Ice Fishing Shelter for base camp

[AIM STR8]

A couple years ago some buds of mine used their INSULATED ice fishing shelters for base camp. So, I decided to purchase one myself for next trip out west. I got the Eskimo 8x16 for my son & I. Plenty of room for two (2) large cots and gear. Both brands have various sizes.

The Otter is a 8x8 and the Eskimo is a 8x16. The Eskimo has removeable windows so you could easily rig up a stove pipe I'm guessing. Takes less than 5 min. to setup .... one person. Very windproof with proper tiedowns.

 

[SAJ-99]

Used one a couple of times. The seems leak in the rain, so I'm not sure if they waterproof them. Also, if it is warm, it can get a pretty toasty (like a sauna).

 

[AIM STR8]

Used one a couple of times. The seems leak in the rain, so I'm not sure if they waterproof them. Also, if it is warm, it can get a pretty toasty (like a sauna).

I was anticipating the "sauna" effect but prolly won't be there much during the day. The windows can be opened up for ventilation. Maybe put a white tarp over the top to reflect the sun and more waterproof.

 

[seeth07]

They aren't intended to be waterproof and that would be the main downfall. In winter, there is no reason for the seams to be sealed and perfect since it won't be raining. Other than that, they are fantastic at holding heat and keeping the wind out

 

[SAJ-99]

I was anticipating the "sauna" effect but prolly won't be there much during the day. The windows can be opened up for ventilation. Maybe put a white tarp over the top to reflect the sun and more waterproof.

I like them. Easy to put up for one guy, as long as it isn't windy. But that isn't much different than a tent. Like other shelters without a floor, you get more creepy crawlers, so a tarp as a floor helps. We did the tarp over the roof for rain, but that increases the sauna effect. Part of the problem is I sleep "hot", so it varies from person to person. To seeth07's point, if it rains it will leak, and Murphy's law says it will leak above your cot. You don't really mind if it leaks inside as long as it is in the right place. I haven't used one in a while but if I planned to again, I might try to either tape the roof seams with waterproof tape or maybe wax them to try to direct the water down the sides.

 

[AIM STR8]

Where we usually hunt it would get down into the 20's at night. We used a old 12x14 boy scout tent that leaked a little when it did rain. The price for the Eskimo was way cheaper than a outfitter tent and can use it for ice fishing as well. I guess we'll find out how it performs for us. The other guys I mentioned said it worked great for them so we'll see. Thanks for the heads-up on the seams!

 

[Birdbander]

It will eventually leak in more areas than just the seams if rain persists. I use mine for spearing pike through the ice in winter and have tried sitting out the occasional late winter rain days and gave up after it basically started raining inside.

That said if a person works within its limits or mitigates the shortcomings, it'll work.

 

[Walkathon]

I have the same Eskimo insulated ice fishing hub, and I used it for elk hunting in WY one year. It worked well. I heated it with a propane buddy heater and left a vent open, the same way I do for ice camping. Hope it works out for you too.

 

[ccc23454]

We had a thread on this few years ago but works slick. Wouldn't do it for more than couple days. I use a canvas tarp as floor, cot fits perfect.

 

[AIM STR8]

We had a thread on this few years ago but works slick. Wouldn't do it for more than couple days. I use a canvas tarp as floor, cot fits perfect.

I did a search before I posted and nothing came up. Must have used the wrong key word.

 

[ccc23454]

I did a search before I posted and nothing came up. Must have used the wrong key word.

Ya i don't see it either but who knows what it was called but moral of that story was: works great and provides some quick flexibility and ability to move camps. I can't imagine it being a bad setup if you rigged a tarp over it, if have never had any real rain pass when using mine but standard dew and light rains zero issue but I do spray mine once a year with silicone. My insulated one is little bulky but great option in spring or fall and obviously winter.

 

[Gellar]

I’ve been thinking about using my Eskimo ice tent for a base camp. We usually put a tarp over our other tent so I don’t see any issues with that. I have an old friend who works for Cintas so I have a few floor runners I’ll put down on the floor. I think with the insulated sides and the diesel heater going it will be to warm inside. I need to get the diesel heater dialed in for a multi day stay.

 

[duckhunt]

Used one a couple of times. The seems leak in the rain, so I'm not sure if they waterproof them. Also, if it is warm, it can get a pretty toasty (like a sauna).

The rain was what I was thinking about.

 

[AIM STR8]

I'm guessing a setup like this in the rain would work in a pinch .... would want to make sure it was strapped down good for any wind.

 

[AIM STR8]

... moral of that story was: works great and provides some quick flexibility and ability to move camps.

That's what I like about it

 

[AIM STR8]

Here's the inside of the Eskimo 8x16 .... the plastic in the windows are still attached and can be removed as well