OutdoorHub Editor: Keenan Crow 12.30.20
Ice fishing requires a long packing list for a day out on the ice. And because you will likely be spending an extended amount of time out there in freezing cold temperatures, proper clothing is important, but the right ice shelter can make a world’s difference.
Since there are several makes and models to choose from, finding the ‘right’ fishing shelter can be a tad overwhelming – especially if you are new to ice fishing.
Not to worry, I went ahead and searched the best deals on Amazon for you, and came up with this list of top rated ice fishing shanties that should help you narrow down your decision. Hopefully you find this list helpful, and be sure to send any ice fishing photos our way once you start slaying them! We love ice fishing around here at OutdoorHub, and can’t wait to join all of you out there soon!
1. Tangkula Portable Ice Fishing Shanty
If you’re just looking to join your buddies out on the ice, and don’t worry much about being cold or need all the flashy gear, this ice shelter is right up your ally.
Based on the reviews from other users, this is a great introductory level ice fishing shanty for first-time hard water anglers. Until they realize how much they love ice fishing and are ready to make the jump into a shelter with more bells and whistles. There were some complaints about the carry bag being poor quality and tearing, and a handful of other users upgraded the anchors after purchase.
MSRP: $99.99
Pros/Light yet sturdy – Waterproof
Cons/Not insulated – Poor quality carry bag
Bottom Line/Good bang for your buck ice shelter, but will require some extra gear/upgrades.
2. Eskimo QuickFish 3 Portable Ice Fishing Shelter
When you are ready to make that jump into a more ‘ready-to-fish ice shelter’ you can’t go wrong with an Eskimo.
Once you get into these top rated ice fishing shanties, you will definitely start seeing a jump in the price, but also in the quality and performance. This Eskimo QuickFish 3 shelter fits right inside a cinch carry bag and can easily be carried on your back. It also boasts a 60-second setup time so you spend less time struggling to get a sturdy shelter up, and more time fishing!
Eskimo uses only YKK zippers to secure the doors on their ice shelters, and these premium zippers won’t break or snag in the cold like other competitor shelters.
This particular shelter is not insulated, so you’ll have to keep reading if that’s a feature you are looking for.
MSRP: $179.99
Pros/Easy to setup – Fits three people
Cons/Not insulated
Bottom Line/Great three-person ice shelter for your money, plus it’s portable and sturdy
3. Eskimo QuickFish 2i Ice Fishing Shelter (Insulated)
Anyone who has sat inside an insulated ice hut will tell you the difference is night and day compared to a non-insulated shelter.
Not only do they hold heat much more efficiently making the whole experience more comfortable, but they also eliminate that annoying condensation from dripping on your while you fish. There’s nothing worse than freezing cold water dripping down the back of your neck while you’re trying to focus on the proper jigging technique!
Just like the Eskimo shelter listed above, this one also features a quick and easy setup, premium quality zippers, and a carry bag to haul it in.
This ice shanty also comes available in a 3-person model, which comes with nearly 10 more square feet of fishing area for only a small bump in price.
MSRP: $209.99
Pros/Insulated
Cons/Slightly heavy
Bottom Line/Great ice shelter for those planning to be on the ice for an extended period of time. Accomplishes everything an insulated ice shanty should with an approachable price tag.
4. Shappell FX100i Insulated 1-Man Ice Fishing Shelter
Break the ice on your ice-fishing season, and get started on the right foot with this Shappell FX100I Shelter. For the serious hard water angler going solo, this easy-up shelter is incredibly portable – and affordable!
The solid one-piece frame flips up in seconds, providing insulated warmth that’ll make your day on the ice that much better. And when you’re ready to test that next hole – and the one after – just pack and go with the portable sled base. Moving just 30-40 yards when the bite is slow can turn your entire day around, so having the ability to pack up and go is key!
MSRP – $279.99
Pros/Insulated – Easy to transport
Cons/Not very many windows
Bottom Line/A desirable option for serious hard water anglers. Hit the ice on your own and enjoy your quarry all to yourself. This ice shelter makes it all possible without the headache of an over-sized shelter
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