Best Pop-Up Shelter to Buy

[maddowg1192000]

I am buying a new pop-up this year and am wondering what everyone thinks is the best. The ones I'm think about are: CLAM Command Post Thermal (6 x 12 Thermal Hub), CLAM Fish Camp TC (7 x 14 with Thermal Cap), Frabill HEADQUARTERS HUB SHELTER (4-6 anglers), ESKIMO ICE SHELTER - QUICKFISH 6, XTREME ICE™ XI6 Double Wide - 6 Person (6'x12') Hub Style Pop-Up Shelter, or if anyone knows of another one that is that size and better.

[servocam]

When I did my reseach last year, I ended up buying the Clam 6x12 Command Post, however, I hear just as much good stuff about the Eskimo QuickFish.

I do not have the Thermal version and use a big-buddy to heat it. My neighbor like my Command Post that he is selling his flip-over and purchased one as well.

[maddowg1192000]

does the big buddy do a good job heating it up, I am thinking about some over night trips

[servocam]

does the big buddy do a good job heating it up, I am thinking about some over night trips

Yes, but if your are doing overnights, plan on getting the adapter and run it off a 20# tank. You will probably want to do something for a floor. I just use some 3'x4' outdoor mats, but are not very thick.

I do not think I have had it out on a sub-zero night. Well, once I did. It was 0 deg and -2 or -3 windchill and heater did just fine. Maybe some others can chime in.

[Ed Carlson]

The CLAM Command Post Thermal's tested out very well by guides last season in very difficult conditions. The feedback I received form the guides was they work very well, stayed very warm, do not frost up, and they reported no defects.

They added several new CLAM Command Post Thermal's for this season, so that to me, shows proven durability and user tested confidence in the product.

The only hub unit I can imagine to be better, would be a Norpac Frabill R2-Tech version...but unfortunately they are not out..just yet.

[Westsidefishing]

I used Eskimo Quickfish 3 last year. It worked very well for me. Sunflower heater was more than enough to heat the shelter.

[CrappieNight]

I picked up the Clam Summit last year and love it. Wife and 2 kids got a little crowded (kids boots got a little wet, 8" holes might be a good idea instead of 10"). Only bit of advice, ALL 5 of the hub grommets pulled through the fabric after only one season using it 15-20 times for quick outings, sets up in less than a minute but you would need to be careful not to push the hubs in too hard, you need to hold on to the fabric handle so they don't end up pulling through like mine. I took it apart in the garage last week when I was getting itchy for some ice fishing and used 1" washers. seems to work but will know for sure come January.

Good luck,

Steve

[ABEJr]

Steve:

My Frabill 6 man hub shelter did the same thing after only half a dozen times

out. Will a one inch washer be enough to keep the fabric from pulling through?

I was going to use a 2 inch washer, but it looks like I'd have to cut 4

notches in the washers to get the poles to fold inward. It's very fast to set up I will give it that, until a pole falls out of the holder, then it takes a lot of patience to get everything back in place.

[deadeye]

I used Eskimo Quickfish 3 last year. It worked very well for me. Sunflower heater was more than enough to heat the shelter.

Ditto. I kept the heat on low almost all the time and only once or twice did I have to crank it up to medium. I can imagine the thermal houses will be even better.

I stuck with the regular one to keep weight down and considering how little I used the heater compared ito my flip over I am very happy. I get out 3-4 times a week so it has been plenty durable.

[CrappieNight]

Abe,

I was considering using larger washers but figured I would use the 1" first and see how they work. I made sure to use galvanized washers. I also considered sandwiching the fabric between washers if this doesn't work. I would hate to have to do it but I may be forced to head outside in the horrible weather and set it up and take it down a few times to see if she holds. Will let you know if it doesn't.

Steve

[79LumaCraft]

Bought QuickFish 3 last year. Perfect for what I wanted and needed. When I have the kids in there bouncing around, I don't even need a heater. Otherwise my little buddy does an adequate job. Eskimo provides the best ice anchors out there for their pop ups.

[thatoneguy]

Eskimo Quickfish 3 is one of the best purchases I've ever made. Super quick & easy to set up, super durable, heats up plenty good with a small heater. Two thumbs way up!

[niterydr]

My Eskimo Quickfish III works great (old green style), only problem was during the really cold days condensation would be killer without a floor. Currently building a fold-up floor for it to solve that problem

[Bran32]

I love my Eskimo it works great and have had no issues with it for the 2 years I've had it!

[deathmatch782]

Fleet Farm has the Clam Summit on sale for $259 right now.

Picked one up tonight. There were a couple left.

[MN BassFisher]

Fleet Farm has the Clam Summit on sale for $259 right now.

Picked one up tonight. There were a couple left.

I saw that in their ad. sweet deal. They even throw in one of those Clam Hub Shelves which are $24.99.

[deathmatch782]

Yep, but no floor. That was an ad mistake..

[Cast A Way]

I own all Eskimo portables. A Quickfish 2 Express, Quickfish 3 pop-up, and a Quickfish 6 pop-up. Fishing every weekend day the last two years, moving them several times a day, without any problems. The zippers get plenty of use with the kids. They will get a little moisture build up on the really cold days, but a small 12 volt fan helps quite a bit to circulate the air. Never used any other portables. I heat them all with Buddy heaters.

[doomanmxz99]

I also have Clam summit and love it. I use a big buddy and it works great. I also had the hubs pull out. I went to Menards and got the tarp grommet kit and repaired with small then large grommet and have had no problems since.

[Chad Peterson]

Had a Eskimo 2 man and was not that happy with it, so upgraded to the FishTrap X2 and I love it. Now I am looking for a good 1 man for when I go out by myself. Any suggestions???

Sniffer

[buzbunni]

The only hub unit I can imagine to be better, would be a Norpac Frabill R2-Tech version...but unfortunately they are not out..just yet.

Is this a product that is currently under development Ed?

I'm a Frabill guy, and so I will wait for it if it's on the horizon.

I have an OutPost, but would love to have an insulated Headquarters. Heck, I would even consider selling my uninsulated Outpost and purchasing an insulated one.

Also, if you have any say, tell them to keep the current color scheme. Black is good.

To answer the question: I love my Frabill Outpost. I own a Canvas Craft NorPac R2 insulated Magnum Sled shelter, and also a Clam Scout. I like them all, but the OutPost is great because of the convenience. It has held up well and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another.

[Red_Dog]

I don't understand the obsession with the insulated shaks. I personally think its just some guys boredom thing with wanting the next best "greatest thing" out there to keep interested. I know my buddy spends a lot more time talking about and shopping (like my wife does for clothes) for new stuff than actually fishing. FYI: for those curious I own a bigger fully insulated norpac shack and a smaller uninsulated otter for when I am alone and I really dont feel a difference unless its below zero,,even then its slight, Heck look at the grizz,,hes caught more fish than most of us ever will and he wont use a shack, just puts a good coat on and his back to the wind. After all we are Minnesotans

[Ed Carlson]

Dell I think we will see more models in the Frabill line in R2 Tec in years to come, and it may include floored shacks like the Refuge, and the hubs in R2 Tec, in new models.

I agree, that would be a very nice unit.

[buzbunni]

I don't understand the obsession with the insulated shaks. I personally think its just some guys boredom thing with wanting the next best "greatest thing" out there to keep interested. I know my buddy spends a lot more time talking about and shopping (like my wife does for clothes) for new stuff than actually fishing. FYI: for those curious I own a bigger fully insulated norpac shack and a smaller uninsulated otter for when I am alone and I really dont feel a difference unless its below zero,,even then its slight, Heck look at the grizz,,hes caught more fish than most of us ever will and he wont use a shack, just puts a good coat on and his back to the wind. After all we are Minnesotans

Personally, I don't spend money on something just because it's the 'next best "greatest thing"'

Of course you don't need to be comfortable to catch fish, but it sure does make it more enjoyable IMO, and especially when you are fishing with newbies, or folk that don't normally ice fish.

Increased heat retention, less condensation, no need to keep the heater running, etc. are the reasons I like the insulated shelters (I own 3 shelters, 2 of which are uninsulated). When I am out on an overnight, it can make a BIG difference in fuel consumption.

I think the best testimony would be made by the kids and friends/family that I take out ice fishing. Most of these folk do not ice fish, but because they can stay warmer in my insulated shack, and can do so while wearing less clothing, well, they've told me that they enjoy it more. Their words not mine.

[riverview]

I am going to go with a new canvis craft norpac cover for my otter mag. I am sticking with otter because the sleds are so tough.