-in seating. You’re correct, most flip-overs have swivel chairs already attached. These make it easy to set them up in wind and when they are not being used.

This convenience comes at a cost: They are often smaller and heavier than other options. It can be difficult to pull a heavy sled, especially if there is a lot of snow. Flip-overs can also be difficult to transport. They won’t fit into your car!

Hub shelters are becoming more popular. We only saw one flip-over on our short list.

How to build a flip-over shelter

Hubs

The hub is a pop-up shelter that looks similar to a modern tent but without a roof. They are rigidly constructed by an internal folding frame and are erected by carefully expanding the skeleton. They are lightweight, strong, and portable in a variety of sizes.

They are popular because of their portability, but there are two downsides. They can be difficult to set up if it is windy. They don’t have seating so you will need extra gear if you aren’t going to be standing for long periods of time. This could reduce the weight advantage, so make sure to weigh all options.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What number of people can an ice fishing shelter accommodate?

It all depends on which style or model you choose. Flip tents are typically designed to hold two to four people. Some styles can accommodate six anglers.

Is it easy to set up and use ice fishing shelters?

Yes. Yes! Most can be set-up in seconds and then taken down in the same time. Some tents need to be anchored to ground, which can take longer. They are easy to put up if you follow the instructions.

Our Pick– The Eskimo Quickfish 3!

These shelters are great and, depending on your needs and how you carry your gear to the Ice, they will all be worth it.

Nevertheless, the Eskimo Quickfish 3 is our favorite. It is easy to set up and can be easily transported in a car. The hub tent is light enough to be packed in a bag or dropped in a sled and strong enough to withstand any weather. We love the window design and anchoring capabilities. This shanty is a winner because of its great ventilation options, amazing space, and surprising warmth.

Clam’s Bigfoot or Frabills Bunker210 are great options if you don’t need tip-ups and want extra visibility.

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