8 Best Ice Fishing Shanties
Carla Arbuckle
One of our most favorite things to do each winter is planning a trip. I guess winter opens a sense of adventure in us. Who says we can't have fun during the colder season?
There's a lot to do outside: build snow, camp out with your friends, or plan a fishing trip with your loved ones. In every outdoor excursion, there's one essential equipment you need all the time -- a shelter. And since ice fishing requires staying for long periods in freezing weather, you need a shelter that's specifically designed for ice fishing.
When it comes to loading up your sled, here are some of the latest and most significant items we've found that will make your time on the ice much more enjoyable.
8 Best Ice Fishing Shanties
1. Eskimo FF949I FatFish Insulated Pop-up Portable Ice Shelter
2. Eskimo Quickfish Portable Ice Fishing Shelter
3. Elkton Outdoors Portable 3-8 Person Ice Fishing Tent
4. Tangkula Pop-up Ice Shelter
5. Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent
6. Outsunny 4 Person Waterproof Insulated Portable Pop-Up Ice Fishing Shelter with 2 Doors
7. Eskimo Sierra Ice Fishing Series
8. Frabill Predator 4255 Insulated Flip-Over Side Door W/Boat Seats
Eskimo FF949I FatFish Insulated Pop-up Portable Ice Shelter
FatFish shelters expand the fishable area by flaring out at the bottom. This shelter offers more space to fish, store your gear and move around comfortably inside. It can house 3-4 persons inside. This tent is a two-door shelter featuring quality YKK zippers, on opposite for easy access.
With six large removable windows for more viewing configurations.
The FatFish uses tightly-woven high thread fabric to trap warm air inside and the elements out. It has a two-layer IceTight structure with a layer of insulation in between.
The FatFish series uses all-metal hubs and durable fiberglass poles to open and set up in seconds easily. Then it will quickly create a spacious area for comfortable fishing.
Plus, FatFish is portable and easy to carry. Just roll it into an oversized duffle carry bag to transport your FatFish ice shelter quickly.
Pros
- Portable
- WIde bottom design
- Icetight/IQ -insulated Fabric
- Lightweight
- Can house 3-4 persons
- Durable
Cons
- Not waterproof
Our Take
The Fatfish is easy and quick to set up. I purchased the insulated 3-4 person shelter, and I have plenty of room. You probably don't need a heater because the insulation seems to keep the people comfortable inside despite the wind. The tent is suitable for camping during your fishing. It will comfortably fit your husband and your kids, friends, and families.
Plus, you can get enough light through the windows when you want it. I also love having two doors for ease of access. The netting for storage inside is perfect for hats, mittens, scarves, and things you don't want to set on the ice. Also, it has air vents which you can use on warm days with a lot of suns. I highly recommend this product.
Eskimo Quickfish Portable Ice Fishing Shelter
The Quickfish shelter is sewn wth 300 Denier IceTight fabric to keep your family and loved ones warm inside while having fun fishing.
Eskimo uses only YKK zippers to secure the doors. These premium zippers won't break and can withstand the cold. Also, the windows are made up of vinyl, which gives unobstructed views outside and can be opened or entirely removed for additional venting.
QuickFish pop-ups use high-quality and durable metal hubs and strong fiberglass poles to ensure years of dependable use. It also comes with storage pockets to keep your essential fishing gear handy.
The Quickfish shelter is easy to set up: it only takes 60 seconds for it to be fully assembled. Simply pull out each side and roof hub, and you're ready to fish!
Pros
- 60-second set up
- Durable
- Portable
- Ventilated
- Large enough to fit 3 persons
Cons
- The anchors that come with this shelter are designed to be screwed only into ice and are too short (maybe 5 inches). It means that the anchors will not work in the soil. You have to buy anchors that will be good to set up in the land.
Our Take
I feel like this shelter has enough room for two adults and three kids. It is larger with four windows, each one can be removed, and each one has a shade to block out the light. There is also two ventilation that you can open.
Also, true to its words, it sets up under a minute. You have to pull out each side and roof hub, and you're ready good. Plus, the storage bag has straps so that it can be carried on your back like a backpack.
I highly recommend fastening a corner of the shelter into the ice before setting it up. This set-up will keep it from being blown away, and also from sliding around as you pop-out the hubs.
Elkton Outdoors Portable 3-8 Person Ice Fishing Tent
The Elkton Outdoors Fishing Tent is made up of more durable material, which makes it ideal for ice fishing. It measures 70”x70” and 80” tall and can house three people (for the single hub) plus all your fishing gears. The double hub has a capacity of 3-8 persons.
The Elkton is non-insulated with a watertight tarpaulin seal to ensure your Ice Fishing Tent stays warm and dry during your fishing trip. As quick as lightning, this tent can be set up for thirty seconds. Follow the 30-second setup instructions, and you can start fishing.
Ideal for backpacking, this tent comes with a carry bag that has an extra-wide opening and drawstring top paired with adjustable backpack straps.
If you purchase this tent, you will also have the following: 1 Premium Ice Fishing Tent, Carry Pack With Backpack Straps, Ice Anchors & Tie Down Ropes!
Pros
- Roomy
- Portable
- Easy to set-up
- Easy to pack and store
- Can withstand strong winds
- Durable
Cons
- A little disadvantage of this tent is that the interior windows have no flaps outside to guide the rain or turn the water away so it will not come inside.
Our Take
I think this is an excellent product with easy setup and tear down feature. Three people would fit comfortably and can be roomy for two people, plus all their gears. While the poles are sturdy, the tent itself can also withstand strong winds. I also like the color of this tent: dark gray and black since it absorbs more heat if the sun is out. Plus, the windows are high. You can see some daylight through the pinholes around the window and vent stitching. And you can tell that the stitching is of high quality because you will never encounter loose or ripped ends. This tent is excellent for ice fishing trips!
Tangkula Pop-up Ice Shelter
The Tangkula Pop-up Ice Shelter is light yet sturdy, weighing only 22 lbs. It is made of pure 300D oxford fabric to withstand any weather conditions. It fits two to three people and contains four detachable windows that allow light in but keep the air out.
When the rain pours down while you're fishing, the tent will offer you shelter. With high-quality fabric covering its body, it is waterproof and 22-degree frost-resistance so you can enjoy outdoor activities.
Unlike other poles, it contains sharp, flexible sticks that make the tent easy to assemble and quick to break down. It aims to save time and effort.
Outdoor fishing is so much using this portable and lightweight tent. It comes with a travel bag to easily transport the tent to wherever you want.
Pros
- Light yet sturdy
- Waterproof
- Frost-resistance
- Easy transport
- Durable
- Flexible poles for easy assembly and disassembly
- Detachable covered window
- Perfectly accommodate 2-3 people
Cons
- The door is too small and if your height is 5'4" and above, it would not be easy for you to get in and out.
Our Take
Based on the reviews and feedbacks, the house goes up and down well, holds heat, and is still standing up despite the strong winds. Zippers are of high-quality and will not compromise the tent even if you regularly open and close it. The shelter is way too roomy for one and decent for two.
This house is exactly what I was looking for! It sets up fast and perfect for moving quickly. I want to recommend this to families and friends who want to spend the night on their favorite fishing spots. The tent offers enough warmth, so no need to run around with a heater. Plus, it is waterproof! You don't need to worry about getting soak inside when the rain pours in.
Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent
The Elkton Outdoors Portable Insulated Ice Fishing Tent is roomy. It measures in at "75 x 68.5" and 81" tall, making it ideal for up to 8 people and all your fishing gears.
When the rain pours down while you're fishing, the tent will offer you shelter. Built with durable material and a watertight tarpaulin seal to ensure your Ice Fishing Tent stays warm and dry during your fishing trip.
Unlike other poles, the ice tent contains sharp, flexible sticks that make the tent easy to assemble and quick to break down. It aims to save time and effort.
Outdoor fishing is so much using this portable and lightweight tent. It includes a carry bag designed to make packing easy with a wide opening and drawstring top perfectly paired with adjustable backpack straps for easy transportation.
If you purchase this tent, you will also get 1 Premium Ice Fishing Tent, Carry Pack With Backpack Straps, Ice Anchors & Tie Down Ropes!
Pros
- Insulated
- Easy to set-up
- Easy to pack and store
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Insulated and waterproof
Cons
- The extra travel bag is cheaply made.
- The stitching is poorly done and that the straps may snap over time.
Our Take
Crafted with insulated material, this tent will keep you dry and warm during your entire fishing adventure. It's easy to put up and down. Plus, it looks like a space pod or an igloo, unlike other boring tents you see in the market.
You will be pleased with the number of windows this tent has. This set-up is perfect in case you want to see the sun or the stars at night. Plus, it is ideal to house up to eight people so you can use it for a little outdoor slumber party with your friends, aside from fishing. It's also tall enough for someone who is 6'4, unlike other tents that are not user-friendly. All in all, I love this ice tent and will surely recommend this to my friends who love backpacking.
Outsunny 4 Person Waterproof Insulated Portable Pop-Up Ice Fishing Shelter with 2 Doors
The Outsunny Fishing Tent is made up of more robust material, which makes it ideal for ice fishing. Its dimension is 81" x 71" and 71" tall and can house three-four people plus all your fishing gears.
It features 300 deniers insulated oxford fabric and is 22 degrees Fahrenheit frost-resistance to keep you warm and dry despite the weather. As quick as lightning, this sets up super fast and tears down just as easily by simply pulling up on the roof and then on all four sides so you'll be good to go in minutes.
Ideal for backpacking, this tent includes solid fiberglass poles, die-cast hubs, and heavy-duty zippers designed for repeated use plus four substantial ground stakes and four pull ropes.
Plus, there are two zippered doors and windows which allow for easy access and provide a well-ventilated environment.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Waterproof
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
- Windows can only be opened outside
- No pockets inside the hut to hold the casing of the tent
Our Take
The Outsunny is ideal for families and friends who love to go ice fishing. It is roomy which can house four people plus you can bring your gears with you inside. Plus, this is easy to install and disassemble, and it will save you time.
Moreover, the insulated oxford fabric that envelopes the tent is useful during the colder season. It will keep you dry and warm, so you will still enjoy your fishing despite the weather.
Lastly, it is waterproof. There are times when fishers wish to stay in their tents while raining so they can continue fishing. However, some tents failed to have that quality. But thanks to Outsunny, fishers can now sit comfortably inside without worrying about getting soak by the rain. This tent is perfect for all weathers!
Eskimo Sierra Ice Fishing Series
The Eskimo Sierra Ice Fishing Series is made up of more solid material, which makes it ideal for ice fishing. Its dimensions are '78 x 67 and 71" tall and can house two-four people plus all your fishing gears.
It is fully-insulated, and it's made up of fabric that is 35 % warmer than a non-insulated shelter. The aluminum square tubing, plus double-walled hinges and simple locking support create a rigid structure to withstand wind.
Each Eskimo flip shelter integrates seating in a way to get the most out of the tent. You can choose among these options: ultra-comfortable Versa seats, fixed, swivel or sliding mounting, and even flip-over access to the tub.
Plus, the tent only uses highly-durable YKK zippers to resist snagging and breaking even in the coldest of conditions.
Pros
- Fully insulated
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Highly-durable zippers
- Wind-resistant
Cons
- It is neither nor lightweight nor portable. The tent has thick covers that make it heavy to carry.
Our Take
Flip-over ice fishing shelters are good for anglers. It gives them the benefit of towing their shelter and gear in an integrated sled by hand or behind their ATV or snowmobile. Once you find the perfect spot for fishing, the Eskimo shelters quickly flip over and lock into place in seconds. I think it will provide incredible housing from the cold and wind, letting you fish comfortably inside. By looking at the tent's features, the 900D thick storm-shield fabric will give you enough warmth amidst the snow so you can still enjoy fishing inside your tent.
Frabill Predator 4255 Insulated Flip-Over Side Door W/Boat Seats
The Frabill Predator 4255 Insulated Flip-Over Side Door W/Boat Seats are made up of more durable material, which makes it ideal for ice fishing. Its dimensions are 95 "L x 75 "W x 75' tall and can house two-four people plus all your fishing gears.
It is fully-insulated and made up of durable materials so that it would last longer. It is large and roomy to optimize the fishable area. It comes with a boat seat style so you can comfortably relax inside while fishing.
Pros
- Sturdy and solid
- Durable
- Windproof
- Made up of high-quality material
Cons
- A bit heavy to carry. You will use a quad or snowmobile to pull it.
Our Take
The predator tent is a large ice shanty. It has plenty of room inside for all your fishing gear and equipment, plus other stuff you need to bring with you. Equipped with insulation, it will keep you very warm, especially with a heater. Side doors are also a plus because stepping over heaters and holes when jumping up to go reel in a tip-up isn't fun. Overall, this is a good hut for your fishing trips.
