Clam Summit

[ThunderLund78]

Thought hard about a sled-based portable but wold really like to be able to get 2 or 3 friends to comfortably fit. Am seriously considering a Clam 6 x 8 Summit. Does anyone have any experience with this model? good, bad or otherwise? Online reviews sound positive. I'm looking for portable but spacious, quick set-up and take down. How about warmth/heat containment or draftiness? Also, while I like the space, I notice there's not much of a skeleton for attaching rattles, etc. any solutions for that? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[dmpalm]

I bought a Summit last year and used it roughly 10 times. I really like mine and it gives you a lot more room/flexibility over a sled-based model. It isn't as mobile as a sled, but it does accommodate multiple people really well. I fished 3 out of mine several times, and when I fished it alone the room was great. I heat mine with a buddy heater and it has always been warm, although it loses heat fast after you turn the heater off or when the 1 lb'ers run out. I recommend putting the buddy on a milk crate or something because there is no floor in the summit and it will turn into a swimming pool if you put the heater on the floor. Overall, I love the summit, you cant go wrong for the price. My dream combo is a thermal base camp (6x14) for fishing with friends and a sled based model for solo trips but there is no better option for the price. Setup and takedown literally take less than a minute.

[BrdHunter01]

Fished in one for the 1st time last weekend. Plenty of room, 3 adults fit very comfortable. Prob could sqeeze 4 but with only 2 doors 3 would be the max I would want to fish in it. Quick easy set-up. I have the 6x6 model and the extra 2 ft is well worth it. I now a my 6x6 for sale if anyone is looking

[servocam]

Consider going up to the 6x12 command post. Myself and 2 of my frieds have them. You will be glad you did for the 4-6 extra feet. I it usually just me and my son in the thing, well, and the dog. I have a small Otter Wild sled that I store inside the shack as well.

I have not problems setting it by myself and use BigBuddy to heat it. Get a few 3'x4' mats ($3-5 at hardware store) to cover the floor.

You can attach things to the poles w/ velcro or hooks. I picked up this shelf w/ a cow-bell on a spring to put my dead-stick in.

[Ed Carlson]

The Summit is one of the easiest to set up and take down. The dimensions being rectangular apears to lessen the battle some have with the Expeditions, that is a cube in dimension.

That said, for $50 more, you double your fish-able space with the Command Post. And again the rectangular detentions appear to lessen complications on set up experienced by some.

The Frabill Hub's are very nice too, and have some features the Clams do not. Check out the "OUTPOST" HUB SHELTER (2-3 anglers 70"W x 70"L x 80"H) and the "HEADQUARTERS" HUB SHELTER (4-6 anglers 140"L X 70"W X 80"H). The heavy weight Black material draws in more heat from the sun, and also is darker inside if one wish's it to be, double reinforced corners on all stress points, larger drift proof Max Vents to manage humidity, and a handy Anchor Wallet to keep your on ice tools and straps well organized and secure. Same price range, or a bit cheaper yet, if you shop around a bit.

I just added a Frabill "FRONTIER" HUB SHELTER (2 anglers 60"(l) x 60"(w) x 67"(h) 18 lbs) to my collection, very nice unit, easy to set up and store. I wanted a lightweight pack-in option and this fit the bill. It is not as tall, but it's workable, and very lightweight. I'm very impressed with it's quality and design.

[CHEX1982]

I picked up a Summit. Bigger than Base Camp but similar footprint, not as big as Command Post so I can still get away with the small Buddy heater. It's $199 at Gander this week.

[cold one sd]

Eskimo Qwickfish 4 is worth considering also. It is 78"x90" and has a "thermal barrier" that can be put up in it to hold the head down and prevent condensation. It also has two doors and eight removable windows.