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Looking for a great ice fishing tent? In this guide, we will review our top 6 ice fishing tents and shelters to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best option for your next ice fishing trip. From quick and easy set-up to warmth and comfort, we will go over the pros and cons of these shelters to determine if any particular tent fits your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are a seasoned ice fisher or just starting out, this list will provide valuable information to make your next ice fishing trip a success.
Our Overall Favorite Ice Fishing Tent
The Eskimo 69143 Quickfish 3 is a solid option for ice fishing. Pros include quick and easy set-up, tough poles, and reliable zippers. The shelter has windows, mesh storage pockets, and detachable window panels for ventilation. The self-tapping ice anchors and in-skirt grommets make it easier to secure the shelter. The extra-long skirt material helps prevent drafts.
However, set-up can be challenging for one person and may require additional bolts and rope for windy conditions. The shelter is not insulated, but the extra-long skirt provides wind protection. The storage bag requires additional straps to hold the shelter securely. Overall, the Eskimo 69143 Quickfish 3 is a good value for those in need of a portable and quick-to-set-up shelter, but with the added cost of additional equipment for proper set-up and anchoring.
Best Large Ice Fishing Shelter
The Thunderbay Ice Cube Series Pop-Up Portable 6-8 Person Ice Fishing Shelter is a great option for any ice fisherman looking for a spacious, easy-to-set-up shelter. The Ice Cube 6 model in particular offers more than 100 square feet of fishable area, making it perfect for large groups or families. The 600D thermal fabric keeps the heat in and resists frost build-up, even in the coldest weather. The shelter is also built with heavy-duty SOLID fiberglass poles and die-cast hubs, making it dependable and built to last. The extra heavy-duty zippers on both doors and the 9 heavy-duty ice anchors make it secure and easy to set up.
The Ice Cube 6i and 8i models come with the additional feature of insulation, which can be a great bonus for those looking for extra warmth. The 300 denier polyester “Blackout” fabric keeps the wind and light out, and the extra wide skirt provides extra protection from the elements. The Ice Cube 8i also includes 2 air vents for adequate ventilation, 2 zipped doors for easy entry, and 6 frigostabile PVC windows for great visibility.
Overall, the Thunderbay Ice Cube Series Pop-Up Portable 6-8 Person Ice Fishing Shelter is a great value for the price, offering a spacious and easy-to-set-up shelter that is built to last. The insulated models provide extra warmth and protection from the elements, making them a great option for those looking for a little extra comfort on the ice. The only downside is the bag it comes with is not high quality. Overall, it’s a great option for seasoned ice fishers looking for a dependable and spacious shelter.
Best Ice Fishing Tent for Maximum Warmth
The Clam C-Series Thermal line of ice fishing gear is built to provide warmth, comfort, and space to anglers. The tents have a 4-sided hub design and offer a range of 36 to 89 square feet of fishable area, accommodating 2 to 6 people. The compact carrying size and triple-layer corner pockets make it easy to transport, while the durable 600-denier fabric and 11mm poles ensure stability in harsh winter conditions.
The gear also comes with an oversized skirt for snow banking, plus tie-downs and ice anchors for quick and secure setup. The thermal models feature 60 grams of insulation per square meter and a full thermal trap for heat retention, making them suitable for extended stays on the ice.
Best Value Ice Fishing Shelter
The Kazinski Portable 3 Person Ice Fishing Tent is a well-designed fishing shelter that is easy to set up and take down, thanks to its push-pull construction. The tent is 5.9ft L x 5.9ft W x 6.8ft H and comfortably fits three people. It is made of 300D high-density, water and wind-resistant oxford fabric that provides good wind protection. The insulated layer and double-stitched skirts enhance heat retention by 40%, making it warm in cold weather.
The 11mm fiberglass with reinforced corner joints is sturdy and reliable, providing stability even in strong winds. The ice anchor rope and in-skirt grommets keep the shelter in place during windy conditions. The tent also has a removable PVC window panel, air hole, reflective stickers, and an interior mesh pocket to store gear and accessories.
The zippered doors are well placed and easy to access. The windows with Velcro covers and two vents with flaps provide ventilation. The tent is not completely waterproof due to pinholes in the insulation, but this is not a major issue for winter fishing. Packing the tent back in the bag may be a challenge, but the bag is fairly generous in size.
Overall, this ice fishing tent is a good value for its price and provides all the necessary features for a successful fishing trip. The sturdy construction, insulation, and user-friendly features make it a great choice for seasoned ice fishers.
Highest Quality Ice Fishing Tent
The Eskimo Outbreak 450XD Pop-up Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Shelter is a top-notch product for ice fishing enthusiasts. With an oversized, trip-proof door, a flared wide-bottom design, and three-layer abrasion-resistant fabric, the 450XD provides a warm and spacious fishing experience. The bright gray interior, combined with mesh storage pockets and adjustable window panels, makes fishing easier and more convenient. The all-metal ball-and-socket design, YKK zippers, and deluxe tie-downs ensure the shelter is sturdy and secure in windy conditions.
The Eskimo Outbreak 450XD is an alright value for its price, considering the high-quality materials and features it offers. It’s definitely on the pricier side, though. The only downside is the backpack-style carrying bag, which may not be suitable for all users depending on their height. Overall, the Eskimo Outbreak 450XD is a great option for any seasoned ice fisherman; just make sure that Eskimo has them in stock, as they can sometimes be temporarily unavailable depending on the season.
Best Compact Ice Fishing Shelter
The Thunderbay Ice Cube Series Pop-Up Portable 2-3 Person Ice Fishing Shelter is a solid choice for seasoned ice fishermen. The 300 denier fabric is durable and effectively blocks wind. The blackout coating is great for sight fishing, and the adjustable windows allow for good light regulation. Set-up and take down are easy and quick, and the included self-tapping ice anchors are reliable. The backpack straps are a convenient feature for transport.
However, there are a few drawbacks to this shelter. It only has one door, and there is no insulated version available. Some condensation can build up when the heater is turned up in cold weather. One of the zippers broke in extreme cold.
Overall, for its ease of use and durability, the Thunderbay Ice Cube Series is a good value for seasoned ice fishermen. The backpack straps and pop-up design make it a convenient option, while the adjustable windows and blackout coating provide a comfortable fishing experience.
A Good Ice Fishing Tent can Make All the Difference!
All 6 of these ice fishing shelters and tents as excellent options for your next ice fishing trip. Each shelter offers its own unique benefits (thermal, easy to set up, etc.), so it’s important to consider your specific needs before equipping yourself. Regardless of which tent you choose, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll be well-prepared for your next winter fishing adventure.
