Long days on the ice mean one thing; exposure to the cold, hard winter weather.
Spending hours exposed on the ice whilst out fishing is certainly not my idea of fun even in modern well insulated bibs and boots for ice fishing.
An ice fishing shelter’s job is to protect you from the elements allowing you to almost forget about the weather outside and concentrate on what’s important;
The fishing!
The best flip over ice fishing shelters need to be:
- Built to a high standard
- Virtually wind proof
- Easy to operate
- Have enough room to be able to fish in
- Be comfortable enough to spend long hours in
Like most fishing gear with ice fishing gear you get for what you pay for. There are plenty of cheap generic brands that are fine for very light use but if you intend on heading out a lot in bad weather then purchasing a high quality flip up ice shelter is almost a necessity.
There are currently only a handful of brands that make the best ice fishing shanties in no particular order:
- Frabill
- Eskimo
- Otter
- Clam
Cost wise for a decent flip over ice shanty you can expect to from roughly $200 for an entry level model to well over a $1000 for the top of the line shelters.
Top tip: Get yourself a small fan for your ice shelter, it’ll help distribute the warm air from your heater a lot more efficiently around the shelter!
Best Flip Over Ice Fishing Shelters
1. Eskimo Evo IT
The Eskimo Evo IT ice fishing shelter is a lightweight pop-up shelter with several useful features. It includes doors on two sides, self-tapping ice anchors, and fiberglass poles. However, it may not be the warmest shelter on the market.
Main Features
The Evo IT shelter from Eskimo is designed for portability. Like many of these portable shelters, it includes a sled for storing and transporting the shelter, along with insulated materials. Here is a closer look at the main features:
- 300 denier fabric
- One or two-person variations
- Integrated sled for easy transport
- Measures 50 x 33.5 x 20.5 when collapsed
- Provides 19.5 square feet of fishable area
This is a pop-up shelter that includes more overheat height and fishable area than many other comparable shelters. It also includes an integrated sled for greater portability.
Pros and Cons
The Eskimo EVO IT offers several benefits for anglers on the ice, starting with the insulated roof and back panels.
The black insulated material absorbs heat and helps to reduce condensation. However, the warmth provided by this insulation is reduced due to the lightweight 300 denier fabric used for the construction of the shelter.
The EVO IT is easy to setup, similar to most portable fishing shelters. The pop-up design allows you to spend less time setting up the shelter and more time fishing.
The EVO IT also offers a little more fishable area than other shelters in the same price range.
You get 19.5 square feet of space, which should give you enough room to remain comfortable.
The drawbacks include the lightweight material and the small 18-inch seat. You may need to bring an extra coat and a seat cushion if you want to stay warm and comfortable.
In the end, the Eskimo Evo IT has a lot to like and a couple of minor issues. If you need warmth and a big seat, this may not be the best option. However, the Evo IT is well-built, easy to set up, and provides plenty of fishable area for a lone angler.
2. Frabill Recon 100
For those who are tired of towing a heavy fishing shelter, you may want to take a closer look at the Frabill Recon 100 ice fishing shelter. At 40 pounds, it is the lightest shelter in its class. It also contains several other details that are worth exploring.
Main Features
The Frabill Recon 100 is a one-person shelter constructed with lightweight material. It features an oblong design with a deep interior and narrow sides and the following details:
- Modular seating system
- Front door
- 300 denier fabric
- Measures 93 x 31 x 57-inches
- Provides 8.5 square feet of fishable area
This compact shelter should only take minutes to set up, thanks to the fixed pole structure. You also get a comfortably padded trunk to use as a seat and storage space. Other features include three removable windows with shades and a heavy-duty polyethylene sled base.
Pros and Cons
Why should you consider getting the Frabill Recon 100? The main advantage of the Recon 100 is the weight. The 40-pound shelter is light enough that you may be able to carry it out on the ice without a snowmobile.
While the lightweight design is great for those who do not want to carry a heavy shelter, there is a drawback to this design. To make the ice fishing shelter lighter, Frabill decided to use lighter material, which reduces the insulation. The material blocks wind, but it does not help block the cold when you are sitting in the middle of a frozen lake.
Another drawback is the size. This is a compact, one-person fishing shelter. While the Recon 100 is long, some people may find that they are constantly hitting their elbows on the sides of the shelter.
Overall, the Recon 100 is lightweight and inexpensive. However, it is not the most comfortable shelter available. If your main concerns are weight and price, the Frabill Recon 100 ice fishing shelter should be at the top of your list of options.
3. Eskimo Quick Flip 15300
The Eskimo QuickFlip 15300 is built for portability. When collapsed, it can easily be towed by a snowmobile. It is also lightweight and compact. If you cannot take a snowmobile onto the ice, this may be a useful shelter to carry with you.
Main Features
The QuickFlip 15300 includes a tripod chair, double-walled hinges, and removable window panels. Other important features and technical details include:
- Removable window panels
- Double-walled hinges and aluminum poles
- 900 denier quilted fabric
- Measures 60.5-inches tall
- Provides 9.3 square feet of fishable area
You also get a compact sled for storing and transporting the shelter. When the shelter is collapsed and stored in the sled, you should not have too much trouble dragging the sled across the ice.
Pros and Cons
The Eskimo QuickFlip includes several great features that help it stand out, including its weight, stability, and easy setup. Another great feature is the seat. You can choose from fixed, swivel, or sliding mounting.
The QuickFlip weighs just 52 pounds, making it one of the lightest portable flip over ice fishing shelters available. It also folds into a small, compact shape that you can easily tow with your snowmobile or ATV, making it easy to transport.
When the shelter is set up, the 900-denier quilted fabric ensures that you stay warm and toasty. You also do not need to worry about the shelter collapsing on you, thanks to the durable double-walled hinges and aluminum poles.
The one drawback to the Eskimo QuickFlip 15300 is the interior size. While the height is 60.5-inches, the floor space is limited. You get about 9.3-square feet of fishable area, which is considerably less than some of your other options.
The bottom line is that the QuickFlip deserves your consideration. It is a high-quality portable ice fishing shelter designed for one-person. The lightweight materials, thick shell, and innovating seating area all great features. The only issue that you may find is the size.
4. Frabrill Recruit 1250
The Frabill Recruit 1250 features a similar design to most Frabill ice shelters. The front is angled to improve wind resistance and include black insulating material for better heat absorption. While it is designed for one-person, you also get a little extra room to move around that may allow a second person to fit comfortably inside.
Main Features
The Recruit 1250 is constructed with lightweight materials, making it easier to transport. Luckily, the lightweight material does not keep the shelter from getting warm. The main details include the following:
- 600 denier fabric
- The patented modular seating system
- Measures 75.5 x 52.5 x 59-inches – when set up
- Provides 16.5 square feet of fishable area
- Weighs about 62 pounds
The Recruit includes one door, along with two side windows. It is also quick to set up, with adjustable poles and a lightweight shell.
Pros and Cons
The Frabill Recruit 1250 offers plenty of space for one person. In fact, there is enough room inside the Recruit to fit an extra seat and still have enough room to breathe.
The Recruit also features the Frabill modular seating system. With the modular seating, you can adjust the position of the seat, based on how you prefer to set up your fishing gear.
Several customers have pointed out a few potential disadvantages to the Recruit. The rod holders are not well-positioned, making them ineffective as dead sticks. However, they do still provide a place to store an extra rod.
The other issue is the position of the seat. While the seat is comfortable, some people may find that it sits too far forward, taking up valuable space. You can solve this issue by sliding the seat further back and reversing the bolts used for the seat swivel.
While there are a couple of shortcomings to the Frabill Recruit 1250, it still provides a warm spot for your next ice fishing trip and more than enough space to keep you comfortable.
5. Otter XT Hideout
The Otter XT Hideout is built with a 3-point corner anchoring system for greater security. You should not need to worry about your shelter blowing away in the wind. There are also several important benefits that may make this the perfect shelter for your next fishing trip.
Main Features
The Otter XT Hideout is a compact, one-person ice fishing shelter. It includes an aluminum frame, two sealable vents, three wind support poles, and the following technical details:
- Triple layer shell for less condensation
- Swivel mesh seat with folding backrest
- Durable sled for transport and storage
- Measures 60 x 39 x 108-inches – when set up
- Provides 12.6 square feet of fishable area
The XT Hideout is constructed with durable 600 denier fabric and features a large floorplan to give you more fishable area. You get close to 13 square feet of fishable area, which is more than enough space for one person.
Pros and Cons
The Hideout includes several features that are not typically included in portable ice fishing shelters. You get two overheat cargo storage nets, which provides extra storage for some of your lightweight gear when you are inside the shelter. It also includes two propane hose ports with hook and loop flaps, which is great if you plan on bringing a propane heater.
Another advantage of the Otter XT Hideout is the anchoring system. The 3-pound corner anchoring system helps to reduce wind lift and ensure that your ice shelter remains firmly in place.
There are no disadvantages to the Hideout, other than a couple minor issues. Many of these portable ice fishing shelters include windows and multiple doors, giving you more control over ventilation. However, the Hideout simply features a single door on the front. While this may help with insulation, it limits ventilation and visibility.
Despite a couple of minor issues, the Otter XT Hideout remains one of the highest-rated ice fishing shelters. It will keep you warm while also providing plenty of space.
6. Frabill Aegis 2110
The Frabill Aegis 2110 includes the sloped-front design found on most Frabill ice shelters. You can enjoy less wind drag and more comfort in your two-person shelter. However, before choosing this shelter, you should explore the rest of the features.
Main Features
The Aegis 2110 is built for two. It includes two jump seats, along with top insulation and the following technical details:
- Modular seating system
- Measures 83 x 58 x 61.5-inches – when set up
- Weighs about 60 pounds
- Top insulated
- Provides 19.5 square feet of fishable area
The Frabill Aegis 2110 has a simple design. However, the simple design also results in a quick and easy setup. The size of the shelter, when assembled, is more than adequate for two people. It also comes equipped with a sled for transport and storage.
Pros and Cons
One benefit of the Aegis 2110 is the modular seating system used in most Frabill ice shelters. With the modular seating, you can arrange the seats in different positions for optimal comfort. There is a total of five different seating positions for the two jump seats.
The Aegis 2110 portable ice fishing shelter is also thoroughly insulated. The 600-denier fabric and the top insulated panels help provide warmth, even on the coldest days.
There are a couple of disadvantages to this shelter. The pole system includes a lot of plastic parts, including the poles. While this is likely to help reduce the weight of the ice fishing shelter, it also impacts the durability. The plastic poles can break easily, requiring additional care when setting up and tearing down the shelter.
If you want a comfortable ice fishing shelter built for two people, the Frabill Aegis 2110 is a top choice. The only real drawback is the plastic poles. However, it should still hold up to repeated use if you are careful with the plastic parts.
7. Clam Outdoors X400
The Clam Outdoors X400 is one of the larger portable ice fishing shelters available. It is designed as a 4-person shelter, with 34 total square feet of fishable area. If you plan to go fishing with a group of friends, you may enjoy fishing inside this durable shelter.
Main Features
The Clam Outdoors is almost a luxury cabin for you and your friends. It includes 4 deluxe swivel seats, light sticks, and a durable grey sled for transporting the shelter. Here is a closer look at some of the main features:
- 900 denier fabric
- Includes 4 deluxe swivel seats
- Grey sled for transport and storage
- Two light sticks
- Measures 188 x 77 x 82-inches
- Provides 68 square feet of fishable area
The Outdoors X400 ice fishing shelter is a portable cabin that provides space for up to four people. It also includes a durable pole system that is both easy to set up and incredibly stable.
Pros and Cons
There are many reasons to love this shelter, including its size. It offers 34 total square feet of fishable area on each side. Even with four people inside, you should have plenty of room to move around, without so much extra space that you have trouble staying warm.
The X400 is also one of the most insulated portable ice fishing shelters. The 900-denier fabric is thicker than most of your other options.
You will not find any major drawbacks to the Clam Outdoors X400. It is one of the most durable shelters available. However, it is also one of the heaviest. Weighing 170-pounds, you will likely need at least one other person to help carry the sled. Luckily, you can easily tow the sled behind your snowmobile.
In the end, the Clam Outdoors X400 is a top-of-the-line ice fishing shelter. Up to four people can comfortably fish while sitting on deluxe swivel seats.